Therapists near me in Chicago, IL

Hello! I'm a Christian Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Illinois. I received my Master's from Capella University in Minnesota and have practiced in Illinois for 15 years. Previously, I was a licensed and ordained youth pastor for almost 24 years. I love to help couples, parents, and their children navigate through challenging life and relational issues toward restoration and health.

Dawn Ernsberger is a licensed clinical social worker dedicated to supporting adolescents and adults in various specialized areas, such as trauma, life transitions, relationships, parenting, forgiveness, stress management, and addressing anxiety and depression. With a master's degree from Indiana University, she brings over two decades of experience counseling hundreds of clients. Ms. Ernsberger possesses a rich background in assisting individuals recovering from emotional abuse and trauma, guiding them towards emotional well-being and completeness. Additionally, she is fluent in both English and Pennsylvania Dutch.

Culturally sensitive Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 30 years in behavioral health, committed to empowering, enriching, informing, and enhancing the lives of individuals, couples, military personnel, first responders, and their families. Brings extensive clinical experience in helping clients identify and address the root causes of emotional, relational, and behavioral concerns, rather than solely focusing on symptom management. Utilizes a client-centered and evidence-based approach to foster self-awareness, resilience, and sustainable change. Skilled in working with complex presentations, including trauma, stress-related disorders, relationship challenges, and occupational stress unique to high-demand professions such as military service and first response roles. Demonstrates a strong ability to create a safe, supportive therapeutic environment where clients feel heard, validated, and challenged to grow. Integrates modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and solution-focused techniques to guide clients toward meaningful insight and practical tools for daily functioning. Passionate about helping clients build healthier relationships, improve emotional regulation, and develop a deeper understanding of themselves, ultimately leading to more balanced and fulfilling lives. Education & Professional Credentials: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Forensic Psychology, providing advanced training in the intersection of mental health and the legal system, including assessment, behavioral analysis, trauma, and criminal psychology. Master of Social Work (MSW) from an accredited program with a clinical focus, emphasizing evidence-based therapeutic interventions, human development, and systems theory. Training included extensive clinical practice in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of diverse populations across the lifespan. In addition to formal degrees, I have obtained multiple specialized certifications: *Certified Child Mental Health Specialist *Critical Incident Stress Management *Anger Management Certification Additional continuing education in trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, & evidence-based therapeutic modalities. Ongoing commitment to professional development through continuing education ensures up-to-date knowledge of best practices, ethical standards, & emerging trends in mental health care.

Hello! My name is John Benton, LCSW from Illinois. I have been a licensed therapist since 2007 working 19 years in a community mental health center. Prior to that I was counseling in group homes for adolescent boys and girls who had serious behavior and emotional problems. I have treated many mental health issues in various ethnicities and age groups. I have also supervised staff in properly applying counseling techniques and behavior modifications to help youth successfully reintegrate to their homes of origin, foster homes, and in society in general.

Welcome—I’m truly glad you’re here. I bring a warm, grounded, and collaborative approach to this work, shaped by graduating with honors in my Master’s program and earning my Bachelor’s in Social Work with a Minor in Human Services. With 17 years of experience supporting at‑risk youth and families across Illinois, Kansas, and Missouri—and roughly five years in a direct therapeutic role—I’ve learned that healing is most powerful when mind, body, and spirit are invited into the process. My background includes specialized training in DBT, ASIST, trauma‑responsive care, and emerging work with elders through grief support and medical assessments. My practice continues to expand as I deepen my understanding of military culture and the unique stressors faced by Service Members, Veterans, and their families. I integrate training in reintegration support, deployment‑related stress, and identity transitions to help military‑connected clients navigate life with clarity and strength. I am honored to now offer supportive therapeutic services to clients in the state of Virginia. As a Licensed Massage Therapist, Somatic Therapy remains one of my first passions and is available for in‑person sessions. This body‑based approach helps clients release stored tension, regulate the nervous system, and reconnect with the wisdom of their physical and emotional selves. When the body softens, the mind opens—and healing becomes more accessible, more intuitive, and more aligned. My work is guided by a simple belief: ~When people feel safe, seen, and supported, they naturally move toward wholeness.~ It’s an honor to walk alongside you as you reconnect with yourself and step into a life that feels grounded, authentic, and spiritually aligned.

Hello, I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC/LMHC) based in the states of Illinois and Indiana. I received my Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Grace College in Winona Lake, Indiana. II also have a PhD in Christian Counseling from Newberg Theological Seminary in Evansville, IN. I have experience and practice for approximately 7 years. I enjoy helping others discover they can learn to live on the other side of their hurt and pain. I respect clients' autonomy and have a compassionate ear as I work to help you become successful in your future endeavors and management of your own life.

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Addictions Professional, I have worked with children, adolescents, and adults who struggle with trauma, anxiety, depression, substance use, grief, behavioral issues, and life transitions. I take a compassionate, supportive, trauma informed approach. I aim to provide clients with a safe space that they feel heard, respected, and equipped to develop healthier coping skills, emotional strength, and life changes.

Hello there, I’m Elizabeth Jensema. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and have been practicing social work for 20 years. I enjoy helping adults struggling with their mental health and also those struggling with addiction. My goal is to meet you where you are at and to help you achieve goals that are meaningful to you. I like to have fun with humor, stay positive, and focus on moving forward one day at a time. I feel it's important to provide support and the reassurance that you are not alone, we are all struggling. I hope I can help you to feel comfortable and supported.

Hi! I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Illinois. I received my Masters from the University of St. Francis and have been practicing over 13 years. I offer personalized psychotherapy services tailored to meet your unique needs. Together we’ll work towards uncovering insights, developing coping strategies, and fostering positive change. Let’s embark on this journey of self discovery and transformation together.

I'm a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) based in the Chicago Suburbs. I have 10 years of experience working in Residential Treatment, Partial Hospitalization, and Intensive Outpatient programs with women with mood disorders, eating disorders and trauma symptoms. I balance processing the memories and beliefs that keep clients stuck with building tangible skills that can help them manage their emotions outside of therapy.

I’m Kimberly M. Brooks, LCSW. I help adults and couples facing anxiety, stress, trauma, relationship strain, and emotional overwhelm find clarity and peace. My style is warm, direct, and grounding. I offer practical tools, honest insight, and optional faith-integrated support to help you heal, strengthen your relationships, and move forward with confidence. Clients often tell me they appreciate the calm space I create, the clarity that comes from honest conversations, and the steady guidance that helps them move forward.

Starting therapy can feel intimidating, but you don't have to figure things out alone. I'm Paige, an LCPC who provides a supportive, judgment-free space where you can be yourself and talk openly about what's on your mind. I work with children, teens, and adults navigating anxiety, trauma, ADHD, depression, and life's challenges, including those who feel stuck and are ready to start making sense of what's going on. My goal is to help you feel understood, build on your strengths, and create meaningful change at a pace that feels right for you. I'd love to connect if this sounds like a fit.

Hello, I'm Tracey. "Relationships often die not because of conversations that were had but rather conversations that were never had," (Lysa Terkeurst). Communication is the #1 most reported reason for couples to enter therapy. It is the "appropriate" way of saying, "he doesn't listen to me," and "all she wants to do is talk and talk, {nag}" or giving each other what I refer to as the "non-verbal abuse" {silent treatment}. It means I don't know my partner, or we can't talk without fighting. Yet almost every couple starts off communicating at some level. I mean, come on--you and your partner would not be a couple if the first date involved playing the "Staring contest" where the first one to blink loses. What we fail to recognize is that Communication is a form of Intimacy. And all other forms on intimacy hinge on protecting the communicative intimacy. So, what is that and how do I get some before we leave each other? Communicative intimacy refers to the deep emotional and relational closeness that develops through communication, where individuals feel understood, valued, and connected on a personal level. It is both a feeling and a process shaped by how people interact, listen, and respond to each other. It involves an aligned commitment to taking care of it and protecting it. So, time's a wasting and you both are out of options. You both need to commit to starting this before you commit to ending.

Welcome! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have been practicing for over 30 years. I have spent my career helping others travel down their own path. I have extensive experience working with families of children with special needs. I enjoy working with single mothers, teens and tweens. I have experience working with individuals on the autism spectrum as well as those who are "Highly Sensitive". I strive to help individuals build resilience in the face of trauma and life's challenges. I have extensive experience working with incarcerated individuals. I have first hand experience managing the stress associated with working as a first responder. I enjoy working with people with mental illness and personality disorders. I strive to provide a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where clients can explore challenges, build resilience, and create meaningful change.

Hi there, I'm Christy. Are you struggling, feeling overwhelmed, like a fish out of water? Having difficulty balancing work, relationships, health, and being kind to yourself? I help individuals manage stress and anxiety. Together, using a holistic approach to address the needs of your mind, body, and spirit we can get you back to balance. I integrate mindfulness, yoga, and nature to help develop a stronger balanced relationship with yourself. Whether you dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, or chronic medical conditions I'm here to help you. Seeking therapy is a big step in allowing yourself to heal and grow in a safe space.

Compassionate care paired with non- judgemental expertise is my specialty. I work with parents,children,couples,teens on a variety of issuesYou can expect honesty ,skill and authenticity in every session.Using EMDR ( eye- movement desensitization retraining) we can separate the emotion from the trauma.Using CBT ( cognitive behavioral therapy)we can tap into thinking that is limiting you and correct it. I often tell people that " long after you have forgotten my name you will have tools that,you,your family and friends can use".You can pass on a legacy of emotional health to your offspring.I look forward to working with you to make the world a better place!

Entering the world of personal psychotherapy can be an exciting, yet a foreboding area, if you've not had that opportunity previously, I believe that my first goal is to be welcoming to each and every person. Over some weeks, we will explore your inner pursuits which will help you feel more comfortable in who you are and who you desire to be. For me personally, being alongside you, is a privilege that few people get to have, so I treat it as a sacred opportunity. Helping individuals reach their potential or heal a broken heart is an enormous responsibility, but also one a therapist will approach with care and encouragement.

Hello, my name is Heather Stample LCSW. I have been doing therapy work for about 5 years and social work for 10 years. I love supporting and encouraging others. I joke I am a girls girl, a hype man, an encourager. I always wondered why I loved people so much and how to tap into that. Well, here I am, I figured it out. I want you to know how loved you are, how important you are, and to know you don’t have to keep doing this life all on your own. Sometimes, when we meet, something I say may sound confusing, but I promise you it will come full circle. I want you to be able to challenge yourself, be willing to challenge me when you feel uncertain, and be able to challenge life so you can start thriving again!

Are you feeling stuck because of your anxiety and depression? Do you feel overwhelmed and unable to manage your emotions? Are you going through something that feels all consuming? Do you seem to be repeating the same undesired patterns? Is your difficulty coping with stress impacting your daily life and ability to connect with those you love? I am here to help! I have a well-rounded background of over 20 years in clinical treatment working with clients individually and in a group setting. I am proficient in serving people suffering from depression, anxiety, OCD, mood disorder, grief, PTSD and trauma, and much more. I have worked with clients in a variety of inpatient and outpatient mental health settings including hospitals, universities, corrections, and VA centers. I obtained my master's degree in Social Work from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 2005 with a specialization in Community Mental Health. I am currently licensed to practice independently in the states of Illinois, Tennessee, and Minnesota. My holistic, client-centered, strengths-based approach utilizes several treatment methods, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Written Exposure Therapy (WET), Positive Psychology, Motivational Interviewing, and Family Systems. These highly successful, research-based approaches have been proven to be the gold standard in care for the most commonly treated mental health disorders. Counseling is my passion. I believe the patient is the expert in their life, and that they possess an inner strength and resiliency that lay the groundwork for therapy. My welcoming and relaxed counseling style creates an environment where patients feel understood and valued, and where they can be their authentic selves without fear of judgment. I will strive to provide you with the most effective treatment where you can find a sense of purpose and personal fulfillment.

John Swails is an ordained minister, a Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Certified DBT Therapist, and Marine Corp Veteran, with military mental-health practice experience addressing traumatic stress, separation, family grief, and relationship issues, and civilian experience addressing physical and sexual abuse, single-mothers with dual diagnosed children, and group therapy for middle-school and teens to develop resiliency. As a therapist, John utilizes proven DBT, Strategic, CBT-Family, Solution-Focused, and other systemic techniques to address individual, couple, and family issues. As a minister John is sensitive to the beliefs of the client and is ready to explore spiritual solutions to any issue.

Hi, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with extensive experience working with individuals of all ages. I am licensed in Illinois, Missouri, Florida, Georgia and Arizona. I have over fourteen years of experience in helping individuals with depression, stress, anxiety, anger management, self-esteem, and relationship issues. I often practice as a Christian counselor, however, I work with individuals from all faith backgrounds with a non-judgmental approach. I know that taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage. I am proud of you for taking this step and look forward to walking along side of you on your journey.

I am an Illinois, Wisconsin, and Florida Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) who has extensive experience working with individuals, groups, couples, and families. I earned my Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology from Benedictine University, where the prominent perspective was person-centered therapy. I have worked with several different client populations including couples with marriage difficulties, adults struggling with depression, anxiety, and other life adjustment issues, physically and sexually abused adolescents and adults, adolescents with mental health issues related to school, home, adjustment, or mental illness, and even adolescents and adults on the verge of suicide. In working with these populations, I have gained vast experience in family dynamics and feel it is important to focus on the whole system, especially when a child is involved. I have also been trained in DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), and I feel many adults and adolescents could greatly benefit from learning these skills. God is our ultimate counselor and His word is referenced and prayed from as part of the healing process.

Hello and welcome. I am an LCSW who has 28 years of experience providing therapy to a wide array of clients. I enjoy meeting clients where they are at and helping them to discuss their issues, look at obstacles to making changes, make expectations that are more realistic, and helping them to learn new skills to decrease the negative effects on their life.