Substance Use Therapists in Chicago, IL
I work with clients facing trauma, anxiety, depression, substance use, and challenges with identity or self-worth.
I believe therapy is about helping you better understand yourself while letting go of the beliefs, patterns, and stories that no longer fit. Many of the ways we learned to cope once protected us, but over time they can leave us feeling stuck. Therapy offers space to slow down, gain insight, and move toward a life that feels more authentic and aligned with your values.
I have experience working in a Level I trauma center, PHP/IOP programs, and supporting individuals with high-acuity trauma and addiction. My background includes caring for clients with complex mental health needs across multiple levels of care.
I work with clients facing trauma, anxiety, depression, substance use, and challenges with identity or self-worth.
I believe therapy is about helping you better understand yourself while letting go of the beliefs, patterns, and stories that no longer fit. Many of the ways we learned to cope once protected us, but over time they can leave us feeling stuck. Therapy offers space to slow down, gain insight, and move toward a life that feels more authentic and aligned with your values.
I have experience working in a Level I trauma center, PHP/IOP programs, and supporting individuals with high-acuity trauma and addiction. My background includes caring for clients with complex mental health needs across multiple levels of care.
I specialize in working with clients who are struggling with their identity, relationships, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, trauma, substance use, and body image/disordered eating.
I have expertise in utilizing Dialectical Behavioral Therapy to help clients reach their goals. DBT is a therapeutic approach that is affirming, supportive, and solution-oriented. I also utilize feminist theory, CBT, psychodynamic approaches, and some parts work depending on the best fit for each individual client.
I specialize in working with clients who are struggling with their identity, relationships, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, trauma, substance use, and body image/disordered eating.
I have expertise in utilizing Dialectical Behavioral Therapy to help clients reach their goals. DBT is a therapeutic approach that is affirming, supportive, and solution-oriented. I also utilize feminist theory, CBT, psychodynamic approaches, and some parts work depending on the best fit for each individual client.
My name is Alex (they/them) and I’m a dedicated Licensed Social Worker (LSW) with 7 years of experience in the mental health field and a Master’s degree from the Simmons School of Social Work. My approach to psychotherapy is rooted in building authentic relationships with my clients and honoring their unique strengths and needs. I aim to create a space that is holistic, inclusive and collaborative. I have trained in a range of clinical settings (outpatient, intensive outpatient, partial hospitalization and inpatient), working with diverse racial backgrounds, gender identities and sexual orientations utilizing a social justice lens.
My name is Alex (they/them) and I’m a dedicated Licensed Social Worker (LSW) with 7 years of experience in the mental health field and a Master’s degree from the Simmons School of Social Work. My approach to psychotherapy is rooted in building authentic relationships with my clients and honoring their unique strengths and needs. I aim to create a space that is holistic, inclusive and collaborative. I have trained in a range of clinical settings (outpatient, intensive outpatient, partial hospitalization and inpatient), working with diverse racial backgrounds, gender identities and sexual orientations utilizing a social justice lens.
I have experience working with BIPOC individuals, trauma, and substance use, and I strive to offer a space that affirms and supports the complexity of your experiences.
Therapy is a space where all parts of you are welcome. Whether you're working through past trauma or simply trying to feel more grounded in your day-to-day life, I’m here to walk alongside you.
All aspects of your identity deserve to be seen, heard, and woven into the healing process. Through a consistent therapeutic relationship built on trust and support, I believe individuals can process their pain, develop resilience, and reclaim their lives.
I have experience working with BIPOC individuals, trauma, and substance use, and I strive to offer a space that affirms and supports the complexity of your experiences.
Therapy is a space where all parts of you are welcome. Whether you're working through past trauma or simply trying to feel more grounded in your day-to-day life, I’m here to walk alongside you.
All aspects of your identity deserve to be seen, heard, and woven into the healing process. Through a consistent therapeutic relationship built on trust and support, I believe individuals can process their pain, develop resilience, and reclaim their lives.
Hi there! If you're scrolling through Psychology Today, I imagine you might be experiencing a life change or contemplating making one. This is a wonderful first step. If I can, I would be happy to support you in this time of challenges or choices. It's helpful for therapy seekers and therapy providers to be in alignment on goals and approaches. So, if any of the following descriptions sound like you, we may be a great fit: 1. A young adult navigating life transitions who'd like a space to get curious & find clarity 2. A high achiever who could benefit from evaluating their lifestyle balance, sense of self & pressure to perform
Hi there! If you're scrolling through Psychology Today, I imagine you might be experiencing a life change or contemplating making one. This is a wonderful first step. If I can, I would be happy to support you in this time of challenges or choices. It's helpful for therapy seekers and therapy providers to be in alignment on goals and approaches. So, if any of the following descriptions sound like you, we may be a great fit: 1. A young adult navigating life transitions who'd like a space to get curious & find clarity 2. A high achiever who could benefit from evaluating their lifestyle balance, sense of self & pressure to perform
My therapeutic style is warm, inquisitive, and collaborative, with a little humor mixed in. I draw from CBT, DBT, and trauma-informed approaches, weaving in mindfulness, creativity, and natural conversation. Whether we explore through journaling, art, or meaningful dialogue, my goal is to help you connect more deeply with yourself. I’ve had the privilege of working with culturally diverse individuals in both correctional and community settings, which has strengthened my belief that healing looks different for everyone—and that’s exactly how it should be.
My therapeutic style is warm, inquisitive, and collaborative, with a little humor mixed in. I draw from CBT, DBT, and trauma-informed approaches, weaving in mindfulness, creativity, and natural conversation. Whether we explore through journaling, art, or meaningful dialogue, my goal is to help you connect more deeply with yourself. I’ve had the privilege of working with culturally diverse individuals in both correctional and community settings, which has strengthened my belief that healing looks different for everyone—and that’s exactly how it should be.
Life can feel exhausting when anxiety, stress, intrusive thoughts, or self-doubt begin to take over. You may be struggling with OCD, overthinking, panic, perfectionism, relationship stress, or a major life transition. Therapy can help you feel more grounded, confident, and connected to yourself again. I offer a warm, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where clients feel safe exploring challenges and working toward meaningful change.
Life can feel exhausting when anxiety, stress, intrusive thoughts, or self-doubt begin to take over. You may be struggling with OCD, overthinking, panic, perfectionism, relationship stress, or a major life transition. Therapy can help you feel more grounded, confident, and connected to yourself again. I offer a warm, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where clients feel safe exploring challenges and working toward meaningful change.
The bulk of my career has been working with clients presenting with co-occurring issues including substance use, anxiety, trauma, depression, and bipolar.
Finding the right therapist can be tough. I've worked with clients that thought they were too "crazy" to be helped and others that were dismissive of their own concerns, thinking their problems weren't important enough to warrant support. Everybody deserves support and to find a therapist that really "gets" them.
The bulk of my career has been working with clients presenting with co-occurring issues including substance use, anxiety, trauma, depression, and bipolar.
Finding the right therapist can be tough. I've worked with clients that thought they were too "crazy" to be helped and others that were dismissive of their own concerns, thinking their problems weren't important enough to warrant support. Everybody deserves support and to find a therapist that really "gets" them.
You don't want to hide anymore, you just feel so ashamed. You can't maintain a relationship and even if you are in a relationship sooner or later the person finds out about your porn use/affairs and it all blows up. If this sounds like you, there is a path forward. Seeking highly stimulating material like porn or sex outside a relationship can feel like such a kneejerk reaction when faced with the vulnerability asked of us to create an intimate partnership. Or maybe you seek solace in acting out sexually and haven't engaged in anything "real" with someone for ages. The problem isn't about sex, it's a difficulty with regulation.
You don't want to hide anymore, you just feel so ashamed. You can't maintain a relationship and even if you are in a relationship sooner or later the person finds out about your porn use/affairs and it all blows up. If this sounds like you, there is a path forward. Seeking highly stimulating material like porn or sex outside a relationship can feel like such a kneejerk reaction when faced with the vulnerability asked of us to create an intimate partnership. Or maybe you seek solace in acting out sexually and haven't engaged in anything "real" with someone for ages. The problem isn't about sex, it's a difficulty with regulation.
Life is hard, and I want to help you navigate it. Whether your struggles are personal or relationship-based, big or small, you deserve support. I work with teens and adults using a blend of Person-Centered, DBT, CBT, and Solution-Focused therapy, tailoring care to what matters most to you. These approaches can be applied to many concerns, including anxiety, emotional regulation, or life transitions. I’ve worked with a wide variety of clients and believe we can find meaningful solutions together.
Life is hard, and I want to help you navigate it. Whether your struggles are personal or relationship-based, big or small, you deserve support. I work with teens and adults using a blend of Person-Centered, DBT, CBT, and Solution-Focused therapy, tailoring care to what matters most to you. These approaches can be applied to many concerns, including anxiety, emotional regulation, or life transitions. I’ve worked with a wide variety of clients and believe we can find meaningful solutions together.
I also have specialized training in supporting clients with substance use issues and recovery.
My approach is compassionate and tailored to your needs. In our work together, I draw from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to clarify values and guide purposeful action, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to challenge unhelpful thoughts and strengthen coping skills, and psychodynamic and existential therapies to explore deeper patterns.
I also have specialized training in supporting clients with substance use issues and recovery.
My approach is compassionate and tailored to your needs. In our work together, I draw from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to clarify values and guide purposeful action, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to challenge unhelpful thoughts and strengthen coping skills, and psychodynamic and existential therapies to explore deeper patterns.
Hello and welcome. I work with adults of all ages and my approach is active and collaborative. I see people with a variety of concerns, although I do specialize in three broad areas. These include helping people cope with medical conditions, major stressful events, and substance abuse recovery. If your particular issue is holding you back, impacting your personal or work life, or causing you significant distress such as anxiety or depression, then I invite you to read on and check out my website.
Hello and welcome. I work with adults of all ages and my approach is active and collaborative. I see people with a variety of concerns, although I do specialize in three broad areas. These include helping people cope with medical conditions, major stressful events, and substance abuse recovery. If your particular issue is holding you back, impacting your personal or work life, or causing you significant distress such as anxiety or depression, then I invite you to read on and check out my website.
Have you been considering counseling, and are finally ready to take the plunge? Are you looking for ways to reduce your stress, or interested in exploring some long-standing issues that continue to show up in your life? Maybe you're looking for ways to reconnect and strengthen relationships in your life? My goal with my clients is to meet you where you're at, and foster an environment where you feel safe to discuss and explore these issues candidly. Let's work together to create a space where you can release pain, utilize your already existing strengths, and fully connect with the most optimal, celebratory parts of yourself!
Have you been considering counseling, and are finally ready to take the plunge? Are you looking for ways to reduce your stress, or interested in exploring some long-standing issues that continue to show up in your life? Maybe you're looking for ways to reconnect and strengthen relationships in your life? My goal with my clients is to meet you where you're at, and foster an environment where you feel safe to discuss and explore these issues candidly. Let's work together to create a space where you can release pain, utilize your already existing strengths, and fully connect with the most optimal, celebratory parts of yourself!
Common areas of focus in my sessions include: trauma, stress, anxiety, substance use concerns, grief/bereavement, LGBTQIA concerns, and relationship concerns.
I am a client-center therapist who practices from a harm reduction perspective, which means I am dedicated to meeting you where you are at, without judgement or an agenda. My work is grounded in the belief that change is self-directed and that every person deserves autonomy, dignity, and respect in their healing process. My approach integrates empathy, curiosity, and evidence-based practices to support meaningful, sustainable change. Day time appointments available.
Common areas of focus in my sessions include: trauma, stress, anxiety, substance use concerns, grief/bereavement, LGBTQIA concerns, and relationship concerns.
I am a client-center therapist who practices from a harm reduction perspective, which means I am dedicated to meeting you where you are at, without judgement or an agenda. My work is grounded in the belief that change is self-directed and that every person deserves autonomy, dignity, and respect in their healing process. My approach integrates empathy, curiosity, and evidence-based practices to support meaningful, sustainable change. Day time appointments available.
Are you exhausted from having to navigate our broken (or working as designed) society? Have you tried therapy before but didn't feel like your therapist was able to work with you in exploring the root causes of your discontent? I work with adults to create a collaborative, non-judgmental space how to stay afloat in this rapidly shifting, profit-over-people-based society. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship issues, seeking personal growth or working through your relationship with substance or behavior, I'm here to walk with you.
Are you exhausted from having to navigate our broken (or working as designed) society? Have you tried therapy before but didn't feel like your therapist was able to work with you in exploring the root causes of your discontent? I work with adults to create a collaborative, non-judgmental space how to stay afloat in this rapidly shifting, profit-over-people-based society. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship issues, seeking personal growth or working through your relationship with substance or behavior, I'm here to walk with you.
Are you a young man struggling with anxiety, depression, or substance use that’s affecting school, work, relationships, and your ability to move forward in life?
I offer individual telehealth therapy for young men ages 16 to 35. We start by getting honest about what’s really going on. We build structure, support, and accountability so things change outside the session. Then, we work on direction so you know where you’re headed.
Are you a young man struggling with anxiety, depression, or substance use that’s affecting school, work, relationships, and your ability to move forward in life?
I offer individual telehealth therapy for young men ages 16 to 35. We start by getting honest about what’s really going on. We build structure, support, and accountability so things change outside the session. Then, we work on direction so you know where you’re headed.
As a therapist, I work with individuals experiencing genuine emotional distress. The circumstances are different for different people - you may be struggling with depression or anxiety, or facing a major life transition. I can be helpful by listening to what you have to say about your situation, offering emotional support and helping you come up with your own solutions to the challenges you face.
As a therapist, I work with individuals experiencing genuine emotional distress. The circumstances are different for different people - you may be struggling with depression or anxiety, or facing a major life transition. I can be helpful by listening to what you have to say about your situation, offering emotional support and helping you come up with your own solutions to the challenges you face.
I am committed to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health, substance use, and therapy, especially within minority communities where seeking support is not always normalized.
As a clinician, I use a collaborative approach, working alongside clients to make difficult emotions and daily stressors more manageable. I strive to create a space where clients can access their own wisdom, discover what works for them, and honor their unique journey of healing and change.
I am committed to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health, substance use, and therapy, especially within minority communities where seeking support is not always normalized.
As a clinician, I use a collaborative approach, working alongside clients to make difficult emotions and daily stressors more manageable. I strive to create a space where clients can access their own wisdom, discover what works for them, and honor their unique journey of healing and change.
I help with mental health concerns, substance use, and life transitions.
Gwen Clancy graduated with a B.S. in Sociology from Illinois State University & a masters from St. Xavier University. She’s worked in agency settings since graduating college & really enjoys helping folks make forward progress in their lives. Her experience ranges from working with substance abuse, domestic violence, runaway/homeless youth & supervised residential for youth & those who have severe mental illness & are trying to re-integrate into the community. She describes those times as having been challenging & rewarding, as each person she’s worked with has taught her something valuable as a therapist.
I help with mental health concerns, substance use, and life transitions.
Gwen Clancy graduated with a B.S. in Sociology from Illinois State University & a masters from St. Xavier University. She’s worked in agency settings since graduating college & really enjoys helping folks make forward progress in their lives. Her experience ranges from working with substance abuse, domestic violence, runaway/homeless youth & supervised residential for youth & those who have severe mental illness & are trying to re-integrate into the community. She describes those times as having been challenging & rewarding, as each person she’s worked with has taught her something valuable as a therapist.
I want to cultivate a space that feels comfortable for everyone, with particular emphasis on people of color, queer folks, people practicing polyamory, and people struggling with substance use.
I tend to work well with people who appreciate a direct communication style and non-hierachal approach to therapy. My approach is rooted in the belief that you already possess the wisdom and resources to create meaningful change; my role is to help you access those resources. I enjoy working with people to help them shift from surviving to thriving.
I want to cultivate a space that feels comfortable for everyone, with particular emphasis on people of color, queer folks, people practicing polyamory, and people struggling with substance use.
I tend to work well with people who appreciate a direct communication style and non-hierachal approach to therapy. My approach is rooted in the belief that you already possess the wisdom and resources to create meaningful change; my role is to help you access those resources. I enjoy working with people to help them shift from surviving to thriving.
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Nearby Substance Use Therapists Searches for Chicago
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- Elmwood Park
- Forest Park
- Lakeview
- Lincoln Park
- Maywood
- Norridge
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- Oak Park
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Substance Use Therapists
How do substance and drug recovery or rehabilitation programs work?
In inpatient programs, individuals live in a facility with other clients in recovery; in outpatient programs, individuals reside at home. These facilities are staffed with healthcare professionals including physicians, nurses, psychologists, counselors, and psychotherapists. Staff often also includes people who have recovered themselves, serving as mentors and guides. These programs may use abstinence, harm reduction, detoxification, psychotherapy, and other methods.
How do 12-step programs combined with psychotherapy work?
Members of 12-step programs help each other reach abstinence and work to maintain it. These programs promote complete change in the individual’s emotional, mental, physical, and even spiritual perspectives. Some programs require that new members attend 90 meetings in 90 days. Many people do attend these programs in conjunction with their work in psychotherapy; the combination of therapy along with 12-step can be extremely effective.
How does harm reduction combined with psychotherapy work?
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, harm reduction prevents death, injury, disease, overdose, and substance misuse. People who choose harm reduction for substance use reduce the amount of drugs they consume. It is not abstinence-based like a 12-step program, but combining harm reduction with psychotherapy proves to be effective for many people.
Are there specific medications for substance and drug use?
There are medications approved to treat substance use disorder—such as buprenorphine, methadone, naltrexone, and acamprosate. These medications do help people cope with substance use as well as avoid the problem of relapse. Naltrexone can help reduce cravings, methadone is an opioid medication used to treat severe pain, and acamprosate may help ease symptoms like poor sleep and anxious feelings.