Elliott Lugo

Elliott Lugo is a licensed clinical social worker in Illinois and a certified alcohol and drug counselor with 17 years of experience providing mental health counseling across a variety of settings. He works with both teens and adults to address a wide range of concerns, including stress, anxiety, depression, ADHD, addictions, trauma and abuse, self-esteem difficulties, relationship and family conflicts, grief, eating disorders, parenting challenges, anger management, bipolar disorder, and coping with life changes.

He focuses on identifying the barriers that may be keeping someone from the changes they want to make. Elliott helps clients explore what matters to them, how they view themselves and others, and what they expect might happen if they try different approaches. That process makes it easier to see which thoughts, actions, or missing skills are standing in the way of progress and to develop practical, alternative strategies for a more fulfilling life.

Sessions are held in a calm, non-judgmental space where clients are invited to be themselves. Elliott aims to translate complex issues into straightforward, accessible language so time in session is used effectively. He draws on Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and strengths-based approaches, is trained in trauma work, and practices from a sex-positive perspective. Above all, he prioritizes ensuring that people feel heard, valued, understood, and supported as they build new skills to manage current challenges.

Elliott recognizes that a therapist and client may not always be the right fit, and he encourages clients to say so if that is the case so other options can be explored. His sessions typically last 45-50 minutes, though shorter sessions can be arranged if preferred. He makes every effort to return messages in the late afternoons or early evenings, or by the next morning, but is generally not available for immediate responses during the daytime while seeing clients. He is out of the office on Fridays and Saturdays; messages received on those days are usually returned by Sunday morning.