Affordable Trauma Therapists in Chicago, IL: Top 8 Expert Options for Effective Care

Written By

Dr. Azhar Qureshi

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Many people in Chicago are searching for ways to heal from trauma without spending a lot of money.

Affordable trauma therapists can help people recover and move forward, even if they are on a limited budget.

Finding the right therapist does not have to be overwhelming.

There are options in Chicago for those who need support and want to prioritize their mental health.

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1) Ashton White, MA, LPC – Specializes in trauma and PTSD therapy

A female therapist attentively listening in a warmly lit therapy office with bookshelves and calming decor.

Ashton White is a licensed professional counselor in Chicago, IL.

She specializes in helping people who have experienced trauma and those dealing with PTSD.

Ashton uses Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) in her therapy work.

She holds a master’s degree in Counseling from Northwestern University and is a Nationally Certified Counselor.

More information about Ashton White can be found at Psychology Today and Elevate Counseling + Wellness.

2) Alana Shapiro, LCSW – Experienced trauma therapist in Chicago

A female therapist sitting in a comfortable, well-lit office with bookshelves and plants in the background.

Alana Shapiro is a licensed clinical social worker in Chicago.

She specializes in helping people with anxiety, trauma, PTSD, and depression.

Alana offers individual one-on-one therapy.

She accepts insurance and charges $161 per session.

Her services are available at a central location in Chicago.

Learn more about Alana Shapiro at Psychology Today and her background as an intake clinician on LinkedIn.

Ad, keeps our community free. The perspectives presented on this website are genuinely our own and we do not accept money for reviews.

betterhelp logo
review

4.5 (7,802+) FROM TRUSTPILOT

Fill out a brief questionnaire and get matched with an experienced therapist online in as little as 24 hours.

✓ Over 35K licensed professionals

✓ Subscriptions as low as $65/week, billed every four weeks

✓ Financial aid available

✓ Cancel plan or change therapist anytime

20% off your first month through Therapy Helpers

3) Lauren Schroeder, MA, PLPC – Focus on trauma counseling

A female therapist attentively listening to a client in a cozy counseling office with warm lighting and calming decor.

Lauren Schroeder helps people who are dealing with trauma, anxiety, ADHD, and relationship problems.

She works with clients in Chicago, giving support to those facing stressful or difficult life events.

Lauren also helps people who want to improve their mental wellness, including athletes.

She holds a master’s degree in clinical psychology and offers her services at Bella Valore Psychotherapy.

Learn more about Lauren Schroeder at Psychology Today and LinkedIn.

4) Natalie Sager, LCSW – Trauma and mental health services

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Natalie Sager, LCSW, is a therapist at New Insights Behavioral Health Services in Chicago.

She is known for her collaborative, creative, and understanding approach in sessions with clients.

Natalie uses evidence-based methods, including trauma-focused therapies, ACT, DBT, and IFS.

She works with people facing trauma and other mental health challenges.

Learn more at her Psychology Today profile or LinkedIn page.

5) Depth Counseling – Low-fee trauma therapy services

A therapist attentively listening to a diverse group of adults in a bright, comfortable counseling office with a window showing a cityscape.

Depth Counseling offers trauma therapy in Chicago at affordable rates.

They provide low-fee and sliding-scale options, making their services accessible to people with different budgets.

Therapists at Depth Counseling include both licensed professionals and graduate students.

They use different therapy methods, such as group sessions and dialectical behavior therapy.

To learn more or find care, visit Depth Counseling for sliding-scale therapy and trauma therapy.

6) The Kedzie Center – Free and low-cost trauma counseling

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The Kedzie Center provides free and low-cost therapy for people in Chicago.

Their services include trauma counseling led by trained clinicians.

The center is located at 4141 N. Kedzie Ave., Suite 2, in Chicago, IL.

They offer support for children, teens, and adults.

Services are available in multiple languages.

More details can be found at The Kedzie Center and Chicago Compass Counseling.

7) Fermata Psychotherapy – Complex trauma therapy practices

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Fermata Psychotherapy provides specialized trauma therapy in Chicago.

Their therapists help clients work through both recent and long-standing emotional wounds.

Fermata offers therapy in several languages, including English, Spanish, Romanian, Italian, French, and Arabic.

In-person sessions are available in Chicago, as well as telehealth for residents throughout Illinois.

Learn more about Fermata Psychotherapy’s trauma services and their practice details.

8) Bette D. Harris Family & Child Clinic – No-cost trauma therapy

A therapist talking supportively with a diverse family in a bright, comfortable therapy office with plants and a city view through the window.

The Bette D. Harris Family & Child Clinic offers trauma therapy at no cost for people in Chicago.

The clinic works with individuals and families who need help but cannot afford private therapy.

Sessions are available for many challenges, including trauma, anxiety, and life changes.

Care is provided by therapists in training who are supervised by licensed professionals.

Find more details at the Family Institute’s no-cost therapy page and this Chicago counseling resource.

Frequently Asked Questions

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People searching for trauma therapy in Chicago have many choices, from specialists in PTSD and EMDR to affordable and even free counseling options.

Several local therapists and clinics offer low-cost sessions, sliding scale payments, or reduced-fee services for those who need support.

How can I find a therapist specializing in complex PTSD in Chicago?

Many therapists in Chicago focus on trauma and PTSD recovery.

Ashton White, MA, LPC, and Alana Shapiro, LCSW, both have experience working with complex PTSD.

Searching on therapy directories or local clinic websites helps you find licensed professionals with relevant experience and training.

What are my options for trauma therapy in Chicago?

Chicago offers a variety of trauma counseling options, including individual therapy, group sessions, and specialized treatments.

Providers like Depth Counseling and Lauren Schroeder, MA, PLPC, focus specifically on trauma recovery.

Different approaches are available, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and EMDR.

Are there affordable EMDR therapy services available in Chicago?

Affordable EMDR therapy is available in Chicago at some counseling centers.

Depth Counseling offers low-fee trauma therapy, including EMDR, to those who qualify for reduced rates.

Some therapists may also offer discounted EMDR sessions as part of a sliding scale program.

Where can I find sliding scale therapy options in Chicago?

Therapists and clinics in Chicago often provide sliding scale payment plans to make sessions more accessible.

IntraSpectrum Counseling and Balanced Awakening both offer reduced or variable rates based on income.

Asking therapists about sliding scale policies during your search is helpful.

What is the cost of therapy without insurance in Illinois?

Without insurance, therapy in Illinois typically costs between $90 and $150 per session.

Some clinics, like Balanced Awakening, list reduced fee therapy rates at $95 per session.

Rates vary depending on the provider, type of therapy, and session length.

Does Chicago offer any free therapy services for trauma survivors?

Some clinics in Chicago offer no-cost therapy for eligible clients. The Bette D. Harris Family & Child Clinic provides free counseling through therapists-in-training after a clinical screening.

Free services may have eligibility requirements or waitlists. It’s important to contact the clinic directly for details.

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About the author

Dr. Azhar Qureshi

Dr. Azhar Qureshi

As a physician and cardiologist, my training encompassed a comprehensive range of invasive and noninvasive procedures, providing extensive hands-on experience in echocardiography, cardiac stress testing, diagnostic catheterization, and coronary interventions. In addition, I developed skills in psychological assessments and formulating detailed case reports. This multifaceted training has equipped me with a strong foundation across cardiology, psychological studies, and documentation to support my medical research. I am passionate about medical writing and exchanging knowledge to help the global community. Social

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