Loretta Echols
LCSW
Pronouns: She/Her
Therapy for Adults, Teens & Families Carrying Long-Term Emotional Weight
Grounded, compassionate care to help you heal from the inside out and reconnect with yourself and others.
Let’s Start Here
You’ve been carrying the weight for a long time. Maybe it’s been years of managing responsibilities without much space for yourself. Maybe you’ve weathered loss, heartbreak, or trauma and find yourself stuck in patterns that no longer serve you. You might be feeling anxious, shut down, or simply exhausted from doing it all on your own. Deep down, you know something needs to shift—but you’re not sure where to begin.
What would you say to someone who’s nervous or unsure about starting therapy?
Hi, I’m Loretta Echols, and I’m a therapist at Tides Mental Health. I know starting therapy can feel overwhelming or even scary. But you don’t have to have it all figured out to begin. I’m here to offer a safe, compassionate space where you can show up just as you are—we’ll take it one step at a time, together.
What would you say to someone who’s nervous or unsure about starting therapy?
Hi, I’m Loretta Echols, and I’m a therapist at Tides Mental Health. I know starting therapy can feel overwhelming or even scary. But you don’t have to have it all figured out to begin. I’m here to offer a safe, compassionate space where you can show up just as you are—we’ll take it one step at a time, together.
What It’s Like to Work Together
That’s where I come in. With nearly two decades of experience, I offer a grounded and supportive space to help you untangle the fears and habits that are holding you back. My approach is client-centered, compassionate, and solution-focused. Whether you’re navigating depression, anxiety, family conflict, trauma, or major life transitions, we’ll work together to create real and sustainable change. I’ll meet you exactly where you are—no judgment, no pressure—so you can start to feel more empowered, more connected, and more like yourself.
What can clients expect it to feel like in a session with you?
In our sessions, you can expect honesty, warmth, and a collaborative spirit. I’ll be present and engaged, helping you reflect, build skills, and take action—at a pace that feels right for you.
What’s one reason you’re passionate about the work you do?
I’ve spent nearly 20 years supporting individuals and families through some of life’s most difficult seasons. I believe everyone deserves to be seen and supported—and I feel deeply honored to walk alongside people as they reclaim hope and healing.
Clinical Specialties
- Anxiety and depression
- Trauma and PTSD
- Life transitions and grief
- Family conflict and parenting
- Couples therapy
- Stress management and emotional regulation
Treatment Modalities
- Client-centered therapy
- Solution-focused therapy
- Strengths-based approaches
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Psychoeducation and skills-building
Populations Served
- Adults, adolescents, and families
- Couples
- Individuals with lived experience in foster care or child welfare systems
- Clients navigating intergenerational stress or complex family systems
Training & Credentials
- Education: Master’s in Social Work, LUniversity of St. Francis
- Languages Spoken: English
- Experience: Over 19 years in mental health, DCFS, and community-based care
- Availability: In-person (Chicago) & Telehealth
Therapy doesn’t have to be intimidating. In fact, it can be one of the most powerful acts of self-care you’ll ever choose. If you’re ready to take that first step toward healing, I’d be honored to walk alongside you.
Insurance We Accept
We accept most major insurance providers and offer several convenient payment methods to ensure accessibility for your care. We also offer various payment methods, including credit cards, bank transfers, and electronic payments.
