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Addiction therapists & psychiatrists in Chicago, IL
Top addiction and substance use disorder therapists and psychiatrists in Chicago, IL
Addiction support in Chicago connects you with 759 licensed providers experienced in recovery, relapse prevention, and evidence-based treatments like CBT, DBT, and motivational interviewing. Sessions are available virtually or in-person, with many accepting insurance to make care accessible.
Welcome! Join me on a journey to reclaim your sense of self, direction and empowerment. As a person who has struggled with life's hardships, I am compeled to help others in these difficult times. My credentials include; Licensed Professional Counselor (LCPC), Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor (CADC) and an Illinois Certified Domestic Violence Professional (ICDVP).
I’m a Licensed Social Worker with over 30 years of experience providing mental health services in Northern Illinois and the suburban Chicago area. Since earning my master’s degree, I have worked with individuals, couples, and families facing a range of concerns, including mood disorders, panic disorder, anxiety, depression, and grief. I believe therapy should be a place for fresh starts and meaningful change. My goal is to create a supportive, interactive environment where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered. I’m committed to helping people build practical skills and insight so they can move toward a more balanced, fulfilling, and happier life.
My style is eclectic and strength based. I see human nature as intrinsically good. Sigmund Freud said we are bio-social animals. I believe a great deal in listening to one’s self talk. The more positive our dialogue with ourselves is, the more positive our dialogues with others and our lives are. I’m also experienced in CBT, DBT, MI, Solution Focused, ACT, Gestalt, Interpersonal, and person-centered counseling.
My training includes lots of wonderful supervision and workshops, a three-year certificate from the Gestalt Institute of Chicago, and two one month intensives with Virginia Satir, the founder of family therapy. Virginia taught that exploring the self is like mining gold. We all have gold inside of us. That is our basic goodness. A lot of emotional suffering is the result of being detoured from that basic goodness.
Hi, I’m Gretchen, a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP, ANCC) with a Master of Science in Nursing from Lewis University. I work with individuals, teens, and families navigating anxiety, depression, trauma/PTSD, ADHD, and substance use concerns, providing care in both English and Spanish. I bring experience from emergency departments, inpatient units, outpatient clinics, and private practice, and I strive to create a safe, judgment-free space where clients feel heard, respected, and supported. I value collaboration and flexibility, tailoring each session to your needs so you can feel empowered to make meaningful changes.
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I provide a supportive and nonjudgmental space where you can show up as your full, authentic self. I have nearly 7 years of experience working with adults navigating a range of mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, burnout, and relationship concerns. I specialize in Motivational Interviewing and Strengths-based approaches. I am calm, caring and open-minded.
Frequently asked questions
Find the right addiction counselor for you
Headway makes it easier to find support for overcoming addiction — from finding the right provider, to understanding costs, to scheduling with ease.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Addiction Therapist in Chicago
Finding addiction therapists in Chicago starts with understanding what kind of support fits your needs. Addiction care can include support for alcohol use, drug use, prescription substance concerns, gambling, compulsive behaviors, relapse prevention, and co-occurring concerns like anxiety, depression, or trauma. As you compare therapists, look for listed experience with substance use, CBT for substance use, motivational interviewing, harm reduction, relapse prevention, or coordination with medication-assisted care. Some people also work with a psychiatrist as part of their care team.
Chicago has many therapists across neighborhoods like the Loop, Lakeview, Lincoln Park, Hyde Park, and Logan Square, which can make the search feel broad even when there are many options nearby. Consider whether an in-person office fits your commute, transit route, or schedule, or whether virtual sessions give you more flexibility. Recovery can involve changes over time, so it helps to look for a therapist who describes a nonjudgmental approach and experience with harm reduction, recovery planning, or substance use counseling. Reading bios before booking can show how each therapist talks about addiction care, session structure, and fit.
Addiction therapy in Chicago can be a significant expense without insurance. Using in-network insurance is one of the most reliable ways to reduce session costs and make ongoing care more accessible. Headway helps you search for licensed therapists who focus on addiction and are accepting new patients. You can enter your insurance details, see estimated out-of-pocket costs before booking, compare bios, and choose a therapist who matches your needs, schedule, and plan.
If you or someone you know is experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms — especially from alcohol or benzodiazepines — talk to a medical provider or seek emergency care before starting outpatient therapy. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction or substance use and is in a crisis, immediately reach out to:
* 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — call or text 988 * SAMHSA National Helpline — 1-800-662-HELP (4357), free, confidential, 24/7 * Crisis Text Line — text HOME to 741741
If you're already taking psychiatric medication and considering switching providers, talk to your current prescriber before changing or stopping any medication — most psychiatric medications shouldn't be stopped abruptly. Anyone experiencing thoughts of self-harm or in acute crisis should call 988 or go to the nearest emergency department rather than wait for an outpatient appointment.
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