Culturally Sensitive Therapists in Chicago, IL
Elisa Leyva
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60602
My patients say that I am a warm, collaborative, and culturally sensitive therapist committed to building trusting relationships and willing to take the time to understand their individual circumstances.
Hello, my name is Elisa and I help individuals who have tried everything to manage complex situations (such as anxiety, trauma or despair) and who usually feel burdened by emotions, tense all the time, unsure about what to do or keep avoiding difficult and painful memories. Here you’ll find a warm, professional, and safe environment where you can rediscover your true self, explore your emotions, and learn to navigate experiences and obstacles with newfound clarity. Together we can connect and explore at your pace in a caring, empathic space with honest feedback, strategies for change, and a little humor.
My patients say that I am a warm, collaborative, and culturally sensitive therapist committed to building trusting relationships and willing to take the time to understand their individual circumstances.
Hello, my name is Elisa and I help individuals who have tried everything to manage complex situations (such as anxiety, trauma or despair) and who usually feel burdened by emotions, tense all the time, unsure about what to do or keep avoiding difficult and painful memories. Here you’ll find a warm, professional, and safe environment where you can rediscover your true self, explore your emotions, and learn to navigate experiences and obstacles with newfound clarity. Together we can connect and explore at your pace in a caring, empathic space with honest feedback, strategies for change, and a little humor.
Chloe Oltman
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60618
Moving intentionally in the direction of change isn't always as straight-forward as we would like. You, your child, or your family may be facing a period of difficulty and struggling with coping, connection, and the way forward. My role is to assist by walking alongside you and guiding you and your family in seeing things that may be too overwhelming to face alone. Together, we will work on making sense of what happened, is happening, help you find clarity, and (re)build a sense of internal agency and purpose as well as relational cohesion and safety.
Moving intentionally in the direction of change isn't always as straight-forward as we would like. You, your child, or your family may be facing a period of difficulty and struggling with coping, connection, and the way forward. My role is to assist by walking alongside you and guiding you and your family in seeing things that may be too overwhelming to face alone. Together, we will work on making sense of what happened, is happening, help you find clarity, and (re)build a sense of internal agency and purpose as well as relational cohesion and safety.
Morgan Eslinger
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60601
I am passionate about using a culturally sensitive and trauma informed lens to honor your unique background and experiences.
As your therapist, my goal is to offer you a dedicated place to navigate life’s challenges and to offer you tools that will help you foster long-term growth and change. Whether those challenges include depression, anxiety, strained relationships, or low self-esteem, I want to work with you to increase your quality of life.
I am passionate about using a culturally sensitive and trauma informed lens to honor your unique background and experiences.
As your therapist, my goal is to offer you a dedicated place to navigate life’s challenges and to offer you tools that will help you foster long-term growth and change. Whether those challenges include depression, anxiety, strained relationships, or low self-esteem, I want to work with you to increase your quality of life.
Martha Tyler
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60640
Waitlist for new clients
I am LGBTQIA+ Affirming and dedicate time to learning about culturally sensitive approaches to treatment and unlearning personal racial/ethnic biases.
Change and growth happen within a safe and secure relationship. I am here to walk alongside you, offering compassionate curiosity, a safe space to explore your inner life, and deep insight. Wherever you are in your mental health journey, I’ll meet you there and together we can embrace the ambiguity of the human experience with humor, a sense of play, and compassion.
I am LGBTQIA+ Affirming and dedicate time to learning about culturally sensitive approaches to treatment and unlearning personal racial/ethnic biases.
Change and growth happen within a safe and secure relationship. I am here to walk alongside you, offering compassionate curiosity, a safe space to explore your inner life, and deep insight. Wherever you are in your mental health journey, I’ll meet you there and together we can embrace the ambiguity of the human experience with humor, a sense of play, and compassion.
Samiha Jallouqa
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60601
Allowing yourself to be supported is the first step towards becoming your best self. However, without adequate support, overcoming feelings of sadness, overwhelm, disconnection or insecurity can be an exhausting and isolating experience. This is why I understand the importance of finding the right therapist. You may be seeking to feel truly heard and understood without judgment by someone you can trust to help you feel more grounded, confident, and satisfied in your everyday life. As a therapist, my main goal is to create that safe and trusting relationship to guide and empower you towards achieving ultimate personal growth.
Allowing yourself to be supported is the first step towards becoming your best self. However, without adequate support, overcoming feelings of sadness, overwhelm, disconnection or insecurity can be an exhausting and isolating experience. This is why I understand the importance of finding the right therapist. You may be seeking to feel truly heard and understood without judgment by someone you can trust to help you feel more grounded, confident, and satisfied in your everyday life. As a therapist, my main goal is to create that safe and trusting relationship to guide and empower you towards achieving ultimate personal growth.
Kathiana Edouard
Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60644
Hello, Thank you for taking the time to learn more about me. My name is Kathiana Edouard, and I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with over 9 years of experience working with individuals with issues such as Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, PTSD, Women's Issues, Racial Identity, Cultural Stress, and Spirituality. My therapeutic process involves a holistic combination of Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Mindfulness-Based (MBCT), Trauma Focused, Culturally Sensitive, and Holistic therapies. I believe in creating a safe space for my clients and everyone I work with during treatment.
Hello, Thank you for taking the time to learn more about me. My name is Kathiana Edouard, and I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with over 9 years of experience working with individuals with issues such as Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, PTSD, Women's Issues, Racial Identity, Cultural Stress, and Spirituality. My therapeutic process involves a holistic combination of Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Mindfulness-Based (MBCT), Trauma Focused, Culturally Sensitive, and Holistic therapies. I believe in creating a safe space for my clients and everyone I work with during treatment.
Dr. Mrnalini Rao
Pre-Licensed Professional, PsyD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60640
I believe therapy is a journey of healing, understanding one’s self and creating ways to overcome challenges together. My clinical approach includes being supportive, collaborative, understanding each individual’s unique experience and creating a warm, safe and non-judgmental space. I embrace diversity, authenticity and am committed to being culturally sensitive and sex and gender affirming. I approach therapy from a variety of perspectives to accommodate needs of each individual using psychodynamic, process oriented, feminist, decolonizing therapy, social justice and multicultural models.
I believe therapy is a journey of healing, understanding one’s self and creating ways to overcome challenges together. My clinical approach includes being supportive, collaborative, understanding each individual’s unique experience and creating a warm, safe and non-judgmental space. I embrace diversity, authenticity and am committed to being culturally sensitive and sex and gender affirming. I approach therapy from a variety of perspectives to accommodate needs of each individual using psychodynamic, process oriented, feminist, decolonizing therapy, social justice and multicultural models.
Katy Crone
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60606 (Online Only)
I strive to provide culturally sensitive treatment to clients of all backgrounds.
My approach to therapy is collaborative and is aimed at helping you develop long-lasting health (both as an individual and in your relationships). I'll help you address individual concerns such as anxiety, depression, self-esteem, panic, sleep issues, job fulfillment, and family stress. Initial sessions will involve a thorough intake so I can be sure I understand the breadth of your background and current problems. I will help you construct individualized goals for therapy, and we will agree on how to best work together. I utilize a variety of approaches and techniques including psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioral therapies.
I strive to provide culturally sensitive treatment to clients of all backgrounds.
My approach to therapy is collaborative and is aimed at helping you develop long-lasting health (both as an individual and in your relationships). I'll help you address individual concerns such as anxiety, depression, self-esteem, panic, sleep issues, job fulfillment, and family stress. Initial sessions will involve a thorough intake so I can be sure I understand the breadth of your background and current problems. I will help you construct individualized goals for therapy, and we will agree on how to best work together. I utilize a variety of approaches and techniques including psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioral therapies.
Shaysa Esther Villa
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60605
As a modern therapist, I provide culturally sensitive and thoughtful therapy to help individuals and couples. I understand how hard it can be to find a therapist that seems relatable or trustworthy. I work particularly well with individuals navigating trauma, relationships, and identity looking for a therapist that "gets it". This may be an overwhelming point in your life, but pursuing psychotherapy can be one of the most transformative experiences you can take to heal & grow.
As a modern therapist, I provide culturally sensitive and thoughtful therapy to help individuals and couples. I understand how hard it can be to find a therapist that seems relatable or trustworthy. I work particularly well with individuals navigating trauma, relationships, and identity looking for a therapist that "gets it". This may be an overwhelming point in your life, but pursuing psychotherapy can be one of the most transformative experiences you can take to heal & grow.
Lana Gummeson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60618
I am a Marriage and Family Therapist skilled at creating a safe therapeutic space where hope fuels change, forges resilience and inspires growth for families, couples and individuals. I have been honored to work in multiple cross-cultural contexts and am dedicated to incorporating culturally sensitive and contextually informed practices in therapy. I am passionate about empowering clients to find congruence, balance, self-compassion, and transformation in their lives. I offer a warm and supportive atmosphere that is strength-based and goal-oriented.
I am a Marriage and Family Therapist skilled at creating a safe therapeutic space where hope fuels change, forges resilience and inspires growth for families, couples and individuals. I have been honored to work in multiple cross-cultural contexts and am dedicated to incorporating culturally sensitive and contextually informed practices in therapy. I am passionate about empowering clients to find congruence, balance, self-compassion, and transformation in their lives. I offer a warm and supportive atmosphere that is strength-based and goal-oriented.
Junyi Ma
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, LSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60615 (Online Only)
I'm passionate about supporting different generations of Asian immigrants, multicultural individuals, and other marginalized populations to deal with life challenges including trauma, complex trauma, intergenerational conflicts, self-esteem issues, life transitions, acculturation, depression, anxiety, emotional regulation, stress, grief, and other issues. I work mostly with different generations of immigrants, multicultural individuals, and other marginalized communities.
I'm passionate about supporting different generations of Asian immigrants, multicultural individuals, and other marginalized populations to deal with life challenges including trauma, complex trauma, intergenerational conflicts, self-esteem issues, life transitions, acculturation, depression, anxiety, emotional regulation, stress, grief, and other issues. I work mostly with different generations of immigrants, multicultural individuals, and other marginalized communities.
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Dr. Juliet I Dinkha
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60608
I am dedicated to providing culturally sensitive care that respects and values your unique identity and experiences.
As a Licensed Clinical Psychologist based in Illinois. I earned a Bachelor’s degree, a Master’s degree and a Doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology. I have an extensive research background and have published two books on identity and resilience. In therapy, my foremost priority is your well-being. I am committed to providing a safe, non-judgmental, and confidential space where you can openly express your thoughts, emotions, and concerns. I believe in the power of empathy and active listening to truly understand your unique experiences and perspectives.
I am dedicated to providing culturally sensitive care that respects and values your unique identity and experiences.
As a Licensed Clinical Psychologist based in Illinois. I earned a Bachelor’s degree, a Master’s degree and a Doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology. I have an extensive research background and have published two books on identity and resilience. In therapy, my foremost priority is your well-being. I am committed to providing a safe, non-judgmental, and confidential space where you can openly express your thoughts, emotions, and concerns. I believe in the power of empathy and active listening to truly understand your unique experiences and perspectives.
Victoria De La Torre
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60638
As a Southside native, I love working with the communities that have shaped me and given me so much. I am aware of how our decisions can affect our entire family system and therefore, using a culturally sensitive approach, we will work together to find solutions and set goals based on what is important to you. I am especially passionate about helping clients build their self-esteem and challenge those negative thoughts that can make our day-to-day seem so much more difficult. I enjoy working with teens and adults of all genders, but I specialize in helping women overcome emotional, relational, and societal barriers.
As a Southside native, I love working with the communities that have shaped me and given me so much. I am aware of how our decisions can affect our entire family system and therefore, using a culturally sensitive approach, we will work together to find solutions and set goals based on what is important to you. I am especially passionate about helping clients build their self-esteem and challenge those negative thoughts that can make our day-to-day seem so much more difficult. I enjoy working with teens and adults of all genders, but I specialize in helping women overcome emotional, relational, and societal barriers.
SFC Searching For Change
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CSAT-S, SE-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60601
Our practice is culturally sensitive to the many issues in the Orthodox Jewish Community.
My practice works with a diverse population. I specialize in addiction, both Sex Addiction and a range of other addictions. I run groups for sex addicts and for the partners of sex addicts. I also specialize in trauma and work with adolescent and adult trauma survivors, both male and female. The practice also works with the LGBTQ community.
Our practice is culturally sensitive to the many issues in the Orthodox Jewish Community.
My practice works with a diverse population. I specialize in addiction, both Sex Addiction and a range of other addictions. I run groups for sex addicts and for the partners of sex addicts. I also specialize in trauma and work with adolescent and adult trauma survivors, both male and female. The practice also works with the LGBTQ community.
Mandy Yingzi Zhang
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, LSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60637 (Online Only)
I'm passionate about working with individuals to address issues such as emotional regulation, self-esteem issues, anxiety, depression, cultural conflict, trauma, stress management, and life transitions. As an Asian therapist, I have extensive experience working with different generations of Asian immigrants, multicultural individuals, and others in marginalized communities. I aim to bring mental health services to underserved communities in a linguistically appropriate and culturally sensitive manner. With my friendly and humble personality, I establish a compassionate, comfortable and safe space for my client to be where they are.
I'm passionate about working with individuals to address issues such as emotional regulation, self-esteem issues, anxiety, depression, cultural conflict, trauma, stress management, and life transitions. As an Asian therapist, I have extensive experience working with different generations of Asian immigrants, multicultural individuals, and others in marginalized communities. I aim to bring mental health services to underserved communities in a linguistically appropriate and culturally sensitive manner. With my friendly and humble personality, I establish a compassionate, comfortable and safe space for my client to be where they are.
Maria Camila Camacho
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60605 (Online Only)
My approach is highly relational, trauma-informed, and culturally sensitive.
Hola, I'm Maria Camila or Maki! There are times our lives feel like they got turned upside down. Having someone join us in the journey can be the very thing we need for lasting healing and change. Together, we will focus on the pieces of you that you feel have been lost or disconnected due to trauma, grief, mental/emotional issues, and deep relational wounds. With me, you'll have a warm, compassionate, safe space with a therapist who is genuinely interested in making a connection with you. In this partnership, your voice is heard and valued.
My approach is highly relational, trauma-informed, and culturally sensitive.
Hola, I'm Maria Camila or Maki! There are times our lives feel like they got turned upside down. Having someone join us in the journey can be the very thing we need for lasting healing and change. Together, we will focus on the pieces of you that you feel have been lost or disconnected due to trauma, grief, mental/emotional issues, and deep relational wounds. With me, you'll have a warm, compassionate, safe space with a therapist who is genuinely interested in making a connection with you. In this partnership, your voice is heard and valued.
Ana Ferraz
Counselor, MA, LCPC, CCTSI
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60631
I practice with a culturally sensitive lens and value a positive client-therapist relationship.
I believe that the beginning of a person’s healing journey starts with creating a safe, collaborative, and supportive therapeutic space that can pave the way toward restorative growth. The foundation of my therapeutic work stems from understanding how life experiences and everyday stressors impact the way we engage with the world. With an intentional focus on individuals’ stories, I use tools that aid in bottom-up trauma processing through a relational approach, building greater awareness and insight.
I practice with a culturally sensitive lens and value a positive client-therapist relationship.
I believe that the beginning of a person’s healing journey starts with creating a safe, collaborative, and supportive therapeutic space that can pave the way toward restorative growth. The foundation of my therapeutic work stems from understanding how life experiences and everyday stressors impact the way we engage with the world. With an intentional focus on individuals’ stories, I use tools that aid in bottom-up trauma processing through a relational approach, building greater awareness and insight.
Yurianna Reyes
Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60608 (Online Only)
I have over ten years of clinical experience. I have worked in community agencies, corrections, hospitals, higher education, and private practice. I am a bilingual and bicultural therapist that is passionate about providing culturally sensitive and trauma informed mental health services.
I have over ten years of clinical experience. I have worked in community agencies, corrections, hospitals, higher education, and private practice. I am a bilingual and bicultural therapist that is passionate about providing culturally sensitive and trauma informed mental health services.
Andreina Phelan - Speaking Minds Psychotherapy
Counselor, LCPC, MA
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60657 (Online Only)
As a Latinx woman of color, I bring a culturally sensitive perspective to support individuals when navigating cultural, family, and societal expectations.
I identify as a Latina, bilingual (spanish-speaking) therapist, born and raised in Caracas, Venezuela. My passion lies in assisting individuals navigating difficult life transitions and the impact these transitions can have on their mental health. Over time I have provided counseling services to individuals adjusting to a new culture, moving away from home, navigating family-of-origin stressors, and becoming a parent, among many others. I also support individuals experiencing anxiety, past trauma, and perinatal mood disorders.
As a Latinx woman of color, I bring a culturally sensitive perspective to support individuals when navigating cultural, family, and societal expectations.
I identify as a Latina, bilingual (spanish-speaking) therapist, born and raised in Caracas, Venezuela. My passion lies in assisting individuals navigating difficult life transitions and the impact these transitions can have on their mental health. Over time I have provided counseling services to individuals adjusting to a new culture, moving away from home, navigating family-of-origin stressors, and becoming a parent, among many others. I also support individuals experiencing anxiety, past trauma, and perinatal mood disorders.
Tharsana Kumarasivam
BA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60642
As a first-generation therapist of color, I am passionate about delivering culturally sensitive therapy to BIPOC and immigrants/those who are from immigrant families. I understand that there are cultural barriers to receiving therapy. My goal is to understand the backgrounds that my clients are coming from to deliver culturally informed therapy.
As a first-generation therapist of color, I am passionate about delivering culturally sensitive therapy to BIPOC and immigrants/those who are from immigrant families. I understand that there are cultural barriers to receiving therapy. My goal is to understand the backgrounds that my clients are coming from to deliver culturally informed therapy.
See more therapy options for Chicago
Nearby Culturally Sensitive Therapists Searches for Chicago
- Berwyn
- Brookfield
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- Lakeview
- Lincoln Park
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- Oak Park
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Culturally Sensitive Therapists
How does culturally sensitive therapy work?
A culturally sensitive therapist will tailor their approach to therapy based on the individual client’s background. This may include changing their style of interaction (asking open-ended questions vs. being the “expert” voice), their affect (seeming warm or “neutral”), how much personal information they disclose about themselves, and more. It’s also important for a culturally sensitive therapist to acknowledge larger societal forces that may impact their client due to the client’s background.
How effective is culturally sensitive therapy?
Some professionals have expressed concern about highlighting cultural differences in therapy, suggesting that it might promote stereotypes and harm the therapeutic bond; however, many experts agree that cultural sensitivity tends to strengthen the connection between therapist and client and help clients feel heard and understood. A culturally sensitive approach to therapy can be especially helpful for those not in the cultural majority, especially when combined with proven therapies like Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
What are the limitations of a culturally sensitive approach to therapy?
While being culturally sensitive is generally a valuable skill to have, a therapist cannot treat every client from a similar background the same way. Each client is an individual with their own values, personal preferences, and life experiences that will need to be explored during therapy. In addition, it’s rare for a therapist and client to have identical backgrounds, so there may be some cross-cultural differences to navigate during therapy, but a culturally sensitive therapist can do so with empathy and respect.
Can culturally sensitive therapy be done online?
Yes, online therapy using a culturally sensitive approach can be beneficial. Therapy can sometimes be difficult to access for clients from diverse backgrounds and socioeconomic standing. The array of mental health support available through the internet makes it possible for clients to find a good therapist match regardless of where they live.