Velma Oliver
Licensed Therapist, MSW, LCSW
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I became a therapist to help people move toward becoming better versions of themselves. My approach to OCD therapy is authentic, encouraging, kind, and warm, with humor when it helps. I’ll strive to create a safe, non-judgmental environment where you can feel empowered to be yourself. Together, we’ll build rapport, practice persistence, and focus on small victories as you learn to manage symptoms and make positive choices. I also have experience treating anxiety and depression.
I became a therapist to help people move toward becoming better versions of themselves. My approach to OCD therapy is authentic, encouraging, kind, and warm, with humor when it helps. I’ll strive to create a safe, non-judgmental environment where you can feel empowered to be yourself. Together, we’ll build rapport, practice persistence, and focus on small victories as you learn to manage symptoms and make positive choices. I also have experience treating anxiety and depression.
Location
Licensed in Illinois, Minnesota, South Carolina
About
Clinical Expertise
OCD, Anxiety, Depression, Phobias, Children and Adolescents
LGBTQ+ affirming
Cultural competencies
Christianity
Education
University of Illinois at Chicago
Insurance
Plans accepted by Velma
Aetna, Ascension SmartHealth, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont, Cigna, ClaimDOC, Claritev (MultiPlan) PHCS, Curative, Forest County Potawatomi, GEHA, HealthPartners, Horizon BCBS, Imagine Health, Independence Blue Cross, Medical Mutual, Meritain Health, Partners Direct Health, UHC Student Services, UMR, UMR - The Alliance, United Health Care Student Services, United Healthcare,
Want to work with Velma?
Talk with our team to learn more.
Get to know Velma
Why I became a therapist
I became a therapist to assist people on their path toward becoming a better version of themselves. I decided to specialize in OCD to guide individuals who struggle with it by using exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy, a treatment I believe in—because it works.
How I create a safe, supportive environment in therapy
I strive to offer hope, encourage persistence, and help you keep moving forward as you work to overcome symptoms.
My message to you if you're considering therapy
If you're feeling hesitant or unsure about starting exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy, I would encourage you to be ready and willing to do the work. ERP is a highly effective treatment, and your journey can be successful if you give this process a chance.
What makes my approach unique
I think what sets me apart as a therapist is that I am authentic, funny, and kind. I'm also very encouraging—I believe in you, and we'll see this through.
Meet the clinical leaders who manage our training program and support your care
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All of our therapists are personally trained by our team of OCD experts. It's what sets us apart.