Many women in Chicago face depression and are looking for support that understands their unique needs.
Finding the right depression therapist can make a real difference in how women cope and heal.
Chicago has a range of therapy options, with professionals offering understanding and care for women dealing with depression.
A therapist can provide a space to talk, learn coping skills, and feel supported through difficult times.
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1) Shelly Gessler, LCPC, RYT 500 – specialized in trauma and anxiety
Shelly Gessler is a licensed professional counselor and registered yoga teacher in Willow Springs, IL.
She works with adults and couples facing trauma and anxiety.
Shelly offers both in-person and telehealth counseling in Illinois.
Her methods include trauma-sensitive yoga in addition to psychotherapy.
Find more about her at Psychology Today and Meet Monarch.
2) Brittany Brookshire, LCPC – experienced in depression therapy
Brittany Brookshire, LCPC, helps adults facing depression, anxiety, and stress.
She works with clients from different backgrounds and aims to support those going through life changes or mental health challenges.
Brittany is known for her compassionate approach when helping clients manage difficult emotions.
She also assists people dealing with other conditions like PTSD and adult ADHD.
Learn more about Brittany Brookshire through Psychology Today or visit her Grow Therapy page.
Ad, keeps our community free. The perspectives presented on this website are genuinely our own and we do not accept money for reviews.
4.5 (7,802+) FROM TRUSTPILOT
BetterHelp
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) Taryn O’Neil, MA, LCPC – focuses on women’s mental health
Taryn O’Neil is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Chicago.
She has a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
Taryn also holds certification as a Clinical Trauma Professional.
She focuses on supporting women’s mental health needs.
Her areas of experience include anxiety, life transitions, and relationship concerns.
Learn more about Taryn O’Neil at Psychology Today and Everevolving Therapy.
4) Kathleen O’Connor, LCPC – expert in relationship and mood disorders
Kathleen O’Connor, LCPC, is a licensed therapist based in Chicago.
She specializes in relationship and mood disorders, as well as eating disorders and body image.
Kathleen has experience working with adults and adolescents.
She also has training in family therapy and helps clients manage anxiety.
Learn more at her Psychology Today profile and LinkedIn page.
5) Michelle Peters-Pagella, LCPC – depression and PTSD treatment
Michelle Peters-Pagella, LCPC, is a certified and licensed counselor in Chicago with over 20 years of experience.
She works with adults and focuses on depression, PTSD, and grief.
Michelle offers counseling in different settings, including her private practice.
She helps clients with mental health issues using evidence-based therapies.
Learn more about Michelle Peters-Pagella from her Psychology Today profile and on Rula.
6) Empower Women Counseling – trauma and anxiety therapy for women
Empower Women Counseling in Chicago offers therapy focused on women’s mental health.
Their therapists specialize in trauma, anxiety, and PTSD.
They work with concerns like depression, relationship issues, motherhood, and sexuality.
The counselors use an attachment-based approach and provide support in a safe, understanding setting.
For more details, visit Empower Women Counseling’s official website and see their list of services.
7) Head First Health – virtual therapy for millennial women
Head First Health offers online therapy designed for millennial women in Chicago.
Their counselors address anxiety, depression, trauma, panic attacks, and eating disorders.
Sessions are private and take place virtually, helping women get support from home.
Their team uses evidence-based methods.
To get started or book an appointment, visit Head First Health or see more about their specialties on Psychology Today.
8) Robin B Katz, MSW, LCSW – depression specialist
Robin B Katz is a licensed clinical social worker in Chicago who works with adults facing depression.
She has a background in helping people deal with anxiety, chronic illness, life changes, and grief.
Robin also offers support to cancer patients and those experiencing loss.
She works at the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center.
More information about Robin B Katz is available on Psychology Today, BMT Infonet, and LinkedIn.
Frequently Asked Questions
Women in Chicago have various therapy options for depression, including specialists with experience in women’s mental health.
Group therapy, different psychotherapy approaches, local support networks, and virtual therapy all play important roles in treatment.
How do I find the best female therapist specialized in depression in Chicago?
It helps to start by looking for licensed therapists with training in depression and experience working with women.
Some well-known therapists in Chicago include Shelly Gessler, Brittany Brookshire, Taryn O’Neil, Kathleen O’Connor, and Michelle Peters-Pagella.
Using online directories can make it easier to compare therapists’ backgrounds and availability.
One helpful place to begin is this list of female therapists in Chicago.
What are some recommended group therapy sessions for women with depression in Chicago?
There are therapy clinics that organize group sessions tailored for women struggling with depression.
These groups often focus on sharing experiences and building coping skills.
Local organizations and mental health clinics like Revive Relationship Therapy in Lincoln Park may provide group therapy options for women with depression.
Which psychotherapy approaches are most effective for treating women with depression?
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is commonly used and is proven to help many women manage depression.
Other effective methods include interpersonal therapy and mindfulness-based therapies.
Individual needs often guide the choice of approach, as some women respond better to one method than another.
Talking with a licensed therapist can help decide the best option.
Are there any notable Chicago-based support systems specifically for women suffering from depression?
Several clinics and therapy centers in Chicago offer support groups and counseling just for women.
These programs focus on unique mental health challenges that women experience.
Women can explore the Community Provider Database from the UIC Counseling Center to find mental health services and group support options.
Can virtual therapy be as effective as in-person sessions for women dealing with depression?
Studies show that virtual therapy can be just as effective as in-person sessions for treating depression in many cases.
Video and phone sessions offer flexibility, which can help women with busy schedules or mobility issues.
Therapists in Chicago frequently offer both options, allowing clients to choose what feels most comfortable for them.
When should I consider changing my therapist if I don’t see improvement in my depression?
If a woman notices little or no improvement after several months of therapy, it may be time to revisit treatment goals or seek a different therapist.
Feelings of not being understood, respected, or supported are also valid reasons to consider a change.
Discussing concerns with the current therapist is important, but finding the right match is key for progress.
