Chicago, Illinois Therapists

Guide to Finding Mental Health Professionals in Chicago

Chicago is the 3rd largest city in the United States with over 10 million people. The U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey data for 2008–2012, estimate the median income for a household in the city was $47,408, and the median income for a family was $54,188. Male full-time workers had a median income of $47,074 versus $42,063 for females. About 18.3% of families and 22.1% of the population lived below the poverty line. This socioeconomic disparity leads to a higher rate of violence and crime. This leads to trauma for those victimized by the crimes as well as depression, anxiety, and stress. Substance abuse also increases as those who experienced the crime may be trying to cope with what happened in a manner that is not appropriate.

According to the CDC, the divorce rate in Chicago is one of the lowest in the nation; however, even though it is statistically the bottom 10% does not mean that those who are dealing with marital issues should ignore their problems. When communication breaks down in a relationship it is important to address it before the problem becomes more complicated. Statistics show that couples who do not communicate and become distant have a higher probability of domestic violence or infidelity. The help of a marriage and family counselor at the beginning when there is distance and the start of lack of communication may greatly reduce the chances of domestic violence and cheating.

Currently, there are over 90 therapists in the Chicago metropolitan area who provide therapy for individuals, couples, and families, as well as substance abuse counseling psychotherapy, and psychiatry. There are also 140 treatment centers specializing in the areas of substance abuse treatment, and individual and group/family therapy. The treatment centers are nonprofits, which means that the costs are not as high as a private practice therapist.

Getting Help

Here is a list of questions you should ask yourself before scheduling an appointment with a therapist. Bring the list and ask them if they would be able to help you address those situations.

What is the main issue you need to address?

Is the provider accepting new patients?

How long are you looking to be in therapy?

With these basic questions addressed, it will be easier to choose who you would like to meet with to make sure they are a good match. It is important to understand that the therapist you first meet is not the only therapist out there. There are a lot of different types of therapy and therapists that specialize in different ways to treat mental health and substance abuse issues. The Chicago mental health professionals are listed above to give you a glimpse at a large network of individuals and facilities that are willing to provide different forms of therapy and treatment. So, if the first therapist is not what you were looking for then it is okay to look for another. Remember, that it is important for you to feel comfortable so that you can focus on your situation and that should be the number one priority of the provider. If it does not seem that the provider is helping then he/she may not have the correct technique to work with alleviating your situation, may it be PTSD, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, or any other mental health issue.