the beginning doesn’t dictate the destination
take the first step toward healing
providing services to clients in Illinois and Colorado
providing services to clients in Illinois and Colorado
Hi, I’m Mary Kate
she/her/hers
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Certified Clinical Trauma Professional
Owner of Beckmen Behavioral Health PLLC
As an adoptee and a therapist, I bring both personal understanding and clinical expertise to my work. I specialize in supporting teens, college students, and young professionals as they navigate complex emotions, identity exploration, relationships, and major life transitions.
Many of my clients struggle with stress, anxiety, unresolved trauma, self-esteem challenges, and difficulties in relationships. These experiences can make it hard to feel secure, confident, or in control of life’s demands. I provide a space where clients can process their past, understand its impact on their present, and develop tools to move forward with clarity and confidence.
I also have extensive experience working with adoption across the lifespan—helping adoptees, adoptive parents, and birth families navigate the unique emotions, challenges, and relationships that can arise. Identity exploration is a key part of this work, as many clients seek to understand their sense of self and belonging.
Therapy with me is collaborative, direct, and supportive. My goal is to help clients feel understood, challenged, and empowered to create meaningful, lasting change.
my experience
I received my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Dayton followed by a Masters of Social Work from Loyola University Chicago. My studies focused on youth and their family system, particularly with a focus on how childhood trauma impacts brain development and overall family functioning.
I have worked alongside clients and their families in a variety of settings including the foster care system, throughout the adoption process, in residential treatment and therapeutic day-schools, as well as within private practice.
I have also returned to Loyola University of Chicago as an adjunct professor for the School of Social Work.
my approach
As a warm and direct therapist, I am passionate about helping young people build deeper connections with themselves and others. I work with clients to explore their emotions and experiences, equipping them with the tools and strategies to navigate challenges and foster healing and growth.
I combine practical, skill-based solutions with relational work utilizing a variety of techniques in therapy sessions. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP), I have extensive experience addressing the multifaceted effects of trauma. I have trained in and utilize aspects from Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Theraplay®, and Trust-Based Relational Interviewing (TBRI). I have also completed the National Adoption Competency Mental Health Training Initiative (NTI). These approaches equip me to effectively help clients build resilience, manage difficult emotions, develop coping skills, and improve overall well-being.