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Obsessive-compulsive disorder therapists & psychiatrists in Chicago, IL
Top OCD therapists and psychiatrists in Chicago, IL
Struggling with checking behaviors, handwashing rituals, or fear of harming others? Headway's Chicago-based network offers Exposure Therapy and I-CBT with compassionate providers available for consultations. Get started with flexible scheduling and insurance-covered sessions.
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 an OCD Therapist in Chicago
Finding OCD therapists in Chicago starts with looking for care that matches the way obsessive-compulsive disorder shows up for you. OCD can involve intrusive thoughts, checking, contamination fears, reassurance seeking, compulsive rituals, or symptoms sometimes called Pure O. Exposure and response prevention, or ERP, is one therapy approach some clinicians use when supporting people with OCD, and not all therapists have training in it. As you compare profiles, look for therapists who list OCD, ERP therapy, or experience supporting people with obsessive thoughts in their specialties or bio.
Chicago has many therapists across neighborhoods like the Loop, Lakeview, Logan Square, Hyde Park, and the West Side, which can make it harder to narrow your options. A therapist who lists OCD as an area of familiarity may differ from one who has specific ERP training, so review profiles for details about approach, session structure, and experience with OCD treatments for adults. Consider practical fit, too: office location, transit access, appointment availability, virtual sessions, and whether a free phone consultation is offered can help you decide who fits your schedule and preferences.
Therapy in Chicago can be a significant investment without insurance. Using in-network coverage is one of the most reliable ways to reduce session costs and make ongoing care easier to plan for. Headway helps you find therapists who focus on OCD and are accepting new patients. Nationally, Headway partners with a wide range of insurance plans, and you can enter your insurance details to check coverage in Chicago. You can enter your insurance details to see estimated costs before booking, then browse bios, compare availability, and book directly when you’re ready.
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