Latechia Hester

Latechia Hester, LCMHC, LCPC, is a licensed counselor practicing in Illinois with 24 years of clinical experience. She began her work in 2001 as a group home counselor supporting at-risk male youths, homeless young male adults, and their families. In that role she addressed family reunification, substance abuse, LGBTQ+ issues, job and life skills, and independent living preparations.

She later focused on the substance abuse field, working with DUI offenders, court-mandated clients, and serving as an interventionist for families and individuals facing addiction and codependency. Pursuing advanced training, she earned a master’s in Clinical Mental Health and worked in an outpatient hospital clinic with people dealing with family conflict, depression, suicide, grief and loss, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, anxiety, PTSD, and co-occurring diagnoses.

After obtaining a second master’s in School Counseling, she supported students in inner-city schools with concerns such as body image, self-harm, substance use, ADHD and OCD, neighborhood trauma, and histories of sexual, emotional, or physical abuse. Her clinical orientations include cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, solution-focused therapy, and client-centered techniques. She emphasizes meeting each person where they are, building a therapeutic alliance, and guiding change with dignity and respect.