Dr. Stacey Belmont (She/They), PhD — Clinical Director/executive director

Dr.Belmont@belmontdac.com

708.406.9870

Dr. Stacey Belmont is a Clinical Psychologist who specializes in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for a variety of problems including: panic disorder, phobias, social anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), generalized anxiety, depression, anger management and domestic violence, ADHD, and health-related concerns (such as fertility, weight-loss, and pain management). Additionally, she works with individuals who are experiencing distress related to sexual orientation/identity concerns, and issues in work, family, and romantic relationships.  In her practice, she sees adults and adolescents aged 12 and up.

As a predominantly CBT and ACT therapist, they emphasize empirically-validated treatments (those supported by research) in their practice.  In addition to CBT and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), she has extensive training in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), which focuses on mindfulness, effectiveness, distress tolerance, and emotion regulation.  They also have training in relational approaches.

Krista Mersino (She/Her), LCSW — assistant Director of Clinical Training/Clinical Supervisor/SEO Strategist

KristaM@belmontdac.com

847. 220.4908

Krista utilizes a growth-oriented approach to empower adults and young adults to problem solve and make changes to pursue the life they envision. Krista uses Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) strategies in her practice, with an emphasis on the use of trauma-sensitive mindfulness, to equip people with the skills needed to overcome life’s stressors and challenges. In dialectics, we acknowledge the opposing sides of each experience and work together to synthesize the two. Krista has experience in working with borderline personality disorder, depression, self-esteem challenges, anger, and generalized anxiety. She has also worked closely with Recovery Technology’s batterers intervention program, helping women to develop safe and healthy relationships with their partners. Krista is certified in mental health first-aid for adults and youth from her training in the Netherlands. Before she was a therapist, Krista taught resource skills to youth in rural areas of Southwest Ohio, helping students succeed in the classroom. 

Krista prioritizes developing a safe, trusting therapeutic relationship that will meet you wherever you are at in your healing journey, and will come alongside you to cultivate your strengths and help you problem-solve to support living the life you want. 

TY Oreskovic (he/him), LPC — Marketing and Outreach Coordinator/Staff Therapist

TyO@belmontdac.com

828.419.0451

Ty has a passion for helping individuals discover themselves, their needs and values, and ways to achieve their goals. He believes that change comes from within, and strives to create a collaborative space where you can comfortably grow. In sessions with Ty, you will notice an integration of evidence-based practices like CBT, Exposure, Mindfulness, and Solution-Focused techniques that create a robust experience capable of equipping you with both the insight and skills to succeed long after your final session.

Ty specializes in using a combination of psychoeducation, CBT, and exposure therapies to treat anxiety. This kind of treatment is difficult, but it isn't complicated. Together, you'll learn to overcome challenges related to OCD, panic, social anxiety, and more. Ty frequently collaborates with you on your treatment and uses creative, technology-forward strategies.

Prior to becoming a therapist, Ty attended The University of Tennessee, City University of Hong Kong, Brock University, and Western Carolina University. He also worked as an after-school counselor, a study abroad advisor, and a teaching and research assistant. In his free time, he enjoys international travel, cooking, board games, and playing soccer.

Laura Bowling (She/Her), LSW — Social Media Coordinator/Staff Therapist

LauraB@belmontdac.com

872.267.4641

Laura strives to create a safe environment for connection, healing, and growth. Through utilizing a person-centered and social justice framework she provides culturally responsive care that validates all aspects of identity. She has experience working with children of all ages, adolescents, and young adults in school and clinical settings. Laura uses mindfulness practices through DBT interventions, CBT, Trauma-Focused CBT, and ACT. She also incorporates elements of psycho-education into sessions, helping clients to understand the biological mechanisms at-play during certain processes, for a better understanding of the connection between our brains and our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. She uses a client-led approach by tailoring each intervention to best achieve the goals defined by the patient. Laura primarily sees clients experiencing symptoms of anxiety, depression and trauma. She has a master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Tennessee and is a licensed clinician. She loves being outside, reading, her cat and dog, and watching reality TV.

Mara Pollard (She/Her), LPC—Staff Therapist

MaraP@belmontdac.com

872.267.1282

Mara utilizes values-based approaches to help her clients live their most fulfilling life. With a particular interest in ACT and DBT, she works to help individuals move toward their desires and goals confidently. She provides clients with empowerment and self-assurance so that they have the ability to feel their very best. Mara ensures that her clients feel safe, comfortable, and cared for by creating a space that is led by compassion and understanding. She believes in the power of personal narratives and allowing each individual to tell their story free of judgement, shame, or guilt.

 Mara has experience working with children, adolescents, and young adults. She also has experience working with adults through life and vocational transitions. Mara specializes in working with clients who face anxiety, depression, OCD, low self-esteem, emotional dysregulation, and ADHD.  

 Mara looks forward to helping her clients every step of the way, from identifying the cause of each challenge, to implementing behavioral and thought related changes.  

Molly Porter (She/Her), LSW — Staff Therapist

MollyP@belmontdac.com

708.405.9553

Molly has experience working with adults and teens navigating traumatic life experiences, and transitions. When working with clients, she utilizes a blend of Mindfulness-Based CBT, ACT, and Trauma-Informed modalities to gain a deeper understanding as to why clients may be experiencing certain symptoms. Molly practices under the belief that we all have complex and unique stories that require a similar starting treatment plan – honoring a person within their environment. She focuses on supporting and empowering clients, offering clients the freedom to process their journey in ways that feel most beneficial for them, while utilizing evidence-based practices. It is most important for her to create a safe, authentic, and accepting space where clients can feel both valued and free to show up as their true selves.

Molly graduated from the University of Tennessee with a Master’s in Social Work where she specialized in Trauma Treatment. She is a licensed Tennessee as well as Illinois. Her work interests include treating anxiety, depression, trauma, emotional regulation difficulties, life transitions, self-compassion, and managing social challenges.

Dillon Dostal(He/Him), LPC — Staff Therapist

DillonD@belmontdac.com

312.869.2401

Dillon graduated with his M.S. in Clinical/Mental Health Counseling from the University of Nebraska-Omaha in 2018 and has experience working primarily with adults and young adults in a variety of settings, including intensive outpatient programs.

Dillon’s goal in therapy is to provide his clients with a safe and non-judgmental space to feel seen, heard, and validated.  Dillon is also passionate about reducing the stigma that surrounds the idea of seeking mental health and strives to normalize each individual’s experience during their sessions. Dillon also emphasizes the importance of one’s culture and intentionally creates a safe space for individuals to integrate and acknowledge their cultural identity while on their healing journey in therapy.

Dillon’s areas of interest include working with individuals experiencing anxiety, OCD, depression, bipolar disorder, trauma/PTSD, grief/loss, college transition, and LGBTQIA+ issues.  Dillon also has experience working with substance abuse, and is in the process of obtaining his Certified Drug and Alcohol Counseling (CADC) certification.  Dillon takes a person-centered approach in his sessions and likes to integrate a variety of evidence-based coping skills, mainly pulling from CBT, DBT, ACT, Strengths-Based, and Solution-Focused treatment modalities.

Claire adams (she/her), lsw—staff therapist

ClaireA@belmontdac.com

872.221.4058

Claire works to make therapy a space where above all, two humans can come together to connect, while working to understand and process the difficult thoughts, feelings, and sensations that come along with life. Claire works primarily with adults, and seeks to create a therapeutic space based on connection, empathy, understanding, and sometimes humor. Claire primarily utilizes an ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) approach, but also has experience working with RO-DBT, traditional CBT and mindfulness-based techniques. 

Originally from the West coast, Claire graduated from the University of California, Davis before completing her master’s in clinical social work at the University of Chicago. Claire works with an awareness of the mind-body connection and strives to recognize the importance of environmental and cultural differences of each client. Claire specializes in the treatment of OCD and anxiety diagnoses, alongside experience with trauma-based diagnoses and depression. 

Lizzie Loring (she/Her), LSW—Staff Therapist

LizzieL@belmontdac.com

Lizzie’s therapeutic approach is client-centered and strengths-based, focusing on collaboration and respect for each person's unique journey. She uses CBT techniques to help clients identify and challenge negative thought patterns, develop coping strategies, and achieve their personal goals.Over her years in the field she has worked with a variety of clients with a multitude of diagnoses and issues, ranging from but not limited to addiction, alcoholism, anxiety, bipolar disorder, eating disorders and depression. She also has experience working with individuals on the Autism Spectrum and LGBTQ teens. Lizzie has worked in various settings, including schools, mental health facilities and community based practices and is passionate about advocating for social justice and equity.

She believes in the transformative power of support and connection, and strives to create a safe, non-judgmental space for her clients. Whether you are facing personal challenges, family issues, or seeking guidance in your mental health journey, Lizzie is looking to help.

Madeleine Garlisch (She/her), LPC—Staff Therapist

MadeleineG@belmontdac.com

872.221.4058

Madeleine takes a person-centered, culturally sensitive approach to therapy. She is committed to creating a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can be their authentic selves while exploring their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. With a focus on building trust, Madeleine fosters a collaborative therapeutic relationship, empowering clients to engage in their personal growth and healing journey.

Madeleine’s therapeutic approach pulls from CBT, DBT, and Strengths-Based treatment modalities, tailoring her approach to each individual’s unique needs and goals. Madeleine has experience working in community mental health, where she has worked with individuals ranging from 5-60 years of age facing a variety of challenges. She is particularly passionate about working with teens and adults struggling with anxiety, interpersonal problems, life transitions, emotion regulation, depression, and trauma. 

Madeleine is here to provide guidance, support, and practical tools to help you move forward. Through her warm, empathetic approach, she strives to create lasting change and help clients build a sense of emotional well-being and fulfillment in their lives

Louie Valdez (He/Him), LSW—Staff Therapist

LouieV@belmontdac.com

872.255.9144

Louie is a dedicated and compassionate therapist who primarily utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in his practice. With a Master’s degree in Social Work and a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Psychology from the University of Illinois at Chicago, Louie brings a strong educational background to his therapeutic work.

Fluent in both English and Spanish, Louie is able to connect with a diverse range of patients. He has extensive experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families, gained from his time at Rush University Medical Center and Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center. Louie is well-versed in addressing a wide variety of diagnoses, including anxiety, depression, and ADHD, and he incorporates mindfulness techniques to enhance his therapeutic approach. He has experience working with the LGBTQIA+ community, individuals managing life transitions, and family challenges. 

Louie strives to create a safe and nonjudgmental space for his clients, where they can feel supported and understood. His goal as a clinician is to help clients navigate their challenges and work towards their personal goals. Louie believes that regardless of past experiences or current challenges, everyone has the capacity for growth, healing, and change.