Therapists in Chicago, IL
You might feel overwhelmed by your emotions or confused by reactions you don’t fully understand. Maybe anxiety keeps your mind racing, or you find yourself stuck in patterns that leave you feeling disconnected from yourself and others. Even when life looks “fine” on the outside, something inside doesn’t feel settled.
Therapy can be a place to slow down and begin making sense of what you’re feeling rather than pushing those emotions aside. Together, we can explore the experiences, patterns, and beliefs that shape how you move through the world.
You might feel overwhelmed by your emotions or confused by reactions you don’t fully understand. Maybe anxiety keeps your mind racing, or you find yourself stuck in patterns that leave you feeling disconnected from yourself and others. Even when life looks “fine” on the outside, something inside doesn’t feel settled.
Therapy can be a place to slow down and begin making sense of what you’re feeling rather than pushing those emotions aside. Together, we can explore the experiences, patterns, and beliefs that shape how you move through the world.
One of my biggest priorities as a therapist is to make therapy accessible to individuals of all backgrounds. This means not only creating a warm and accepting space in which clients can feel supported and seen, but potentially exploring individuals’ experiences with power and oppression. This can also include a deeper examination of how our culture, religion, race, sexual identity, and more, intersect and shape our daily life. As an immigrant from the MENA region, I am interested in multicultural approaches within psychology, particularly strength-based approaches that seek to empower individuals from marginalized communities.
One of my biggest priorities as a therapist is to make therapy accessible to individuals of all backgrounds. This means not only creating a warm and accepting space in which clients can feel supported and seen, but potentially exploring individuals’ experiences with power and oppression. This can also include a deeper examination of how our culture, religion, race, sexual identity, and more, intersect and shape our daily life. As an immigrant from the MENA region, I am interested in multicultural approaches within psychology, particularly strength-based approaches that seek to empower individuals from marginalized communities.
Taking the first step to begin therapy can be a challenging one, and finding the right therapist is an important piece. I take a supportive, non-judgmental approach to therapy and start off by creating a safe space to allow a strong therapeutic relationship to form. I give my clients the space to describe their challenges and hardships. Along the way, I help clients develop coping skills as well as awareness into their patterns and behaviors, and systemic factors, in order to create positive changes in their lives. I support all parts of clients’ histories, inviting honest exploration into the complexities of their experiences.
Taking the first step to begin therapy can be a challenging one, and finding the right therapist is an important piece. I take a supportive, non-judgmental approach to therapy and start off by creating a safe space to allow a strong therapeutic relationship to form. I give my clients the space to describe their challenges and hardships. Along the way, I help clients develop coping skills as well as awareness into their patterns and behaviors, and systemic factors, in order to create positive changes in their lives. I support all parts of clients’ histories, inviting honest exploration into the complexities of their experiences.
I am the founder of Lincoln Park Psychology and I work with people of all ages. I am often sought out for high-risk adolescents, patients with low self-image, those managing emotional instability, and navigating relationship issues (peer or romantic). I work closely with you to identify triggers and patterns, and set realistic and collaborative goals for change. The space is safe, but also, we have a lot of fun. My clients would tell you that I am a real person, who can see them without judgment, creating a space in which we can admit our human flaws, and laugh at ourselves while we work toward change.
I am the founder of Lincoln Park Psychology and I work with people of all ages. I am often sought out for high-risk adolescents, patients with low self-image, those managing emotional instability, and navigating relationship issues (peer or romantic). I work closely with you to identify triggers and patterns, and set realistic and collaborative goals for change. The space is safe, but also, we have a lot of fun. My clients would tell you that I am a real person, who can see them without judgment, creating a space in which we can admit our human flaws, and laugh at ourselves while we work toward change.
Do you have a space where you can show up exactly as you are? A space where all parts of your identity are seen, heard, and honored? If not, you're not alone—and you deserve one.
I’m a dance/movement therapist, an immigrant, a survivor, and a mother—among many other identities. I bring my full self into the therapeutic space and welcome all of who you are. I believe resilience lives within you—rooted in your body and shaped by your experiences, identities, and stories. My role here is to support you in reconnecting with your inner strength through compassion, safety, and empowerment.
Do you have a space where you can show up exactly as you are? A space where all parts of your identity are seen, heard, and honored? If not, you're not alone—and you deserve one.
I’m a dance/movement therapist, an immigrant, a survivor, and a mother—among many other identities. I bring my full self into the therapeutic space and welcome all of who you are. I believe resilience lives within you—rooted in your body and shaped by your experiences, identities, and stories. My role here is to support you in reconnecting with your inner strength through compassion, safety, and empowerment.
Too often, shame makes us want to conceal our full selves. We fear we are too weird, too worthless, too much or not enough. Just asking for help can feel like an impossible obstacle. My goal is to meet you where you are, entirely without judgment, and build a space to process what might feel too difficult to tackle alone.
In my practice, I support adolescents and adults of all neurotypes who struggle with trauma, internalized shame, anxiety, depression, and chronic suicidality. I also enjoy working with the “extremely online” queer community, from TTRPG nerds and fandom folks to people with therian or furry identities.
Too often, shame makes us want to conceal our full selves. We fear we are too weird, too worthless, too much or not enough. Just asking for help can feel like an impossible obstacle. My goal is to meet you where you are, entirely without judgment, and build a space to process what might feel too difficult to tackle alone.
In my practice, I support adolescents and adults of all neurotypes who struggle with trauma, internalized shame, anxiety, depression, and chronic suicidality. I also enjoy working with the “extremely online” queer community, from TTRPG nerds and fandom folks to people with therian or furry identities.
From early on and throughout our lives the relationships we form with family, friends and those around us can have a deep impact on how we see the world, the values we choose to hold dear, and how we see ourselves. Unfortunately, when these relationships are negative they can have a lasting impact on these same aspects of living. This may lead to continued struggles in day-to-day living. These same relationships and their impacts can be subtle and hard to describe. Fortunately, therapy can act as a way to identify these patterns in our past and current relationships and explore the impact they have had on our current struggles.
From early on and throughout our lives the relationships we form with family, friends and those around us can have a deep impact on how we see the world, the values we choose to hold dear, and how we see ourselves. Unfortunately, when these relationships are negative they can have a lasting impact on these same aspects of living. This may lead to continued struggles in day-to-day living. These same relationships and their impacts can be subtle and hard to describe. Fortunately, therapy can act as a way to identify these patterns in our past and current relationships and explore the impact they have had on our current struggles.
My mission is to help you reconnect with yourself through self-discovery and healing. Together, we’ll uncover your strengths so you can confidently advocate for who you are—not who you think you should be. I work with adults navigating ADHD, trauma, and life transitions, with the goal of creating a grounded, balanced, and fulfilling life.
My mission is to help you reconnect with yourself through self-discovery and healing. Together, we’ll uncover your strengths so you can confidently advocate for who you are—not who you think you should be. I work with adults navigating ADHD, trauma, and life transitions, with the goal of creating a grounded, balanced, and fulfilling life.
I offer comfort, counsel and clarity to individuals and families facing medical illness, grief, loss and bereavement, and/or life transitions. Companioning folks on these journeys allows me to help them lessen their sense of isolation, to help identify and utilize their strengths, and to manage difficult emotions. Frequently clients are overwhelmed and need help sorting through stressful feelings and situations. Once that is accomplished, much progress is made. In life transitions, identifying and touching the emotions and then re-establishing a life-plan are often the primary goals, crafted to the client's unique needs.
I offer comfort, counsel and clarity to individuals and families facing medical illness, grief, loss and bereavement, and/or life transitions. Companioning folks on these journeys allows me to help them lessen their sense of isolation, to help identify and utilize their strengths, and to manage difficult emotions. Frequently clients are overwhelmed and need help sorting through stressful feelings and situations. Once that is accomplished, much progress is made. In life transitions, identifying and touching the emotions and then re-establishing a life-plan are often the primary goals, crafted to the client's unique needs.
Are you feeling like you're not living up to your potential? Are you struggling to break free from unhelpful patterns? As a therapist, I'm here to help you unlock your inner strengths and access new pathways for healing. My clients describe me as thoughtful, grounding, and calming. They know that I will lead with compassion and consideration, even as I challenge them to expand and grow.
Are you feeling like you're not living up to your potential? Are you struggling to break free from unhelpful patterns? As a therapist, I'm here to help you unlock your inner strengths and access new pathways for healing. My clients describe me as thoughtful, grounding, and calming. They know that I will lead with compassion and consideration, even as I challenge them to expand and grow.
When a client comes to me for psychotherapy the first goal is to fully understand the nature of their discontent in the context of a warm, open, nonjudgmental space. We work together to create a vision of what it will look like when the client is feeling more content, and then within the therapeutic relationship move toward change that will realize the client's vision. I am a combination of warm, supportive, directive, interpretive, and reflective. The therapy may be short term or long term, and may be individual or with significant others (family or partner).
When a client comes to me for psychotherapy the first goal is to fully understand the nature of their discontent in the context of a warm, open, nonjudgmental space. We work together to create a vision of what it will look like when the client is feeling more content, and then within the therapeutic relationship move toward change that will realize the client's vision. I am a combination of warm, supportive, directive, interpretive, and reflective. The therapy may be short term or long term, and may be individual or with significant others (family or partner).
Do you ever feel like the support of your family and friends is not enough? You don't have to be diagnosed with a mental health disorder to benefit from therapy. Many people turn to therapy for help with everyday life issues: relationship problems, anxiety, and self-doubt. Others seek therapy during difficult times such as sexual abuse and grief. In order to reap the benefits of therapy it's important that you choose the right therapist- someone you can trust, who makes you feel valued with the experience to help you overcome emotional challenges and make changes for the better in your life.
Do you ever feel like the support of your family and friends is not enough? You don't have to be diagnosed with a mental health disorder to benefit from therapy. Many people turn to therapy for help with everyday life issues: relationship problems, anxiety, and self-doubt. Others seek therapy during difficult times such as sexual abuse and grief. In order to reap the benefits of therapy it's important that you choose the right therapist- someone you can trust, who makes you feel valued with the experience to help you overcome emotional challenges and make changes for the better in your life.
Welcome! I have a background in community organizing, a master's degree in couple and family therapy, and am currently pursuing a PhD in couple and family therapy, along with a certificate in sex therapy. I work with individuals, families, couples, and other relationship structures. I believe you are the expert of your own story and experiences, and we'll work together to understand how the many parts of your story play a role in your life now. When working with relationships, we'll work towards creating clearer and more positive communication, understanding, and insight for each partner and/or family member.
Welcome! I have a background in community organizing, a master's degree in couple and family therapy, and am currently pursuing a PhD in couple and family therapy, along with a certificate in sex therapy. I work with individuals, families, couples, and other relationship structures. I believe you are the expert of your own story and experiences, and we'll work together to understand how the many parts of your story play a role in your life now. When working with relationships, we'll work towards creating clearer and more positive communication, understanding, and insight for each partner and/or family member.
Kat Aldag
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCPC, NCC
4 Endorsed
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
I am a Spanish-speaking, LGBTQIA-affirming counselor creating a compassionate space in which you can process trauma, pursue fulfillment, and connect with all the parts of yourself. As an intersectional feminist, I approach therapy as a collaboration between equals, and I believe that you are the authority on yourself. In my practice, I take into account personal and structural issues such as identity, the mind-body connection, power, and privilege — all the things we can and cannot control. Together, we will explore opportunities for the myriad parts of yourself to find acceptance and balance.
I am a Spanish-speaking, LGBTQIA-affirming counselor creating a compassionate space in which you can process trauma, pursue fulfillment, and connect with all the parts of yourself. As an intersectional feminist, I approach therapy as a collaboration between equals, and I believe that you are the authority on yourself. In my practice, I take into account personal and structural issues such as identity, the mind-body connection, power, and privilege — all the things we can and cannot control. Together, we will explore opportunities for the myriad parts of yourself to find acceptance and balance.
It is my hope to partner with you to name the strengths and resources found within yourself and your relationships, so that you may cultivate a life of abundance. Perhaps you have questions about lifestyle, career, and vocational choices. You may struggle with the ongoing impact of past life events, or the cumulative effect of ongoing of sexual, gender, cultural, or racial biases. Or maybe you are just doing your best to be a good partner, parent, colleague, or all around human, but the effort is taking a toll on your mental, emotional, and/or spiritual life. However you are, I wish to listen to what matters most to you.
It is my hope to partner with you to name the strengths and resources found within yourself and your relationships, so that you may cultivate a life of abundance. Perhaps you have questions about lifestyle, career, and vocational choices. You may struggle with the ongoing impact of past life events, or the cumulative effect of ongoing of sexual, gender, cultural, or racial biases. Or maybe you are just doing your best to be a good partner, parent, colleague, or all around human, but the effort is taking a toll on your mental, emotional, and/or spiritual life. However you are, I wish to listen to what matters most to you.
Every person who seeks my support has worked hard to navigate life the best they can—until they reach a point where things feel stuck. They often arrive feeling depleted, frustrated, confused, or unfulfilled. This is deeply human. I don’t see diagnoses—I see individuals.
Therapy is, at its core, a conversation. My goal is to create a space where you feel safe and comfortable exploring the most sensitive parts of your experience. I work with people facing a range of challenges, including depression, work-related stress, anxiety, substance use, trauma, and major life transitions.
Every person who seeks my support has worked hard to navigate life the best they can—until they reach a point where things feel stuck. They often arrive feeling depleted, frustrated, confused, or unfulfilled. This is deeply human. I don’t see diagnoses—I see individuals.
Therapy is, at its core, a conversation. My goal is to create a space where you feel safe and comfortable exploring the most sensitive parts of your experience. I work with people facing a range of challenges, including depression, work-related stress, anxiety, substance use, trauma, and major life transitions.
Jillian specializes in working with teenagers, college students, and working professionals. Jillian’s approach to working with her clients is strengths-based while utilizing Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness-Based therapies to help her clients reach their therapeutic goals. Jillian has a well-developed competence in drawing out her clients abilities and positive coping styles, allowing them to work from a place of strength instead of a place of self-described deficiency or maladaptive coping styles
Jillian specializes in working with teenagers, college students, and working professionals. Jillian’s approach to working with her clients is strengths-based while utilizing Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness-Based therapies to help her clients reach their therapeutic goals. Jillian has a well-developed competence in drawing out her clients abilities and positive coping styles, allowing them to work from a place of strength instead of a place of self-described deficiency or maladaptive coping styles
Building trust comes from telling your story in a safe space. Together we can create a therapeutic alliance that is conducive towards self discovery, growth, and fulfilling your potential. I see my role as your therapist to provide a space of care and concern coupled with providing real insights that can help you grow and face challenges.
Building trust comes from telling your story in a safe space. Together we can create a therapeutic alliance that is conducive towards self discovery, growth, and fulfilling your potential. I see my role as your therapist to provide a space of care and concern coupled with providing real insights that can help you grow and face challenges.
Currently accepting new clients. Keeping things inside us is a terrible, lonely weight. It may start off feeling manageable, but it eventually builds up. Often we find it difficult to share with others, because we don’t want to burden them or be seen as “needy.” At these points, I think we just need someone to be honest with about our experiences and needs, without fear of judgment. When we notice we’re having the same thoughts and problems coming up repeatedly, we might need a push to get us unstuck. When an old hurt arises, we may need the space to explore it and the skills to ground ourselves in the present.
Currently accepting new clients. Keeping things inside us is a terrible, lonely weight. It may start off feeling manageable, but it eventually builds up. Often we find it difficult to share with others, because we don’t want to burden them or be seen as “needy.” At these points, I think we just need someone to be honest with about our experiences and needs, without fear of judgment. When we notice we’re having the same thoughts and problems coming up repeatedly, we might need a push to get us unstuck. When an old hurt arises, we may need the space to explore it and the skills to ground ourselves in the present.
Are you feeling stuck in your journey of development and improvement? I walk alongside men and women and provide thoughtful insights and an empathetic, non-judgemental ear to help identify and work through roadblocks to growth. I believe in treating, in addition to the symptom, the cause of our pain to help promote healing. Additionally, I have experience working with Internal Family Systems, OCD, couples therapy and faith-based issues, alongside other therapeutic methods.
Are you feeling stuck in your journey of development and improvement? I walk alongside men and women and provide thoughtful insights and an empathetic, non-judgemental ear to help identify and work through roadblocks to growth. I believe in treating, in addition to the symptom, the cause of our pain to help promote healing. Additionally, I have experience working with Internal Family Systems, OCD, couples therapy and faith-based issues, alongside other therapeutic methods.
See more therapy options for Chicago
How does your Therapist compare?
Number of Therapists in Chicago, IL
3,000+
Average cost per session
$159
Therapists in Chicago, IL who prioritize treating:
| 93% | Anxiety |
| 86% | Depression |
| 76% | Relationship Issues |
| 74% | Self Esteem |
| 71% | Trauma and PTSD |
| 68% | Stress |
| 61% | Grief |
Average years in practice
10 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
| 93% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
| 75% | Aetna |
| 53% | Cigna and Evernorth |
How Therapists in Chicago, IL see their clients
| 58% | In Person and Online | |
| 42% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
| 78% | Female | |
| 18% | Male | |
| 4% | 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.