Therapists in Illinois

I’m a licensed therapist. I work collaboratively with clients to help them identify patterns, develop coping strategies, and create meaningful, lasting change. My approach is practical, goal-oriented, and rooted in empathy—designed to support you wherever you are in your journey. I draw from evidence-based methods like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI) to provide structure and direction, while honoring your pace and experiences. Whether you're facing anxiety, depression, trauma, or major life transitions, I offer a space that is both supportive and focused on helping you build the skills you need to move forward with clarity and confidence.

As you embark on your journey, therapy can provide a safe and supportive space to explore, understand and challenge life experiences that shape our identities and perceptions of the world. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with years of experience working in the heart of Chicago, providing therapy and other clinical services to individuals struggling with severe mental illness and addiction, I approach therapy from a holistic and multicultural perspective. As a Mexican and Filipino American woman, I draw on my personal experiences to better understand how cultural factors influence our perceptions of ourselves and the world around us. My goal is to build a respectful and collaborative partnership with my clients to support them on their journey towards healing and self-discovery. I firmly believe in addressing presenting issues by understanding the whole person, rather than just focusing on the problem. Using a strengths-based approach, along with evidence-based practices such as CBT, DBT, EMDR, mindfulness, and psychodynamic approaches, I work with my clients to identify thought patterns, regulate emotions, and build self-awareness to foster healing and self-compassion. I earned my Master of Social Work degree with a concentration in Mental Health from the Jane Addams College of Social Work, and have worked in a variety of settings, including residential care for addiction, outpatient addiction treatment facilities, and community mental health care. My diverse experiences and training have enabled me to build a creative work space that centers the person as a whole, providing a healing space where individuals can feel heard, honored, and understood.

As a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, I bring a unique approach to my clinical work, empathizing with vulnerability as a key aspect, complemented by a strong sense of empathy and curiosity. I have a deep passion for the therapeutic process and a firm believer in the transformative power of change. I have spent years working with folks who are struggling with many different mental health issues; however, my specialties are listed below.

Hello! I'm a licensed clinical social worker from Chicago, Illinois. I received my masters in social work from the University of Chicago in 2022 with a specialization in trauma-informed care. I work as a clinical supervisor at a community mental health agency on the souths side of Chicago. Apart from therapy, I am a musician, chicago resident, and a proud uncle.

“Life is what happens after we make plans”. I believe life has a way of bringing us to feelings of loneliness, hopelessness, or can become overwhelming causing change at a rapid rate. When these difficulties occur they can lead to depression, anxiety or feeling as though you can not move forward. At times like these it can be helpful to address theses with someone who will help you to begin to move forward again. Therapy is a solution to life’s plans that were not a part of the ones you laid out for yourself. Therapy can get you back moving forward. I am here to get you on that track. I have been in the field of mental health for over seven years. I obtained my Masters in Clinical Social work from Loyola University in 2013. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Illinois specializing in treating those struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma related issues, behavioral issues, and couples counseling. I come from a strengths based perspective. I am driven by the call placed on my life by God for this work. As a faith based counselor I work with my clients to gain the strength within them to move forward. I believe that everyone has an innate ability to move past life’s issues. Together we will work on strategies that will allow you to address the root causes of your difficulties and build meaningful social connections. Using an eclectic approach through psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, attachment, mindfulness and other evidence-based approaches, we will develop more strength in you to get back to a healthier mental focus. I look forward to the opportunity to work with you.

Are you struggling with a life change? Are you feeling stuck and needing a helping hand to move things forward? As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker(LCSW), I take pride in working with people towards wellness. As life challenges can contribute to anxiety and depression, you need to know that you are not alone. Emotional wellness is a part of everyone's life, and we all may benefit from help from time to time.

Hi, I’m Aquanatte Jackson, LCSW, and I truly believe that healing starts with compassion — for yourself, for others, and for the journey you’re on. I’ve spent more than 15 years helping people find peace, clarity, and strength in the middle of life’s hardest moments. I work with individuals who are navigating anxiety, major life transitions, and relationship challenges — including couples who are trying to rebuild connection and communication. My goal is to create a space that feels real, safe, and judgment-free — where you can show up as you are, without pressure or pretense. My approach blends compassion-focused care with evidence-based methods that help you uncover what’s really driving your emotions and patterns — not just manage the surface stuff. I want you to leave each session feeling lighter, more grounded, and more in control of your story. Whether you’re adjusting to change, learning to manage anxiety, or trying to reconnect in your relationship, I’m here to help you move toward healing and growth — one step at a time. Because at the end of the day, my philosophy is simple: together we heal, together we thrive.

Welcome! I am an experienced licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) certified in EMDR. I practice client-centered, strength-based, and feedback-informed approaches in therapy. I encourage a collaborative therapeutic relationship to facilitate healing and growth. Through my work as a therapist, I am reminded daily of the resilient nature of the human spirit. From experiences with disappointment to unimaginable trauma, people find the courage to ask for help and to move forward. It is the greatest privilege to, for a time, join someone on their path to healing. My clients allow me to meet them with support when they struggle and to celebrate their joy when they persevere. There is nothing more encouraging than a conversation about the possibilities of a life a person can create.

I have 20 years of experience working with adults and adolescents from all walks of life. My expertise is in substance abuse, depression, relationships, family concerns, trauma and PTSD. I know sometimes people go through difficult times. They think something’s wrong with them because they have problems. Nothing could be further from the truth. Having difficulties is part of the human experience. Many people pretend they’re okay when they’re not. They keep all their pain and suffering to themselves. They’re afraid if they tell the truth, they’ll be abandoned and rejected. Therapy can open the door for you to stop pretending you’re “fine.” You can find the freedom to be you. Therapy can help you to come out of isolation and start living again. You'll start to feel better because you're showing the real you and you're connecting with someone. Your therapist can be a “loving witness to your pain.”

Hi! I’m Shelly, a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with a passion for supporting individuals on their journey to mental and emotional well-being. I have dedicated my career to empowering children and adolescents to live up to their true potential. After receiving my bachelor’s degree in psychology from Michigan State University, I moved to Chicago to attend graduate school. I received my master’s degree in 1999 and my doctorate in clinical psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology in 2004. My graduate training focused on working with kids and teens with emotional and behavioral challenges. I have over 20 years experience helping individuals with anxiety, depression and life transitions, to name a few areas that I specialize in. I believe in the inherent strength within each person. I work collaboratively with clients to help them discover beliefs, patterns, and behaviors that might be impeding resilience and personal growth. My goal is to create a safe and comfortable space where you can openly explore your innermost thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment. My approach is personable, rooted in compassion and evidence-based practices that foster connection. I strive to help my clients feel empowered as they navigate through all of life’s ups and downs.

I'm Daph, a bilingual psychotherapist (I speak English and Spanish) who was born and raised in Chicago. I work with adults ages 25 and up. I incorporate CBT (cognitive based therapy) into my sessions as I help clients to process and reflect upon their life journey. My goal is always to provide each client with coping mechanisms to navigate life's challenges.

I am so glad you’re here - give yourself a moment for making it this far! I’m Ariel Swanson, LCSW. I’ve been in practice since 2014 in a variety of settings with a variety of people. I’m solution focused and want to work with you to create goals to work towards a healthy future. Think about what brought you here - divorce, mood deregulation, stress or life all together. I’m here for you.

I work with individuals, children and families and offer both long and short-term counseling. My approach is calm & thoughtful, but interactive. I enjoy utilizing a variety of therapy techniques so that each of my clients has a plan that is individualized to their goals. The work you do to learn about & make changes for yourself through therapy can truly be a rewarding experience.

Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a Masters Degree in Clinical Social Work. I have over 11 years of experience in many different capacities of the mental health field. I work with individuals (adults 18 years and up). I do my best to create a warm, inviting, safe, judgement free environment, and meet you where you are at.

Hiram Kirkendall is a U.S Army veteran. Client's who are stuck or at risk and need to make positive changes in their life are the clients that I help the most. Clients will learn skills to make positive changes. Clients who are stuck will learn to remove the anchors from their live. Clients will learn to be forward thinking instead of living in the past. I have a master degree from Chicago state. I have practiced as mental health counselor since 2012.

Hello, I am a licensed clinical social worker located in Chicago, Illinois. I work with people who desire a better understanding of who they are, who their authentic self is and then integrating the authentic self with their identity structure. I also work with those making life transition(s) and require a caring and listening ear to help guide them through the process. I provide individual, couples and family counseling.

Are you avoiding some of life’s most significant moments? Are you overwhelmed or stuck? Is life passing you by with nothing left? Give yourself a little space by taking some time to begin a journey that will help you. In my formal education, I have acquired various certifications and licenses that allow me to provide high-quality clinical services to adults including: 1. Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC): This license enables me to practice as a professional counselor in the state of Illinois. It demonstrates my competency and adherence to ethical standards. 2. Certified Alcohol and Other Drug Addictions Counselor (CAADC): This certification signifies my specialization in helping individuals struggling with substance abuse and addiction. It demonstrates my expertise in treating addiction-related issues. 3. Certified Co-Occurring Disorder Professional (CODP I): This certification further emphasizes my proficiency in working with clients who have co-occurring mental health disorders and substance abuse issues. It allows me to provide comprehensive care and support to individuals with dual diagnoses. 4. Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP-Level 1): This certification validates my knowledge and skills in providing trauma-informed care to clients who have experienced significant psychological distress or trauma. 5. Certified Clinical Complex Trauma Professional (CCTP): This certification recognizes my specialized training and expertise in working with individuals who have endured multiple or ongoing traumas that have deeply impacted their psychological well-being. 6. Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS): This designation indicates that I have met rigorous standards of expertise and experience in providing clinical supervision to aspiring or practicing counselors. It demonstrates my ability to guide and mentor other professionals in the field. These qualifications enable me to provide effective evidence-based therapy while also equipping me with the skills and knowledge to train and support future counselors.

My name is Jenelle Hoyt, I am an award winning Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) with over 10+ years of experience in the helping profession. As a therapist, I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including anxiety, depression, self-esteem and career challenges, as well as emotional and physical trauma to cite a few. I specialize in helping individuals who are not only feeling the stressors of life but also unsure of how to cope with or change these stressors in a positive way. We will work together to create attainable goals that will be reviewed and assessed consistently to ensure that they align with the vision of who you are and want to continue to be.

I love helping people manifest their best lives and provide guidance in getting there. The desire to understand self and be understood by others is innate and I have the deepest respect for those taking steps to improve emotional and mental health. I'm a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with over 20 years of experience working with adults dealing with marital and premarital issues, life transitions, grief, parenting and infertility. I partner to help you gain insight into your development, experiences and explore renewed commitment to your goals.

Through a client-centered, feminist, and trauma-informed lens, I strive to create a safe, non-judgmental, empathic, and collaborative space for healing and growth. Therapy sessions will be designed based on your particular needs and your unique style of working, and are adjustable based on how you are doing the day of the session. I know that clients are the experts in their own lives, and that my work is to provide support while they are navigating their challenges.

Navigating grief and life transitions are integral parts of the therapeutic journey. Coping with loss, whether it's the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or other significant changes, can be incredibly challenging. Similarly, life transitions such as career changes, moving to a new city, or adjusting to parenthood can evoke a range of emotions and uncertainties. As your therapist, I provide support and guidance through these experiences for children, adults, and even fellow therapists. I help you process your emotions, find meaning in your grief, and adapt to life's transitions. Together, we can explore strategies for coping with loss, managing change, and fostering resilience. ​ By acknowledging and addressing grief and life transitions in therapy, we can create a safe space for healing and growth. Whether you're grappling with loss, facing a major life change, or simply seeking support during a challenging time, know that you don't have to navigate these experiences alone. I'm here to walk alongside you on your journey towards healing and personal transformation.

Do you ever feel overwhelmed, anxious and exhausted? Do you wish that you could confide in someone about it? I help individuals work through their issues by using tools to cope and change. Together, we can identify what's not working and get you back to balance. Whether you're dealing with overwhelm, relationship issues or cycles of anxiety and depression, I'm here to help. Seeking therapy can feel scary but you're making the right choice. You deserve a safe space to heal and grow.

Hi, I’m Dominique. I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker dedicated to helping individuals restore balance, find peace, and live with intention. My approach blends evidence-based practices like CBT, DBT, and EMDR with a holistic perspective that honors the mind-body connection. I believe healing happens when we feel safe, seen, and supported. In our work together, you can expect a space where you are free to explore your experiences without judgment, learn tools to manage stress and anxiety, and build confidence in who you are becoming. Whether you’re navigating trauma, relationship challenges, or personal growth, my goal is to help you reconnect with your strength, regain clarity, and create the life you deserve.

I have a MA in Forensic Psychology and am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor based in Illinois. I have been in the field for the last 11 years and I have worked with veterans, law enforcement, teens on probation, families, people with severe mental illness, and adults with intellectual/developmental disability. I like to use my clinical skills to become a support/resource for clients and empower them to feel capable of making positive change.

Hola, soy Liz! I'm a bilingual (fluent in Spanish) licensed clinical social worker and certified alcohol and drug counselor based in Illinois, and my approach to therapy is person-centered with trauma-informed care. This means that I believe you have both the desire and ability to reach self-actualization through personal growth and change, while also considering the impacts of trauma on a person. I became a therapist because of my own life experiences, which have sparked a curiosity in me to get to know the unknown. My own ongoing journey of growth and self-awareness enriches my practice with clients, as it deepens my understanding and compassion towards their own experiences. I identify as Chicana and Mexican-American, which is something that I say with honor and gratitude today. As a daughter of immigrants, I have my own unique experience with growing up in 2 very different cultures, languages and communities, and I'm passionate about advocating for the mental and emotional wellness in our Latinx communities. In our sessions, we'll explore a range of themes, like family and relationship patterns, life stressors, and how your past has impacted you. I specialize in working with people who often feel overwhelmed with heavy emotions or life stressors. Whether that's due to past experiences, relationship issues, low self-esteem, or feelings of hopelessness, together, we can make space for healing. As a bilingual therapist, I also focus on exploring cultural identities and generational patterns within families, providing a safe and compassionate space for exploration and understanding.