Ramona Zarate, LCPC

Ramona Zarate earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Marquette University in 2007 and continued at Marquette to complete a Master of Arts in Community Counseling with a specialization in substance abuse and co-occurring disorders in 2010. She has spent her career working within community mental health agencies and hospitals, supporting people facing mental health challenges and substance use disorders as they work to regain stability and purpose.

Her experience includes direct clinical work with women and men managing depression, anxiety, and addiction, along with roles as a substance use case manager coordinating care with family service agencies. She has a history of assessing needs and connecting individuals to the therapeutic and community resources best suited to their situations, and she has collaborated with physicians to promote continuity and quality of care.

Ramona approaches counseling from a strength-based, whole-person perspective, partnering with clients to develop treatment plans tailored to their goals and circumstances. She holds a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor credential - a license for advanced professional counseling - and is also a Certified Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor, reflecting specialized training in substance use treatment in Illinois.

Applying Client-Centered and Mindfulness Approaches Online

Ramona Zarate uses client-centered therapy to create a collaborative space where the individual sets goals and the therapist follows, offering empathy and validation while helping clients identify their own strengths and solutions. This approach is often helpful for issues like low self-esteem, relationship concerns, and life transitions.

She also employs mindfulness therapy to teach present-focused awareness and practical skills for managing stress, anxiety, and panic symptoms. Mindfulness techniques can support emotional regulation and reduce reactivity so clients can respond more intentionally to difficult thoughts and feelings.

Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Ramona works together with each person to determine which combination of methods best fits their needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting the plan as progress unfolds.

Online therapy with Ramona is offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, providing flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. These options make it easier to attend regular sessions, maintain continuity of care, and access licensed professionals from a convenient location.