1. Chicago Collaborative Psychotherapy
Credentials: Licensed clinical psychologists including practice founder. Clinicians hold doctoral degrees (PhD) from accredited programs. Fellowship training at the Chicago Psychoanalytic Institute.
Specialization: Anxiety, depression, relationship stress, trauma recovery, long-term personal growth, insight-oriented treatment.
Therapy Approaches: Psychodynamic psychotherapy, integrative approaches combining time-tested methods with practical skills training, insight-oriented therapy designed for lasting change.
Populations Served: Adults seeking therapy that addresses both immediate concerns and deeper patterns. Individuals looking for long-term growth rather than only short-term symptom relief. Veterans and those needing psychological evaluations for VA benefits claims.
Background: Practice founder served as an active-duty psychologist in the U.S. Navy and currently works within the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Health Security. Completed fellowship at the Chicago Psychoanalytic Institute. Adjunct professor at Rosalind Franklin University teaching in the graduate psychology program. The practice also conducts evaluations for veterans and provides expert opinions for attorneys supporting VA benefits claims.
Insurance Accepted: Contact practice for insurance information and fee structure.
Session Format: In-person and telehealth sessions available.
Location: Chicago, IL (contact for specific address)
Contact: https://chicagotherapy.org
Initial Consultation: Contact through website to schedule initial consultation.
2. Center for Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
Credentials: Licensed clinical psychologists with doctoral degrees (PhD) from accredited programs including The Chicago School of Professional Psychology and the Wright Institute. All therapists have extensive training and research in psychodynamic theory and practice.
Specialization: Trauma, chronic mental illness, depression (including transformative understanding through Jungian psychology), anxiety, relationship difficulties, life authenticity challenges, neurodiversity, learning differences.
Therapy Approaches: Psychodynamic psychotherapy, Jungian psychology, play therapy and sandtray therapy for children, depth psychological approaches, dream work, imagination and creative psychodynamic modalities.
Populations Served: Children, adolescents, adults, and couples. Children with learning differences, unique neurology, developmental delays, and severe trauma. Adults seeking insight into unconscious factors contributing to emotional pain.
Background: Clinicians have doctoral research backgrounds including dissertation work on depression as a potentially transformative process through Jungian psychology. Staff includes clinicians who previously worked as hospice chaplains bringing perspective on life transitions and meaning. The practice advocates for neurodiversity-affirming identity.
Insurance Accepted: Contact practice for insurance information and fee structure.
Session Format: In-person sessions in Andersonville neighborhood, telehealth available.
Location: Andersonville neighborhood, Chicago (near Lady Gregory restaurant). Accessible via major public transportation. Serving greater Chicago including Rogers Park, Edgewater, Uptown, Lincoln Square, Ravenswood, and Lakeview.
Contact: https://www.psychodynamicchicago.com
Initial Consultation: Contact through website to discuss treatment needs and schedule consultation.
3. Lincoln Park Therapy Group
Credentials: Licensed clinical psychologists, licensed clinical social workers (LCSW), and licensed clinical professional counselors (LCPC).
Specialization: Anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, relationship difficulties, self-esteem, stress management.
Therapy Approaches: Evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, mindfulness-based interventions, client-centered therapy.
Populations Served: Adults and adolescents in the Chicago area seeking therapy for mood disorders, anxiety, relationship concerns, and personal growth.
Background: Group practice with multiple clinicians offering diverse specialties and therapeutic approaches. Located in Lincoln Park with convenient access for North Side Chicago residents.
Insurance Accepted: Contact practice for current insurance panel information.
Session Format: In-person sessions in Lincoln Park, telehealth available throughout Illinois.
Location: Lincoln Park neighborhood, Chicago, IL
Contact: https://lincolnparktherapygroup.com
Initial Consultation: Contact practice to schedule initial phone consultation and discuss treatment goals.
4. Frame of Mind Psychological Services, Inc.
Credentials: Glenda Smith, PhD, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC). Over 20 years of clinical experience.
Specialization: Anxiety, depression, stress, overwhelm, life transitions, goal achievement, feeling stuck or off-balanced.
Therapy Approaches: Breath and movement techniques, meditation, yoga-informed therapy (certified meditation and yoga instructor), compassion-focused approaches. Certified Compassion Fatigue Professional.
Populations Served: Children and adults addressing a variety of concerns. Individuals experiencing compassion fatigue, those seeking alternative approaches that incorporate breath and movement alongside traditional therapy.
Background: Dr. Glenda Smith founded Frame of Mind Psychological Services with over two decades of experience working with children and adults. Holds certifications as a meditation and yoga instructor. Certified Compassion Fatigue Professional. Incorporates humor as a therapeutic resource.
Insurance Accepted: Contact practice for insurance and fee information.
Session Format: In-person and telehealth sessions available.
Location: Chicago, IL (contact for specific address)
Contact: Contact through practice website
Initial Consultation: Contact practice to discuss concerns and schedule initial session.
5. TMH Behavioral Services, P.C.
Credentials: Tytannie Harris, LCSW, Clinical Therapist and owner. Practice comprised of licensed practitioners.
Specialization: Life transitions, anxiety, depression, trauma, transformation of body, mind, and soul.
Therapy Approaches: Solution-focused therapy, strengths-based therapy, individual therapy, couples therapy, family therapy.
Populations Served: Individuals, couples, seniors, children, adolescents, and families. Bilingual therapists available upon request.
Background: TMH Behavioral Services brings years of experience working across age groups. The practice emphasizes guiding clients through life transitions with compassion and support, helping individuals tap into their inner strength.
Insurance Accepted: Contact practice for insurance information.
Session Format: Individual, couples, and family therapy sessions available. In-person and telehealth options.
Location: Chicago, IL (contact for specific address)
Contact: Contact practice for scheduling
Initial Consultation: Contact practice to discuss needs and schedule initial appointment.
Mental Health Industry in Illinois
Average Therapy Session Costs
Individual therapy sessions in Chicago range from $125 to $300 per session depending on the provider’s credentials and experience. Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors (LCPC) and Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW) typically charge $125 to $200 per session. Licensed Clinical Psychologists with doctoral degrees generally charge $175 to $300 per session. Psychiatrists may charge $250 to $450 for sessions including medication management. Couples therapy sessions typically range from $150 to $350. Group therapy sessions are more affordable, generally $40 to $80 per session.
State Licensing Requirements for Psychologists
To practice as a licensed clinical psychologist in Illinois, professionals must complete a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) from a program accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) or the National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology. Candidates must complete a 1,750-hour internship and 1,750 hours of post-doctoral supervised experience. The Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) must be passed. Illinois requires 24 hours of continuing education every two years to maintain licensure. The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) administers psychology licensure.
Telehealth Regulations
Illinois permits licensed psychologists to provide telehealth services to clients located within the state. Illinois is a member of PSYPACT (Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact), allowing psychologists with E.Passport credentials to practice telepsychology across member states. Providers must use HIPAA-compliant platforms and obtain informed consent specific to telehealth services. Many Illinois practices expanded virtual service availability and continue offering this option.
Mental Health Parity Laws
Illinois Mental Health Parity Law requires health insurers to provide coverage for mental health conditions equal to coverage for physical health conditions. The federal Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) applies to group health plans, prohibiting more restrictive limitations on mental health benefits compared to medical/surgical benefits. Illinois has additional protections requiring insurers to cover mental health treatment without discriminatory cost-sharing.
Professional Organizations
The Illinois Psychological Association (IPA) represents practicing psychologists, offering continuing education, advocacy, networking, and professional resources. The Chicago Psychological Association provides resources specifically for Chicago-area practitioners. The Illinois Counseling Association supports licensed counselors throughout the state.
Workforce Availability and Wait Times
Illinois has a substantial mental health workforce concentrated in the Chicago metropolitan area. Despite this, wait times for new patients can range from two weeks to two months depending on the provider, specialty, and insurance acceptance. Providers accepting Medicaid often have longer wait lists. Specialized services such as trauma therapy or OCD treatment may have extended wait times.
Common Mental Health Concerns
In the Chicago region, commonly treated conditions include anxiety disorders (generalized anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorder), depression, trauma and PTSD, OCD, relationship difficulties, work-related stress and burnout, adjustment disorders related to life transitions, seasonal affective disorder (particularly during Chicago winters), and substance use concerns.
State-Funded Mental Health Resources
The Illinois Department of Human Services Division of Mental Health oversees public mental health services throughout the state. Community mental health centers operate throughout Chicago providing sliding-scale services. The Chicago Department of Public Health offers mental health resources. Crisis services are available through the SAMHSA National Helpline and local crisis hotlines.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I expect to pay for therapy in Chicago without insurance?
Private pay rates in Chicago typically range from $150 to $250 per 50-minute session with a licensed therapist. Sessions with doctoral-level psychologists (PhD or PsyD) generally cost between $175 and $300. Many therapists offer sliding scale fees based on income. Initial consultations may be offered free or at a reduced rate. Some practices offer package pricing for ongoing treatment.
How do I verify that a psychologist is licensed in Illinois?
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) maintains an online license verification system at idfpr.com where you can search by name or license number. This database shows current license status, expiration date, and any disciplinary actions. All practicing psychologists must maintain active licensure and keep their registration current.
What types of mental health licenses exist in Illinois?
Illinois has several mental health license categories. Licensed Clinical Psychologists (LCP) hold doctoral degrees and can conduct psychological testing. Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors (LCPC) hold master’s degrees and provide counseling services. Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW) hold master’s degrees in social work. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can prescribe medication. Each license type has different education and training requirements.
Is Illinois part of the psychology interstate compact (PSYPACT)?
Yes, Illinois is a member of PSYPACT (Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact). This means psychologists with E.Passport credentials can provide telepsychology services to clients in other PSYPACT member states, and psychologists from other member states can serve Illinois clients via telehealth. This expands access to specialized services and allows continuity of care for clients who travel or relocate.
How does seasonal affective disorder impact therapy demand in Chicago?
Chicago’s long winters with limited daylight contribute to increased rates of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and seasonal depression. Therapy demand often increases during fall and winter months. Some practices offer light therapy or specialize in treating SAD. Clinicians in Chicago are generally experienced in addressing the mood impacts of reduced sunlight and extended cold weather.