Phillip Barker
(he/him)
After starting my career in advertising, I realized through self-discovery and soul-searching that my real passion in life is helping others. In 2010, I decided to go back to school to be clinically trained in social work at Loyola University Chicago, where I spent extensive time working with both adolescents and adults. I have been practicing since 2012 and have been helping clients globally with a variety of issues in my core areas of expertise, including addiction, mood disorders, and identity issues. I am also certified in Financial Social Work, bridging my passions for personal finance and emotional well-being. I live in Chicago and enjoy sports, travel, reading, and quiet Sundays at home.
Get to know me
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
Our first session will consist of a brief introduction of who we both are, allowing for questions to help us better understand one another. Confidentiality concerns will also be addressed before we explore the specific challenges you're facing. This will help us create a roadmap for us to follow in future sessions. Clients will leave our first session feeling seen, understood, and with a strong sense of hope that circumstances in their lives can change. If using insurance, clients are expected to confirm their benefits with Grow. I do not handle billing/insurance matters. If clients wish to discontinue care, clients are responsible for canceling all future appointments on the Grow platform; Grow will assess a no-show/cancellation fee for sessions not cancelled or cancelled within 24 hours of a scheduled session.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
My greatest strengths in working with clients are my life experience, my sense of humor, my openness to all situations, and my ability to see solutions when they may not seem easily accessible. We are all fallible humans and I don't believe that one person's worth is of more inherent value than another's.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I work with motivated clients who seek a desire for change. I have worked extensively with young adult clients who are going through life transitions.
Specialties
Top specialties
LGBTQ
Mood Disorders
Other specialties
ADHD
Anxiety
Career Counseling
I identify as
LGBTQ
Man
White
Serves ages
Adults (18 to 64)
Elders (65 and above)
Teenagers (13 to 17)
Licensed in
Illinois
Accepts
Aetna
Location
Virtual
My treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I have been using CBT for my entire practice. We will use small, incremental steps to target areas needed to treat.
2 ratings with written reviews
August 12, 2025
Philip is a great therapist ! He is very patient and solution oriented. I am grateful to have him as a therapist. I would highly recommend.
Verified client, age 25-34
April 7, 2025
Excellent I was made to feel comfortable and safe during my first session.