Asian Therapists in Chicago, IL
I'm a Taiwanese/Chinese second-generation immigrant who grew up in the Midwest. Born to first-generation immigrants, I've witnessed the ways my parents’ migration experiences and has worked to understand and break cycles of generational trauma. I've dealt with the forces of assimilation, gendered and racialized identity formation, and the need to establish a sense of belonging within an immigrant family surrounded by predominantly Christian, white communities. I've worked with individuals/couples that are challenged by anxiety, trauma, depression, stress, family/relationship conflicts, racial/sexual identities, LGBTQ+ issues, etc.
I'm a Taiwanese/Chinese second-generation immigrant who grew up in the Midwest. Born to first-generation immigrants, I've witnessed the ways my parents’ migration experiences and has worked to understand and break cycles of generational trauma. I've dealt with the forces of assimilation, gendered and racialized identity formation, and the need to establish a sense of belonging within an immigrant family surrounded by predominantly Christian, white communities. I've worked with individuals/couples that are challenged by anxiety, trauma, depression, stress, family/relationship conflicts, racial/sexual identities, LGBTQ+ issues, etc.
I am working hard to promote mental health in the Asian community by presenting topics on self-care, anxiety, and how to break the stigma of therapy.
I believes that everyone has their own unique story, and by learning about it will set you free to be your authentic selves. I specialize working with parents who may need extra support, couples who want to better their relationships, or individuals healing from trauma. Whether it’s your own negative thoughts, communication issues, parenting challenges, or struggles to live in the way you desire. I will show you compassion by seeing the strengths that are already within yourself, and encourage you to incorporate them into the process of healing.
I am working hard to promote mental health in the Asian community by presenting topics on self-care, anxiety, and how to break the stigma of therapy.
I believes that everyone has their own unique story, and by learning about it will set you free to be your authentic selves. I specialize working with parents who may need extra support, couples who want to better their relationships, or individuals healing from trauma. Whether it’s your own negative thoughts, communication issues, parenting challenges, or struggles to live in the way you desire. I will show you compassion by seeing the strengths that are already within yourself, and encourage you to incorporate them into the process of healing.
My purpose is to do work to create change that is sustainable. A change that has space for complexity, reparation, and relating through difference. I have a plan, an offering, and a vision that I want to share with others to improve their quality of life. I want to help those that struggle with and question whether what they are doing matters. As a psychotherapist, the goal is for my clients to tap into their own power to create a positive change for themselves, while also helping to create a world that praises the uniqueness of each person and where humility and compassion are a given.
My purpose is to do work to create change that is sustainable. A change that has space for complexity, reparation, and relating through difference. I have a plan, an offering, and a vision that I want to share with others to improve their quality of life. I want to help those that struggle with and question whether what they are doing matters. As a psychotherapist, the goal is for my clients to tap into their own power to create a positive change for themselves, while also helping to create a world that praises the uniqueness of each person and where humility and compassion are a given.
Everyone deserves a space to feel heard and valued. I work to provide a warm and safe environment for you to explore your concerns. Whether you are navigating anxiety, depression, or identity related concerns, I hope to be a part of your path towards a more holistic well-being.
Everyone deserves a space to feel heard and valued. I work to provide a warm and safe environment for you to explore your concerns. Whether you are navigating anxiety, depression, or identity related concerns, I hope to be a part of your path towards a more holistic well-being.
My clinical work centers on adults carrying the weight of trauma, whether from childhood experiences, sexual or physical abuse, neglect, or the complex grief woven through adoption and identity formation. Many of my clients move through life with remarkable strength, yet feel privately overwhelmed, anxious, or disconnected. They may feel “too much” or “not enough,” struggle with chronic shame, or notice relationship patterns that repeat despite their best efforts to change. Some feel unseen and long for deeper connection but struggle to trust. Many wonder about a life lived with more ease, authenticity, and self-understanding.
My clinical work centers on adults carrying the weight of trauma, whether from childhood experiences, sexual or physical abuse, neglect, or the complex grief woven through adoption and identity formation. Many of my clients move through life with remarkable strength, yet feel privately overwhelmed, anxious, or disconnected. They may feel “too much” or “not enough,” struggle with chronic shame, or notice relationship patterns that repeat despite their best efforts to change. Some feel unseen and long for deeper connection but struggle to trust. Many wonder about a life lived with more ease, authenticity, and self-understanding.
I'm a License Professional Counselor that dedicated to providing culturally sensitive care for BIPOC/ Asian individuals and couples, 1st and 2nd+ generation immigrants, international students/sojourners, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and those with religious or spiritual backgrounds.
My therapy orientation is integrative and relational. He has been trained in Psychodynamic/analytic, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Gottman, Experiential, Person-centered therapy, and other therapy approaches. Throughout my clinical journey, I actively put effort on decolonizing mental health in counseling and advocating for social justice in our community.
I'm a License Professional Counselor that dedicated to providing culturally sensitive care for BIPOC/ Asian individuals and couples, 1st and 2nd+ generation immigrants, international students/sojourners, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and those with religious or spiritual backgrounds.
My therapy orientation is integrative and relational. He has been trained in Psychodynamic/analytic, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Gottman, Experiential, Person-centered therapy, and other therapy approaches. Throughout my clinical journey, I actively put effort on decolonizing mental health in counseling and advocating for social justice in our community.
I believe in the healing power of a therapeutic relationship where you can be the real you. No judgment or criticism here. Maybe you want to break free from unhealthy patterns, work through issues that have been swept under the rug, or find wholeness. Perhaps life isn't going quite the way you'd hoped or expected. Maybe you long to be secure in who you are and embrace all parts of yourself, to move away from self-criticism and toward self-compassion.
I believe in the healing power of a therapeutic relationship where you can be the real you. No judgment or criticism here. Maybe you want to break free from unhealthy patterns, work through issues that have been swept under the rug, or find wholeness. Perhaps life isn't going quite the way you'd hoped or expected. Maybe you long to be secure in who you are and embrace all parts of yourself, to move away from self-criticism and toward self-compassion.
Therapy can be a space to explore feelings that have been hard to express, step out of patterns that no longer serve you, and build stronger connections with yourself and others. I work with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families navigating anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, life transitions, and stress related to identity, self-worth, or major life changes.
Therapy can be a space to explore feelings that have been hard to express, step out of patterns that no longer serve you, and build stronger connections with yourself and others. I work with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families navigating anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, life transitions, and stress related to identity, self-worth, or major life changes.
Hi, I’m Marie! —an inclusive psychotherapist, fellow human, and someone who knows that real healing involves more than meditation and breathing exercises (though, if that's your thing, I'm all for it). With over a decade of experience in the mental health field, I work with a diverse range of individuals and couples navigating complex trauma, childhood wounds, life transitions, and relationship challenges. I’m an affirming, culturally responsive therapist who proudly welcomes clients of all ages, identities, and backgrounds, with a deep commitment to serving BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities.
Hi, I’m Marie! —an inclusive psychotherapist, fellow human, and someone who knows that real healing involves more than meditation and breathing exercises (though, if that's your thing, I'm all for it). With over a decade of experience in the mental health field, I work with a diverse range of individuals and couples navigating complex trauma, childhood wounds, life transitions, and relationship challenges. I’m an affirming, culturally responsive therapist who proudly welcomes clients of all ages, identities, and backgrounds, with a deep commitment to serving BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities.
I enjoy working with high-functioning immigrants navigating the pressure of representing their culture and familial expectations while striving for personal well-being and joy. That responsibility can be precarious to balance—I get it—and I help clients walk that balance beam without losing themselves.
I support LGBT folk looking to feel more grounded in who they are while taking family culture into consideration. I make space for helping professionals—who give so much to others but rarely have space to process their own lives. I work with men facing infidelity, offering a nonjudgmental space to unpack shame, guilt, and growth.
I enjoy working with high-functioning immigrants navigating the pressure of representing their culture and familial expectations while striving for personal well-being and joy. That responsibility can be precarious to balance—I get it—and I help clients walk that balance beam without losing themselves.
I support LGBT folk looking to feel more grounded in who they are while taking family culture into consideration. I make space for helping professionals—who give so much to others but rarely have space to process their own lives. I work with men facing infidelity, offering a nonjudgmental space to unpack shame, guilt, and growth.
I believe therapy is about the transformative potential of being in relationship. Whether you’re seeking support with emotional distress, improving relationships, or just wanting to learn about yourself, change begins when we have a place where we feel truly seen and understood. In therapy, I offer a relationship where we make sense of your inner world in a safe, compassionate environment. Through this process, my clients often find greater self-acceptance, richer connections with others, and an expanded sense of choice in their lives.
I believe therapy is about the transformative potential of being in relationship. Whether you’re seeking support with emotional distress, improving relationships, or just wanting to learn about yourself, change begins when we have a place where we feel truly seen and understood. In therapy, I offer a relationship where we make sense of your inner world in a safe, compassionate environment. Through this process, my clients often find greater self-acceptance, richer connections with others, and an expanded sense of choice in their lives.
You've been holding a lot- quietly, and carefully! Maybe you’re trying to move through the various challenges along your fertility, pregnancy, postpartum journey, or the transition to parenthood; navigating life between cultures, or facing a transition that’s left you unmoored. I work alongside couples and individuals who are often carrying the invisible weight of cultural expectations, anxiety, self-doubt and are looking for a space where they can feel seen and supported without having to explain the “why.” I offer a warm, culturally attuned space to help you reconnect with yourself and move toward relief, clarity and healing.
You've been holding a lot- quietly, and carefully! Maybe you’re trying to move through the various challenges along your fertility, pregnancy, postpartum journey, or the transition to parenthood; navigating life between cultures, or facing a transition that’s left you unmoored. I work alongside couples and individuals who are often carrying the invisible weight of cultural expectations, anxiety, self-doubt and are looking for a space where they can feel seen and supported without having to explain the “why.” I offer a warm, culturally attuned space to help you reconnect with yourself and move toward relief, clarity and healing.
The Calm Tigress: Nisha Agmata Paliwal
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC, NCC
Chicago, IL 60632
Welcome to YOUR space of being safe to grow - if you accept, my dear fellow Human! You are capable of everything you desire for yourself & your inner world - change, healing, empowerment, upliftment, release, fulfillment, peace, liberation, & anything else your spirit truly yearns for. In this moment, Life may be immensely challenging you, but somehow you are here, now - I thank you. You have infinite power to nurture your Self & your magnificent growth. At this fragile place where our paths converge I lay out in front of you this question: How can your mental wellness be truly supported right now, in the unique way YOU require?
Welcome to YOUR space of being safe to grow - if you accept, my dear fellow Human! You are capable of everything you desire for yourself & your inner world - change, healing, empowerment, upliftment, release, fulfillment, peace, liberation, & anything else your spirit truly yearns for. In this moment, Life may be immensely challenging you, but somehow you are here, now - I thank you. You have infinite power to nurture your Self & your magnificent growth. At this fragile place where our paths converge I lay out in front of you this question: How can your mental wellness be truly supported right now, in the unique way YOU require?
As far as most people know you have your "life together." But deep down you feel stuck in a routine that feels overwhelming. You want to take the next step in your career or perhaps you want to ask an acquaintance out on a date but the fear of change, failure and self-doubt are holding you back. You have brilliant ideas that you want to share with others but you hesitate to act or speak because you are tormented by thoughts of "I'm not good enough." When you reach out to your friends, your colleagues, or your partner you feel unheard or misunderstood.
As far as most people know you have your "life together." But deep down you feel stuck in a routine that feels overwhelming. You want to take the next step in your career or perhaps you want to ask an acquaintance out on a date but the fear of change, failure and self-doubt are holding you back. You have brilliant ideas that you want to share with others but you hesitate to act or speak because you are tormented by thoughts of "I'm not good enough." When you reach out to your friends, your colleagues, or your partner you feel unheard or misunderstood.
I have lived most of my life in East Asia (born and raised in mainland China), shortly in East Europe (Lithuania), and resided in North America (United States) since my early 20s. My background is in philosophy, journalism, communication studies, human service, and medical interpretation before I become a social worker. I have worked with international students/workers, 1st/1.5/2nd generation of immigrants, and trauma survivors. My interests include multicultural topics, eating disorders and body image concerns, sexual violence and sexual trauma, religious trauma and spirituality concerns, and difficulties in life transitions.
I have lived most of my life in East Asia (born and raised in mainland China), shortly in East Europe (Lithuania), and resided in North America (United States) since my early 20s. My background is in philosophy, journalism, communication studies, human service, and medical interpretation before I become a social worker. I have worked with international students/workers, 1st/1.5/2nd generation of immigrants, and trauma survivors. My interests include multicultural topics, eating disorders and body image concerns, sexual violence and sexual trauma, religious trauma and spirituality concerns, and difficulties in life transitions.
As a neurodivergent myself, I wish to work with those who are neurodivergent and help them navigate day-to-day stressors. In our experiences, we carry fragments of many places, cultures, and stories, and often find ourselves asking, Who am I? and Where do I belong?
These questions can feel heavy, even overwhelming, but they are also invitations—an opening to explore the depths of who you are.
As a neurodivergent myself, I wish to work with those who are neurodivergent and help them navigate day-to-day stressors. In our experiences, we carry fragments of many places, cultures, and stories, and often find ourselves asking, Who am I? and Where do I belong?
These questions can feel heavy, even overwhelming, but they are also invitations—an opening to explore the depths of who you are.
Life is a work in progress, and progress isn't always a linear path. It's inevitable to have hurdles along the way, and we sometimes need support to better cope with these hurdles. I'm a firm believer in You being the most important person in Your life. You matter most, you know yourself best, and are the star of your life story. I want to be able to offer an empathetic, nonjudgmental, and safe space for you to process your thoughts and feelings, adding a bit of humor along the way. I want to be along side with you, to help you see your own strength, and work collaboratively with you to help cope with the daily hurdles of life.
Life is a work in progress, and progress isn't always a linear path. It's inevitable to have hurdles along the way, and we sometimes need support to better cope with these hurdles. I'm a firm believer in You being the most important person in Your life. You matter most, you know yourself best, and are the star of your life story. I want to be able to offer an empathetic, nonjudgmental, and safe space for you to process your thoughts and feelings, adding a bit of humor along the way. I want to be along side with you, to help you see your own strength, and work collaboratively with you to help cope with the daily hurdles of life.
As a therapist, I work to provide a space for my clients to be heard and supported while they work towards success in their daily life, particularly those within male and Asian-American communities.
As a Chinese-American, I provide services in both English and Mandarin Chinese. I strive to create a cooperative environment where we can engage in meaningful conversations that foster positive growth. In session, you might notice that we begin with examining thought patterns, identifying existing strengths, and focusing on concrete steps to support change.
As a therapist, I work to provide a space for my clients to be heard and supported while they work towards success in their daily life, particularly those within male and Asian-American communities.
As a Chinese-American, I provide services in both English and Mandarin Chinese. I strive to create a cooperative environment where we can engage in meaningful conversations that foster positive growth. In session, you might notice that we begin with examining thought patterns, identifying existing strengths, and focusing on concrete steps to support change.
Caroline Lin Neurodivergent-Affirming
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, CRC, LCPC
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60601
If you’ve spent years masking, pushing through burnout, or wondering why everyday things feel harder than they should, you’re not alone. Many of my clients weren’t diagnosed until adulthood—or still aren’t—and have spent years over-functioning or doubting themselves without knowing why. That toll often shows up as anxiety, exhaustion, or self-criticism. In therapy, we’ll honor your coping strategies, unlearn harmful patterns, and create clarity, choice, and self-trust. You deserve support that affirms your strengths and the whole of who you are.
If you’ve spent years masking, pushing through burnout, or wondering why everyday things feel harder than they should, you’re not alone. Many of my clients weren’t diagnosed until adulthood—or still aren’t—and have spent years over-functioning or doubting themselves without knowing why. That toll often shows up as anxiety, exhaustion, or self-criticism. In therapy, we’ll honor your coping strategies, unlearn harmful patterns, and create clarity, choice, and self-trust. You deserve support that affirms your strengths and the whole of who you are.
Do you find yourself caught in the same relationship patterns or stories, even when you want something different? Whether you’re feeling disconnected from a partner, struggling with anxiety, or unsure how to move forward, therapy can be a space to pause, reflect, and begin creating meaningful change together.
Many clients come to me seeking support with communication challenges, infidelity, dating and discernment concerns, boundary setting, pre-marital counseling, and anxiety that interferes with daily life and connection.
Do you find yourself caught in the same relationship patterns or stories, even when you want something different? Whether you’re feeling disconnected from a partner, struggling with anxiety, or unsure how to move forward, therapy can be a space to pause, reflect, and begin creating meaningful change together.
Many clients come to me seeking support with communication challenges, infidelity, dating and discernment concerns, boundary setting, pre-marital counseling, and anxiety that interferes with daily life and connection.
See more therapy options for Chicago
Nearby Asian Therapists Searches for Chicago
- Berwyn
- Bridgeview
- Cicero
- Forest Park
- La Grange
- Lakeview
- Lincoln Park
- Lincolnwood
- Oak Lawn
- Oak Park
- River Forest
- Skokie
Asian Therapists
Why is it important for a therapist to be culturally sensitive?
A culturally sensitive therapist would be respectful and considerate of different groups, with regard to race, sexual orientation, gender, and other factors that are important to an individual. These considerations can help a client feel understood as well as validated. While some people think highlighting race could promote stereotypes and bias, more understanding and knowledge about cultural differences is a positive for a healthy therapeutic alliance.
How can I recognize an effective Asian therapist?
You can discern a lot by asking how familiar the potential therapist is with different cultures, as well as asking how they might address issues related to identity, values, and beliefs. Also inquire about their education, as well as any particular training they may have completed, such as cultural sensitivity or diversity and inclusion programs.
What if the therapist does not have my exact background?
The therapist may not share a client’s exact background, but the therapist may have plenty of hands-on experience as well as the sensitivity needed for therapeutic progress. Their sensitivity to different populations will help the client feel accepted and comfortable in sharing their concerns and difficulties.
How might I inquire about a therapist's experience with Asian clients?
A therapist with an Asian background may have experience within their community, as well as broader cultural sensitivity. Ask the potential therapist whether they've worked with individuals who share your background. If they have not worked with similar clients, they may well know someone who has such experience.
Who is included in Psychology Today's directory of Asian therapists?
The directory of Asian therapists includes professionals who have shared their ethnicity in their profiles. Psychology Today uses this information to assist clients in finding a therapist who can provide a cultural match. However, not all therapists choose to disclose their ethnicity in their profiles, and they may not appear in search results for this reason; also, when the number of therapists identified as Asian is limited, the directory will also show therapists with comprehensive experience working with clients from relevant backgrounds.