Choosing the Right Therapist in Chicago: A Step-by-Step Guide

Finding a therapist shouldn’t feel like a full-time job, but let’s be real—it often does. Between endless Google searches, trying to decode therapy jargon, and figuring out if someone is actually the right fit, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. And in a city as big as Chicago? It’s like trying to find parking in Wicker Park on a Saturday night—frustrating, time-consuming, and just when you think you’ve found something, it’s gone.

But you don’t have to do this alone. At Empower Family Therapy, located at 1332 N Halsted St, Suite 201, Chicago, IL 60642, we get it. And we’re here to make it easier. Therapy should feel like a step toward healing, not another stressor on your plate. So, let’s break it down.

Step 1: Figure Out What You Actually Need

Before you start scrolling through therapist profiles, take a second. What’s bringing you to therapy? Are you struggling in your relationship? Feeling anxious or overwhelmed? Working through past trauma? Therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all, and getting clear on what you need (or at least what you think you need) can help narrow your search.

Step 2: Find Someone Who Gets What You’re Going Through

Chicago has no shortage of therapists, but just like the neighborhoods in this city, they all bring something different to the table. Here are a few specialties to look for:

  • Couples & Marriage Therapy – For when the same arguments keep coming up, and you’re both tired of it.

  • Anxiety & Depression Treatment – When stress, worry, or sadness is getting in the way of your life.

  • Trauma & PTSD Therapy – If the past is showing up in ways you don’t want it to.

  • LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapy – A space where your identity and relationships are fully seen and respected.

  • Family Therapy – Helping families work through challenges and communicate better.

At Empower Family Therapy, we focus on making therapy feel real, helpful, and actually applicable to your life. No fluff, no judgment—just solid, down-to-earth support.

Step 3: Check Their Credentials—But Also Their Vibe

Yes, credentials matter. You want someone who’s licensed—look for LCSW, LMFT, LCPC, or PsyD. But also? Therapy is about connection. You need someone who makes you feel comfortable and understood. If you walk out of a session feeling like you just talked to a brick wall, that’s probably not the therapist for you.

Step 4: Make Sure It’s Convenient

If getting to therapy feels like a hassle, you probably won’t go consistently. Empower Family Therapy is at 1332 N Halsted St, Suite 201, Chicago, IL 60642, right in Lincoln Park, between Division St. and North Clybourn Ave.

  • Public Transit-Friendly: Just a short walk from the North/Clybourn Red Line Station, with multiple bus routes nearby.

  • Easy Parking: Street parking available on Halsted if you’re driving in.

  • Great Location: Close to coffee shops, restaurants, and spots to decompress before or after sessions.

  • Comfortable Space: Our waiting area has coffee, tea, and snacks because therapy should feel welcoming, not sterile.

And if in-person doesn’t work for you? No problem. We also offer telehealth therapy for clients across Illinois, so you can get support from wherever you are.

Step 5: Read Reviews, Ask Around

Chicagoans love to share recommendations—whether it’s about the best deep-dish pizza, the best dog-friendly coffee shop, or the best therapist. Take advantage of that! Read Google reviews, ask friends, and check testimonials. Finding someone with a strong reputation can help give you peace of mind.

Step 6: Book a Consultation—Think of It as a Test Run

Most therapists offer free consultation calls—this is your chance to feel them out. Ask things like:

  • What’s your experience with clients who have similar concerns?

  • What’s your therapy approach?

  • What should I expect in our first few sessions?

You’re not just picking a therapist—they should feel like a good fit for you.

Step 7: Trust Your Gut

Therapy is personal. If you don’t feel comfortable, heard, or understood, that’s a sign to keep looking. The right therapist will make you feel safe and supported while also challenging you when needed. If something feels off, trust that instinct.

At Empower Family Therapy, we’re not about cookie-cutter therapy or one-size-fits-all approaches. We know that real progress happens when you feel genuinely connected to your therapist—when you can be yourself without fear of judgment. That’s why we offer consultations before diving in. We want to make sure that we’re the right fit for you, and if we’re not? That’s okay too. Our priority is helping you find a therapist who gets you, whether that’s with us or someone else.



Ready to Start? Let’s Talk.

Finding a therapist doesn’t have to be impossible. At Empower Family Therapy, we make it easier. Whether you’re stopping by after work, grabbing a bite at NewCity, or heading to a Steppenwolf show after your session, we want to be part of your Chicago story.

📍 Visit us at: 1332 N Halsted St, Suite 201, Chicago, IL 60642

Tina Shrader