Substance Use Therapists

How to Find a Therapist for Substance Abuse in Chicago

Substance abuse recovery is a deeply personal journey, and the right therapist can play a vital role in supporting your healing. In a large city like Chicago—with its wide range of mental health professionals—it can be tough to know where to start. Whether you're seeking individual therapy, group support, or a combination of services, this guide walks you through how to find a therapist that fits your needs.

1. Identify what you need in therapy

Before you begin your search, consider what kind of support you’re looking for:

  • Do you need help stopping or reducing use?

  • Are you in recovery but need support staying sober or managing triggers?

  • Are you dealing with underlying mental health concerns like trauma, anxiety, or depression?

Knowing your goals can help narrow down therapists who specialize in what you need. Many substance use professionals use evidence-based treatments such as:

  • CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) for managing thinking patterns and behaviors

  • DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) for emotion regulation and distress tolerance

  • Motivational Interviewing, which helps build readiness for change

  • Trauma-informed approaches, especially if your substance use is connected to past experiences

2. Use resources to align with the care you are looking for

Finding a therapist is easier when you can search by your preferences. Try these directories:

  • Psychology Today (filter by location, insurance, specialties)

  • Open Path Collective (for sliding-scale therapists)

  • Zocdoc (if you're prioritizing providers who accept your insurance)

You can also ask your primary care doctor, a local support group, or trusted friends for recommendations. Sometimes, word-of-mouth leads to providers who aren’t easily found online.

3. Consider format and office location

In Chicago, you’ll find a variety of therapy formats:

  • Private practice clinicians (often in neighborhoods like Lakeview, Logan Square, or West Loop)

  • Community mental health centers (such as Trilogy Behavioral Healthcare or Thresholds)

  • Hospital-affiliated outpatient clinics (e.g., Advocate, Northwestern, UIC)

  • Virtual-only practices, which can offer flexibility and privacy

Some questions to ask yourself throughout the process: 

  • Would I feel more comfortable online or in person?

  • How far am I willing to travel?

  • Do I prefer one-on-one work, or am I open to groups?

4. Ask the right questions before committing

Many therapists offer free 15-minute consultations. You can use this time to ask:

  • Do you have experience treating substance use disorders?

  • What’s your approach to treatment? (Structured? Holistic? Trauma-focused?)

  • Are you licensed and credentialed in addiction counseling or mental health?

  • Do you offer group therapy, couples therapy sessions, or medication referrals?

These questions will help you determine if the therapist’s style and background align with your needs.

5. Don’t overlook group support or hybrid models

While therapy is a critical tool, many people benefit from a layered approach that includes peer support groups like 12-step groups, SMART Recovery, Refuge Recovery, or Codependents Anonymous (CoDA), alongside traditional therapy.

Some practices even offer hybrid models that include both individual sessions and group work—blending the best of personalized care and community connection. 


6. Give it time and some flexibility 

Therapy is a relationship. It’s normal to take a few sessions to settle in and get comfortable, or even switch providers if it doesn’t feel like a good fit. Signs you’re on the right track might include:

  • Feeling heard and respected

  • Gaining useful tools and insights

  • Noticing progress or new clarity

If not, don’t be afraid to try someone else or discuss this directly with your clinician. Your recovery deserves a provider who really gets you.

7. Practices to explore in Chicago

Chicago has no shortage of quality therapy practices that specialize in addiction and co-occurring mental health concerns. Some are larger behavioral health centers, while others are smaller group practices.

Our group practice, Health in Tandem, offers individual therapy for adults navigating substance use, codependency, and emotional challenges. With an integrative approach and trauma-informed care, we’re part of the growing network of modern therapy practices making mental health more accessible and individualized on the North side of Chicago. 

Takeaways

Finding a therapist for substance abuse is about building trust, feeling safe, and choosing someone who sees you as more than your struggle. Whether you’re early in recovery or years into maintaining it, working with a skilled therapist can give you tools to navigate cravings, heal deeper wounds, and build a sustainable future.

If you’re unsure where to start, set up one or two free consultations and see how they feel. Trust your gut—you’ll know when you’ve found the right match.

Amanda Collins