Licensed to practice in Illinois and accepts 22 insurances. Specializes in ADHD, Anxiety, Depression and 10 more.
Akila Sachdev
(she/her)
New to Grow
About me
Hello! I'm Akila Sachdev and I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and an Integrated Somatic Practitioner based out of Chicago, IL, and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I have over 23 years of experience in the social work field. My experience includes working with a diverse population of varying ages, sex, race, and cultures. I have had the opportunity to work in a multitude of settings, including schools, community-based agencies, and outpatient agencies. I typically work with adults who are dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and occupational stress.
Get to know me
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
I create a safe, welcoming space to be able to tell your story and feel comfortable discussing anything that you want to be open up about. I listen to everyone without judgment. I believe that each and every one of us sees the world through a slightly different lens and I'm excited to hear all of my clients' different stories and help them obtain the goals that they came to their initial session with. I collaboratively work with my clients to develop strategies that resonate with your individual needs. My client's input is central to our work together, guiding the therapeutic process and shaping the outcome of your involvement in therapy which leads to meaningful and sustainable change. The client's voice will always be at the forefront of our sessions navigating our journey together. My first session with you During our first session together, you should expect us to both be getting to know each other. I will be listening to your story of why you chose to start your therapeutic journey today. We will be discussing how you have been feeling and I will be asking certain questions to try to discover why you might be feeling this way. Every individual is different and I want to hear their stories before developing a plan that will work best for them.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
My approach to working with clients varies depending on their unique needs. My approach is always client-centered, allowing those that I work with to have active involvement in their personal growth. I typically use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Holistic therapy, and Somatic therapy to help my clients make progress and find strategies to make them feel empowered. I also use mindfulness practices to help clients reduce stress by bringing their focus to the present moment. I believe in helping clients connect to their whole selves so they can be their best selves! I provide extra support and strategies through challenging situations or if you’re just ready to move in a new direction in your life. I typically work with older adolescents and adults who may be dealing with challenges with their identity, their relationships, their self esteem or their current occupations. My therapeutic approach is a good fit for older adolescents or adults who are dealing with anxiety and depression. I work to help my clients build skills and learn strategies to empower themselves to be able to navigate life with a more positive and healthy outlook.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I typically work with older adolescents and adults who may be dealing with challenges with their identity, their relationships, their self esteem or their current occupations. My therapeutic approach is a good fit for older adolescents or adults who are dealing with anxiety and depression. I work to help my clients build skills and learn strategies to empower themselves to be able to navigate life with a more positive and healthy outlook.
Specialties
Top specialties
ADHD
Anxiety
Depression
Other specialties
Autism
Bipolar Disorder
Coping Skills
Couples Counseling
Fertility & Reproduction Issues
Health/Medical Issues
Learning Disabilities
Self Esteem
Trauma and PTSD
Women's Issues
Identifies as
Asian / Asian American
Woman
Serves ages
Adults (18 to 64)
Teenagers (13 to 17)
Licensed in
Illinois
Accepts
Aetna
Aetna - ASR Health Benefits
Aetna - Allied Benefits
Aetna - Luminare
Aetna - Moda
Aetna - WebTPA
Aetna – HealthEZ
Amerihealth Administrators
Arlo
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Anthem
Independence Blue Cross
Independence Administrators
Cash - $150 per session
Centivo
Cigna
Cigna - HealthEZ
EAP:Cigna
EAP:Evernorth
Evernorth
GTEB
Tufts Health/Cigna
Location
Virtual
My treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
CBT is a practical, evidence-based approach designed to treat anxiety, depression, and stress by targeting unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors. Instead of getting lost in endless analysis, we focus on what is happening in your life right now. Together, we will test assumptions, practice new coping strategies, and build action plans so you can respond to life's challenges with clarity and confidence.
Somatic
Somatic Therapy is a body-centered approach designed to treat trauma, anxiety, and burnout by targeting the autonomic nervous system. Instead of solely analyzing past events, we pay attention to how your body holds stress right now. Through gentle grounding, breathwork, and body-awareness techniques, you’ll learn to regulate your physical responses, break out of fight-or-flight patterns, and feel truly comfortable in your own skin again.
Couples Counseling
Couples counseling offers a practical, supportive space to repair connection and resolve recurring conflict. Whether you are navigating a major life transition, recovering from broken trust, or simply feeling like roommates instead of partners, therapy provides concrete tools to change how you relate. We focus on active skill-building, setting healthy boundaries, and creating a safe environment where both partners feel valued and heard.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
DBT is a compassionate, structured therapy that equips you with actionable tools to handle intense emotions and relationship stress. Instead of just talking about feelings, we practice concrete skills in four areas: Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Emotion Regulation, and Interpersonal Effectiveness. If you struggle with emotional burnout, boundary setting, or intense mood swings, DBT offers a clear roadmap toward build a life that feels stable and worth living.