Therapists in Chicago, IL

If you're feeling consumed by anxiety, depression, disordered eating, body image issues or OCD behaviors, I am an empathic, personable and non-judgmental therapist who would feel honored to walk along side you towards your goals. Therapy can provide a safe and non-judgemental space to explore your thought and behavioral patterns in greater depth, and provide you with coping tools to help you be less impacted by your distress, and more present in your life.
If you're feeling consumed by anxiety, depression, disordered eating, body image issues or OCD behaviors, I am an empathic, personable and non-judgmental therapist who would feel honored to walk along side you towards your goals. Therapy can provide a safe and non-judgemental space to explore your thought and behavioral patterns in greater depth, and provide you with coping tools to help you be less impacted by your distress, and more present in your life.

Do you want to talk about the unprecedented chaos that has the audacity to show up in your life right now?
I am passionate about supporting individuals through life’s challenges and helping them achieve their emotional and wellness goals. I am dedicated to creating a space where you can be you, while we explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences, both past and present. My approach is grounded in empathy, respect, and a deep understanding of the unique circumstances that each client brings to therapy. I believe that each person is the expert of their own life, and I am here to help you navigate it.
Do you want to talk about the unprecedented chaos that has the audacity to show up in your life right now?
I am passionate about supporting individuals through life’s challenges and helping them achieve their emotional and wellness goals. I am dedicated to creating a space where you can be you, while we explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences, both past and present. My approach is grounded in empathy, respect, and a deep understanding of the unique circumstances that each client brings to therapy. I believe that each person is the expert of their own life, and I am here to help you navigate it.

I believe therapy should be a space made by you and for you. My approach to therapy is rooted in the power of relationships in the healing process. I prioritize building a strong therapeutic relationship, where trust and authenticity are at the foundation. During sessions, it is important to me that clients feel heard and feel like I meet them where they are at. I view the therapy space as a playground, where clients can express themselves freely, gain new insights, and explore ways to infuse those insights into their life.
I believe therapy should be a space made by you and for you. My approach to therapy is rooted in the power of relationships in the healing process. I prioritize building a strong therapeutic relationship, where trust and authenticity are at the foundation. During sessions, it is important to me that clients feel heard and feel like I meet them where they are at. I view the therapy space as a playground, where clients can express themselves freely, gain new insights, and explore ways to infuse those insights into their life.

If you notice that you are stuck in a negative pattern, you may feel powerless and hopeless about change. Let's work together to identify where you are stuck and what keeps you from thriving. Let's identify your strengths and leverage the gifts and talents you have to combat the struggles you continue to endure. Everyone encounters challenges in this life. Let's work together to overcome barriers and ensure nothing stands in your way of living an abundant life.
If you notice that you are stuck in a negative pattern, you may feel powerless and hopeless about change. Let's work together to identify where you are stuck and what keeps you from thriving. Let's identify your strengths and leverage the gifts and talents you have to combat the struggles you continue to endure. Everyone encounters challenges in this life. Let's work together to overcome barriers and ensure nothing stands in your way of living an abundant life.

Do you find yourself caught in a cycle of self-criticism, leading to persistent feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness? Do your emotions sometimes overwhelm you, resulting in reactions that feel disproportionate to the situation? Navigating relationships can become even more challenging when affected by family dynamics. Maybe you have been having concerns with relationships, trauma, anxiety, depression, grief/ loss, career/school stress, life transitions, and self-harm. Perhaps you’ve become discouraged by your attempts to help yourself. That’s what I’m here for.
Do you find yourself caught in a cycle of self-criticism, leading to persistent feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness? Do your emotions sometimes overwhelm you, resulting in reactions that feel disproportionate to the situation? Navigating relationships can become even more challenging when affected by family dynamics. Maybe you have been having concerns with relationships, trauma, anxiety, depression, grief/ loss, career/school stress, life transitions, and self-harm. Perhaps you’ve become discouraged by your attempts to help yourself. That’s what I’m here for.

It can feel extremely discouraging when you look at your partner and feel like the spark or flame that brought you together is now dwindling. We find ourselves in patterns that have become comfortable or too familiar and don't know how to break out of them. Often times we don't know where to begin when creating relationship goals and increasing the connection we once felt with one another. Our therapy space is one where curiosity and authenticity are inherently invited. Together, we make sense of all the moments, interactions, traumas, narratives, and experiences that shaped your relationship and find a new normal.
It can feel extremely discouraging when you look at your partner and feel like the spark or flame that brought you together is now dwindling. We find ourselves in patterns that have become comfortable or too familiar and don't know how to break out of them. Often times we don't know where to begin when creating relationship goals and increasing the connection we once felt with one another. Our therapy space is one where curiosity and authenticity are inherently invited. Together, we make sense of all the moments, interactions, traumas, narratives, and experiences that shaped your relationship and find a new normal.

Shezelle McCaskill
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Online Only
As a therapist I understand that people seek therapy for a range of clinical and or life issues, however, the overall goal is to become one's best self. If that is your goal I am the therapist for you! Most of us will experience challenging situations as we go through life. These situations can leave us with emotional wounds, unresolved trauma, or difficulty managing emotions.
As a therapist I understand that people seek therapy for a range of clinical and or life issues, however, the overall goal is to become one's best self. If that is your goal I am the therapist for you! Most of us will experience challenging situations as we go through life. These situations can leave us with emotional wounds, unresolved trauma, or difficulty managing emotions.

At Willis CC, our guests are encouraged to challenge themselves & find new ways to cope with life’s challenges. We believe to be human is to experience pain. We believe suffering, while part of the human experience, is not the identity of our humanity. Therefore, helping you hold pain lightly & with compassion while taking action to change your life is essentially what therapy is all about. We are dedicated to offering support & nurturance to those seeking a new direction while holding onto their values. You don’t have to see a therapist for the rest of your life, in fact, the sooner you need us less, the better for everyone!
At Willis CC, our guests are encouraged to challenge themselves & find new ways to cope with life’s challenges. We believe to be human is to experience pain. We believe suffering, while part of the human experience, is not the identity of our humanity. Therefore, helping you hold pain lightly & with compassion while taking action to change your life is essentially what therapy is all about. We are dedicated to offering support & nurturance to those seeking a new direction while holding onto their values. You don’t have to see a therapist for the rest of your life, in fact, the sooner you need us less, the better for everyone!

Curious about your wellness journey? Let's explore together! Maybe you realize you're ready to start on a path to healing and self-discovery? Perhaps you've been feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, stress, or anger and are seeking tools to regain your sense of peace and balance? Or, are you looking to navigate the difficult parts of a relationship, like improving communication, addressing conflicts, or finding greater intimacy and connection? Whatever your motivation, your well-being matters, and I'm here to provide the guidance and support you're seeking. Let's start the journey now and connect today!
Curious about your wellness journey? Let's explore together! Maybe you realize you're ready to start on a path to healing and self-discovery? Perhaps you've been feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, stress, or anger and are seeking tools to regain your sense of peace and balance? Or, are you looking to navigate the difficult parts of a relationship, like improving communication, addressing conflicts, or finding greater intimacy and connection? Whatever your motivation, your well-being matters, and I'm here to provide the guidance and support you're seeking. Let's start the journey now and connect today!

I have experience providing talk therapy to sexual assault survivors. I also have experience working with women, men, couples, and LGBTQIA+ populations. My experience includes working with Post-Partum Depression, intimacy related issues, anxiety, depression, trauma, interpersonal/relational issues, and day to day stressors. I am particularly passionate about working with Black and Brown people, fat folks (with a body-positive lenses), LGBTQIA+ identities, and non-monogamous/polyamorous communities. This is a kink, BDSM, ENM, and sex work friendly and affirming space for all.
I have experience providing talk therapy to sexual assault survivors. I also have experience working with women, men, couples, and LGBTQIA+ populations. My experience includes working with Post-Partum Depression, intimacy related issues, anxiety, depression, trauma, interpersonal/relational issues, and day to day stressors. I am particularly passionate about working with Black and Brown people, fat folks (with a body-positive lenses), LGBTQIA+ identities, and non-monogamous/polyamorous communities. This is a kink, BDSM, ENM, and sex work friendly and affirming space for all.

Hi there, I'm Lexi! As a therapist, I’m passionate about helping people find their voice to feel truly seen and heard, and I strive to tailor my approach to your individual needs. I believe therapy can be more than just talking; it’s also about gaining a deeper understanding of your mental health, how daily stressors and our upbringing may influence your well-being and how to move forward, while also building practical coping skills. As a military spouse, I have a unique appreciation of how stressful life can be when there are events going on outside of our control and I often utilize mindfulness practices to remain present.
Hi there, I'm Lexi! As a therapist, I’m passionate about helping people find their voice to feel truly seen and heard, and I strive to tailor my approach to your individual needs. I believe therapy can be more than just talking; it’s also about gaining a deeper understanding of your mental health, how daily stressors and our upbringing may influence your well-being and how to move forward, while also building practical coping skills. As a military spouse, I have a unique appreciation of how stressful life can be when there are events going on outside of our control and I often utilize mindfulness practices to remain present.
Meet Our Therapists

Leif Alexander Longstreth
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60641
At the end of the day, my ideal client is someone that is not only open to learning about the counseling experience but is someone that wants to learn with me, how we can proctor growth and healing within each session, for you. I support individuals, have interest in couples, dealing with varying forms of things: relationship stressors, anxiety, depression, intimacy, life transitions, and self esteem. I am queer identifying myself, so within session I am sex positive, LGBTQIA+ affirming, empowering to any individual that walks through my door and willing to learn with you how I can make you feel better than when you walked in.
At the end of the day, my ideal client is someone that is not only open to learning about the counseling experience but is someone that wants to learn with me, how we can proctor growth and healing within each session, for you. I support individuals, have interest in couples, dealing with varying forms of things: relationship stressors, anxiety, depression, intimacy, life transitions, and self esteem. I am queer identifying myself, so within session I am sex positive, LGBTQIA+ affirming, empowering to any individual that walks through my door and willing to learn with you how I can make you feel better than when you walked in.

Melanie Brown
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
My goal is to help you strengthen the relationship with yourself, so you can create the life you want. By becoming the observer of your inner mental world, you can gain insight and understanding of beliefs, thoughts, and feelings that create discomfort in your life. Through the therapeutic process, you can learn coping skills for navigating intense feelings, like anger or anxiety, so they do not control your behavior. You can identify boundaries you might need and rewrite disempowering narratives that lead to anxiety, sadness, or conflict with others.
My goal is to help you strengthen the relationship with yourself, so you can create the life you want. By becoming the observer of your inner mental world, you can gain insight and understanding of beliefs, thoughts, and feelings that create discomfort in your life. Through the therapeutic process, you can learn coping skills for navigating intense feelings, like anger or anxiety, so they do not control your behavior. You can identify boundaries you might need and rewrite disempowering narratives that lead to anxiety, sadness, or conflict with others.

You’re trying to overcome the effects of trauma or you’re having difficulty coping with a recent life transition, such as adjusting to college, a new career, relationship issues, or a new diagnosis. You feel like you have tried everything to manage your anxiety or depression, but you’re just feeling stuck. Making long-lasting change can be difficult, but therapy can help you to discover new ways of coping. Together, we will take steps to meet your goals and bring awareness to patterns of thoughts and behaviors that have developed over time.
You’re trying to overcome the effects of trauma or you’re having difficulty coping with a recent life transition, such as adjusting to college, a new career, relationship issues, or a new diagnosis. You feel like you have tried everything to manage your anxiety or depression, but you’re just feeling stuck. Making long-lasting change can be difficult, but therapy can help you to discover new ways of coping. Together, we will take steps to meet your goals and bring awareness to patterns of thoughts and behaviors that have developed over time.

Hi! I'm Karen and I am excited to meet you. I enjoy being a part of my clients' journeys as they explore challenges, concerns related to anxiety and depression, and the ups and downs of life. I will meet you where you are at with a non-judgmental and curious attitude. Together we will explore and examine what you are experiencing currently and what you would like your future to look like and then we will be on our way!
Hi! I'm Karen and I am excited to meet you. I enjoy being a part of my clients' journeys as they explore challenges, concerns related to anxiety and depression, and the ups and downs of life. I will meet you where you are at with a non-judgmental and curious attitude. Together we will explore and examine what you are experiencing currently and what you would like your future to look like and then we will be on our way!

As a first-generation woman of color, I bring extensive experience to support women of all ages, from young adults to those in their middle years and seniors. During life transitions, challenges can feel overwhelming, leaving us feeling conflicted, frustrated, or disconnected. My focus is to help you heal within, build confidence in your decision-making, and navigate challenging relationships with family, friends, and in-laws.
As a first-generation woman of color, I bring extensive experience to support women of all ages, from young adults to those in their middle years and seniors. During life transitions, challenges can feel overwhelming, leaving us feeling conflicted, frustrated, or disconnected. My focus is to help you heal within, build confidence in your decision-making, and navigate challenging relationships with family, friends, and in-laws.

The start of therapy is often a painful or stressful time. I will work with you to improve your current life and increase your future resilience. I believe the foundation of this work is often the experience of being truly heard. There are stories behind the things we do and the feelings we have. We usually know parts of these stories, but therapy helps us to know more. As we come to know more, we gain more control, and it becomes easier to meet life’s challenges. Additionally, we become better at seeing people and situations for what they really are, which helps us to avoid ruts at work and in our relationships.
The start of therapy is often a painful or stressful time. I will work with you to improve your current life and increase your future resilience. I believe the foundation of this work is often the experience of being truly heard. There are stories behind the things we do and the feelings we have. We usually know parts of these stories, but therapy helps us to know more. As we come to know more, we gain more control, and it becomes easier to meet life’s challenges. Additionally, we become better at seeing people and situations for what they really are, which helps us to avoid ruts at work and in our relationships.

My goal is to help clients feel empowered by gaining understanding of self and then creating lasting change - especially as it relates to OCD, neurodivergence, LGBTQIA+ topics and PTSD.
Common OCD topics I treat: gender identity, sexual orientation, sexual concerns, relationship OCD, harm and morality.
When treating OCD and anxiety, I primarily use I-CBT (Inference-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) which focuses on how self-doubt fuels OCD symptoms. I-CBT is a cutting-edge and research-based approach that leads to lasting management and even "recovery" of symptoms. I-CBT is a very structured approach. I am also trained in ERP.
My goal is to help clients feel empowered by gaining understanding of self and then creating lasting change - especially as it relates to OCD, neurodivergence, LGBTQIA+ topics and PTSD.
Common OCD topics I treat: gender identity, sexual orientation, sexual concerns, relationship OCD, harm and morality.
When treating OCD and anxiety, I primarily use I-CBT (Inference-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) which focuses on how self-doubt fuels OCD symptoms. I-CBT is a cutting-edge and research-based approach that leads to lasting management and even "recovery" of symptoms. I-CBT is a very structured approach. I am also trained in ERP.

Adoption is a lifelong journey with its share of joys and challenges. Those challenges can include complex emotional, psychological, and social dynamics that span from processing grief and loss to navigating one's identity and relationships. When challenges arise, we at Adoption Center of IL (ACI) provide a space for anyone impacted by adoption to receive therapy tailored to their unique experiences and stories. We provide adoption competent therapy, which promotes understanding of one’s self, story, and future in a setting where you don't have to explain to us why adoption is significant.
Adoption is a lifelong journey with its share of joys and challenges. Those challenges can include complex emotional, psychological, and social dynamics that span from processing grief and loss to navigating one's identity and relationships. When challenges arise, we at Adoption Center of IL (ACI) provide a space for anyone impacted by adoption to receive therapy tailored to their unique experiences and stories. We provide adoption competent therapy, which promotes understanding of one’s self, story, and future in a setting where you don't have to explain to us why adoption is significant.

I see therapy as a secure space where people can explore who they are and how they can overcome whatever obstacles they may face without fear of judgment. I approach my position with compassion, patience, and a sense of humor. Opening up to a stranger is not easy, and I respect the work it takes on a client's end to participate in therapy. Clients can gain a greater sense of insight into who they are by reflecting on their identity, life experiences, and relationships with themselves and others. My background includes work with survivors of childhood trauma, LGBTQ+ clients, older adults, refugees, and young men.
I see therapy as a secure space where people can explore who they are and how they can overcome whatever obstacles they may face without fear of judgment. I approach my position with compassion, patience, and a sense of humor. Opening up to a stranger is not easy, and I respect the work it takes on a client's end to participate in therapy. Clients can gain a greater sense of insight into who they are by reflecting on their identity, life experiences, and relationships with themselves and others. My background includes work with survivors of childhood trauma, LGBTQ+ clients, older adults, refugees, and young men.
See more therapy options for Chicago
How does your Therapist compare?
Number of Therapists in Chicago, IL
3,000+
Average cost per session
$154
Therapists in Chicago, IL who prioritize treating:
93% | Anxiety |
88% | Depression |
77% | Relationship Issues |
76% | Self Esteem |
70% | Trauma and PTSD |
67% | Life Transitions |
66% | Stress |
Average years in practice
10 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
94% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
67% | Aetna |
49% | Cigna and Evernorth |
How Therapists in Chicago, IL see their clients
60% | In Person and Online | |
40% | 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.