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Maritza Lara(She/Her/Hers)

(She/Her/Hers)
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW
Illinois
Anxiety - Depression-Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)- Trauma-Mood disorders-

See Maritza's Details for:

This therapist is currently not accepting new clients. Find available Illinois therapists on Zencare.

AboutSpecialtiesLocationsInsurance & Fees

Professional statement

If you’ve ever felt guilty for living your life, carried generational trauma, or held the weight of eldest daughter expectations, you’re not alone. As a Latina therapist, I create a warm, culturally aware space where first-gen individuals can unpack the pressure to be “enough” and finally breathe. Your healing honors where you come from—and makes room for where you’re going.

I offer flexible, tailored therapy using DBT, CBT, Person-Centered, Psychodynamic, Motivational Interviewing, and trauma-focused approaches. I specialize in Trauma, OCD, and Mood Disorders, providing a non-judgmental, safe space to empower clients in achieving lasting change and personal growth.

I understand that starting therapy can feel overwhelming, and for many, even a little intimidating, reaching out for help takes courage, and I deeply respect that. I strive to create a space that is non-judgmental, open, and compassionate. If you're struggling, know that you're not alone—and I'm here, ready to support you with care and understanding.


Message to clients

Growing up, I often felt misunderstood. I was called delicada, and enojona—my feelings dismissed or minimized, even when they felt so big and real. Those experiences shaped me, and they deeply inform the way I practice today. I know what it’s like to carry emotions that others didn’t know how to hold. It’s now my mission to support folks who were labeled in those same ways—by helping them explore and understand their emotions with more depth, compassion, and curiosity.


Work and Education

Years of Experience: 4 years

Little Seed Wellness , Therapist , 2025 - Present
Gro Community , Behavioral Health Care Professional, 2024 - 2025
Trilogy Behavioral Healthcare, Mental Health Therapist , 2022 - 2024

DePaul University , Masters Degree in Social Work, 2022

Licensure

Illinois: 149.029300

Languages

English, Spanish

Specialties

Anxiety - Coping with excessive worry, nervousness, or stress; intense discomfort in social settings (social anxiety); sudden and intense feelings of panic (panic disorder)

Depression - Providing support and promoting healing of hopelessness, low motivation and energy, sadness, irritability, sleep disturbance, and loss of interest and pleasure in life

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) - Reducing unwanted intrusive thoughts and rituals by gradually building comfort and confidence facing difficult fears, thoughts, and emotions

Trauma - Coping and healing after threatening or scary events, such as witnessing accidents or experiencing sexual, verbal, emotional, or physical abuse

Mood disorders - Clinical depression, persistent depression, bipolar disorder, and other mood disorders that cause disturbances in the client's mood, causing mood swings, restless sleep, and/or elevated mood




Clientele

  • Adults (24+)
  • Teenagers (13-18)

Locations & Hours

I am working at Little Seed Wellness, offering virtual therapy sessions. If and when you call and or email, you will be redirected to our Intake line!


Insurance

  • Aetna
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois PPO
  • Cigna
  • Medicaid
  • Medicare
  • Meridian Health Plan
  • Optum
  • United Healthcare

Maritza Lara is accepting clients using listed insurances, paying listed fees, or using health insurance out-of-network benefits other than:

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois Blue Choice


Out-of-pocket fees

  • Individual sessions:$180 (60min)
  • Sliding scale:$100 - $180

Additional session information

Payment options
  • Cash
  • Credit Card
  • Debit Card
  • Zelle
Session frequency

Frequency of sessions this provider offers to see clients once you are an established client.

  • Weekly
  • Monthly
  • Every other week
  • Multiple times a week
  • As needed
Therapist's note

Sliding Scale Is available for $101.00


Reach out to Connect

Small steps make a big difference. Start by connecting with Maritza Lara today.