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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.
I am a dual board-certified psychiatric and geriatric nurse practitioner with over 25 years of healthcare experience, providing compassionate, evidence-based mental health care to young adults, adults, and older adults. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, insomnia, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia spectrum disorders, and behavioral or psychological symptoms associated with dementia and complex medical conditions.
My experience spans hospital care, rehabilitation, hospice, and long-term care settings, giving me a deep understanding of the connection between physical and mental health. I am especially comfortable supporting individuals with multiple medical concerns or those navigating life transitions related to aging, illness, or stress.
When stress starts to build, it can affect more than just your day-to-day life. It can impact your mood, your energy, and your relationships. I work with adults and couples who are navigating anxiety, depression, workplace stress, and burnout. Many of my clients are used to juggling responsibilities, caring for others, and pushing through difficult seasons until they realize they're no longer feeling like themselves. You might feel constantly overwhelmed, mentally exhausted, or like you can’t fully “turn off” your mind. At the same time, stress can begin to show up in your relationships through miscommunication, distance, or frustration, making it harder to feel connected and supported.
⭐ I’m Shelly Lewin, LCSW/LICSW, a therapist with 31 years of experience helping adults navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, identity issues, and major life transitions. I provide virtual therapy across Arizona, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, New Mexico, and West Virginia, offering accessible, evidence‐based care to clients seeking meaningful and lasting change. I have 30+ years of experience in private practice and leadership roles at organizations including:
- The Joint Commission
- Northwestern Memorial Hospital
- Kaiser Permanente
- Common Spirit
- Mount Sinai Health System
This background allows me to offer deep clinical expertise paired with practical, real‐world understanding of how people heal and grow. My approach is warm, collaborative, open‐minded, and affirming. If you're feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or ready for change, I’m here to walk beside you with steady support and clinically grounded guidance. I specialize in therapy for adults experiencing:
- Anxiety & panic disorders
- Depression & mood disorders
- PTSD and trauma recovery
- Substance use and addiction
- LGBTQIA+ affirmative care
- Men’s issues & identity exploration
- Life and career transitions
- Chronic illness & long-term stress
Additional areas of expertise include: Bipolar disorder, OCD, grief & loss, workplace stress, anger management, cultural/ethnic identity issues, expat adjustment, relationship issues, family challenges, and end-of-life concerns
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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