Meet the best therapists* in Chicago.

chicago river running through downtown chicago; best therapists chicago

What kind of therapist do you need?

Note that most therapists specialize in multiple issues, so therapists in different categories may still be able to help you.

Anxiety therapist
Child or teen therapist
Couples therapist
Depression therapist
EMDR therapist
Family therapist
Grief therapist
OCD therapist
Trauma therapist

Our process

Fact checked

All updates to our vetting process and content are clinically reviewed by licensed psychotherapists.

We only reference peer-reviewed psychological and medical journals, trusted media outlets, esteemed mental health experts, or reputable mental health organizations.

Why trust Best Therapists?

We developed a vetting process specific to therapists that checks for the things we wish we knew about a therapist before starting treatment.

We're therapy seekers ourselves, and our team is comprised of mental health experts, writers, and licensed therapists who fact check everything we create and develop.

Meet our team of expert contributors or learn more about why you should choose Best Therapists when seeking a therapist.

Best therapists in Chicago

4 stars or higher online

Peer reviewed

Screened for burnout

Trauma-informed

No items found.

Best anxiety therapists

4 stars or higher online

Peer reviewed

Screened for burnout

Trauma-informed

Virtual Only

$200

per session

Helps you get reimbursed for therapy

Not available

Illinois, LCPC #180.008355; Michigan, LCPC #6401020318; Wisconsin, LCPC #10228-125; Florida, Registered Telehealth Provider #TPMC2333

Kristen Jacobsen, LCPC

Vetted and verified

No Google reviews

Modalities

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), EMDR, Internal family systems (IFS)

Specialties

Anxiety, Trauma, Codependency

Additional Areas of focus

Anger management, Caring professionals (doctors, therapists, etc.), Dating, Stress, Narcissistic personality, Life transitions, Midlife stress, Parenting, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Self esteem/self worth

Virtual Only

$220

per session

Helps you get reimbursed for therapy

Not available

Florida, PY10105

Josephine Chu, PsyD

Vetted and verified

No Google reviews

Modalities

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Attachment based, Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), Emotionally focused therapy (EFT), Exposure Response Prevention (ERP), Family systems, Internal family systems (IFS), Trauma-focused

Specialties

Anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), First generation immigrant experience

Additional Areas of focus

ADHD, Adolescents/teens, Adoption, Anger management, Bicultural experience, Caring professionals (doctors, therapists, etc.), Depression, Family counseling, Gender identity, Grief and/or loss, Intercultural/interfaith relationships, LGBTQ+ sexuality, Life transitions, Neurodivergence, Panic attacks, Parenting, Phobias, Racial/cultural identity, Self esteem/self worth, Social anxiety, Stress, Transgender people, Trauma

Virtual Only

$165

per session

Helps you get reimbursed for therapy

Not available

Illinois, LMFT #166.001537; Oregon, LMFT #T0956; Washington, LMFT #LF60428131; Arizona, #LMFT-16001

Erin Runt, LMFT

Vetted and verified

No Google reviews

Modalities

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Attachment based, Emotionally focused therapy (EFT), Family systems, Gottman method, Internal family systems (IFS), Strength-based therapy, Trauma-focused

Specialties

Couples counseling, Family counseling, Trauma

Additional Areas of focus

ADHD, Anxiety, Autism spectrum, Blended families, Coparenting, Step parenting, Caring professionals (doctors, therapists, etc.), Codependency, Polyamorous/non-monogamous couples counseling, Depression, Infidelity/affairs, Intercultural/interfaith relationships, LGBTQ+ sexuality, Medical trauma, Life transitions, Midlife stress, Military families, Neurodivergence, Parenting, Pregnancy and/or infant loss, Polyamory/non-monogamy/open relationships, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Postpartum depression, Racial/cultural identity, Self esteem/self worth, Stress, Substance misuse/dependency, Transgender people

Best children and teen therapists

4 stars or higher online

Peer reviewed

Screened for burnout

Trauma-informed

No items found.

Best couples therapists

4 stars or higher online

Peer reviewed

Screened for burnout

Trauma-informed

No items found.

Best depression therapists

4 stars or higher online

Peer reviewed

Screened for burnout

Trauma-informed

Virtual Only

$210

per session

Helps you get reimbursed for therapy

Helps you get reimbursed for therapy

Not available

Illinois, LCPC #180013723

Tiffany Green, LCPC

Vetted and verified

No Google reviews

Modalities

Attachment based, Enneagram, Mindfulness based, Psychodynamic, Trauma-focused, Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Somatic therapy

Specialties

Anxiety, Burnout, Depression

Additional Areas of focus

Bicultural experience, Biracial experience, Body image, Career counseling/coaching, Caring professionals (doctors, therapists, etc.), Existential questioning, Highly sensitive people, Intercultural/interfaith relationships, LGBTQ+ sexuality, Medical trauma, Midlife stress, Mindfulness and/or meditation, Polyamory/non-monogamy/open relationships, Racial/cultural identity, Self esteem/self worth, Social anxiety, Spirituality, Stress, Trauma

Best EMDR therapists

4 stars or higher online

Peer reviewed

Screened for burnout

Trauma-informed

No items found.

Best family therapists

4 stars or higher online

Peer reviewed

Screened for burnout

Trauma-informed

Virtual Only

$175

per session

Helps you get reimbursed for therapy

Not available

Ohio, LMFT F.2000129; Illinois, LMFT 166.001064, Access ID: 4000839; Pennsylvania, LMFT MF001400

Emily Zeller, LMFT

Vetted and verified

No Google reviews

Modalities

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Enneagram, Family systems, Gottman method

Specialties

Anxiety, Couples counseling, Family counseling

Additional Areas of focus

Blended families, Coparenting, Step parenting, Parenting, Postpartum depression, Premarital counseling, Stress

Best grief therapists

4 stars or higher online

Peer reviewed

Screened for burnout

Trauma-informed

Virtual Only

$295

per session

Helps you get reimbursed for therapy

Not available

New York, Psychologist #025643; New Jersey, Psychologist #35SI00702400; Illinois, Psychologist #071.010599; North Carolina, Psychologist #6535; PsyPact, Psychologist #14381

Cynthia Shaw, PsyD

Vetted and verified

No Google reviews

Modalities

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Art therapy, Depth psychotherapy, Ecotherapy (nature therapy), Narrative, Strength-based therapy, Trauma-focused, Mindfulness based

Specialties

Existential questioning, Grief and/or loss, Self esteem/self worth

Additional Areas of focus

Aging, Anxiety, Cancer, Chronic illness or pain, Dating, Depression, Life transitions, Medical trauma, Midlife stress, Panic attacks, Physical disabilities, Schizophrenia spectrum, Social anxiety, Spirituality, Stress, Suicidal thoughts, Trauma

Virtual and In Person

$175

per session

Helps you get reimbursed for therapy

Not available

Illinois, LCSW #149.024466

Teresa Quinn, LCSW

Vetted and verified

No Google reviews

Modalities

Art therapy, EMDR, Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Attachment based, Internal family systems (IFS), Mindfulness based, Narrative, Psychodynamic, Somatic therapy, Strength-based therapy, Trauma-focused

Specialties

Grief and/or loss, Medical trauma, Stress

Additional Areas of focus

Anxiety, Body image, Burnout, Cancer, Caring professionals (doctors, therapists, etc.), Chronic illness or pain, Disordered eating, Fertility treatment, Highly sensitive people, Life transitions, Mindfulness and/or meditation, Pregnancy and/or infant loss, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Self esteem/self worth, Spirituality, Sports performance

Best OCD therapists

4 stars or higher online

Peer reviewed

Screened for burnout

Trauma-informed

Virtual Only

$140

per session

Helps you get reimbursed for therapy

Not available

Illinois, LCSW #149023016; Tennessee LCSW #9417

Kristen Woods, LCSW

Vetted and verified

No Google reviews

Modalities

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), Exposure Response Prevention (ERP), Mindfulness based, Psychodynamic

Specialties

Sex therapy, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Mindfulness and/or meditation

Additional Areas of focus

ADHD, Anxiety, Body image, Couples counseling, Dating, Depression, Existential questioning, Grief and/or loss, Life transitions, Panic attacks, Self esteem/self worth, Social anxiety, Socioeconomic issues, Suicidal thoughts, Trauma, Stress

Best trauma therapists

4 stars or higher online

Peer reviewed

Screened for burnout

Trauma-informed

Virtual and In Person

$200

per session

Helps you get reimbursed for therapy

Not available

Illinois, LCSW #149.018323

Cher Hamilton-Tekautz, LCSW

Vetted and verified

No Google reviews

Modalities

Attachment based, Internal family systems (IFS), Somatic therapy, Trauma-focused, Psychodynamic

Specialties

LGBTQ+ sexuality, Trauma, Neurodivergence

Additional Areas of focus

Autism spectrum, ADHD, Codependency, Polyamorous/non-monogamous couples counseling, Anxiety, Depression, Gender identity, Highly sensitive people, Polyamory/non-monogamy/open relationships, Self esteem/self worth, Stress, Burnout, Suicidal thoughts

Virtual Only

$185

per session

Helps you get reimbursed for therapy

Not available

Illinois, LCSW #149022278; Iowa, LISW #091183; Florida, LCSW #TPSW350

Tori Cherry, LCSW, CEDS-C

Vetted and verified

No Google reviews

Modalities

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Attachment based, Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Exposure Response Prevention (ERP), Internal family systems (IFS), Strength-based therapy, Trauma-focused

Specialties

Body image, Anxiety, Disordered eating

Additional Areas of focus

Burnout, Caring professionals (doctors, therapists, etc.), Highly sensitive people, Self esteem/self worth, Trauma

FAQs

Frequently asked questions about therapy

What's the difference between in-person and virtual therapy?

Although there is no research that suggests in-person or virtual therapy is more effective, you may prefer one over the other. Some people prefer the intimacy of being in the same physical space as their therapist, while others prefer receiving treatment in the comfort of their own home. If you have a tight schedule, virtual therapy is a great option since you won’t commute to your therapist’s office. Virtual therapy also allows you to see any therapist throughout your state, which means one less barrier to finding your soulmate therapist!

When should someone start therapy?

Deciding when to start therapy is a very personal decision, but we recommend starting sooner rather than later. Along with running the risk of your mental health declining, you also miss out on time spent working on yourself, repairing your relationships, and so much more. Life is short, so why not make it the best possible as soon as possible?

What type of therapy is right for me?

Your therapist will carefully customize your treatment plan, and they will likely rely on a variety of therapeutic methods. There are some treatment methods that are better for specific disorders (like exposure therapy for OCD or phobias), but a combination of several will likely be the best option for you.

Is going to therapy worth it?

We’re huge advocates for therapy at Best Therapists, but we know that not everyone has a good experience in therapy. Working with a high quality therapist (with whom you have a great relationship) can be life changing. You can change harmful behaviors or thought patterns, shed or improve hurtful relationships, increase your resilience and coping methods for dealing with mental illness, and much more. We think that that’s pretty frigging worth it, but finding the right therapist for YOU is crucial to this equation.

What's the difference between a psychotherapist and a psychologist?

The main difference between psychotherapists and psychologists is their education. Psychologists receive more education, and in some cases, psychologists focus more on research than clinical work. But both therapists and psychologists go through thousands of hours of clinical training. When choosing a therapist, the skill of the therapist and your relationship with them matters way more than which degree your therapist has.

Do therapists offer free consultations?

Yes, most therapists offer free consultations. This not only benefits you, but the therapist too! Therapists want to see if you are a good fit before doing an official therapy session with you to save you (and them) time and energy. Although your relationship has barely begun, you both will feel out your chemistry. You won’t be BFFs by the end of the consultation, but should get a sense of whether or not you’ll work well together.

About Us

Hi, we’re Best Therapists.

We vet therapists, so you can focus on fit—not quality.

Through peer reviews, license verification, online reviews, and requiring acknowledgement of trauma-informed care, we do our best to make sure that your best therapist provides high quality care (and that's regardless of your race, sexual orientation, or background).

But your friend’s best therapist might not be your best therapist. That's why personality fit between you and your therapist is crucial. It’s not something that we can verify for you, so we encourage you to schedule free consultations with multiple therapists to get a sense of your chemistry together.

Why choose Best Therapists

There are plenty of therapist directories to choose from.

But other therapist directories like Psychology Today, Good Therapy, Choosing Therapy, and more have hundreds (if not thousands) of results for therapists in your city alone. The search for your best therapist becomes instantly overwhelming, which stops some therapy-seekers in their tracks. Our involved vetting process goes way beyond a basic license check (unlike the other guys), which simplifies YOUR search.

Finding the best therapist for you is hard enough, so we curate lists like these so you can get quality care as quickly and seamlessly impossible. And no need to check a therapist's availability or add your name to their waitlist—all Best Therapists are currently accepting new clients.

Not feeling any of the therapists on our list? No worries. Keep scrolling to find other vetted therapists in cities near you.

When to not choose Best Therapists

In some situations, we may not be the best therapist directory for you. For example...

  1. If you are looking for free therapy or want therapy that's supplemented by another organization, Best Therapists isn't the best therapist directory for you.
  2. If you're only open to seeing a therapist that's in-network with your insurance provider, Best Therapists might not be a good fit. Many of our therapists don't work directly with insurance companies, so we encourage you to check your out-of-network mental health benefits (use our free benefits checker). Don't let your insurance company prevent you from working with your soulmate therapist!
  3. Finally, this site is not intended for medical emergencies. If you are in an immediate mental health crisis, please call the national suicide hotline at 988.

Want to learn more about starting therapy? Read our guide on how to start therapy.