Depression Therapists in Evanston, IL
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Cheryl Weiss
Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified
Verified
I specialize in helping clients with varying life issues related to stress, anxiety,
depression
, disordered eating, body image, identity, relationships, & trauma.
If you have been struggling to create a meaningful change in your life because of your unhealthy patterns or your own judgmental thoughts, then you might want to dive in the process to clarify what is actually going on. We are more than our thoughts and yes we are driven by our habits. My work with clients is collaborative. I hope to empower, engage and provide you support to promote healing and positive change. I believe that we are unique in many ways & that we are capable of overcoming our personal struggles. Therapy is a safe space to discover yourself, & have a better perspective about your life experiences that impact you.

Marilynn McManus, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
Depression
, relationship issues , stress and developmental transitions.
Therapy is a significant step towards discovering your true self and to understand the issues that shape and block you from leading a more authentic fulfilling life. Through the context of a trusting relationship I will work with you to uncover your goals. Symptoms are messages of blockage and unbalance our way of trying to cope. Understanding the message behind the symptoms and getting past them is part of the work and require a gentle challenging partnership. I focus on attachment history, values and experiences that have shaped who you are. I work with adults of all ages and diagnosis's.

Christine V Petersen
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified
Verified
I am a licensed clinical psychologist who has extensive experience working with adults, adolescents, and children dealing with a wide array of issues that impair their ability to function to their full potential. These issues include
depression
, anxiety, trauma, relationship issues including separation and divorce, grief/loss, parenting issues, behavior control, emotional stress due to life transitions, and self esteem issues.
I provide both short and long term psychotherapy within the bounds of a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment.

Laura Elk-Weist
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, AM, LCSW, CCTP
Verified
Verified
3/20/23: I have space for new clients. Do you feel like you can’t catch a break? Like your thoughts are constantly racing? Anxiety,
depression
and isolation from friends or family feel like insurmountable obstacles? You are not alone. Whatever you are facing, you deserve a space that is solely dedicated to you. I have over 15 years of experience collaborating with individuals to quiet their inner critic, establish positive habits and implement strategies to become “unstuck” and find direction in the midst of life’s challenges.

Joanne Underwood
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
I specialize in helping those suffering from anxiety,
depression
, trauma, college-related issues, relationship difficulties, and life transitions.
People seek therapy for various reasons. It takes a lot of courage to recognize that things aren't working and to seek help. Have you been struggling with specific problems involving work, family, or relationships? Or have you perhaps been suffering from something harder to define, such as persistent feelings of meaninglessness or sadness? Whether the problem is easy or hard to identify, I'm here to help.

Deidre J Robinson
Counselor, MEd, MA, LCPC
Verified
3 Endorsed
Verified
3 Endorsed
I enjoy working with clients who are looking for support in taking the next steps towards achieving the lives they want. My clinical experience includes working with clients experiencing
depression
, trauma/PTSD, self-esteem issues, attachment issues, and relationship challenges. I work collaboratively with clients, making it a priority to take clients where they are and assist them in identifying where they want to be and what holds them back from getting there. I use a feminist relational, trauma informed, and client centered approach to explore with clients how their history may be impacting their current functioning.

Michelle Ferris
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-S
Verified
Verified
People who are dealing with problems like anxiety,
depression
, trauma, stress, medical issues, relationship problems, and life transitions have come to me for help.
Hello, my name is Michelle. I work with adults and college students who need the convenience of teletherapy. They want a safe, nonjudgmental, relationship to explore barriers to growth and personal change. My role as your therapist is to listen to your story, help define your goals, and work collaboratively with you to develop creative approaches to achieve them.
Waitlist for new clients

Ross Jacob
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
3 Endorsed
Verified
3 Endorsed
My specialty areas include:
Depression
, Anxiety, Anger/Assertiveness, Trauma/Crisis.
My belief is that the best therapeutic relationships are collaborative journeys. I am a sensitive and passionate social worker devoted to supporting you through the challenges and obstacles that life often throws your way. My history working as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker treating persons who experience difficult change, trauma, serious mental illnesses, or life altering events, has led me to employ a wide array of techniques to process pain, and move past discomfort.

Wendy Ortiz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Hi, my name is Wendy, and I use She/Her/Ella/La pronouns. I am a Bilingual (Spanish and English) Latinx, relational cultural therapist, and empowering clients is at the heart of my work. My focus centers around supporting folks respond to anxiety,
depression
, PTSD, intimate partner violence, trauma, generational trauma, spiritual abuse, immigration trauma, navigating gender and sexuality identity or grief felt when navigating chronic medical health conditions.

Patience Dennison
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
Beyond issues related to
depression
, anxiety, and life transitions, I also have special interest and expertise in grief work.
None of us has to have it all figured out all of the time. Reaching out for support is a sign of strength. Maybe you’re living a smaller life than you would like, stopping yourself short of taking risks because of fears or certain beliefs about yourself. Maybe you’re finding yourself in the same unhealthy patterns despite trying over and over again to carve a new path. Maybe you’re grappling with a change in your life and having a hard time finding your footing. I provide a warm, safe space where these painful patterns and struggles can be explored with fresh eyes, to both better understand them and work toward a sense of traction.
Not accepting new clients

M. Cecilia Bocanegra, LCPC, PMH-C
Counselor, MA, LCPC, PMH-C
Verified
10 Endorsed
Verified
10 Endorsed
I work with women (18 and up) who don’t feel good enough and are experiencing anxiety,
depression
, and/or confusion about who they are/want to be.
You’ve always been the person who made sure those around you felt good, even when that’s meant putting your needs on the back burner to take one for the team. It’s never been easy but to you it’s been worth it and you’ve been good at it. Yet, lately it isn’t working out that well any more. The anxiety has been constant and you're more irritable. You’re angry with yourself and sad. Hell, if you’re honest, you’re feeling a bit resentful towards others too. Enter the guilt. You feel horrible for being mean to your parents, partner, kids, friends. You wonder, "What is going on with me?!"
Evanston, IL 60201
Not accepting new clients

Jen Stevens
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified
Verified
The adolescents, adults, and couples I work with often experience anxiety,
depression
, disordered eating, difficult family dynamics, grief, trauma, and life transitions.
I offer a safe, engaging, and non judgmental space for those who are experiencing painful emotions, difficult relationship patterns, and life transitions. I believe the relationship between client and therapist is crucial for therapeutic change. Because of this, I value creating a genuine connection and building trust with my clients. From that foundation we will explore the psychological, emotional, physical, and relational forces that make up your experience. I will provide curiosity, support, and guidance as we identify and work towards the changes you would like to see in your life.

Mindful Psychology Associates
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified
8 Endorsed
Verified
8 Endorsed
Dec 2022 update: We have openings for new clients for telehealth and in person! Are you stressed out or
depressed
and wanting to live your life with more ease? Imagine your life with more calm, peace, and trust in yourself and your ability to handle whatever may come your way. Imagine feeling more fulfilled in your work and your relationships! The guidance and support of an experienced licensed therapist can help you navigate the more trying times. Seeing one of our therapists can help you feel more content and purposeful as you navigate life, whether it is through a life transition or dealing with serious mental health symptoms.

Joe Flint
Counselor, LCPC
Verified
Verified
I work with adults struggling with
depression
, anxiety, prolonged or acute grief, chronic pain or illness, caregiving, sexual orientation, and relationship issues. I do not subscribe to one particular modality but rather tailor my approach to each client's needs. I believe working in the here and now are great ways to address current stressors, and I'm always happy to work with clients to address deeper issues as appropriate.

Desiree Nitsche
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
My clinical experience is working with teens, individuals, families and geriatric population whose primary symptoms are related to anxiety, attachment issues,
depression
, panic disorders, grief, mood disorders, trauma/PTSD, obsessive compulsive disorders, chronic illness and other disorders.
My philosophy helps clients look inside themselves as to the thoughts and behaviors that might be holding them back, or causing them to feel stuck and to explore together moments of strength, healing, and self compassion, in order to find growth and healing. I believe that we as human beings are resilient and can flourish when identifying unhealthy patterns of thinking that are causing us to feel stuck. It’s important to provide genuine support and mindfulness techniques, in order to build an empathetic relationship with clients, in order to achieve mind and body healing.

Melody Jackson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
Specialties of services include
depression
, anxiety, trauma, behavioral and parenting issues, bullying, and domestic violence.
My passion for being a Psychotherapist stems from the desire to help others reach their highest potential, no matter the obstacles in life. Individual therapy creates a confidential, caring, and safe environment that promotes self-discovery and growth. My philosophy aims to meet you where you are and to guide and support you by building hope, resiliency, and self–love. I will empower you by using therapeutic strategies that instill aspiration, courage, and progress. Couples treatment provides a safe and trusting environment where we can identify issues and achieve growth.

Brooke Laufer
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified
4 Endorsed
Verified
4 Endorsed
My areas of specialty include: * Postpartum Disorders and Maternal Mental Health * Anxiety *
Depression
* Adolescence.
Starting therapy can be trying process, and often what's important is finding the right fit between a therapist and a client. Once therapy begins, it can be an incredible resource where an individual may regain a sense of balance and peace of mind, build more satisfying relationships, develop more effective communication, as well as find the sense of direction and meaning that allows one to thrive. I also work as a forensic expert in women’s reproductive mental health and consult with legal counsel on criminal cases that are relevant to an experience in the postpartum period, this includes murder, infanticide, neonatacide.

Meghan Llanes
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
I specialize in providing therapy to individuals & families who are struggling with
depression
, anxiety, loss, trauma, divorce, ADHD, and other common life challenges.
Being a child, an adolescent, an adult, is not easy. School, working, navigating relationships, parenting, family life, finding time for yourself, coping with loss, stress- We all face times that are challenging. Everyone deserves a safe space to share their story, feelings, & experiences & have their truth be heard & held. I am passionate about helping children & adults as they navigate difficult moments in their lives. I am skilled at listening, providing support, guidance, & compassion as individuals strive to make meaning, heal, connect, problem solve, successfully participate, & find joy in their lives. Change is possible.
Evanston, IL 60201
& Online

Linda A. Hogan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
I provide a safe environment where you will be listened to with care, compassion, understanding and respect and where your goals for therapy will be honored and supported. I am experienced and skilled in helping individuals, couples, families and groups with a variety of symptoms and concerns, including
depression
, anxiety, trauma, panic disorder and agoraphobia, addictions, compulsive behaviors, self esteem and identity issues, relationship difficulties, grief and loss, life transitions, abuse issues, and chronic or acute health problems. My approach is flexible and individually tailored to meet the needs of each person seeking help.

Stephanie Swartzendruber
Pre-Licensed Professional, LSW
Verified
Verified
She has used these skills in treating anxiety,
depression
, phobias, emotional regulation, trauma, social integration as well as in couples therapy.
Life can be an unexpected wave in the water that makes you feel unsteady, or it can be a giant wave that overwhelms you, and it keeps coming, and it is hard to regain your sense of balance. But when a helping hand reaches out, it can help you to find your strength and balance. Whether it feels like a big or small wave, I can be that support and guidance so when the waves come, you can brace them and keep going. I believe in providing empathetic care and guidance through a collaborative therapeutic relationship by navigating the unique experiences that influence each client’s life.
See more therapy options for Evanston
Depression Therapists
What is the goal of therapy for depression?
Therapy for depression has several major goals. One is to relieve the mental pain of depression, which distorts feeling and thinking so that sufferers cannot see beyond their current state of mind or envision feeling better. Another is to give people the mental tools to recognize and correct the kinds of distorted thinking that turn a problem into a catastrophe and lead to despair. Therapy also teaches people how to process negative emotions in constructive ways, so they have more control over their own emotional reactivity. And it helps people regain the ability to see themselves positively, the motivation to do things, and the capacity for pleasure.
What happens in therapy for depression?
Perhaps most important, no matter the type of therapy, patients form an alliance with the therapist; that connection is therapeutic in itself, plus it becomes an instrument of change. Patients learn to identify and to challenge their own erroneous beliefs and thoughts that amplify the effects of negative experiences. They learn to identify situations in which they are especially vulnerable. And they learn new patterns of thinking and behaving. They may be given “homework” assignments in which they practice their developing skills. In addition, good therapists regularly monitor patients to assess whether and how much the condition is improving.
What therapy types help with depression?
Several types of short-term therapy have been found effective, each targeting one or more areas of dysfunction. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps clients challenge their negative thoughts and beliefs, learn new behavioral strategies, and curb reactivity to distressing situations. Behavioral activation (BA) is a form of therapy often used in conjunction with CBT; it focuses on engagement in rewarding activity as a pathway to changing negative feelings and disturbed mood. Another widely used approach is interpersonal therapy (IPT), which targets the social difficulties that both give rise to and get exacerbated by depression. Therapists may combine approaches as needed.
Can therapy for depression be done online?
Studies have found that online therapy can be highly effective for treating depression, although it may be more challenging to build a good therapist-patient alliance on screen than in person—at least at first. However, online therapy can offer considerable advantages. Accessibility and convenience are tops among them. Some people actually find it easier to talk about problems online than in person. While online therapy typically limits visibility of facial expression and body gestures that give important nonverbal cues to a patient’s state of mind, it can give therapists a glimpse into a patient’s world and life, providing information that can be highly useful in guiding therapy.
How effective is therapy for depression?
Many studies show that therapy is highly effective provided that patients complete the prescribed course of therapy, commonly 16 to 20 sessions. Over the long term, it is more effective than medication and the effects are more enduring. As a result, psychotherapy has the power not just to relieve current suffering but to prevent future episodes of the disorder. Therapy reverses the dysfunction in neural circuitry that disposes individuals to a negative view of themselves, the world, and their future and they acquire coping techniques, problem-solving skills, and understanding of their own vulnerabilities that are useful over the course of a lifetime.