Mary Evans, LCPC, CAGCS

Hello! My name is Mary Evans. I understand the courage needed to reach out for help. It is not easy to choose someone with whom you can share your life. I invite you to learn more about me, my approach to counseling, and my experience. If you think we might be a good match, give us a call and we will get you scheduled as soon as possible!

As a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Certified Advanced Grief Counselor, and Life Purpose Coach ®, my personal life journey complements my 30+ years of experience working in the field of mental health. As a trauma-informed counselor, I offer a safe, welcoming, comfortable space for individuals to share, learn, and heal from the issues troubling them. I approach our time together with compassion, curiosity, and an open mind. I listen without judgement, help you reflect on what is happening for you, gently offer guidance when you feel lost or stuck, and serve as a resource as you unpack your concerns. Together, we will explore possibilities, identify workable solutions, and move forward towards creating a life you love.

My expertise lies in working with adults faced with anxiety, depression, substance abuse, codependency, food related issues | eating disorders, life transitions, and grief | loss. My therapeutic approach is person-centered and holistic, grounded in evidence-based practices including motivational interviewing, internal family systems, cognitive behavioral therapy, and dialectical behavioral therapy. My commitment to your mental wellness includes ongoing training to stay up to date with the latest trends and resources in the field of behavioral health.

Personally, I am passionate about serving others, as well as living my best life. As a daughter, wife, mama, and nana, I love spending time with my family, relaxing near turquoise water, music, and crafting. I genuinely believe each of us gets by with a little help from our friends (and a good counselor!) as life can be hard sometimes. And yet, no matter what challenges we face, we do not have to face them alone. There is healing. There is hope!

Professional Experience 

My career path began when I returned to college at 30 years old. The previous 11 years of my life consisted of a series of losses and challenges. Thankfully, I found the courage to reach out to a counselor who guided my search for healing and freedom. As a divorcee raising 3 young children, returning to college and earning my Bachelor of Arts in Child, Family & Community Services was not easy; however, my previous life experiences fueled my drive and passion to obtain the credentials needed to become a licensed therapist. Upon graduating Magna Cum Laude, the University of Illinois awarded me a Graduate Teaching Assistantship, which allowed me to earn my Master of Arts in Human Development Counseling. I began my career working as a counselor in a residential addiction treatment center, which later led to opportunities to work in both addiction and mental health settings. Throughout the years I was promoted into supervisory and management roles, in which I thrived, but I missed direct client care. In 2021, I returned to my first love of counseling. As a member of The Mental Wellness Center team, I work with adults in one on one and group settings.

I offer both in person and telehealth sessions with availability on Monday – Tuesday and Thursday – Friday. I would love to walk alongside you on your journey – I hope to meet you soon!

Areas of Expertise

  • Anxiety Depression

  • Food Related Issues | Eating Disorders

  • Grief | Loss

  • Life Transitions

  • Spirituality | Faith

  • Substance Abuse

  • Work Addiction

Types of Therapy

  • Person Centered | Holistic | Strength-Based | Eclectic Approach

  • Motivational Interviewing

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

  • Dialectical Behavioral Therapy

  • Internal Family Systems

  • Life Purpose Coaching ®

  • Pastoral Counseling 1

  • 2-Step Recovery Practices