Ramona Zarate , LCPC

Ramona Zarate earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Marquette University in 2007 and continued her studies there to complete a Master of Arts in Community Counseling with a specialization in substance abuse and co-occurring disorders in 2010. Over an 11-year career, she has worked in community mental health agencies and hospitals supporting people with mental health and substance use challenges as they reclaim stability and move toward recovery. She has provided services to both women and men facing depression, anxiety, addiction, and related concerns, and she has experience as a substance use case manager linking individuals to therapeutic supports and coordinating with family service agencies.

Ramona has collaborated with physicians to promote continuity of care and emphasizes treating the whole person rather than isolated symptoms. She takes a strength-based and person-centered approach, partnering with clients to build individualized treatment plans that reflect each person’s goals and needs. She is committed to the privacy and personal nature of sessions of the individuals with whom she works.

Ramona is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and a Certified Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor (CADC) in Illinois, bringing specialized training in addiction and co-occurring disorders to her practice. Her areas of focus include stress, anxiety, addictions, grief, self-esteem, depression, and relationship issues, along with concerns such as communication problems, forgiveness, guilt and shame, and life purpose.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Ramona Zarate uses client-centered therapy to create a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where the client’s perspectives and goals guide the work. This approach emphasizes empathy and collaboration and can be helpful for concerns like self-esteem, relationship difficulties, and depression. She also incorporates mindfulness therapy to help clients develop present-moment awareness and stress management skills; mindfulness techniques can be useful for anxiety, panic symptoms, and stress-related responses. Motivational interviewing is used when making changes feels difficult or when ambivalence is present - it focuses on exploring a person’s motivations and building commitment to change, which is especially relevant for substance use and recovery.

Finding the right therapeutic approach is part of the process and often evolves over time. Ramona works collaboratively with clients and other licensed professionals to determine the methods that best match each person’s needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting strategies as progress unfolds.

Online therapy options include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, offering flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. These formats make it easier to fit sessions into busy lives, maintain continuity of care across different settings, and access support from licensed professionals without the need to travel.