Anxiety Therapists in Chicago, IL

As a licensed psychotherapist and international psychologist with experience in individual and group therapy, I work with a diverse clientele on varying issues, including depression, anxiety, reproductive matters, grief, cultural identity, and life transitions.
Seeking help can be difficult, however, it shows courage by working toward a healthier life. In therapy, I apply cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness, and client-centered, but I personalize treatment to your unique needs. My approach is warm, direct, and transparent. It is important to apply what we discuss in session to aid in emotional healing.
As a licensed psychotherapist and international psychologist with experience in individual and group therapy, I work with a diverse clientele on varying issues, including depression, anxiety, reproductive matters, grief, cultural identity, and life transitions.
Seeking help can be difficult, however, it shows courage by working toward a healthier life. In therapy, I apply cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness, and client-centered, but I personalize treatment to your unique needs. My approach is warm, direct, and transparent. It is important to apply what we discuss in session to aid in emotional healing.

I am focused on serving members of the LGBTQ+ community, immigrants and those navigating the complexities of depression, anxiety or trauma.
I utilize a psychodynamic approach — Using insight-oriented psychotherapy to explore the connection between the client's past experiences and their current mindset. Insight therapy assumes that gaining insight into one's thoughts and feelings can lead to a better understanding of the root causes of emotional difficulties. By identifying and addressing these underlying issues, individuals can develop healthier coping mechanisms and make more informed choices in their lives. With a strong belief in the power of therapy to affect positive change, I aspire to create a safe and inclusive space in which mutual trust is built and fostered.
I am focused on serving members of the LGBTQ+ community, immigrants and those navigating the complexities of depression, anxiety or trauma.
I utilize a psychodynamic approach — Using insight-oriented psychotherapy to explore the connection between the client's past experiences and their current mindset. Insight therapy assumes that gaining insight into one's thoughts and feelings can lead to a better understanding of the root causes of emotional difficulties. By identifying and addressing these underlying issues, individuals can develop healthier coping mechanisms and make more informed choices in their lives. With a strong belief in the power of therapy to affect positive change, I aspire to create a safe and inclusive space in which mutual trust is built and fostered.

Whether you’re navigating anxiety, depression, relationships, an eating disorder, low self-esteem or big life transitions, we’ll work together to make sense of it and help you move forward with confidence.
Let’s be honest—life can be a rollercoaster. Sometimes, you’re thriving; other times, you’re up at 2am googling “how to get my life together”. Life doesn’t come with a manual and if it did we still might get a little lost. If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just need someone to help you untangle the chaos of life, I’m here for you. As a therapist, I believe in creating a space where you can be real, feel heard, and actually work through what’s weighing on you—or maybe even stop overanalyzing that one conversation from three years ago. Therapy doesn’t have to feel stiff or clinical— I believe humor and healing go hand in hand.
Whether you’re navigating anxiety, depression, relationships, an eating disorder, low self-esteem or big life transitions, we’ll work together to make sense of it and help you move forward with confidence.
Let’s be honest—life can be a rollercoaster. Sometimes, you’re thriving; other times, you’re up at 2am googling “how to get my life together”. Life doesn’t come with a manual and if it did we still might get a little lost. If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just need someone to help you untangle the chaos of life, I’m here for you. As a therapist, I believe in creating a space where you can be real, feel heard, and actually work through what’s weighing on you—or maybe even stop overanalyzing that one conversation from three years ago. Therapy doesn’t have to feel stiff or clinical— I believe humor and healing go hand in hand.

I specialize in treating anxiety disorders, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, depression, trauma, and grief and loss.
My goal is to create a space for my clients to harness their inner strengths, increase self-awareness, and cultivate self-compassion. I work collaboratively with my clients to help them navigate difficult thoughts and emotions while at the same time pivoting towards a life of meaning, purpose, and connection.
I specialize in treating anxiety disorders, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, depression, trauma, and grief and loss.
My goal is to create a space for my clients to harness their inner strengths, increase self-awareness, and cultivate self-compassion. I work collaboratively with my clients to help them navigate difficult thoughts and emotions while at the same time pivoting towards a life of meaning, purpose, and connection.

Feeling stuck can cause us to feel uncomfortable symptoms - anxiety, depression, anger, etc.
I use evidenced-based ACT (acceptance commitment therapy) and CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) as well as psychodynamic techniques to help clients identify and work through obstacles that have caused disruptions in living a value-driven life or made them feel overwhelmed or stuck about how to move forward.
Feeling stuck can cause us to feel uncomfortable symptoms - anxiety, depression, anger, etc.
I use evidenced-based ACT (acceptance commitment therapy) and CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) as well as psychodynamic techniques to help clients identify and work through obstacles that have caused disruptions in living a value-driven life or made them feel overwhelmed or stuck about how to move forward.

I have a passion for primarily working with individuals who are struggling with stress, depression/ anxiety, or making a behavior change.
I believe there is incredible potential and hope for each person to have a fulfilling and meaningful life, even despite challenges in a person's background or current stressful situation. Each person possesses the resources within themselves to create the change they desire. Counseling simply facilitates unlocking those resources as providing additional "tools" for desired change. I enjoy working with a variety of people and consider it a pleasure to listen, encourage, offer these additional tools to move closer to a person's desired goals, healing, and happiness.
I have a passion for primarily working with individuals who are struggling with stress, depression/ anxiety, or making a behavior change.
I believe there is incredible potential and hope for each person to have a fulfilling and meaningful life, even despite challenges in a person's background or current stressful situation. Each person possesses the resources within themselves to create the change they desire. Counseling simply facilitates unlocking those resources as providing additional "tools" for desired change. I enjoy working with a variety of people and consider it a pleasure to listen, encourage, offer these additional tools to move closer to a person's desired goals, healing, and happiness.

Kristina M Pecora
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60611
Waitlist for new clients
My special areas of focus include Anxiety, Depression, Life transitions (grief and loss, marriage and divorce), Women's health issues, and Mindfulness coaching.
Have you ever felt like you could do more, achieve more, be “better” in some way but you’re not quite sure how? Like something is holding you back and if you could just unlock the key to whatever it is, you could level up your life? Long-standing behavior patterns or negative perceptions may hold you back from experiencing a more fulfilling, more meaningful life - we can change that!
My special areas of focus include Anxiety, Depression, Life transitions (grief and loss, marriage and divorce), Women's health issues, and Mindfulness coaching.
Have you ever felt like you could do more, achieve more, be “better” in some way but you’re not quite sure how? Like something is holding you back and if you could just unlock the key to whatever it is, you could level up your life? Long-standing behavior patterns or negative perceptions may hold you back from experiencing a more fulfilling, more meaningful life - we can change that!

Specializing in eating disorders, disordered eating, and anxiety, I have worked in the mental health field since 2017, providing care to adolescents, teenagers, and adults in both outpatient and higher levels of care.
I utilize evidence-based practices such CBT, ACT, and DBT to tailor my approach to the unique needs of each client. My goal as a therapist is to assist you in achieving your personal goals, while meeting you where you are, & helping you lead a fulfilling life.
Specializing in eating disorders, disordered eating, and anxiety, I have worked in the mental health field since 2017, providing care to adolescents, teenagers, and adults in both outpatient and higher levels of care.
I utilize evidence-based practices such CBT, ACT, and DBT to tailor my approach to the unique needs of each client. My goal as a therapist is to assist you in achieving your personal goals, while meeting you where you are, & helping you lead a fulfilling life.

Life can feel overwhelming at times, especially when you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, or challenges in relationships and self-esteem.
I use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Internal Family Systems, blending mindfulness, meditation, and creative tools like art and music. Together, we’ll explore your strengths, process emotions, and build practical skills to navigate anxiety, depression, ADHD, relationship challenges, and whatever life throws at you.
Life can feel overwhelming at times, especially when you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, or challenges in relationships and self-esteem.
I use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Internal Family Systems, blending mindfulness, meditation, and creative tools like art and music. Together, we’ll explore your strengths, process emotions, and build practical skills to navigate anxiety, depression, ADHD, relationship challenges, and whatever life throws at you.

Spencer R. Potesta Psychotherapist
Counselor, LCPC, NCC, MA
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60605
He is experienced in treating individuals experiencing severe and complex anxiety illnesses.
In addition to his work utilizing CBT and ERP, Spencer aims to help each client truly understand their symptoms and how to progress. The focus on psycho-education allows clients to feel empowered to manage the responses that they're experiencing. He has an open-ended and direct approach. He focuses on working with select clients to provide personalized care.
He is experienced in treating individuals experiencing severe and complex anxiety illnesses.
In addition to his work utilizing CBT and ERP, Spencer aims to help each client truly understand their symptoms and how to progress. The focus on psycho-education allows clients to feel empowered to manage the responses that they're experiencing. He has an open-ended and direct approach. He focuses on working with select clients to provide personalized care.

Whether you’re looking to cope with a major life transition, grief, stress or coping skills to manage anxiety or depression, I customize my approach to meet your needs so we can work to create positive change.
Throughout our time together I’ll provide you with the space to strengthen your sense of self and explore a fresh perspective that aligns with your goals, aspirations, and values. I center my work around encouraging clients to use empathy, self-compassion, and even a touch of humor as they face life’s difficult moments and transitions.
Whether you’re looking to cope with a major life transition, grief, stress or coping skills to manage anxiety or depression, I customize my approach to meet your needs so we can work to create positive change.
Throughout our time together I’ll provide you with the space to strengthen your sense of self and explore a fresh perspective that aligns with your goals, aspirations, and values. I center my work around encouraging clients to use empathy, self-compassion, and even a touch of humor as they face life’s difficult moments and transitions.
Meet Our Anxiety Therapists

Edward Alderson
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC, MA
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60625
I specialize in supporting clients dealing with mood & anxiety disorders, relational challenges, and men's mental health.
Are these emotions impacting your relationship as well? They can complicate connections and make us feel distant from our partners. As a therapist, I work with individuals and couples to identify strengths, set goals, and create plans for addressing their challenges. My aim is to provide a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can cultivate strengths.
I specialize in supporting clients dealing with mood & anxiety disorders, relational challenges, and men's mental health.
Are these emotions impacting your relationship as well? They can complicate connections and make us feel distant from our partners. As a therapist, I work with individuals and couples to identify strengths, set goals, and create plans for addressing their challenges. My aim is to provide a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can cultivate strengths.

We know how tough it is to watch your teen or young adult struggle with severe mental health conditions like anxiety or depression.
Through personalized virtual sessions and a supportive community, we empower teens and young adults to develop coping strategies, build resilience, and achieve well-being, all while staying connected to their academic and social lives.
We know how tough it is to watch your teen or young adult struggle with severe mental health conditions like anxiety or depression.
Through personalized virtual sessions and a supportive community, we empower teens and young adults to develop coping strategies, build resilience, and achieve well-being, all while staying connected to their academic and social lives.

Taryn O'Neil
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC, CCTP
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Online Only
Maybe you’re tired of falling into the same old relationship patterns, feeling weighed down by anxiety spirals, or going through some difficult transitions.
Therapy with me is about genuine connection and collaboration. We will talk through your goals and come up with a tailored treatment plan to meet your needs. You can be free to be your authentic self in the space. We will lean into humor, create space for all of your emotions, celebrate the wins, and find ways for you to be kind to yourself in the process.
Maybe you’re tired of falling into the same old relationship patterns, feeling weighed down by anxiety spirals, or going through some difficult transitions.
Therapy with me is about genuine connection and collaboration. We will talk through your goals and come up with a tailored treatment plan to meet your needs. You can be free to be your authentic self in the space. We will lean into humor, create space for all of your emotions, celebrate the wins, and find ways for you to be kind to yourself in the process.

Eve Matveyev
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
Whether you're experiencing relationship issues, struggling with boundary setting, or dealing with social anxiety and low self worth, we will work together to better understand and show compassion to the parts of you that feel hardest to embrace.
As someone who identifies as neurodivergent and chronically ill, it's important to me to provide my clients with affirming care. I believe it's necessary to acknowledge the role that systemic oppression plays in trauma. I work with folks to create a safe, nonjudgmental therapeutic space using an integrative, trauma informed approach.
Whether you're experiencing relationship issues, struggling with boundary setting, or dealing with social anxiety and low self worth, we will work together to better understand and show compassion to the parts of you that feel hardest to embrace.
As someone who identifies as neurodivergent and chronically ill, it's important to me to provide my clients with affirming care. I believe it's necessary to acknowledge the role that systemic oppression plays in trauma. I work with folks to create a safe, nonjudgmental therapeutic space using an integrative, trauma informed approach.

Jasmine Remmer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
I’m a trained Brainspotting therapist, and I take an integrative approach to healing because let’s be real—you’re unique, and one size doesn’t fit all! Whether you're dealing with anxiety, depression, grief, ADHD, trauma, or just feeling out of sync, we’ll tap into a blend of techniques that best serve your needs, including somatic tools, IFS, CBT, and DBT.
Hey there, Friend! Therapy looks so good on you! If you’re ready to hit refresh and create a healthier, more emotionally intelligent YOU, I’m here to support you in making that happen. Life can feel overwhelming, heavy, or even downright impossible at times. But you don’t have to face it alone—I’m here to walk beside you as you navigate through it all.
I’m a trained Brainspotting therapist, and I take an integrative approach to healing because let’s be real—you’re unique, and one size doesn’t fit all! Whether you're dealing with anxiety, depression, grief, ADHD, trauma, or just feeling out of sync, we’ll tap into a blend of techniques that best serve your needs, including somatic tools, IFS, CBT, and DBT.
Hey there, Friend! Therapy looks so good on you! If you’re ready to hit refresh and create a healthier, more emotionally intelligent YOU, I’m here to support you in making that happen. Life can feel overwhelming, heavy, or even downright impossible at times. But you don’t have to face it alone—I’m here to walk beside you as you navigate through it all.

Sidney Bobo
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60602
Currently accepting new clients: Navigating anxiety, OCD, or struggles with self-esteem can feel isolating and overwhelming.
Using evidence-based approaches like CBT, DBT, and ERP, I help clients manage the weight of anxiety and OCD while building a more compassionate relationship with themselves. Together, we work on shifting negative self-talk, easing perfectionism, fostering a stronger, more grounded sense of self.
Currently accepting new clients: Navigating anxiety, OCD, or struggles with self-esteem can feel isolating and overwhelming.
Using evidence-based approaches like CBT, DBT, and ERP, I help clients manage the weight of anxiety and OCD while building a more compassionate relationship with themselves. Together, we work on shifting negative self-talk, easing perfectionism, fostering a stronger, more grounded sense of self.

Lily Counseling - Therapists for High Performers
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60614
After all, you're not one-dimensional, so why should your care be? We want you to keep setting goals and high standards, but WITHOUT all the anxiety.
You're the queen of putting pressure on yourself to be perfect, well-liked, and successful. And while you are pretty put-together on the outside, the pressure you feel inside is insane. How do you stop the internal noise saying you're not good enough and everything will go wrong? Good news: our team of therapists can teach you how to re-wire yourself to feel calm while maintaining your high standards. We'll help you ditch the stress, hustle, and burnout and introduce you to your healthiest, highest performing self with unique, individualized tools to build your confidence and cultivate overall wellness in every area of your life.
After all, you're not one-dimensional, so why should your care be? We want you to keep setting goals and high standards, but WITHOUT all the anxiety.
You're the queen of putting pressure on yourself to be perfect, well-liked, and successful. And while you are pretty put-together on the outside, the pressure you feel inside is insane. How do you stop the internal noise saying you're not good enough and everything will go wrong? Good news: our team of therapists can teach you how to re-wire yourself to feel calm while maintaining your high standards. We'll help you ditch the stress, hustle, and burnout and introduce you to your healthiest, highest performing self with unique, individualized tools to build your confidence and cultivate overall wellness in every area of your life.

I've completed Level 1 training in Gottman Method Couple's Therapy, and I’m also a Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional.
Accepting new clients! Working from an anti-racist, anti-oppressive, and LGBTQIA+ affirming lens, I want to ensure a safe space where all of my clients feel seen, heard, safe, and respected. As humans, we all want connection, although sometimes these connections cause intense emotions and great amounts of pain. I recognize the stress of single parenting, the communication issues in romantic relationships and/or families, and the struggles of dating in a world of right and left swiping.
I've completed Level 1 training in Gottman Method Couple's Therapy, and I’m also a Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional.
Accepting new clients! Working from an anti-racist, anti-oppressive, and LGBTQIA+ affirming lens, I want to ensure a safe space where all of my clients feel seen, heard, safe, and respected. As humans, we all want connection, although sometimes these connections cause intense emotions and great amounts of pain. I recognize the stress of single parenting, the communication issues in romantic relationships and/or families, and the struggles of dating in a world of right and left swiping.

I specialize in helping adults navigate the complexities of anxiety, depression, trauma (including PTSD and C-PTSD), ADHD, stress, grief and loss, life transitions, and relationship challenges.
My approach is collaborative and empathetic. I integrate evidence-based therapies, including ACT, CBT, EFT, mindfulness, and somatic therapy, tailoring each session to your specific goals. For example, with anxiety, we might explore mindfulness techniques to manage immediate symptoms while also addressing the root causes through CBT and somatic work.
I specialize in helping adults navigate the complexities of anxiety, depression, trauma (including PTSD and C-PTSD), ADHD, stress, grief and loss, life transitions, and relationship challenges.
My approach is collaborative and empathetic. I integrate evidence-based therapies, including ACT, CBT, EFT, mindfulness, and somatic therapy, tailoring each session to your specific goals. For example, with anxiety, we might explore mindfulness techniques to manage immediate symptoms while also addressing the root causes through CBT and somatic work.
See more therapy options for Chicago
Nearby Anxiety Therapists Searches for Chicago
- Berwyn
- Brookfield
- Cicero
- Elmwood Park
- Forest Park
- Lakeview
- Lincoln Park
- Norridge
- North Riverside
- Oak Park
- River Forest
- Riverside
Anxiety Therapists
What are the most common treatments for anxiety?
Talk therapy, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy, is the most common treatment for anxiety. Studies have shown it is equally effective as medication. Other popular forms of therapy are popular, depending on a patient’s experience. Exposure therapy, for instance, can be useful for people dealing with fears and phobias, or who have experienced traumatic events. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy may be useful for patients who need help with emotion regulation. Anxiolytic medications, like benzodiazepines, can also help with calming a person enough to focus on the skills they’ve learned, and physical exercise has been shown to help symptoms of anxiety across the board.
How long does therapy for anxiety take to work?
The amount of time needed to alleviate symptoms depends on the severity of a person’s condition. Some therapies may take 5-20 weekly sessions to show results. Anti-depressant medications typically take two to four weeks before a benefit is felt. Anti-anxiety medications are felt typically within 20-30 minutes. Medications are best used to offer a patient a better headspace in which to work on techniques learned in therapy. Exercise, improved sleep habits, and meditation are effective, but takes weeks or months to show results.
When should I seek treatment for anxiety?
Everyone feels anxious at times, but when anxiety causes disruption to your daily life, it may be time to seek help. Such disruption can be mental, physical, or both: having fear dominate your thoughts, avoiding situations or objects that bring on feelings of anxiety, or experiencing shortness of breath, sweating, dizziness, or panic attacks. When these symptoms are recurrent and distressing, it may be time to talk to someone.
How effective is treatment for anxiety?
Treatment for anxiety has been shown to be moderately to highly effective, according to a large body of psychology studies and analyses. For some people, treatment using CBT or exposure therapy alone is effective. Others respond best to a combination of medication and therapy.