Racial Identity Therapists in Chicago, IL
Hannah Lee
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW, CYT
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60602 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Common themes that bring people to work with me include parenting/caregiving; pre/postnatal issues; trauma; racial identity; sexuality; and neurodiversity.
I love building relationships, and helping you explore the patterns and past experiences that shape your life today. I use a trauma-informed approach, which means co-creating safety and autonomy in session so that you can build trust in yourself. I love working with folks that are interested in reflective conversation, mindfulness, parts work, and body awareness as tools to know themselves more deeply. My identities as a biracial immigrant, abolitionist, and reproductive justice advocate inform my practice, and I come to therapy with the awareness that systemic inequity impacts our mental health.
Common themes that bring people to work with me include parenting/caregiving; pre/postnatal issues; trauma; racial identity; sexuality; and neurodiversity.
I love building relationships, and helping you explore the patterns and past experiences that shape your life today. I use a trauma-informed approach, which means co-creating safety and autonomy in session so that you can build trust in yourself. I love working with folks that are interested in reflective conversation, mindfulness, parts work, and body awareness as tools to know themselves more deeply. My identities as a biracial immigrant, abolitionist, and reproductive justice advocate inform my practice, and I come to therapy with the awareness that systemic inequity impacts our mental health.
I work with clients struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, racial identity, grief, neurodivergence, self-esteem, and chronic illness.
Maybe you’re here because you want to break the cycles in your family. Maybe you’ve done some inner healing on yourself but need more guidance. Maybe this is your first time in therapy, and you’re ready to live more authentically. While life can make you feel trapped in the narratives of your past, I believe therapy can unlock the tools you already have within you. My counseling philosophy focuses on fostering a safe, supportive environment of healing where you can explore your emotions, set boundaries, and discover empowerment.
I work with clients struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, racial identity, grief, neurodivergence, self-esteem, and chronic illness.
Maybe you’re here because you want to break the cycles in your family. Maybe you’ve done some inner healing on yourself but need more guidance. Maybe this is your first time in therapy, and you’re ready to live more authentically. While life can make you feel trapped in the narratives of your past, I believe therapy can unlock the tools you already have within you. My counseling philosophy focuses on fostering a safe, supportive environment of healing where you can explore your emotions, set boundaries, and discover empowerment.
I work within BIPOC communities on navigating difficulties with ethnic and/or racial identity, past & present family dynamics, mood-related concerns, interpersonal relationships, neurodiversity, and overall emotional regulation. Through the years, I have seen how a safe therapeutic relationship creates space to explore one's self, family, and larger system in order to relearn ways of navigating life with culturally-informed self-determination. I use eclectic therapy to weave together different approaches that create a custom-tailored treatment plan according to each person's needs, backgrounds, strengths, goals, and more.
I work within BIPOC communities on navigating difficulties with ethnic and/or racial identity, past & present family dynamics, mood-related concerns, interpersonal relationships, neurodiversity, and overall emotional regulation. Through the years, I have seen how a safe therapeutic relationship creates space to explore one's self, family, and larger system in order to relearn ways of navigating life with culturally-informed self-determination. I use eclectic therapy to weave together different approaches that create a custom-tailored treatment plan according to each person's needs, backgrounds, strengths, goals, and more.
Troy Eldon Gibson
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor , MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60613 (Online Only)
I offer affirming therapy for Racial Identity issues and LGBTQ+ issues.
Are you feeling like your emotions are just too much to handle on your own? And do you bottle things up because you don't want to be a burden? All of that built up pressure can be a lot to carry. I want to help you untangle yourself from the heaviness of your experiences. Let’s work together to figure out how to express your unresolved emotions and reach the healing that you deserve. There is nothing wrong with getting some extra support to figure things out and get back on track. When you are ready, I am here to support and empower you along your journey.
I offer affirming therapy for Racial Identity issues and LGBTQ+ issues.
Are you feeling like your emotions are just too much to handle on your own? And do you bottle things up because you don't want to be a burden? All of that built up pressure can be a lot to carry. I want to help you untangle yourself from the heaviness of your experiences. Let’s work together to figure out how to express your unresolved emotions and reach the healing that you deserve. There is nothing wrong with getting some extra support to figure things out and get back on track. When you are ready, I am here to support and empower you along your journey.
Cotorey Seals
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60618 (Online Only)
I’m particularly passionate about working individuals, couples and creatives, specializing in trauma, racial identity development, social anxiety, and self worth.
Are there parts of your story you wish you could forget? Do you feel like no matter how much you try, you’re never enough? Does your anxiety, shame, and trauma feel crippling? This is a painful place to be, but you don’t have to do this alone. I provide an exploratory space where you can unpack and heal from some of the most difficult parts of your story. As a black, male therapist, I understand how your background and unique context impacts your life. As we explore your story, I’ll help you move from trauma to healing, shame to self-compassion, and anxiety to freedom.
I’m particularly passionate about working individuals, couples and creatives, specializing in trauma, racial identity development, social anxiety, and self worth.
Are there parts of your story you wish you could forget? Do you feel like no matter how much you try, you’re never enough? Does your anxiety, shame, and trauma feel crippling? This is a painful place to be, but you don’t have to do this alone. I provide an exploratory space where you can unpack and heal from some of the most difficult parts of your story. As a black, male therapist, I understand how your background and unique context impacts your life. As we explore your story, I’ll help you move from trauma to healing, shame to self-compassion, and anxiety to freedom.
I work primarily with QT/BIPOC folks navigating concerns around past trauma, (acute and complex), their racial identity and how it intersects with other identities, their relationship with their bodies, and connection to their community. In particular I work with biracial/multi-racial folks navigating their racial identity development. I work with folks who have eating disorder and body image concerns and use a HAES approach. I work with trans/non-binary folks around embodiment, and their relationships with their bodies, food, and body image.
I work primarily with QT/BIPOC folks navigating concerns around past trauma, (acute and complex), their racial identity and how it intersects with other identities, their relationship with their bodies, and connection to their community. In particular I work with biracial/multi-racial folks navigating their racial identity development. I work with folks who have eating disorder and body image concerns and use a HAES approach. I work with trans/non-binary folks around embodiment, and their relationships with their bodies, food, and body image.
Jacqueline Shelton-Epsinosa
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CCTP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60607 (Online Only)
I specialize in the following: -Anxiety -Depression -Bipolar – Complex Trauma LGTBQIA+ -Women’s Issues -Oppression-Based Trauma - Racial Identity Challenges -Gender Affirming Hormone Therapy Letters -Gender Affirming Surgery Letters.
In my 15 of years providing therapy, I have worked with various individuals experiencing different life challenges. The goal is to create a connection and from that connection build a bridge to healing and recovery. I believe that we are all seeking radical acceptance and radical belonging. Systemic oppression significantly impacts mental and physical wellness. I strongly believe it is not that a person needs to be "fixed". Marginalized and oppressed folx need support, space, agency, and tools to navigate an increasingly hostile and toxic environment.
I specialize in the following: -Anxiety -Depression -Bipolar – Complex Trauma LGTBQIA+ -Women’s Issues -Oppression-Based Trauma - Racial Identity Challenges -Gender Affirming Hormone Therapy Letters -Gender Affirming Surgery Letters.
In my 15 of years providing therapy, I have worked with various individuals experiencing different life challenges. The goal is to create a connection and from that connection build a bridge to healing and recovery. I believe that we are all seeking radical acceptance and radical belonging. Systemic oppression significantly impacts mental and physical wellness. I strongly believe it is not that a person needs to be "fixed". Marginalized and oppressed folx need support, space, agency, and tools to navigate an increasingly hostile and toxic environment.
Amanda Aguilera
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60613 (Online Only)
I specialize in sexual abuse, trauma/PTSD, depression, anxiety, post-partum depression, racial identity, domestic abuse, LGBTQ+, relationships/ attachment, and other issues.
It is essential to look at past relationships and experiences to work through what is bringing you into therapy now, including relationship issues, difficulty pinpointing or expressing emotions, or experiencing distressing symptoms. Our experiences from the past shape how we view the world, engage with others, and often speak to how we feel about ourselves.
I specialize in sexual abuse, trauma/PTSD, depression, anxiety, post-partum depression, racial identity, domestic abuse, LGBTQ+, relationships/ attachment, and other issues.
It is essential to look at past relationships and experiences to work through what is bringing you into therapy now, including relationship issues, difficulty pinpointing or expressing emotions, or experiencing distressing symptoms. Our experiences from the past shape how we view the world, engage with others, and often speak to how we feel about ourselves.
Vanessa Magallanes
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60647
As a therapist, experiencing individuals meet their personalized goals set in therapy has been the most rewarding experience. Individuals choose to begin this journey of themselves for themselves knowing that they are strong enough to become the best versions of themselves. I have experience providing individual and couples therapy. I have experience assisting individuals presenting with concerns related to depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, relationship or family issues, and racial identity.
As a therapist, experiencing individuals meet their personalized goals set in therapy has been the most rewarding experience. Individuals choose to begin this journey of themselves for themselves knowing that they are strong enough to become the best versions of themselves. I have experience providing individual and couples therapy. I have experience assisting individuals presenting with concerns related to depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, relationship or family issues, and racial identity.
Claudia Hernandez
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60605
I have worked with a wide range of presenting concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, sexual/relational violence, self-harming behaviors, grief, occupational stressors, relationship difficulties, and the exploration of one’s gender, sexual, or racial identity.
We are all works in progress and the world around us can steer us in the wrong direction. I strive to work with my clients to find the most rewarding path and the healthiest balance of one’s needs, through learning more about oneself, others, and the world around us. It is essential to find a therapist that makes you feel validated, respected, and acknowledged by honoring your intersectional identities. As such, I strive to embody this in the therapeutic approaches that I use with my clients to uniquely address their presenting concerns.
I have worked with a wide range of presenting concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, sexual/relational violence, self-harming behaviors, grief, occupational stressors, relationship difficulties, and the exploration of one’s gender, sexual, or racial identity.
We are all works in progress and the world around us can steer us in the wrong direction. I strive to work with my clients to find the most rewarding path and the healthiest balance of one’s needs, through learning more about oneself, others, and the world around us. It is essential to find a therapist that makes you feel validated, respected, and acknowledged by honoring your intersectional identities. As such, I strive to embody this in the therapeutic approaches that I use with my clients to uniquely address their presenting concerns.
My clinical experience spans from addressing issues around anxiety, depression, addiction, trauma, religious trauma, sexual abuse, sexual identity development and racial identity development to helping achieve mental wellness, life and relationship goals.
Stuck in a rut? Anxiety paralyzing you from living your fullest? Having the same arguments over and over again with your partner? Want more from life but not sure what steps to take? Haven't found the right therapist yet to make any meaningful changes in your life? Whatever brought you here today, know that you don't have to search for the answers on your own. Together, we can take the necessary steps towards discovery, growth, healing, and wholeness.
My clinical experience spans from addressing issues around anxiety, depression, addiction, trauma, religious trauma, sexual abuse, sexual identity development and racial identity development to helping achieve mental wellness, life and relationship goals.
Stuck in a rut? Anxiety paralyzing you from living your fullest? Having the same arguments over and over again with your partner? Want more from life but not sure what steps to take? Haven't found the right therapist yet to make any meaningful changes in your life? Whatever brought you here today, know that you don't have to search for the answers on your own. Together, we can take the necessary steps towards discovery, growth, healing, and wholeness.
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Alex Ngo
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60611 (Online Only)
I have a special interest in gender, sexual, and racial identity development, polyamorous and non-traditional relationships, reparenting, inner child healing, and intergenerational trauma, and working with children of immigrants.
The clients who are the best fit for my clinical approach tend to be people who want to build a stronger sense of self, learn how to center their own needs and set boundaries, and are open to inner child healing. The clients I work with want to change their relationship with themselves to be more compassionate and nurturing. They are recovering people pleasers, people who want to learn how to be more assertive, often have unresolved trauma, and are ready to break cycles in order to establish new patterns. They seek support from me to discuss dating, relationships, sex, childhood traumas, identity, and healing from abuse and neglect.
I have a special interest in gender, sexual, and racial identity development, polyamorous and non-traditional relationships, reparenting, inner child healing, and intergenerational trauma, and working with children of immigrants.
The clients who are the best fit for my clinical approach tend to be people who want to build a stronger sense of self, learn how to center their own needs and set boundaries, and are open to inner child healing. The clients I work with want to change their relationship with themselves to be more compassionate and nurturing. They are recovering people pleasers, people who want to learn how to be more assertive, often have unresolved trauma, and are ready to break cycles in order to establish new patterns. They seek support from me to discuss dating, relationships, sex, childhood traumas, identity, and healing from abuse and neglect.
Stephanie Caballero Novak
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CRSS
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60641
Waitlist for new clients
I also identify as biracial and can support clients with racial identity issues, specifically the Latinx community.
There is no correct or easy path through trauma and the problems it creates in our lives. It is true when they say that the “only way out is through.” As someone who personally and professionally has experience with trauma, I am able to therapeutically guide individuals through the healing process without judgment. I want others to know it's okay to feel their feelings and that sometimes we need a little help to feel safe doing so. Therapy should be a space that you can create with your therapist, as all of us define safety and comfort in different ways.
I also identify as biracial and can support clients with racial identity issues, specifically the Latinx community.
There is no correct or easy path through trauma and the problems it creates in our lives. It is true when they say that the “only way out is through.” As someone who personally and professionally has experience with trauma, I am able to therapeutically guide individuals through the healing process without judgment. I want others to know it's okay to feel their feelings and that sometimes we need a little help to feel safe doing so. Therapy should be a space that you can create with your therapist, as all of us define safety and comfort in different ways.
I value the importance of creating a safe, supportive, and compassionate environment in which clients can empower, explore, and understand themselves. Together we will work to reinvigorate, revitalize, and empower you so you may create the best version of yourself. As a first generation Mexican American, I am passionate about working alongside minority and marginalized communities to educate and make therapy accessible for all individuals. I have worked with teens and adults experiencing issues with racial identity, trauma, depression, anxiety, men's issues, and life transitions.
I value the importance of creating a safe, supportive, and compassionate environment in which clients can empower, explore, and understand themselves. Together we will work to reinvigorate, revitalize, and empower you so you may create the best version of yourself. As a first generation Mexican American, I am passionate about working alongside minority and marginalized communities to educate and make therapy accessible for all individuals. I have worked with teens and adults experiencing issues with racial identity, trauma, depression, anxiety, men's issues, and life transitions.
Navigating life is challenging, and sometimes we could use a little help becoming the best versions of ourselves. Sometimes we struggle with depression, anxiety, life transitions, self-esteem issues, relationship challenges, stress, racial identity, feeling stuck, and traumatic situations. But, you do not have to work through it alone; it all happens to be my area of expertise. I help adults and couples overcome those obstacles and transform their lives. My 18-year career has been devoted to supporting and empowering others, especially BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) clients.
Navigating life is challenging, and sometimes we could use a little help becoming the best versions of ourselves. Sometimes we struggle with depression, anxiety, life transitions, self-esteem issues, relationship challenges, stress, racial identity, feeling stuck, and traumatic situations. But, you do not have to work through it alone; it all happens to be my area of expertise. I help adults and couples overcome those obstacles and transform their lives. My 18-year career has been devoted to supporting and empowering others, especially BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) clients.
Noel E. Ritter
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60601
I provide a safe place to explore concerns about family, racial identity, gender and sexuality.
I am a thoughtful, warm, seasoned therapist who combines a relational approach to counseling with sound clinical judgement. I have had the privilege to work with clients who are courageous, hardworking, introspective, and some of the most wonderful people I have met. I am inspired by my clients daily. I greatly enjoy walking alongside individuals and partnering with them as they pursue wholeness. Most frequently, I see clients facing challenges with anxiety, trauma, and spiritual concerns.
I provide a safe place to explore concerns about family, racial identity, gender and sexuality.
I am a thoughtful, warm, seasoned therapist who combines a relational approach to counseling with sound clinical judgement. I have had the privilege to work with clients who are courageous, hardworking, introspective, and some of the most wonderful people I have met. I am inspired by my clients daily. I greatly enjoy walking alongside individuals and partnering with them as they pursue wholeness. Most frequently, I see clients facing challenges with anxiety, trauma, and spiritual concerns.
Cristina Valencia
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC, CADC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60642 (Online Only)
I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, addiction, grief, life transitions, trauma, relational conflicts, and cultural/ racial identity issues.
Making the decision to enter therapy can be frightening and may weigh heavily on us yet it can make all the difference when we feel stuck, conflicted, or alone. If you have something in mind that you would like to see change, we can work collaboratively to address emotional barriers, past experiences, stressors, or relationship patterns that may be exacerbating your concern. I believe that a safe, warm, validating, culturally competent, and empathic therapeutic relationship is the foundation for change.
I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, addiction, grief, life transitions, trauma, relational conflicts, and cultural/ racial identity issues.
Making the decision to enter therapy can be frightening and may weigh heavily on us yet it can make all the difference when we feel stuck, conflicted, or alone. If you have something in mind that you would like to see change, we can work collaboratively to address emotional barriers, past experiences, stressors, or relationship patterns that may be exacerbating your concern. I believe that a safe, warm, validating, culturally competent, and empathic therapeutic relationship is the foundation for change.
Welcome to Michal Rosenberg, Psy.D., PLLC! I work with primarily adults with a variety of presentations such as anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), developmental disorders, learning disorders, ADHD, and mood disorders, as well as trauma and challenges related to identity formation. I practice using the cultural humility lens, open and accepting those from all backgrounds including but not limited to aspects of racial identity, LGBTQIA+ communities, those with disabilities, ethnic identities, and religions.
Welcome to Michal Rosenberg, Psy.D., PLLC! I work with primarily adults with a variety of presentations such as anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), developmental disorders, learning disorders, ADHD, and mood disorders, as well as trauma and challenges related to identity formation. I practice using the cultural humility lens, open and accepting those from all backgrounds including but not limited to aspects of racial identity, LGBTQIA+ communities, those with disabilities, ethnic identities, and religions.
Peoples has experience in working with depression, anxiety, ADHD, trauma, , LGBTQIA+ related concerns, identity related concerns, couples and marital concerns, racial identity, in addition to issues related to adjustment, career planning, and familial concerns.
Dr. Peoples is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in the state of Illinois who specializes in working with adolescents, young adults, and adults. She is a member of PSYPACT which allows for her to practice in multiple states (See approved stated here: psypact.org). She is passionate about her commitment to social justice and devoted to providing an environment conducive to mental wellness. Dr. Peoples was drawn to become a mental health professional due to a lack of mental health services available to individuals in dire need.
Peoples has experience in working with depression, anxiety, ADHD, trauma, , LGBTQIA+ related concerns, identity related concerns, couples and marital concerns, racial identity, in addition to issues related to adjustment, career planning, and familial concerns.
Dr. Peoples is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in the state of Illinois who specializes in working with adolescents, young adults, and adults. She is a member of PSYPACT which allows for her to practice in multiple states (See approved stated here: psypact.org). She is passionate about her commitment to social justice and devoted to providing an environment conducive to mental wellness. Dr. Peoples was drawn to become a mental health professional due to a lack of mental health services available to individuals in dire need.
I am dedicated to helping clients expand self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and process traumas and psychological wounds. With extensive experience in addressing anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, relational conflicts, burnout, and challenging life transitions, I offer compassionate and tailored support. I take great pride in working with BIPOC, immigrants, and first- and second-generation individuals navigating acculturation, racial identity, and cultural challenges, as well as young professionals and college students.
I am dedicated to helping clients expand self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and process traumas and psychological wounds. With extensive experience in addressing anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, relational conflicts, burnout, and challenging life transitions, I offer compassionate and tailored support. I take great pride in working with BIPOC, immigrants, and first- and second-generation individuals navigating acculturation, racial identity, and cultural challenges, as well as young professionals and college students.
See more therapy options for Chicago
Nearby Racial Identity Therapists Searches for Chicago
- Berwyn
- Brookfield
- Cicero
- Elmwood Park
- Forest Park
- Lakeview
- Lincoln Park
- Lincolnwood
- Melrose Park
- North Riverside
- Oak Park
- River Forest