Therapists in Chicago, IL and Nearby Locations

Finding Mental Health Professionals in Chicago

Seeking out a therapist in Chicago can be time-consuming and challenging. When beginning your search, there are a few considerations to keep in mind that will help guide you to a better decision.

Therapist Specialties

If you need the support of a professional to work through some personal issues, negative emotions, or feelings of sadness or anxiety, then you can choose a therapist without being particular about their areas of expertise, as most licensed therapists are trained to handle these types of cases.

However, if you need help with a specific mental health condition, such as severe depression, an anxiety disorder, PTSD, OCD, phobias, or eating disorders, or if you’re looking for relationship or family counseling, then you should ideally find a therapist serving Chicago that specializes in these areas.

In addition to the conditions they treat, some therapists focus on working with specific age groups. If you’re looking for a therapist in Chicago for your young child or teenager, you should seek out a professional who’s qualified to work with those age groups.

Treatment Modalities

Most therapists prefer specific treatment approaches with their patients over others. These can include cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic psychotherapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and exposure therapy, to name a few.

Some patients research these treatment options online or consult with friends and decide for themselves which one they need. While you should ideally let the professional decide on the right modality for you, if you find that there are many suitable therapists in Chicago from which to choose, you can narrow down the list based on the treatment modalities you prefer.

Personal Background of the Therapist

You may prefer to work with a therapist in Chicago who speaks a second language that you speak, shares your religious beliefs, or is of a certain gender, race, or ethnicity. Finding a therapist who shares your values or personal experiences may help you open up more quickly and have better chemistry with them.

Insurance

If your health insurance covers therapy, you’ll need to check with the individual therapist if they accept your insurance provider.

Session Types

If you need an in-person, face-to-face therapy experience, then you’ll want a professional counselor in Chicago who sees clients in an office. But if you prefer the convenience of working with someone who offers virtual sessions via videoconferencing or phone, there are plenty of therapists who provide remote sessions.

If you are not satisfied with the selection of therapists in Chicago, you may want to consider teletherapy even if it’s not your first choice, as any licensed therapist in Illinois may legally work with you.

Getting Started with a Therapist in Chicago

Our therapist directory includes filters to help you find therapists in Chicago based on your preferences and criteria. The therapists listed here are licensed professionals who work with clients in Chicago. They are subject to all applicable confidentiality regulations for mental health professionals and can be reached using the contact information they’ve provided on their profiles.