About Us

A graduate of Aurora University with a Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW), Melissa Gates has over 30 years of clinical experience in the fields of behavioral/mental health, specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of children, adolescents, and adults.

Since 2001, Ms. Gates has been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Ms. Gates is a certified mediator of the 15th Judicial District in cases of divorce, parental allocation of rights, parenting time, co-parenting issues, and reunification.

“As a psychotherapist, I am devoted both to helping my clients with the distress and overwhelming challenges life can present, while inspiring them to find balance, empowerment, and contentment as they reach for their goals and personal potential. My depth of experience has led me to a firm belief that individuals can achieve their own idea of happiness through a holistic approach that focuses on the mind, body, and spirit. My therapeutic approach is tailored to my clients’ needs and goals. My role is to create a safe, empowering, respectful environment. Your role is to take the first step that will lead you to discover your path to healing.”

“I’ve provided a wide variety of behavioral health services over the last 20+ years in multiple community settings. During that time, I’ve had the opportunity to help families, individuals, and couples on their journey to be their healthiest version of themselves. It is my belief that we all strive to be as healthy as we can. However, sometimes we need support, new skills, and dedicated time to reflect on the changes we will make. I am honored to have clients share their journey with me and to be given the opportunity to help clients attain personal growth. I am devoted to helping clients achieve their goals. I tend to approach each client as unique individuals and my style can vary depending on the need of the person. I do believe in addressing the whole person-mind, body, and spirit. I have experience in CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), DBT (dialectical behavioral therapy), and other eclectic models of therapy. I am an EMDR trained and certified therapist, as well as an EMDR Consultant. My role is to help others meet their goals, find the healthiest version of themselves, and find sustained personal growth. I look forward to the opportunity to meet and work collaboratively together.”

Sara graduated with a Master’s Degree in Social Work from St. Ambrose University and Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Northern Illinois University.  She is experienced in crisis work, care coordination, and individual and group therapy. Sara has worked in the social work/ mental health fields for years.  She works with individuals of all ages including children and adolescents.  Sara uses an array of different treatment modalities, using a client-centered approach, respecting her client’s autonomy and empowerment in the process of developing their own care and support. 

I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and have a passion for working with patients to improve their mental health and well-being. I take pride in developing strong therapeutic relationships and by providing patient-centered, compassionate, holistic, and empathetic treatment to all my patients. I provide psychiatric evaluations and ongoing medication management to children, adolescents, as well as adults suffering from a variety of emotional, behavioral, or learning disorders, including but not limited to ADHD, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorders, PTSD, autism, eating disorders, mood disorder, sleep issues, and OCD. Utilizing evidence-based medicine, I create individual treatment plans for each patient. Being a proponent of holistic mental health care in addition to medication management, I am excited to integrate my work with the therapy team at Path to Healing.

Services will be provided on weekdays from 8 am – 5 pm. Prescription refills will be done during office hours. Emergency or crisis care is better handled at the emergency room.

“Your present circumstances don’t determine where you can go, they merely determine where you start.” – Nido Qubein

Jessica Trudeau, MSW, LCSW is a licensed clinical social worker in Illinois.  She has experience with a wide variety of clients, including children, adolescents, and adults. She has extensive training in DBT and continues to work towards learning and improving skills and modalities to bring to the table for her clients. Jessica has worked in a variety of  multidisciplinary teams throughout her years in practice. She is also an army veteran that served four years in active duty.

 She graduated from Aurora University with her undergrad in social work with an emphasis in addictions in 2018 and her graduate degree is social work with an emphasis in forensic social work from Aurora University in 2019.  Jessica serves individuals with life issues such as grief, loss, trauma, veterans/military concerns, 1st responders, life changes, self-harm, substance use, gambling, sex addiction,  eating disorders and other mental heath diagnoses.  

“My desire has always been to create a safe and warm environment for individuals to come to when they’ve hit bumps in life, and discover within themselves the ability to heal and grow.”

Brayden is a Licensed Social Worker who earned his Master’s in Social Work from Aurora University. He works with children, teens, and adults, offering support for those navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, and the impact of abuse. Brayden believes healing happens through collaboration, and he takes a strength-based approach that empowers clients to recognize their own resilience. Using CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and play therapy, he tailors each session to meet the unique needs of the individual. His style is direct yet warm, creating a space where clients feel comfortable exploring challenges and working toward growth. With experience working with at-risk youth, in correctional facility programming, and in domestic violence programs, Brayden understands the importance of compassion, safety, and trust in the healing process. His goal is to walk alongside clients as they build skills, find hope, and create meaningful change in their lives.