Erica

Dr Erica Essary

Clinical Psychologist

“LGBTQIA affirming clinical psychologist specializing in mood disorders, addictions, and relationships. My practice celebrates Queer, Trans, Kink, CNM, and neurodivergent lives and I have lived experience in all of these communities. Telehealth appts available! Most major insurance plans accepted.”

About Me

I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist practicing in Darien, Illinois. I treat addiction, mood disorders, and life transition challenges for adults and teens. I offer LGBTQI+ affirming individual therapy, clinical supervision, and adoption-related counseling.

Approach

I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor based in Illinois providing teletherapy services in all current PSYPACT states, Iowa and New York. I have over a decade of experience providing therapy, consultation, and supervision. As queer and non-binary person, my goal is to create an affirming space for people to explore their identities, navigate transitions, and improve the quality of their lives. I use an integrative, harm reduction approach that draws from multiple therapy modalities, focusing on the relationships clients have with others and with themselves. We work together to identify patterns, current issues, and places where clients feel stuck and help them find a way forward through discovering new perspectives and making changes in their daily lives. I can assist with finding ways to create an authentic and neurodivergent affirming life rather than feeling forced to fit into a neurotypical world.
Contact Erica

Ask a quick question or arrange a time to meet.

Basic Information

In-person & Online

Services

I offer online video/phone appts. via a secure telehealth platform and am taking new clients.

Services Offered:

  • Clinical Supervision

    Professional oversight and reflective practice for clinical practitioners, ensuring quality of care and supporting ongoing development.

  • Mindfulness

    The practice of paying deliberate attention to the present moment without judgement, used to reduce stress and increase awareness of automatic reactions.

    Learn more about Mindfulness
  • Psych & Diagnostic Assessment

    Formal psychological testing to identify conditions, understand cognitive and emotional functioning, and guide treatment planning.

  • Individual Therapy

    One-on-one therapy sessions between a client and a therapist, focused on that person's specific concerns and goals.

    Learn more about Individual Therapy

Works With:

  • Adults
  • Individuals

Area of Expertise

Scope of Practice:

  • Addiction

    A compulsive dependence on a substance or behaviour, such as alcohol, drugs, or gambling, that causes harmful consequences to health, relationships, or daily life.

    Learn more about Addiction
  • Life Transitions

    Major life changes, such as relocation, retirement, parenthood, or career shifts, that disrupt routine and require psychological adjustment.

    Learn more about Life Transitions
  • Anxiety

    Persistent worry, nervousness, or fear that is disproportionate to the situation and interferes with daily functioning.

    Learn more about Anxiety
  • Mood Disorder

    A category of mental health conditions, including depression and bipolar disorder, in which a person's emotional state is significantly and persistently disrupted.

    Learn more about Mood Disorder
  • LGBTQI+ Support

    The unique psychological experiences of LGBTQI+ individuals, including identity exploration, coming out, discrimination, minority stress, and relationship dynamics.

  • Personal Development

    The ongoing process of self-awareness, self-improvement, and reaching one's potential, pursued not because something is wrong but to live more fully.

  • Women's Issues

    Psychological challenges more commonly experienced by women, including gender-based stress, reproductive health concerns, body image, caregiving burden, and societal expectations.

  • ADHD

    A neurodevelopmental condition involving persistent difficulty with attention, impulsivity, and/or hyperactivity that interferes with daily functioning.

    Learn more about ADHD
  • Autism (ASD)

    A neurodevelopmental condition affecting social communication, sensory processing, and behaviour patterns, with a wide range of presentations and strengths.

  • Stress

    The body and mind's response to excessive demands. When sustained, it can lead to emotional exhaustion, physical symptoms, and reduced functioning.

    Learn more about Stress

Professional Title:

  • Clinical Psychologist

    An advanced mental health professional trained to assess and treat a wide range of difficulties, from anxiety and depression to trauma and complex conditions.

Credentials

Registrations

Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation

Clinical Psychologist

Qualifications

Illinois School of Professional Psychology

Service Areas

Spectrum Psychological Services

In-person & Online

Darien, Illinois

United States

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