LGBT therapists in Skokie, IL

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) dedicated to helping individuals, couples, and families heal from trauma, strengthen relationships, and rediscover their sense of self. I earned my Master of Social Work from Aurora University in 2020 and provide compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to each client's unique needs.

My clinical experience includes individual, couples, and family therapy, with specialized experience in marriage counseling, blended family dynamics, adoption, and positive parenting. I have worked in a therapeutic day school supporting children and adolescents experiencing anxiety, trauma, school refusal, and other complex mental health concerns. I also served as a therapist at a domestic violence shelter, providing trauma-informed care to children and adolescents impacted by grief, abuse, attachment wounds, and identity-related challenges.

I specialize in treating trauma, anxiety, depression, complex PTSD, OCD, dissociative disorders, behavioral concerns, and relationship challenges. My therapeutic approach integrates evidence-based interventions with empathy and authenticity to create a safe, supportive space where clients feel understood, empowered, and equipped with practical tools for lasting growth.

I believe our experiences influence who we are, but they do not determine who we can become. Healing is a journey, and my goal is to help you build resilience, embrace your strengths, and confidently move forward into the next chapter of your life.

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I believe that prioritizing mental health is an integral part of quality of life. Congratulations on taking the first step towards self improvement! I have been practicing for 20 years with a focus on individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, ADHD, and difficulty with life transitions. I am also passionate about working with couples who are experiencing disconnection, conflict, and communication issues.

Having served clients in Florida for the past 8 years in my work as a clinician and in welfare, my professional and personal philosophy is to meet people where they are. Therapy is a vulnerable journey of healing. I will utilize individualized care and collaboration to make you feel accepted, safe and ready to become the best version of yourself.

I was born and raised in Montana and have a genuine passion for nature and the outdoors. I received my Bachelors in Psychology at Montana State University in 2001. I then pursued my Masters of Social Work degree and graduated in 2008 from the University of Montana. This graduate program had a focus on providing a social justice and integrated practitioner perspective. I have an eclectic style that can be tailored to each unique individual. My primary therapeutic methods include Mindfulness Based, Holistic, Exposure, Narrative, Cognitive and Behavioral, Strengths Based & Solution Focused Therapies. I provide a non-judgmental and compassionate environment that often helps people feel comfortable. A true passion of mine is structuring therapeutic activities for clients to express, process, increase self-awareness, and de-stress from life’s challenging and developmental experiences.

I offer support and skills to those exploring identity, intimacy, or relational complexity—whether in gender, sexuality, kink, or deocolonized relationships. They may be sitting with grief, unraveling the impact of trauma, or feeling the weight of past experiences in their body. They long for connection but struggle with vulnerability, trust, or belonging. Some feel stuck in cycles of overwhelm, while others are questioning the stories they’ve been told about who they are. They seek a space where they can be seen without judgment, process their experiences, and make sense of the systems shaping their lives.

⭐ 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

For me, I aim to help others transform their lives through compassionate, personalized care (with plenty of humor along the way). I specialize in working with people of color, student-athletes, and those who are neurodivergent. If you’re neurodivergent and reading this, you’ve finally found someone who specializes in and deeply understands your unique perspective. Whether seeking clarity on behaviors, understanding how you interpret the world, or navigating challenges, I am here to help.

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) with years of experience supporting children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. My background includes working in schools, military communities, and private practice settings, which has given me a deep understanding of the unique challenges people face in different life stages and environments. I am passionate about creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients feel supported, respected, and empowered to grow.

I believe therapy should be a place where you don’t have to have it all together. Many of my clients are high-achieving professionals who are used to being the “strong one” for everyone else, but privately struggle with relationships, boundaries, confidence, or life transitions. I strive to create a warm, collaborative space where you can show up authentically, gain insight into patterns that no longer serve you, and build healthier relationships with yourself and others. I especially enjoy working with Black women and LGBTQ+ adults and strive to create an affirming, culturally responsive space where clients can show up fully as themselves.