Mariah Brandon
MSW
Pronouns: She/Her
Therapy for Children, Teens & Young Adults Navigating Trauma, Big Feelings & Life Transitions
Warm, steady support to help your child—or you—feel safe, understood, and more grounded.
Let’s Start Here
Whether you’re reaching out for yourself or your child, things may feel heavy right now. Big emotions might be showing up suddenly, old experiences may still feel present, or transitions may be stirring up confusion or overwhelm. It can be hard to make sense of what’s happening or where to begin. You deserve a supportive space where you—or your child—feel genuinely seen and safe. Therapy can help you understand emotions, explore patterns, and build tools that bring more clarity and calm. No pressure, no expectations. Just support that meets you exactly where you are.
What would you say to someone who’s nervous or unsure about starting therapy?
Hi, I’m Mariah, a therapist here at Tides Mental Health. I work with children, teens, and young adults who are navigating trauma, anxiety, big feelings, or life transitions. Starting therapy can feel overwhelming, especially if you're unsure what to expect. We’ll go step by step at a pace that feels safe. My priority is creating a warm, grounded space where you—or your child—can feel supported and understood.
What would you say to someone who’s nervous or unsure about starting therapy?
Hi, I’m Mariah, a therapist here at Tides Mental Health. I work with children, teens, and young adults who are navigating trauma, anxiety, big feelings, or life transitions. Starting therapy can feel overwhelming, especially if you're unsure what to expect. We’ll go step by step at a pace that feels safe. My priority is creating a warm, grounded space where you—or your child—can feel supported and understood.
What It’s Like to Work Together
Sessions with me are gentle, collaborative, and grounded in curiosity about your unique experience. With children, I focus on helping them feel safe, supported, and empowered to express their feelings in a way that makes sense for their age. I partner with caregivers to ensure we’re working together in a way that feels aligned and helpful for the child. With teens and young adults, we explore emotions, relationships, and experiences that may be shaping how they show up in the world. We talk openly, build tools together, and move at a pace that supports emotional safety.
What can clients expect it to feel like in a session with you?
A session with me is calm, steady, and led by your comfort level. For kids, that might look like exploring feelings through conversation, creativity, or structured activities. For teens and young adults, it may be a mix of talking through experiences, reflecting on patterns, or learning tools for regulating big emotions. There’s no right or wrong way to show up—we take it one step at a time together.
What’s one reason you’re passionate about the work you do?
I care deeply about creating spaces where people feel heard and supported. Children, teens, and young adults often carry more than they can put into words, and I’m passionate about helping them feel less alone. It’s meaningful to witness their growth, confidence, and clarity as they begin to understand themselves in new ways.
Clinical Specialties
- Trauma (past or recent)
- Emotional regulation for kids & teens
- Anxiety and big feelings
- Life transitions
- Boundary-setting & relationship patterns
- School, family, and identity stress
- Foster care–related transitions
- Caregiver collaboration and family support
Treatment Modalities
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)
- Person-Centered Therapy
- Trauma-Informed Techniques
Populations Served
- Children
- Teens
- Young adults
- Families seeking collaborative support
- First-time therapy clients
Training & Credentials
- Education: MSW, Southern Illinois University – Carbondale BSW, Southern Illinois University – Carbondale
- Experience: Direct experience supporting ages 0–22
- Languages Spoken: English
- Availability: In-person (Chicago) & Telehealth
Reaching out is a meaningful step. Whether you're seeking support for yourself or your child, you don’t have to navigate this alone.
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.
