About Gia Donofrio-Ballia:
Founder of West Suburbs OCD and Mental Health Therapy
I’m Gia Donofrio-Ballia, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC). My passion & focus is helping individuals navigate anxiety, OCD, depression, and other mental health challenges with clarity, compassion, and evidence-based care.
With years of clinical experience, I specialize in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and related anxiety conditions. My approach is focused on the use of proven therapy modalities including Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). These treatments are personalized to meet each client’s needs, goals, and pace.
I work with children, teens, and adults in a supportive, nonjudgmental environment—whether in-person or via telehealth. I believe that every patient is unique, and I prioritize building a strong therapeutic relationship based on trust and rapport as a foundation for effective treatment. Through proper assessment, I collaborate with each patient to identify current and past challenges, symptoms, and patterns. This understanding informs a personalized treatment plan that aligns with the patient’s individual goals and values. I also believe that involving a patient’s support systems — including family, friends, school, and other treatment providers — plays a vital role in achieving meaningful and lasting progress in therapy. Therapy is an active and collaborative process aimed at supporting meaningful change. Whether you're facing uncertainty, coping with intrusive thoughts, navigating life transitions, or ready to explore long-standing patterns, you’ll receive care that is thoughtful, tailored, and grounded in your unique needs. I believe lasting progress comes from increasing self-awareness, identifying and reshaping unhelpful thought patterns, and learning strategies to manage anxiety and emotional discomfort.
West Suburbs OCD and Mental Health Therapy was founded on the belief that quality care should be focused and tailored to each client’s experience. I understand reaching out for help can be difficult. If you're ready to begin or continue your therapy journey, I’m here to walk alongside you.
Experience & Training:
I earned my bachelor’s degree in Communication from the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), followed by a master’s degree from Lewis University, where I completed a combined program in School Counseling and Licensed Professional Counseling (LPC). Prior to opening my private practice, I gained valuable experience working at an OCD & anxiety specialty clinic, as well as in intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization programs serving adolescents struggling with anxiety, depression, and OCD.