Member Spotlight: Hector Nolasco, Owner, Ellie Mental Health, Bannockburn
Lake/Forest Lake Bluff Chamber: Tell us a little bit about Ellie Mental Health and What Makes your Business Unique
HN: Ellie Mental Health is a unique, forward-thinking mental health organization dedicated to providing accessible and compassionate care. With 16 (and counting) passionate, uniquely different, and specialized clinicians- our mission is to break down the barriers surrounding mental health by making therapy approachable, creative, and a supportive environment where clients feel safe and understood.
What sets us apart is our modern, client-centered approach that blends expert care with a focus on authenticity, humor, and community. At Ellie, we believe in celebrating progress, no matter how small, and fostering genuine connections to help our clients lead healthier, happier lives.
LF/LB: What inspired you to open Ellie Mental Health?
HN: The inspiration to open Ellie Mental Health came from a deep desire to make a difference in people’s lives and help address the growing need for accessible, compassionate, and *real* mental health care. All of us at Ellie have seen how challenging it can be for people to find the right support and how the stigma on mental health often prevents individuals from seeking help. We wanted to create a space where people can genuinely feel welcomed and understood, where therapy is approachable, and where mental health care is normalized as part of overall well-being.
Opening Ellie was also inspired by a belief that mental health care shouldn’t be one-size-fits-all. Everyone’s journey is unique, and we wanted to provide a wide range of therapeutic services, from play and art therapy to EMDR and family counseling, to ensure we meet people’s specific needs. By offering a diverse array of services and creating a community-focused environment, our hope is to break down barriers and provide a place where people can heal, grow, and thrive. After 1 year of being in business in Libertyville, the demand for our services spread and we now have a second location in Bannockburn!
LF/LB: What is your vision or hope for the future of your business?
HN: Our vision for Ellie Mental Health is to create a world where mental health care is not only accessible but also embraced as a vital part of overall well-being. We want to continue breaking down the stigma that surrounds mental health and ensure that people from all walks of life, cultures, and backgrounds feel comfortable seeking help. As we grow, our goal is to expand our services and reach more communities, providing a broad range of therapeutic options that meet the diverse needs of individuals, couples, families, teens, and children. We hope to become a cornerstone in the mental health landscape by fostering a culture of openness and support, where everyone feels empowered to take control of their mental health journey. Ultimately, we aim to make a lasting impact by helping people lead fulfilling lives, one step at a time, and to create spaces where people can connect, heal, and thrive.
LF/LB: How does Ellie Mental Health give back to the community?
HN: At Ellie, we don’t just serve our clients—we’re committed to being a positive force in the larger community, helping to create a more inclusive, supportive environment for everyone. We believe that mental health care should be accessible to all, and we actively work to support the communities we serve through outreach, education, and partnerships. Whether it be a workshop, a training, or an activity with the organization – our mission to transform the culture of mental health doesn’t just stop at our therapy doors.
We are also passionate about making therapy more accessible to underserved populations. Through sliding scale fees and various partnerships, we strive to reduce financial barriers to care. We’re also committed to supporting causes that align with our values, from donating to local charities to participating in mental health advocacy initiatives.
LF/LB: Is there anything else you would like to share about your business?
HN: Yes! If you haven’t tried therapy before or you’ve felt like therapy in the past wasn’t for you – we encourage you to try us out! We are your go-to mental health clinic and with the diverse set of clinicians we have, we’re ready to support you or your loved ones! Shoot us an email any time to get matched with your professional secret keeper - ellieIL09402@elliementalhealth.com