Ramona Zarate , LCPC

Ramona Zarate brings focused training in psychology and community counseling to her work with people facing substance use and mental health challenges. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Marquette University in 2007 and continued at Marquette to complete a Master of Arts in Community Counseling in 2010 with a specialization in substance abuse and co-occurring disorders. Ramona has served in community mental health agencies and hospitals, supporting women and men dealing with depression, anxiety, and addiction, and has worked in roles such as substance use case manager to connect individuals with appropriate therapeutic services.

Her practice emphasizes collaboration with other care providers - she has partnered with family service agencies and physicians to promote coordinated, whole-person care. Ramona takes a strength-based approach, working with clients to develop individualized treatment plans that reflect each person’s goals and resources. She is committed to maintaining clients' privacy and to integrating behavioral and health services when that best supports recovery and wellbeing.

Ramona is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and a Certified Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor (CADC) in Illinois - LCPC denotes her license as a clinical counselor and CADC indicates certification in alcohol and other drug counseling. She focuses on helping people navigate stress, anxiety, addictions, grief, self-esteem concerns, depression, and relationship challenges.

Approaches and Remote Care with Ramona Zarate

Client-Centered Therapy places the client at the heart of the process - Ramona listens with respect, helps people explore their own goals, and supports them in making choices that fit their values and circumstances. This approach is well suited to concerns like self-esteem, relationship issues, and life purpose.

Mindfulness Therapy teaches present-moment awareness and stress-reduction skills. Ramona uses mindfulness techniques to help people manage anxiety, panic symptoms, and emotional reactivity by cultivating calm focus and greater self-awareness.

Motivational Interviewing is a collaborative, goal-oriented method for resolving ambivalence and strengthening motivation for change. Ramona applies it with clients working on addictions or behavior changes to help identify personal reasons for change and build practical steps forward.

Finding the right approach is part of therapy - Ramona works collaboratively with each person to determine which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences, and she adapts strategies as progress unfolds. Licensed professionals and therapists often combine these methods to tailor care to each individual.

Online therapy offers practical benefits for people with busy schedules or limited local options. Video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging allow flexible scheduling and easier access to ongoing support, making it simpler to maintain continuity of care and work toward goals from home or other convenient locations.