Therapists in Chicago, IL

I enjoy working with clients of all ages from children to adolescents, and adults. I received my first masters degree in developmental psychology and I am well equipped to help children and/or families navigate emotion regulation and emotional development. Through my training as a marriage and family therapist I am specialized in working with couples and families, however I also work with individuals! In my work with adults and couples, I believe that fostering an understanding of ourselves and our loved ones is essential for healthy relationships.
I enjoy working with clients of all ages from children to adolescents, and adults. I received my first masters degree in developmental psychology and I am well equipped to help children and/or families navigate emotion regulation and emotional development. Through my training as a marriage and family therapist I am specialized in working with couples and families, however I also work with individuals! In my work with adults and couples, I believe that fostering an understanding of ourselves and our loved ones is essential for healthy relationships.

Are you having difficulty completing work assignments or other tasks? Do you constantly run late for appointments, work or other commitments? Do you procrastinate and avoid? Does organizing your home and life seem impossible? Do you have brain fog, difficulty concentrating, focusing or feel fatigued, anxious, sad or depressed? I can help you develop skills and coping mechanisms to reduce your symptoms and improve your well being and quality of life.
Are you having difficulty completing work assignments or other tasks? Do you constantly run late for appointments, work or other commitments? Do you procrastinate and avoid? Does organizing your home and life seem impossible? Do you have brain fog, difficulty concentrating, focusing or feel fatigued, anxious, sad or depressed? I can help you develop skills and coping mechanisms to reduce your symptoms and improve your well being and quality of life.

Adolescence and adulthood are filled with transitions and emotional experiences. At times, you may need some support along the way. Whether you are grappling with the unique challenges of ADHD, feeling overwhelmed by anxiety or depression, facing significant life changes, or looking to establish balance in your life, I am here to offer space for you.
Adolescence and adulthood are filled with transitions and emotional experiences. At times, you may need some support along the way. Whether you are grappling with the unique challenges of ADHD, feeling overwhelmed by anxiety or depression, facing significant life changes, or looking to establish balance in your life, I am here to offer space for you.

Merissa Malacara
Psychologist, PsyD, PsyPact
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60657
Not accepting new clients
As a licensed clinical psychologist, I have extensive experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families. I often work with individuals and families going through difficult adjustments, such as the birth of a new child, divorce, grief, or career struggles. Educated in psychodynamic psychotherapy and incorporating cognitive behavioral strategies, I aim to provide therapy with an empathic approach while helping the client process earlier life experiences and implement healthier coping skills.
As a licensed clinical psychologist, I have extensive experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families. I often work with individuals and families going through difficult adjustments, such as the birth of a new child, divorce, grief, or career struggles. Educated in psychodynamic psychotherapy and incorporating cognitive behavioral strategies, I aim to provide therapy with an empathic approach while helping the client process earlier life experiences and implement healthier coping skills.

It is incredibly important for an individual's emotional, mental, spiritual, and physical components to work well together. I intend to approach every client from a holistic, person-centered, and emotionally focused framework to reach their goals. I enjoy walking alongside individuals and couples as they navigate trauma, relationship challenges, transitions, anxiety, and depression.
It is incredibly important for an individual's emotional, mental, spiritual, and physical components to work well together. I intend to approach every client from a holistic, person-centered, and emotionally focused framework to reach their goals. I enjoy walking alongside individuals and couples as they navigate trauma, relationship challenges, transitions, anxiety, and depression.

You are not alone. Fear, anger, anxiety, insecurity are some ways our minds informs us that we are in need of something more. Maybe it is quitting an unhealthy habit, discovering who you are, or setting new boundaries in relationships. I will work with you to discover how to change the behavior or thought patterns that may be keeping you from thriving and feeling empowered in your own life.
You are not alone. Fear, anger, anxiety, insecurity are some ways our minds informs us that we are in need of something more. Maybe it is quitting an unhealthy habit, discovering who you are, or setting new boundaries in relationships. I will work with you to discover how to change the behavior or thought patterns that may be keeping you from thriving and feeling empowered in your own life.

As a relational therapist, I focus on supporting and witnessing clients in finding healing, connection, resolution, and repair to build a life and relationships that honor their values and imagination. Therapy is an opportunity for liberation from dominant social narratives that don’t work for us as individuals or in our relationships, and I recognize the often intergenerational and ongoing trauma of struggling against those narratives. Struggling in this way can disconnect us from ourselves and our intuition, and therapy can work through those barriers to reconnect us by recovering our innate curiosity and compassion for ourselves.
As a relational therapist, I focus on supporting and witnessing clients in finding healing, connection, resolution, and repair to build a life and relationships that honor their values and imagination. Therapy is an opportunity for liberation from dominant social narratives that don’t work for us as individuals or in our relationships, and I recognize the often intergenerational and ongoing trauma of struggling against those narratives. Struggling in this way can disconnect us from ourselves and our intuition, and therapy can work through those barriers to reconnect us by recovering our innate curiosity and compassion for ourselves.

Jamelle Apolinar
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60614
Not accepting new clients
Life can feel overwhelming, especially when negative thoughts take over. If you’re feeling stuck, unsure, or questioning whether things can truly get better, know that you’re not alone—and that change is possible. As a Filipina American, I understand the challenges of balancing cultural expectations, identity, and personal growth. Together, we’ll navigate your struggles and build tools to help you thrive.
Life can feel overwhelming, especially when negative thoughts take over. If you’re feeling stuck, unsure, or questioning whether things can truly get better, know that you’re not alone—and that change is possible. As a Filipina American, I understand the challenges of balancing cultural expectations, identity, and personal growth. Together, we’ll navigate your struggles and build tools to help you thrive.

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with eight years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in a variety of settings, including residential care, foster care, and private practice. I have a passion for helping individuals who are struggling with anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, PTSD, relationships, communication, anger management, and social skills.
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with eight years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in a variety of settings, including residential care, foster care, and private practice. I have a passion for helping individuals who are struggling with anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, PTSD, relationships, communication, anger management, and social skills.

Hi! I'm Katie, I work at Practical Audacity in Chicago. None of us exists in a vacuum. We exist in relationships with families of origin, kin of choice, partners, co-workers, communities, and systems, each of which can be sources of nourishment or harm, helpful or less-helpful habits, and affirming or invalidating perspectives. Healing from trauma requires us to explore our own identities and relationship experiences so that we can find our own way towards a life of meaning, lived as our authentic selves. We are more than our hurts, symptoms, and social positions. Our motivations and desires change throughout our lives.
Hi! I'm Katie, I work at Practical Audacity in Chicago. None of us exists in a vacuum. We exist in relationships with families of origin, kin of choice, partners, co-workers, communities, and systems, each of which can be sources of nourishment or harm, helpful or less-helpful habits, and affirming or invalidating perspectives. Healing from trauma requires us to explore our own identities and relationship experiences so that we can find our own way towards a life of meaning, lived as our authentic selves. We are more than our hurts, symptoms, and social positions. Our motivations and desires change throughout our lives.

My personal approach to therapy and assessment utilizes a compassionate, non-judgmental, encouraging style. I work with clients to clarify their values, goals, and the meanings they create in their lives with a focus on how they address the five tasks of life: love, work, friendship, self-care, and spirituality. Treatment planning consists of developing strategies and skills to master these life tasks. Assessment includes Fitness, Sanity, and Mitigation Evaluations, Damages Assessment, USCIS N-648 evaluations and more.
My personal approach to therapy and assessment utilizes a compassionate, non-judgmental, encouraging style. I work with clients to clarify their values, goals, and the meanings they create in their lives with a focus on how they address the five tasks of life: love, work, friendship, self-care, and spirituality. Treatment planning consists of developing strategies and skills to master these life tasks. Assessment includes Fitness, Sanity, and Mitigation Evaluations, Damages Assessment, USCIS N-648 evaluations and more.
Meet Our Therapists

Sometimes, we feel something is stopping us from being the person we know ourselves to be. In individual therapy, it is my hope to help you identify those obstacles and work with you to achieve your goals. My approach to therapy is to prioritize cultural humility and empathy as we explore how your lived experiences shape your beliefs about yourself and the world. I will ask questions to spark new perspectives and gently offer my insight without judgment.
Sometimes, we feel something is stopping us from being the person we know ourselves to be. In individual therapy, it is my hope to help you identify those obstacles and work with you to achieve your goals. My approach to therapy is to prioritize cultural humility and empathy as we explore how your lived experiences shape your beliefs about yourself and the world. I will ask questions to spark new perspectives and gently offer my insight without judgment.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Lombard, Illinois, and work with clients statewide via telehealth. I have over 10 years of experience working on behalf of clients of all ages. I specialize in mood and anxiety disorders, stress, trauma, and women's issues using evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help clients achieve their goals and improve their overall health and wellness. Although my approach to therapy varies based on client needs, I always view each client through a strengths-based, trauma-informed, and holistic lens.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Lombard, Illinois, and work with clients statewide via telehealth. I have over 10 years of experience working on behalf of clients of all ages. I specialize in mood and anxiety disorders, stress, trauma, and women's issues using evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help clients achieve their goals and improve their overall health and wellness. Although my approach to therapy varies based on client needs, I always view each client through a strengths-based, trauma-informed, and holistic lens.

It take tremendous courage to change. My ideal client is someone who is courageously facing life's challenges and seeking meaningful growth. You may be grappling with complex or childhood trauma, grief, troubled relationships, work-related stress, addiction, or difficulties resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. You desire a brighter future and a sense of connection and belonging. My intention is to empower you, offering dedicated guidance and support on your transformative journey towards renewed strength and purposeful living. Together, we will navigate the depths of suffering to discover your inner resilience and fulfillment.
It take tremendous courage to change. My ideal client is someone who is courageously facing life's challenges and seeking meaningful growth. You may be grappling with complex or childhood trauma, grief, troubled relationships, work-related stress, addiction, or difficulties resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. You desire a brighter future and a sense of connection and belonging. My intention is to empower you, offering dedicated guidance and support on your transformative journey towards renewed strength and purposeful living. Together, we will navigate the depths of suffering to discover your inner resilience and fulfillment.

There is no timeline for healing - Together we can build a safe and collaborative space that fosters growth. I aim to incorporate humor and wit within our sessions, while balancing our goals for therapy. I strive to approach therapy with authenticity and compassion, and believe that each individual requires a personalized therapeutic approach. Additionally, I use an integrative approach to therapy with a focus on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Attachment and Psychodynamic Therapy, as well as Somatic and Relational Therapy.
There is no timeline for healing - Together we can build a safe and collaborative space that fosters growth. I aim to incorporate humor and wit within our sessions, while balancing our goals for therapy. I strive to approach therapy with authenticity and compassion, and believe that each individual requires a personalized therapeutic approach. Additionally, I use an integrative approach to therapy with a focus on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Attachment and Psychodynamic Therapy, as well as Somatic and Relational Therapy.

Sometimes life stress piles up and we find ourselves needing to talk things through with someone. Starting or returning to therapy is a courageous step so it’s important to find the right therapist. I work with people who may be struggling with anxiety at work or in relationships, emotional pain from the past, struggles with sex and intimacy, and navigating life transitions. Often times my clients want to see changes take shape in their life. These changes may look like feeling more confident and self-assured, more present with the people they care most about, enjoying a more fulfilling sex life, and a sense of self-mastery.
Sometimes life stress piles up and we find ourselves needing to talk things through with someone. Starting or returning to therapy is a courageous step so it’s important to find the right therapist. I work with people who may be struggling with anxiety at work or in relationships, emotional pain from the past, struggles with sex and intimacy, and navigating life transitions. Often times my clients want to see changes take shape in their life. These changes may look like feeling more confident and self-assured, more present with the people they care most about, enjoying a more fulfilling sex life, and a sense of self-mastery.

I take a direct no-nonsense approach to what’s getting in the way of the sex life and relationship you desire. Whether you're struggling to "perform", your relationship dynamic keeps returning to the same problem, or you've lost the spark, it's never to late to start again. I provide a non-judgmental way for you to unfold back into feeling yourself. I choose to be a coach despite training as a therapist because it allows me more flexibility in treatment modality. In addition, I teach sex and relationship workshops to therapists and have multiple credentials and years of training in human sexuality and couples therapy.
I take a direct no-nonsense approach to what’s getting in the way of the sex life and relationship you desire. Whether you're struggling to "perform", your relationship dynamic keeps returning to the same problem, or you've lost the spark, it's never to late to start again. I provide a non-judgmental way for you to unfold back into feeling yourself. I choose to be a coach despite training as a therapist because it allows me more flexibility in treatment modality. In addition, I teach sex and relationship workshops to therapists and have multiple credentials and years of training in human sexuality and couples therapy.

Finding the right therapist is like trying to find the right pair of jeans. Shopping and searching can be overwhelming, but the reward of finding what works is beyond measure. To those experiencing trauma, relational conflicts, and/ or life transitions, know that though change can be daunting, you can rest assured that I will support and guide you every step of the way.
Finding the right therapist is like trying to find the right pair of jeans. Shopping and searching can be overwhelming, but the reward of finding what works is beyond measure. To those experiencing trauma, relational conflicts, and/ or life transitions, know that though change can be daunting, you can rest assured that I will support and guide you every step of the way.

Stacy Olandezos
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
Do you feel your anxiety or depression is holding you back from living the life you want to live? Do you feel stuck and not where you want to be in life? Or you want to make a change but not sure what that looks like? Do you want to live your best life but not sure where to start?
Do you feel your anxiety or depression is holding you back from living the life you want to live? Do you feel stuck and not where you want to be in life? Or you want to make a change but not sure what that looks like? Do you want to live your best life but not sure where to start?

As a clinical psychologist, I have spent my career specializing in relationship and family issues, different phase-of-life transitions and substance abuse counseling. My passion and focus is the issues that arise as couples and families manage transitions through the family life cycle. My years of training and experience working with high conflict communication styles, difficult dynamics and phase of life issues has made me uniquely well-equipped to handle most individuals, couples and families.
As a clinical psychologist, I have spent my career specializing in relationship and family issues, different phase-of-life transitions and substance abuse counseling. My passion and focus is the issues that arise as couples and families manage transitions through the family life cycle. My years of training and experience working with high conflict communication styles, difficult dynamics and phase of life issues has made me uniquely well-equipped to handle most individuals, couples and families.
See more therapy options for Chicago
How does your Therapist compare?
Number of Therapists in Chicago, IL
3,000+
Average cost per session
$155
Therapists in Chicago, IL who prioritize treating:
93% | Anxiety |
88% | Depression |
77% | Relationship Issues |
76% | Self Esteem |
70% | Trauma and PTSD |
67% | Stress |
67% | Life Transitions |
Average years in practice
10 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
94% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
69% | Aetna |
51% | Cigna and Evernorth |
How Therapists in Chicago, IL see their clients
58% | In Person and Online | |
42% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
78% | Female | |
19% | Male | |
3% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling
How can I find a therapist in Chicago?
Search for nearby therapists or counselors by inputting your city, town, or suburb; or zip code; or a provider’s name into the search bar. From there, you can filter providers by the issues they treat, cost, insurance, gender, and other factors to find providers who are well-suited to your needs. To navigate between locations within the same country, enter a new city or zip code into the search bar.
Learn more about how to find a therapist
Learn more about how to find a therapist
Is everyone in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory a licensed therapist?
The Psychology Today directory lists providers who offer legitimate mental health services to the public, including psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and counselors.
Many have been licensed by the country or state where they practice; providers whose license or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Some clinicians or organizations provide services for which their state or country does not offer licenses, such as pastoral counseling. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
Many have been licensed by the country or state where they practice; providers whose license or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Some clinicians or organizations provide services for which their state or country does not offer licenses, such as pastoral counseling. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
What’s the difference between a psychologist, a therapist, and a counselor?
Therapists, psychologists, and counselors are all licensed mental health professionals. In the US, psychologists have earned a doctoral degree. The terms “therapist” and “counselor” are used somewhat interchangeably, but generally therapists offer longer-term, mental health care, while counselors offer shorter-term care that may focus on one domain, such as marriage, career, or academic challenges.
Clients should consider factors such as insurance coverage and their primary reason(s) for seeking therapy to determine the type of professional best suited to their needs. Someone struggling with mental health challenges such as depression or anxiety, for example, may wish to seek out a clinical psychologist or therapist, while someone navigating career obstacles or marital upheaval may benefit from seeing a counselor who can offer short-term, targeted support.
Clients should consider factors such as insurance coverage and their primary reason(s) for seeking therapy to determine the type of professional best suited to their needs. Someone struggling with mental health challenges such as depression or anxiety, for example, may wish to seek out a clinical psychologist or therapist, while someone navigating career obstacles or marital upheaval may benefit from seeing a counselor who can offer short-term, targeted support.
What type of therapy is right for me?
The type of therapy best suited to a particular individual depends on several factors, including their primary reason for seeking therapy, their preferred timeline (some therapy types last for a set number of sessions, while others are open-ended), and their personality and preferences—some may prefer a more structured approach. For many individuals, multiple types of therapy could provide a good fit.
How much does therapy cost?
The cost of therapy depends on a number of variables, including location and the therapist’s experience and training. On average, a therapy session in the United States could cost between $100 and $200 or more. If you have insurance, the expense of mental health care is typically lower, but it varies based on your insurance plan details and whether you choose an in-network or out-of-network mental healthcare provider.
What are more affordable or low cost therapy solutions?
Many therapists offer sliding scale payments, usually on a limited number of slots, which consists in an agreement between the therapist and a client to pay a reduced rate. Therapists who provide such arrangements often consider the client's income or ability to pay, but the extent of the discount is ultimately at the therapist's discretion. Furthermore, while group therapy may have different goals and benefits compared to individual therapy, it can be a more affordable solution to address certain types of issues.
Is online therapy cheaper than in-person therapy?
Many therapists charge the same amount for online therapy as they do for in-person therapy—though clients may still find this cost-effective if it cuts down on their transportation costs. Health insurance plans often offer equivalent coverage for online and in-person therapy; indeed, in many places, they are legally required to do so. Text-based or on-demand therapy apps may be cheaper than traditional one-on-one psychotherapy; however, the practice may be less effective and is not likely to be covered by insurance.
Is online therapy a good option?
Therapy conducted online can be just as effective as in-person therapy, as long as there is a strong alliance between the client and the therapist. To find a therapist who provides telehealth services to clients in your area, click “Online Therapy” on the directory homepage and search by your city or town or your zip code.
Are therapy sessions confidential?
Confidentiality is a crucial part of the therapeutic relationship. Therapists in the United States are bound by the regulations set out by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), which aims to protect sensitive health information. With very few exceptions, a therapist will only discuss their client with others when the client has given their written permission. The instances in which a therapist would be required to disclose personal information are: if a client poses a danger to themselves or others, if the therapist suspects the abuse of a child or an elderly or otherwise dependent adult, or if they are legally forced to by court order. These exceptions to the confidentiality agreement are usually discussed with a client before their first session.