Healing Through Connection
Our Mission
At Reconnect Psychotherapy, PLLC, our mission is to deliver compassionate, culturally attuned, and evidence-based mental health services tailored to the unique needs of Illinois's Latinx/Hispanic and LGBTQIA+ communities. We are dedicated to fostering a safe, inclusive, and affirming environment where individuals, relationships/couples, and families feel valued and celebrated for their identities, backgrounds, and experiences. Through bilingual (English & Spanish) and virtual services, we strive to break barriers to mental health care, empowering clients to build resilience, embrace growth, and create meaningful change—wherever they are.
Our Vision
Our vision is to be a beacon of hope and healing for the Latinx/Hispanic and LGBTQIA+ communities in Illinois. We aim to pioneer culturally competent mental health care that fosters inclusivity, celebrates diversity, and empowers individuals, relationships/couples, and families to embrace their authentic selves. By offering virtual services and respecting the nuances of LGBTQIA+ identities and the cultural values of Latinx/Hispanic communities, we envision a future where every person feels accepted, supported, and empowered to lead a fulfilling, balanced life.
Meet the Team
DR. PABLO PAGÁN-RIVERA
(He/Him/His)
Licensed Clinical Psychologist & Founder
(License No. 071.010663)
Dr. Pablo Pagán-Rivera is a bilingual (English & Spanish) Licensed Clinical Psychologist with nine years of experience, dedicated to providing culturally competent care for the Latinx/Hispanic and LGBTQIA+ communities in Illinois. In 2022, he founded Reconnect Psychotherapy, PLLC, offering psychotherapy, psychological testing, and gender-affirming support in a safe, compassionate environment.
Professional Background
Dr. Pagán-Rivera earned his PsyD in Clinical Psychology from Albizu University in Puerto Rico and has specialized training in Clinical Forensic Psychology and LGBTQIA+ Mental Health. Licensed in Illinois, he is skilled in therapeutic modalities like CBT, DBT, EMDR, and Gottman Method Couples Therapy, with experience in outpatient, forensic, and private practice settings.
Areas of Expertise
He specializes in the unique challenges of LGBTQIA+ individuals within the Latinx/Hispanic community, young professionals, and veterans, addressing cultural traditions, workplace challenges, and trauma through trauma-informed, affirming care.
Therapeutic Approach
Dr. Pagán-Rivera combines culturally sensitive, evidence-based therapies with mindfulness techniques to address root causes of challenges, fostering long-term healing, self-discovery, and personal growth.
DR. NICOLE VÉLEZ-PAGÁN
(She/Her/Hers)
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
(License No. 071.011159)
Dr. Nicole Velez-Pagán is a bilingual (English & Spanish) Licensed Clinical Psychologist with seven years of experience, specializing in culturally responsive therapy for diverse populations. Joining Reconnect Psychotherapy in 2024, she offers a safe and inclusive space for emotional growth and healing, fostering strong client relationships grounded in empathy and trust.
Professional Background
Dr. Velez-Pagán holds a PsyD in Clinical Psychology from Albizu University in Puerto Rico and is licensed in Illinois. With training in Clinical Forensic Psychology, she has experience in outpatient clinics, forensic settings, and correctional facilities. Skilled in CBT, DBT, CPT, and Gottman Method Couples Therapy, she provides individual therapy, relationship counseling, and cross-cultural services with a compassionate, culturally attuned approach.
Areas of Expertise
Dr. Velez-Pagán works with Latinx/Hispanic women, young adults, and LGBTQIA+ individuals, addressing the intersection of cultural expectations, identity, and emotional health. She offers support in navigating family dynamics, societal pressures, trauma, anxiety, and identity challenges, empowering clients to overcome obstacles and embrace their authentic selves.
Therapeutic Approach
Rooted in feminist theory, Dr. Velez-Pagán’s therapeutic approach emphasizes empowerment, equality, and cultural sensitivity. She tailors evidence-based techniques to client needs, creating a supportive space for self-exploration, resilience-building, and personal growth, helping clients thrive in all aspects of life.
DR. CARLOS RIVERA-BABILONIA
(He/Him/His)
Pre-licensed Psychotherapist in Clinical Psychology
Dr. Carlos Rivera-Babilonia is a bilingual (English & Spanish) pre-licensed psychotherapist in Clinical Psychology with six years of experience working under the supervision of Dr. Pablo Pagán-Rivera. With a focus on culturally sensitive care, he provides empathetic, theory-based support to help clients build resilience and confidence in navigating life’s challenges.
Professional Background
Dr. Rivera-Babilonia holds a PsyD in Clinical Psychology from Albizu University in Puerto Rico and has completed a pre-doctoral internship in Clinical Forensic Psychology and a post-doctoral fellowship in Clinical Correctional Psychology. He has worked in outpatient, forensic, and correctional settings, utilizing evidence-based modalities such as CBT, REBT, ACT, and Schema Therapy. He specializes in individual therapy and culturally sensitive treatment, fostering personal growth and resilience in clients from diverse backgrounds.
Areas of Expertise
Dr. Rivera-Babilonia focuses on neurodivergent identities, particularly within men, young adults, and the Latinx/Hispanic community. His expertise includes supporting neurodivergent individuals with ADHD and other cognitive differences as they navigate challenges related to self-regulation, societal expectations, and cultural pressures. For Latinx/Hispanic men, he addresses struggles with traditional masculinity and emotional vulnerability, while for young adults, he provides guidance through transitions to independence. His approach emphasizes embracing neurodiversity, building resilience, and developing coping strategies for personal and professional success.
Therapeutic Approach
Rooted in a neurodivergent-affirming and humanistic philosophy, Dr. Rivera-Babilonia’s therapeutic approach prioritizes self-awareness, emotional regulation, and resilience. He integrates mindfulness practices and evidence-based methods within a culturally sensitive framework, offering a non-judgmental space where clients can address ADHD, anxiety, depression, and trauma. His goal is to help clients foster self-acceptance, develop coping tools, and thrive in their unique journeys.
GRACE HENSOLD, RDN, LDN
(She/Her/Hers)
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
(License No. 164.007298)
Grace Hensold is a Licensed & Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) at Reconnect Psychotherapy, where she offers personalized nutritional counseling to support mental, emotional, and digestive health. With over seven years of experience, Grace specializes in disordered eating, stress-related eating behaviors, and chronic condition management. She is passionate about providing culturally affirming care for Latinx/Hispanic and LGBTQIA+ clients, recognizing how identity, cultural values, and personal experiences shape one’s relationship with food.
Professional Background
Grace has worked as an outpatient dietitian in various settings, including chronic disease management, oncology, and nutrition counseling for disordered eating. Her experience has deepened her understanding of the unique challenges faced by Latinx/Hispanic and LGBTQIA+ communities, especially around body image and eating behaviors. A recognized leader, Grace served as President-Elect for the Central Illinois Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and received the Recognized Young Dietitian of the Year Award in 2022. At Reconnect Psychotherapy, she collaborates closely with the therapy team to provide integrated care that addresses clients' emotional, mental, and nutritional needs.
Areas of Expertise
Grace’s areas of expertise include supporting clients with disordered eating, emotional eating, and stress-related eating behaviors. She offers culturally sensitive nutritional guidance, particularly for Latinx/Hispanic and LGBTQIA+ clients, helping them understand how cultural identity and values shape their relationship with food. Grace specializes in mindful eating practices, guiding clients to reconnect with their bodies and adopt a balanced, non-restrictive approach to food. She also helps clients address body image issues and heal from trauma, shame, and negative experiences through nutrition-based strategies that promote self-compassion and a healthier relationship with food and their bodies.
Therapeutic Approach
Grace’s therapeutic approach is compassionate, non-judgmental, and client-centered. She meets clients where they are, acknowledging their unique challenges, particularly around past shame and negative experiences with food and body image. Grace creates a safe, affirming space for clients to explore their relationship with food while honoring their cultural values. By collaborating with Reconnect Psychotherapy's therapy team, she ensures integrated care that addresses mental, emotional, and physical health, empowering clients to heal, embrace their bodies, and make lasting, positive changes.
Comprehensive Mental Health Services Tailored to Your Needs
Supporting and welcoming our transgender and non-binary customers