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Obsessive-compulsive disorder therapists & psychiatrists in Aurora, IL
Top OCD therapists and psychiatrists in Aurora, IL
OCD can involve intrusive thoughts, compulsions, checking behaviors, and contamination fears that impact daily life. Headway's Aurora providers specialize in therapies like I-CBT and SSRI management to help you work through obsessions and rituals. Access care virtually or in-person with flexible scheduling and affordable copays starting as low as $0 with insurance.
Welcome! My name is Kandice Hightower, and I am a dual board certified nurse practitioner specializing in family and psychiatric mental health. With over 18 years of experience as a nurse, I am dedicated to providing compassionate, knowledgeable care to every person I work with. I have experience treating ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, and Bipolar Disorder, and I truly enjoy helping clients feel understood, supported, and empowered. If you are ready to take the first step, I would be happy to support you on this journey. Book today!
Clients should know that I approach therapy with empathy, respect, and a genuine commitment to understanding their unique experiences. I believe that meaningful change happens when people feel safe, supported, and free from judgment.
My work is also shaped by personal experience with depression and anxiety, which has given me a deeper appreciation for the courage it takes to seek help and confront difficult emotions. Because of this, I strive to create a compassionate and collaborative space where clients feel heard and understood.
I view therapy as a partnership. Together, we work to build insight, develop practical tools, and support meaningful, lasting change.
Life comes with challenges—whether it's day-to-day anxiety, work stress, seasonal changes in mood, grief, or major life transitions. Having a strong support system can make all the difference, and sometimes an unbiased, compassionate person to talk to is exactly what you need. Starting therapy can feel overwhelming, and while we haven't met yet, I'm glad you're taking this step.
I've been a healthcare social worker for nearly 10 years, supporting children, teens, adults, and families through life transitions, grief, serious illness, and challenging hospital experiences. These experiences have reinforced my belief that everyone deserves a space where they feel heard, understood, and supported.
Growing up, my family didn't talk much about emotions or healthy ways to cope. That experience sparked my passion for helping others build self-awareness, resilience, and confidence in navigating life's ups and downs.
My goal is to create a welcoming, nonjudgmental space where you can be yourself, explore what's bringing you to therapy, and work toward meaningful, lasting change—at your own pace.
I’m Emily, a licensed psychotherapist and Clinical Social Worker with a specialization in healthcare from Aurora University. I have extensive experience across various levels of care—including inpatient psychiatric settings, residential treatment, PHP/IOP, and community mental health—I have dedicated my career to supporting individuals facing co-occurring disorders, addiction, eating disorders, and trauma.
Through my work with complex cases, I have observed that many challenges are deeply rooted in trauma and systemic issues.
Frequently asked questions
Find an expert who truly understands OCD
Headway helps you manage obsessive-compulsive disorder with expert-guided support — from finding the right therapist or psychiatrist, to understanding costs, to scheduling with ease.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Therapist in Aurora
Finding the right OCD therapist in Aurora starts with understanding what kind of care you need. OCD care may include therapeutic approaches such as ERP, a specialized form of CBT, depending on an individual's needs and a licensed provider's assessment. Some providers are trained in therapeutic techniques that may involve gradually working through triggering situations or thoughts as part of an individualized treatment plan developed with a licensed professional. Some people also work with a psychiatrist for medication management alongside therapy. When searching for a provider, look for someone who specifically lists OCD experience — general anxiety training is not the same as specialized OCD care.
Aurora is part of Kane County, with many residents also connected to neighboring communities like Naperville, North Aurora, and Oswego. Whether you prefer in-person sessions close to home or virtual appointments that fit a busy schedule, having options matters. Reading a provider's bio can help you understand their clinical approach, the types of OCD they work with, and whether their style feels like a match before you commit to a session.
Therapy in the Aurora area can be expensive without insurance. Using your in-network benefits is one of the most reliable ways to lower what you pay per session. On Headway, you can enter your insurance details to see estimated session costs upfront, and many patients pay as low as $0 per visit. Nationally, Headway partners with over 100 insurance plans, making it easier to find an OCD specialist who is both the right clinical fit and covered by your plan.
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