Licensed to practice in Illinois and accepts 28 insurances. Specializes in Anxiety, Depression, LGBTQ and 10 more.
Daniel Jennings
(he/him)
My name is Daniel, and I’m a licensed clinical social worker in Illinois. I’ve been providing mental health care for more than 25 years. No matter your background, income, or the unique combination of factors that shape your identity, one thing is certain: life doesn’t follow a script. It can turn on a dime, bringing moments that are joyful, devastating, or somewhere in between. In those moments, it's not uncommon to feel unprepared, alone, or overwhelmed, unsure of what to do next. My role is to help you navigate those turning points. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, sadness, depression, grief, or self-doubt, I help clients address the emotional impact of change and build healthier ways to cope. Sometimes those struggles show up as trouble with motivation, communication, relationships, or substance use. But they don’t happen in a vacuum. Everything we go through is shaped by our current context, including age, gender, sexual identity, relationship status, job stress, physical health, or financial strain. For real change to take hold, we need to understand how these pieces connect. I work collaboratively with clients and take care to create a space where you can speak freely and feel safe doing so. It takes courage to reach for something better, and even more to act on it. I'm here to walk with you as you begin that process.
Get to know me
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
In my practice, my therapeutic approach is rooted in a collaborative relationship with my clients, where their unique needs and circumstances guide the treatment process. In a structured manner, I draw upon a range of therapeutic theories and methods, including Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Psychodynamic Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution-Focused Therapy. I am dedicated to identifying the most effective approach for each client, helping them gain deeper insight into the causes of their challenges and finding solutions to move forward. I strive to create a warm and empathetic environment where clients can explore and address their concerns.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
Helping people who are struggling with aspects of their sexual identity also represents an area of particular strength for me, as I offer a space which is free of judgment or expectation of conformity to dominant social constructs which can be the source of many unnecessary obstacles for people.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
Working with people who have problems with self-confidence and self-esteem has always felt especially important to me. It's common to minimize the effects these self-image problems can have, although they have impacted virtually every person at some point in their life. Often cultivated by issues within the family system of origin, these can leave individuals without a clear sense of themselves, their needs, or their desires, which are all necessary in order to live a fulfilling life.
Specialties
Top specialties
Anxiety
Depression
LGBTQ
Other specialties
ADHD
Addiction
Coping Skills
Life Transitions
Men's Issues
Mood Disorders
Peer Relationships
Self Esteem
Sexual Abuse
Trauma and PTSD
I identify as
LGBTQ
Man
White
Serves ages
Adults (18 to 64)
Elders (65 and above)
Licensed in
Illinois
Accepts
Aetna
Aetna - ASR Health Benefits
Aetna - Allied Benefits
Aetna - Luminare
Aetna - Moda
Aetna - WebTPA
Aetna – HealthEZ
All Savers
AvMed
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Anthem
Independence Blue Cross
Independence Administrators
Cash - $185 per session
EAP:UnitedHealthcare/Optum
Golden Rule
Harvard Pilgrim/UnitedHealthcare
UnitedHealthcare/Optum
Optum
OptumHealth Complex Medical Conditions
Oscar
Oxford
Surest (formerly Bind)
UMR - Advocate Aurora Health
United Medical Resources
UnitedHealthcare Life Insurance
UnitedHealthcare Shared Services
UnitedHealthcare StudentResources
Location
Virtual
My treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use CBT to help clients identify and reframe unhelpful thought patterns that contribute to emotional distress and behavioral challenges. Together, we examine the link between thoughts, feelings, and actions in a practical, collaborative way. I integrate CBT flexibly, often blending it with deeper insight-oriented work so that it addresses both surface-level symptoms and longer-term internal struggles.
Psychodynamic
My psychodynamic work focuses on exploring how early experiences, unconscious processes, and unresolved conflicts influence current relationships, emotional responses, and self-perception. I help clients recognize patterns that may be playing out in their lives so they can develop more freedom and agency. This approach is particularly useful for clients seeking a deeper understanding of themselves and their relational histories.
Person-centered (Rogerian)
At the core of my practice is a deeply human, nonjudgmental approach grounded in respect, authenticity, and empathy. I provide a safe space where clients can explore their experiences and values without fear of shame or evaluation. My person-centered stance helps clients reconnect with their inner clarity and develop the confidence to move forward in alignment with their truest selves.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
When appropriate, I integrate mindfulness-based tools to help clients cultivate greater awareness of their thoughts, emotions, and physical states. These practices can be especially helpful for managing anxiety, trauma responses, and emotional reactivity. I emphasize grounding techniques, interoceptive awareness, and nonjudgmental observation to support emotional regulation.
Trauma Informed Care
My work is grounded in a trauma-informed framework, which means I prioritize safety, empowerment, and collaboration in every session. I am attentive to how trauma, including complex, developmental, and relational trauma, can shape beliefs, coping mechanisms, and identity. Whether using somatic anchoring, psychoeducation, or narrative processing, I tailor interventions to avoid re-traumatization and promote healing at a pace that feels manageable.
2 ratings with written reviews
March 3, 2026
It was only our first session and I really like Daniel. I feel comfortable sharing with him.
Verified client, age 45-54
March 4, 2025
My first therapy session, I know Daniel is the perfect therapist for me.