Finding a Therapist in Chicago: How to find a good therapist?

If you want to start counseling, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Where do you begin?  How do you find the person who can truly help you? 

Finding a therapist, counselor, or psychologist in Chicago

Finding a therapist can feel daunting, especially in a big city like Chicago where the list of clinicians can go “on and on,” making the process feel never-ending. 

So, how do you pick the right therapist? The one who will be a great fit for your specific needs? I’d like to help you find a good match. 

I want to help you find a therapist in Chicago

When it comes to finding a good therapist in a big city like Chicago, well-trained, dedicated, and compassionate therapists abound. To help narrow it down, ease the overwhelm, and find the best option for you, here are two considerations to keep in mind as you begin your search.

1.   Knowing your “why” 

Reflect on what is bringing you to counseling. This will help you concentrate on those therapists who specialize in your need.  

For example, have you experienced an unfortunate loss such as a death of a loved one or losing a job or relationship? Or perhaps you are facing big changes, such as moving out of state, getting engaged, or expecting a new baby. In this case, look for a therapist who specializes in grief and loss or life transitions. 

Have you noticed a pattern of misuse of alcohol or other substances? Do you find yourself struggling with food or body acceptance?  Have you developed an unhealthy relationship with porn, gambling, or exercise? In this case, focus on a therapist who works with addictions, eating disorders or disordered eating, or someone who understands process addictions. 

Has anxiety started to impact your relationships? For help in this area, find a therapist, like myself, who focuses on relationship issues or relationship counseling. 

By clarifying your “why” you can identify a few potential therapists who are passionate about helping people in your situation. This can also help develop a meaningful and trusting therapeutic relationship right from the start. 

2.   Finding someone who “gets you”

How essential is it to find a therapist who speaks your native language and/or who shares the same cultural background, faith, or gender identity/expression as you?  

Many of my clients who chose to work with me want a therapist who speaks Spanish and understands their Latin-American culture. Therapy should be a place where you feel safe, understood, and encouraged to express yourself fully.  

Identifying your preferences for language, cultural experience, faith, race, and gender identity/expression can help you grow and create change in a meaningful, safe, and integrated way. 

Finding a therapist in Chicago who checks all the boxes may not be possible. An initial consultation is a great opportunity to identify a good match. That way you can evaluate if the therapist shows sufficient knowledge, skill, and sensitivity toward the areas that matter to you. 

Check out the questions to ask a new therapist during a consultation for a productive first call!

Schedule a free therapy consultation in Chicago

I wish you the best in finding the right therapist in Chicago. If you feel stuck, feel free to contact me for a free 15-minute phone consultation. I’d be happy to hear about what is happening and can help direct you to the right person. 

If you want to understand and heal from relational anxiety in your romantic partnership, read more about how I can help here.