Barbara J. Sims, MSW, LSW
Barbara J. Sims, MSW, LSW, is a compassionate and dedicated Licensed Social Worker who brings both clinical expertise and genuine care to her work with children and families. She earned her Master of Social Work with a clinical focus from Loyola University after beginning her academic journey at the University of Chicago. With over five years of professional experience, Barbara has built a reputation for being a consistent and trusted presence in the lives of the individuals she serves, particularly children navigating complex emotional and environmental challenges.
Barbara currently works with Metropolitan Family Services, an organization with more than 140 years of service to the community, where she is embedded in local schools through the sustainable community schools contract. In this role, she provides daily, hands-on support to children ages 7–13 who are facing issues such as trauma, domestic violence, homelessness, depression, self-harm, and suicidal ideation. Utilizing therapeutic approaches like art therapy and cognitive behavioral play therapy, Barbara creates a safe and supportive environment where children can express themselves, build coping skills, and develop emotional resilience. She also collaborates closely with parents, teachers, and mental health professionals to ensure each child receives comprehensive, coordinated care.
Beyond her professional responsibilities, Barbara extends her impact through her leadership in her church’s women’s community ministry, where she blends mental health awareness with spiritual guidance. Drawing from her background as a preacher’s kid, she offers a unique perspective that bridges clinical understanding and faith-based support. Whether in schools or within her community, Barbara is deeply committed to helping individuals heal, grow, and find strength in the face of adversity.
• University of Chicago
• Loyola University - Master of Social Work (Clinical)
• MSW
• LSW
• Women's Community Ministry
• Women's Conference - Mental Health
• Financial Planning
• and Health Education
Areas of Specialization/Expertise
- Children ages 7-13
- Domestic violence
- Trauma
- Homelessness
- Depression
- Suicide prevention
- Self-harm/cutting
- Coping skills development
- Art therapy
- Cognitive behavioral play therapy
What do you enjoy most about practicing medicine?
What I enjoy most about my work is being able to make a real difference in children's lives, one day at a time, one life at a time. God has blessed me with a love and a nurturing for children, and I get to use that gift every single day. I'm not only educated and licensed, but I bring that stern yet affirmative love, telling these kids, 'Baby, we can do things differently.' I create a safe space for them through art therapy and play therapy, where they can open up and heal. When I see a student who was struggling, getting called home every other day, and then they graduate successfully and are doing well because of the support we provided, that's what it's all about. I get to be the other set of ears for both the children and their parents, helping them navigate through domestic violence, trauma, depression, and suicidal thoughts. Being able to help a parent not give up on their child, connecting families to therapists and psychiatrists when they need additional support, and watching these children develop healthy coping mechanisms instead of self-harming - that's the blessing of this work.