Lillar Burton

Lillar Burton, LPC, is the Clinical Director at Youth Advocate Programs, Inc. (YAP), where she oversees clinical services, program fidelity, and therapeutic supports. YAP is a national nonprofit that provides community-based services as alternatives to youth incarceration, residential placements, and neighborhood violence—which aligns with Lillar’s values and clinical philosophy. She brings extensive experience working with adults and adolescents navigating depression, anxiety, trauma, life transitions, and mood disorders. Lillar has supported numerous youth-focused initiatives throughout the Chicago area, contributing to programs that uplift, empower, and create safe spaces for young people. She has presented workshops in inner-city communities across Chicago, promoting youth mental health awareness, emotional resilience, and personal empowerment.

In her role at YAP, Lillar leads strategic implementation of trauma-informed practices, supervises multidisciplinary teams, and ensures high-quality, culturally responsive services for youth and families. As a member of the curriculum design table, she contributed her clinical expertise to strengthen culturally inclusive programming that fosters emotional well-being and amplifies youth voice. Lillar holds a master’s degree in clinical psychology from Governors State University. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys mentoring and building creative community spaces that uplift others.