Next Level Counseling and Wellness

01/31/2026

PIN is today! We are set up and excited to see you soon. Below are some important reminders ahead of the event!

- Doors open at 8:30 a.m. and the event concludes at 1 p.m.

- The event is hosted at McHenry County College. Use the South Entrance and park in lot B or D. Overflow parking is available in lot A.

- Due to construction at the College, the main entrance off parking lot D is closed. Please use the Luecht Auditorium entrance to enter the building.

- Check-in is available in the MCC Commons as well as at the main entrance to Building A. This is where you can find an agenda, map, and receive the 2026 PIN Directory!

- Breakout Sessions are offered at 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., and Noon. Exhibitor tables are open 8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Drop in for a bit or stay the entire event- we can't wait to see you!

This event would not be possible without our very generous sponsors: The Community Foundation for McHenry County, MeetMcc, Rusty and Sarah Foszcz, Carey Electric Contractors, McHenry County Mental Health Board, Mercyhealth McHenry County, Rotary Club of Crystal Lake Dawnbreakers, Northern Illinois Recovery Center, McHenry County Government, MSU Federal Credit Union, and Revival Therapy. Thank you!!!

01/22/2026

Welcome Jessica Jones, LCSW! Jessica joins our Crystal Lake team in the evenings! Learn more about Jessica and request an appointment on our website www.nlwell.org.

Populations:
-Adolescents
-Adults

Specialties:
-Anxiety
-Depression
-Trauma
-Addiction
-Eating disorders
-Autism
-Major life transitions

01/21/2026

Hugs trigger the brain to release dopamine, the "feel-good" or pleasure hormone, alongside oxytocin (love/bonding) and serotonin (mood stabilizer), creating feelings of happiness, motivation, and reduced stress, improving mood, and even boosting immunity and heart health, with longer hugs offering more profound benefits like lower blood pressure and cortisol!

Who is your favorite person to hug??

01/20/2026

It's National Cheese Lover's Day! Cheese triggers a dopamine release in the brain because its milk protein, casein, breaks down into casomorphins. Casomorphins then bind to opioid receptors, creating pleasure and reward signals, similar to mild opioids. This effect, combined with cheese's salt, fat, and texture, makes it highly craveable, activating the brain's reward center!!
So what is YOUR favorite cheese?

01/13/2026

We are thrilled to welcome Sonia Jaime, LCSW to our Crystal Lake team! Sonia is bilingual in Spanish and has availability evenings and Saturdays! Visit our website to learn more about Sonia and to request an appointment: www.NLWell.org

Populations:
-Children 10+
-Adolescents
-Adults

Specialties:
-Trauma and Crisis
-Depression
-Anxiety
-ADHD
-Parenting difficulties
-School Issues
-Navigating life transitions
-Building healthy relationships

Our dedicated team of counselors utilizes a variety of approaches to treat depression, anxiety, trauma, eating disorders, children's mental health concerns, and substance use disorders. Improve your overall wellness with Next Level Counseling and Wellness!

01/13/2026

01/05/2026

We love these nurturing quotes!

01/01/2026

Happy New Year! What intentions have you set for the new year? Are you planning on adding anything to your life or let go of something that is no longer serving you?

12/31/2025

In the business of the last few months, we didn't have a chance to share our new space in Woodstock! Enjoy a little tour and some before and after images of the new space we are now settled into!

12/30/2025

We're reflecting on our last year and invite you to do the same!
This year we were honored to serve 726 clients with over 8000 appointments. We expanded services in Woodstock, welcomed two new clinicians, and joined Aetna as an in-network provider. How did you grow this year?

12/25/2025

Wishing you Happy Holidays from Next Level Counseling and Wellness. Please note, we will have very limited hours over the next two weeks. Thank you for your patience!

12/23/2025

Wishing you winter wellness! If you’re an in-person client, be sure to grab one of our famous chapsticks at our Crystal Lake and Woodstock locations. Staying mentally well also means taking care of the little things, like keeping your lips happy and hydrated this season!