Therapists in Chicago, IL
Albe Gutierrez
Pre-Licensed Professional, MAATC, BFA
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60640
I'm Albe (she/her/ella), also known as Miss Albe, a bilingual (English/Spanish) art therapist working with individuals and groups among Chicago’s various LGBTQIA+ and Spanish-speaking communities. I view therapy as a collaborative experience designed to enhance personal insight, coping skills, & communication techniques through various avenues of self-expression. I am a kink and poly aware therapist with a strong background in direct service, advocacy, and engagement with the LGBTQIA+ community and transgender women of color in particular.
I'm Albe (she/her/ella), also known as Miss Albe, a bilingual (English/Spanish) art therapist working with individuals and groups among Chicago’s various LGBTQIA+ and Spanish-speaking communities. I view therapy as a collaborative experience designed to enhance personal insight, coping skills, & communication techniques through various avenues of self-expression. I am a kink and poly aware therapist with a strong background in direct service, advocacy, and engagement with the LGBTQIA+ community and transgender women of color in particular.
Lakeview Psychology Group
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60657
I have been very active in writing and implementing school policies that support students who identify as transgender or gender non-conforming.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with expertise in the assessment and treatment of children and adolescents. I am particularly interested in helping families and schools work together to support students with unique learning needs as a result of emotional, cognitive, and behavioral difficulties. I utilize a cognitive-behavioral and problem-solving approach, as well as, narrative principals to assist clients with addressing the various challenges they are facing. I believe that therapy should be a safe and reclaiming space where strengths are built upon and challenges are addressed side-by-side.
I have been very active in writing and implementing school policies that support students who identify as transgender or gender non-conforming.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with expertise in the assessment and treatment of children and adolescents. I am particularly interested in helping families and schools work together to support students with unique learning needs as a result of emotional, cognitive, and behavioral difficulties. I utilize a cognitive-behavioral and problem-solving approach, as well as, narrative principals to assist clients with addressing the various challenges they are facing. I believe that therapy should be a safe and reclaiming space where strengths are built upon and challenges are addressed side-by-side.
Rebecca Mach
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60660
I specialize in the following concerns: depression, anxiety, relationship dissatisfaction & codependency, becoming a new parent or parenting concerns throughout the developmental lifespan, and healthy transgender & non-binary identity development.
Choosing the right therapist is important. I am committed to assisting you confront old and new obstacles and make meaningful changes in your life. I have the highest respect for someone who comes through my door. Together, we create a path for personal healing and growth.
I specialize in the following concerns: depression, anxiety, relationship dissatisfaction & codependency, becoming a new parent or parenting concerns throughout the developmental lifespan, and healthy transgender & non-binary identity development.
Choosing the right therapist is important. I am committed to assisting you confront old and new obstacles and make meaningful changes in your life. I have the highest respect for someone who comes through my door. Together, we create a path for personal healing and growth.
Terry Ann Dornak
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60626
I am passionate about helping transgender clients process and navigate the transition journey.
It is my goal to provide you with a safe, therapeutic space to unload and explore your needs, worries, and fears whatever they may be. The path to healing is unique for each of us. We will work collaboratively towards meeting your goals and needs, and in doing so, make your life more comfortable and satisfying. It is my hope that each person who meets with me feels accepted, as I respect each individual's culture, gender, race, religion, and sexual identity.
I am passionate about helping transgender clients process and navigate the transition journey.
It is my goal to provide you with a safe, therapeutic space to unload and explore your needs, worries, and fears whatever they may be. The path to healing is unique for each of us. We will work collaboratively towards meeting your goals and needs, and in doing so, make your life more comfortable and satisfying. It is my hope that each person who meets with me feels accepted, as I respect each individual's culture, gender, race, religion, and sexual identity.
Rae Reed
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MS , LCSW
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60603
My philosophy in working with clients is to build a trusting relationship with them by learning about their story - their family's story, their personal story, their triumphs and their challenges. I then work with the client to use their strengths to help them form a new story, a story where they change ingrained habits and live the life they have always wanted to live. I like to use the relationship we have built together to help the client feel safe making these changes in a supported environment.
My philosophy in working with clients is to build a trusting relationship with them by learning about their story - their family's story, their personal story, their triumphs and their challenges. I then work with the client to use their strengths to help them form a new story, a story where they change ingrained habits and live the life they have always wanted to live. I like to use the relationship we have built together to help the client feel safe making these changes in a supported environment.
Willow Florence Krafcik
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60613
As a neurodiverse clinician with chronic illness, Willow brings their whole self to working with their community. Their goal is always to give clients the opportunity to feel seen, heard and supported. They are non-judgmental, caring and somewhat goofy. Willow has experience working in a variety of settings around grief, identity development, trauma, anxiety, depression and disability concerns, and has training in trauma-informed play therapy and utilizing expressive arts in therapeutic work. Their approach is grounded in attachment-theory, narrative therapy, harm reduction, disability justice, and family systems theory.
As a neurodiverse clinician with chronic illness, Willow brings their whole self to working with their community. Their goal is always to give clients the opportunity to feel seen, heard and supported. They are non-judgmental, caring and somewhat goofy. Willow has experience working in a variety of settings around grief, identity development, trauma, anxiety, depression and disability concerns, and has training in trauma-informed play therapy and utilizing expressive arts in therapeutic work. Their approach is grounded in attachment-theory, narrative therapy, harm reduction, disability justice, and family systems theory.
Dr. Angelo Pezzote
Counselor, DPharm, MA, BCPP, CCMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60646 (Online Only)
SOMETHING MISSING? HELP FINDING IT. You don't have to suffer alone. Secrets and isolation are not the answer. I can be there for you, wherever you are. I provide safe, discreet, personalized care via video chat. My goal is to deliver the results you want. Benefits are more: health, happiness, love, confidence, peace & success. I work with all people, including affirmation of diversity: LGBTQ2IA+, Hispanics, Latinos, Blacks, Native Americans, Asians, other People of Color, and Multiculturalism. Triumph over your challenges: Relationships, Trauma, Depression, Panic/Anxiety, Addictions, Sexuality, Gender, Men's Issues, Peyronie's.
SOMETHING MISSING? HELP FINDING IT. You don't have to suffer alone. Secrets and isolation are not the answer. I can be there for you, wherever you are. I provide safe, discreet, personalized care via video chat. My goal is to deliver the results you want. Benefits are more: health, happiness, love, confidence, peace & success. I work with all people, including affirmation of diversity: LGBTQ2IA+, Hispanics, Latinos, Blacks, Native Americans, Asians, other People of Color, and Multiculturalism. Triumph over your challenges: Relationships, Trauma, Depression, Panic/Anxiety, Addictions, Sexuality, Gender, Men's Issues, Peyronie's.
Leo Lease
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC, MA , ATR-P
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60647 (Online Only)
In moments of stress or discord, everyone copes the best they have available to them. As a trauma informed and DBT focused therapist, I believe in the power shame reduction can have in peoples lives, alongside building concrete skills, and unlearning narratives that no longer serve us. I often see clients who may feel at odds with themselves and want to adapt or grow their ability to handle distress. Although change can be uncomfortable, I work alongside clients to rediscover personal strengths and help find a "core" or "root" that may have felt lost or distant. I commend you for stepping into vulnerability.
In moments of stress or discord, everyone copes the best they have available to them. As a trauma informed and DBT focused therapist, I believe in the power shame reduction can have in peoples lives, alongside building concrete skills, and unlearning narratives that no longer serve us. I often see clients who may feel at odds with themselves and want to adapt or grow their ability to handle distress. Although change can be uncomfortable, I work alongside clients to rediscover personal strengths and help find a "core" or "root" that may have felt lost or distant. I commend you for stepping into vulnerability.
Samuel Bennett
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60614
Thanks for visiting! It’s not easy to find a safe, nonjudgmental, and compassionate space, particularly for those that identify themselves as part of the LGBTQ community. I believe having a therapist that is empathetic, shows unconditional positive regard, and is authentic is crucial to therapeutic growth. These factors are an integral part of how I practice therapy. My hope is that you leave your first session feeling supported, safe, and understood. I recognize that each client is unique, and therefore, your therapy needs to be tailored to the unique individual that you are.
Thanks for visiting! It’s not easy to find a safe, nonjudgmental, and compassionate space, particularly for those that identify themselves as part of the LGBTQ community. I believe having a therapist that is empathetic, shows unconditional positive regard, and is authentic is crucial to therapeutic growth. These factors are an integral part of how I practice therapy. My hope is that you leave your first session feeling supported, safe, and understood. I recognize that each client is unique, and therefore, your therapy needs to be tailored to the unique individual that you are.
Heather Hollysmith
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
13 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60657 (Online Only)
Are you and your partner always bickering or at each other's throats? Is it hard for you to tell others what you need and want out of relationships? I thrive on helping people explore their patterns and understand how their past experiences shape their present reality. I firmly believe that fostering connection and cultivating healthy relationships are fundamental to a fulfilling life. My approach centers on supporting you in achieving deeper insight, resolving conflicts, embracing your authentic self, and finding inner peace amidst life's challenges.
Are you and your partner always bickering or at each other's throats? Is it hard for you to tell others what you need and want out of relationships? I thrive on helping people explore their patterns and understand how their past experiences shape their present reality. I firmly believe that fostering connection and cultivating healthy relationships are fundamental to a fulfilling life. My approach centers on supporting you in achieving deeper insight, resolving conflicts, embracing your authentic self, and finding inner peace amidst life's challenges.
Rachel E Smith
Psychologist, MA, PsyD
Verified Verified
14 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60622
The task of finding a new therapist to walk with you in your journey toward growth, hope, and healing can be so difficult! My style is relational and dynamic, meaning that I hold the past and present together as we work through your story to examine places you feel stuck or want to make changes. Your safety in the therapeutic relationship is important in order to facilitate the exploration of what can be painful thoughts, feelings, and memories. I integrate evidence-based techniques, cultural humility, and a nonjudgemental perspective to help you find your strengths and meet your life goals.
The task of finding a new therapist to walk with you in your journey toward growth, hope, and healing can be so difficult! My style is relational and dynamic, meaning that I hold the past and present together as we work through your story to examine places you feel stuck or want to make changes. Your safety in the therapeutic relationship is important in order to facilitate the exploration of what can be painful thoughts, feelings, and memories. I integrate evidence-based techniques, cultural humility, and a nonjudgemental perspective to help you find your strengths and meet your life goals.
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Kat Jones
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60607 (Online Only)
If you are struggling with feelings of self-worth, identity formation and feeling understood, then it makes sense why it can be hard to ask for help. Reaching out is a scary step, and you have already made a brave move by being here. So, take a moment to celebrate yourself, maybe take a deep breath, and recognize the strength it took to show up. You deserve a space to process emotional challenges and connect with a happy and empowered version of yourself.
If you are struggling with feelings of self-worth, identity formation and feeling understood, then it makes sense why it can be hard to ask for help. Reaching out is a scary step, and you have already made a brave move by being here. So, take a moment to celebrate yourself, maybe take a deep breath, and recognize the strength it took to show up. You deserve a space to process emotional challenges and connect with a happy and empowered version of yourself.
Kayla Harris
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, ALMFT
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60647
My clinical work focuses on helping clients with communication issues, boundary development & enforcement, creating space for emotional and/or physical intimacy, conflict management, power dynamics, relationship agreements, and life events (cohabitation, marriage, coming out, losses, etc.) I work with adults as individuals, couples/relationship configurations, and family systems.
My clinical work focuses on helping clients with communication issues, boundary development & enforcement, creating space for emotional and/or physical intimacy, conflict management, power dynamics, relationship agreements, and life events (cohabitation, marriage, coming out, losses, etc.) I work with adults as individuals, couples/relationship configurations, and family systems.
Adie Tuohey
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60647
My ideal client may not be used to change but is looking to try. My ideal client may have issues of transition, adjustment, and/or trauma and have the need to process it with a therapist who understands and has experienced these very human problems. My ideal client has the goal to change as they see fit, while still staying true to who they are. They can be of any past or upbringing, as long as they are looking to find a deeper understanding of it. Soon I will be starting a sexual trauma processing group, open to all adults as long as they are LGBTQ affirming and anti-racist.
My ideal client may not be used to change but is looking to try. My ideal client may have issues of transition, adjustment, and/or trauma and have the need to process it with a therapist who understands and has experienced these very human problems. My ideal client has the goal to change as they see fit, while still staying true to who they are. They can be of any past or upbringing, as long as they are looking to find a deeper understanding of it. Soon I will be starting a sexual trauma processing group, open to all adults as long as they are LGBTQ affirming and anti-racist.
Joe Edwards
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MS, LCPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60618
As the parent of a struggling child or teen, you may wonder what you can do to help them feel better. I’m here to provide you and your family the support and guidance that will help you gain a deeper understanding of your child, and feel more connected to them. I am passionate and experienced in helping children, teenagers, and their families overcome life's challenges. I have seen many children and teens struggle to express or articulate their emotions. That’s what I am here for. I find playful ways to help children express their inner world while guiding parents to also be curious to what is under their behavior.
As the parent of a struggling child or teen, you may wonder what you can do to help them feel better. I’m here to provide you and your family the support and guidance that will help you gain a deeper understanding of your child, and feel more connected to them. I am passionate and experienced in helping children, teenagers, and their families overcome life's challenges. I have seen many children and teens struggle to express or articulate their emotions. That’s what I am here for. I find playful ways to help children express their inner world while guiding parents to also be curious to what is under their behavior.
Patrick M McKee
Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60613
You deserve a balanced, happy and successful life. Whether you are questioning what to do, who you are, struggling to find motivation/strength, or just not sure how to attain what you want, there is a safe & non-judgmental space for you. You will learn how to become the "you" that you have always wanted to be. Through empowering work, you will challenge thoughts and uncover negative and sabotaging patterns to help overcome barriers.
You deserve a balanced, happy and successful life. Whether you are questioning what to do, who you are, struggling to find motivation/strength, or just not sure how to attain what you want, there is a safe & non-judgmental space for you. You will learn how to become the "you" that you have always wanted to be. Through empowering work, you will challenge thoughts and uncover negative and sabotaging patterns to help overcome barriers.
Lorilei Baker
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60613
I am an attachment and trauma-informed therapist. Our first priority will be to establish trust, mutual respect, consistency, and predictability so that you begin to feel safe. We will help you discover your strengths and will create goals to help you become your "best self". I prefer to utilize a variety of approaches in therapy, including teaching about attachment and neuroscience, mindfulness, coping skills, and how the body and brain work together to process our emotions.
I am an attachment and trauma-informed therapist. Our first priority will be to establish trust, mutual respect, consistency, and predictability so that you begin to feel safe. We will help you discover your strengths and will create goals to help you become your "best self". I prefer to utilize a variety of approaches in therapy, including teaching about attachment and neuroscience, mindfulness, coping skills, and how the body and brain work together to process our emotions.
Ash Levine
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60645
To me, therapy is a team sport. I'm there to help create a space and relationship where you feel safe exploring the things that are happening in your life. Maybe that thing is identity exploration, depression or anxiety that just won't quit, or figuring out how survive and then thrive after a big trauma. All of this is big stuff. I'm here to help you hold it and find a way through it. I have plenty of tools that I can bring to bear (questions, coping skills training, identifying patterns, and reframing situations), but ultimately, my approach centers around you and what you need to be successful, however you define success.
To me, therapy is a team sport. I'm there to help create a space and relationship where you feel safe exploring the things that are happening in your life. Maybe that thing is identity exploration, depression or anxiety that just won't quit, or figuring out how survive and then thrive after a big trauma. All of this is big stuff. I'm here to help you hold it and find a way through it. I have plenty of tools that I can bring to bear (questions, coping skills training, identifying patterns, and reframing situations), but ultimately, my approach centers around you and what you need to be successful, however you define success.
Sam Payne
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60657
Dr. Payne's experience in a variety of settings (community mental health, therapeutic day school, and corrections settings) has provided them with the opportunities to work with a wide variety of clients including children, adolescents, adults, and families. Dr. Payne’s specialties include working with a variety of symptoms and presentations including but not limited to: depression and other mood disorders, anxiety symptoms, relational difficulties, Autistic or otherwise neurodiverse clients, people who identify as LGBTQIAA2S+, and those who have experienced trauma.
Dr. Payne's experience in a variety of settings (community mental health, therapeutic day school, and corrections settings) has provided them with the opportunities to work with a wide variety of clients including children, adolescents, adults, and families. Dr. Payne’s specialties include working with a variety of symptoms and presentations including but not limited to: depression and other mood disorders, anxiety symptoms, relational difficulties, Autistic or otherwise neurodiverse clients, people who identify as LGBTQIAA2S+, and those who have experienced trauma.
Joie Wiener
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60607 (Online Only)
Joie is a North Side resident, and a proud member of the Queer, Neurodiverse, and Chronically Ill/ Disabled communities. They believe in nurturing and cherishing these identities (as well as all others!), and challenging social norms with the radical act of being yourself. Joie is a former social emotional and sexual health educator, and has worked with young people in various capacities for over 10 years. They’ve worked both in the schools and via Telehealth to provide therapy to children, adolescents, and emerging adults, focusing primarily on acute and complex trauma, and gender/sexuality development.
Joie is a North Side resident, and a proud member of the Queer, Neurodiverse, and Chronically Ill/ Disabled communities. They believe in nurturing and cherishing these identities (as well as all others!), and challenging social norms with the radical act of being yourself. Joie is a former social emotional and sexual health educator, and has worked with young people in various capacities for over 10 years. They’ve worked both in the schools and via Telehealth to provide therapy to children, adolescents, and emerging adults, focusing primarily on acute and complex trauma, and gender/sexuality development.
See more therapy options for Chicago
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Transgender Therapists
As a gender-diverse individual, why might I want to see a therapist who is also gender diverse?
A trans or gender-diverse client may want to see a therapist who is also trans or gender diverse because the client may feel safer sharing their experiences and more confident that the therapist will understand, validate, and support them. But trans or gender-diverse clients can also benefit from therapy with cisgender therapists; this is a personal decision based on the connection between the client and the therapist, and if that connection is strong, therapy will be successful.
What if I cannot find a therapist who shares my gender identity?
Therapy can still be effective if a therapist does not share a client’s gender identity; a large body of research indicates that the most important factor in successful therapy is the therapeutic alliance. A therapist can also be interviewed for sensitivity and competence on gender identity and expression to ensure they possess appropriate knowledge and skills. Many therapists have excellent training and extensive experience working with gender-diverse clients, and that expertise can be invaluable despite a therapist not sharing the same firsthand experiences.
How can I recognize a good therapist for working with gender-diverse clients?
An experienced therapist should be able to help clients explore their gender identity and expression, alleviate discomfort related to their gender identity, treat mental health challenges and trauma, address existing relationships and communication with family members and loved ones, and determine the next steps pertaining to nonmedical or medical gender-affirming interventions. To recognize a good therapist, clients can ask about these topics and explore their comfort and connection with the clinician.
How might I inquire about a therapist’s experience working with transgender clients?
Clients should feel comfortable asking therapists directly about their experience working with transgender or gender-diverse clientele. For example, clients may ask about the therapist’s training and education with regard to gender identity, how many trans clients they’ve worked with in the past, and what sorts of matters were discussed. You may wish to inquire how a therapist specifically supports the needs of transgender clients or clients questioning their gender identity. A good clinician who is nonetheless not the right fit for you is often happy to make referrals to others based on the concerns you articulate in a preliminary conversation.