Ingrid Wheeler

Ingrid Wheeler is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker practicing in Illinois with 11 years of experience in mental health care. She has provided services across inpatient and outpatient mental health clinics, rural health clinics, outpatient therapy programs, and student support services in higher education, bringing a broad view of clinical practice to her work.

She earned a bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale and a Master of Social Work with a mental health specialization from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana. Her license as a clinical social worker in Illinois is reflected by her professional credential IL LCSW 149.017207, which indicates her clinical training and qualifications to provide therapy.

Throughout her career, Ingrid has supported people facing a wide range of challenges, including psychosis, substance use and dependence, personality disorders, suicidal ideation, relationship conflicts, behavioral concerns, and stress management. She has experience working with individuals, couples, families, and groups in settings such as dual diagnosis and addiction treatment centers, inpatient units, outpatient clinics, rural health settings, and university counseling environments.

Her therapeutic approach is client-centered and grounded in evidence-based techniques. She helps clients explore stressors, build emotional insight, and develop practical skills that fit their lives, using interventions that include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and general life-skills training. Ingrid emphasizes collaboration, listening to client feedback to tailor interventions that best support each person’s goals.

Raised as a “military brat” and as the oldest child in a bi-racial (Latino/White) military family, Ingrid developed advocacy and de-escalation skills early in life, experiences that informed her decision to pursue social work. She describes helping others through life’s transitions as a core motivation for her work in the field.

Outside of practice, Ingrid is married to her high school sweetheart, who is a self-employed business owner. They have three children, ages ranging from 4 to 16, and two dogs. In her free time she enjoys movie marathons, camping, and outdoor warm-weather activities with her family.