Lauren R Bantner, LCPCLicensed Counselor in Hoffman Estates, IL

Lauren Bantner, LCPC, is an independent, licensed clinical professional counselor at Ascension Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, near Chicago. Currently serving as the Director of Physician Practice Operations, Lauren combines clinical excellence with administrative leadership to foster growth within her organization and the wider community.

Her career is anchored by a robust academic background, including a B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Disability Studies from The Ohio State University, an M.A. in Community Counseling from Argosy University, and a Certificate of Graduate Study in Behavior Analysis from Northern Illinois University. Lauren holds numerous professional credentials, including designation as a National Certified Counselor (NCC), a Certified Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) Instructor, and a Certified Critical Incident Stress Response facilitator, along with additional certifications in specialty areas such as autism, ADHD, and trauma.

Lauren has dedicated much of her professional life to supporting specialized and underserved populations. Her experience includes:

• Advocating for survivors of abuse and violence through crisis intervention and empowerment services at a local crisis center
• Facilitating rehabilitative programs for partner abuse intervention and anger management
• Joining Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health in 2014, with a focus on patients with chronic conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder
• Leading the Autism Spectrum & Developmental Disorders Resource Center, enhancing support for neurodivergent individuals and their families

Her commitment to excellence has earned her significant recognition from Ascension Illinois and Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health, including being named Associate of the Month (January 2016 and March 2019), Leader of the Month (February 2020, November 2021, and February 2023), and Leader of the Year in 2024. Additionally, Lauren has contributed her expertise to the nonprofit sector, previously serving as vice president of a board of directors for an autism organization and as a fundraising committee member for a crisis agency.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Lauren finds balance through gardening, hiking, traveling, and reading.