Latechia Hester, LCMHC, LCPC

Latechia Hester is an Illinois Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) and an Illinois Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) with 24 years of experience. She began her counseling career in 2001 working in group homes and substance abuse programs, and later in outpatient and school settings. She works with adults on concerns such as stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, depression, relationship and intimacy issues, parenting, anger, and ADHD.

Early in her career she supported at-risk young men, homeless young adults, and families. That work focused on family reunification, substance use, LGBTQ concerns, job and life skills, and independent living. She later worked in substance abuse treatment with DUI and court-mandated clients and provided interventions for people struggling with addiction and codependency.

After returning to school for a master’s in Clinical Mental Health, she worked in an outpatient hospital clinic with people facing depression, suicide risk, grief, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, anxiety, PTSD, and co-occurring diagnoses. She then earned a second master’s in School Counseling and supported students in inner-city schools managing body image, self-harm, substance issues, ADHD, trauma, and abuse.

Her main clinical approaches include cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused therapy. She also uses client-centered and mindfulness techniques as part of an eclectic approach. Sessions tend to emphasize practical skills, problem solving, and steps people can try between meetings.

She aims to help people move toward more stable daily living and better relationships. People who want to work on anger, communication, substance use, or life transitions will find an approach focused on problem solving and concrete change.

How her approaches translate to online work