Ilona Schwartzberg, IL LCSW 149028560

I’m a licensed clinical social worker with many years of experience as a hospital and dialysis social worker. For much of my career I worked in dialysis, supporting patients through chronic illness, medical uncertainty, and the daily realities of life on treatment. Before that I worked on hospital units doing discharge planning and connecting people to community resources. In both settings I served as an advocate, mediator, and change agent — and I’ve always offered talk therapy alongside practical supports.

I specialize in working with adults through the elderly. My clinical interests include generalized anxiety and social anxiety, relationship issues, life transitions and losses common in older adulthood, grief and bereavement, and building self-esteem. I enjoy partnering with clients who want to make real, sustainable changes in their lives.

My therapeutic toolbox includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, humanistic approaches, mindfulness, and traditional talk therapy. I treat the whole person: mental health symptoms are important, but so are lifestyle, movement, breathing, and social connection. In sessions we’ll explore practical coping skills and evidence-based strategies, and I’ll also encourage healthy routines such as walking, swimming or water aerobics, yoga and stretching, breathing and mindfulness practices, soothing music (ocean or rain sounds), and nutrition and socialization — all of which support emotional healing and goal achievement.

I provide a safe, nonjudgmental space where you can be heard, understood, and challenged kindly. My style is warm, collaborative, and strength-based. I’ll be your partner and coach — cheering you on, helping you build skills, and celebrating every step forward. If you’re ready to take the first step, contact me — I’ll congratulate you for making this important choice today and I’ll be with you tomorrow as we work toward your goals.