Dr. De Valkhas endeavored in the field of community and mental health for the last 29 years. He received his BA in Psychology from St. Xavier University in 1977, his M.S.W. from George Williams College (Aurora University) in 1981, and his Psy. D. from the Adler School of Professional Psychology in 2005. He has a license in clinical social work, is a nationally board certified diplomate, and is certified as an addictions counselor.

His desire to assist others in overcoming life challenges began professionally as a counselor for the Chicago Association for Retarded Citizens. He later worked for the Village of Oak Lawn as Recreation Coordinator. Upon completion of his master’s degree, he worked for seven years at Holy Cross Hospital providing emergency room consultation, and outpatient mental health and substance abuse counseling. He has also worked at the New Day Center of Hinsdale Hospital. Over the course of his fourteen years at the hospital, he provided intensive counseling and education services for patients and their families. He also developed a non-intensive outpatient substance abuse program. Dr. De Valk was in private practice from 1982 to 1998 before taking a leave to conclude his doctoral education. After completion of his doctoral internship at the Kendall County Health Department, he remained on staff as Senior Clinician until April of 2007. He then joined Life Work Counseling as Director of Counseling Services. Additionally, he is an Adjunct Faculty member at Aurora University.

His practicum and internship trainings have taken place at Mendel Catholic High School, the Community Center Foundation and Holy Cross Hospital. His doctoral training was achieved at Will County Mental Health, the Dreikurs Psychological Services Center, and Kendall County Behavioral Health Services.

Dr. De Valk’s professional focus is on managing the length and frequency of counseling in relation to diagnosis and global assessment of functioning. This continuing interest stems from his dissertation that examined the correlation between these factors.

Dr. De Valk has been married for 23 years and he has two daughters in college.

Email: scott@lifeworkcounseling.net