Obsessive-compulsive disorder therapists & psychiatrists in Chicago, IL

I earned my graduate degree in counseling psychology in 2009 from Northwestern University, and I've primarily helped people with depression and anxiety, substance abuse, and combinations thereof. I’ve also treated schizophrenia, PTSD, bipolar disorder, struggles with work and careers and relationships. As the Roman playwright Terence said, "I am human, and nothing human is alien to me."

Hi, I’m E. C. Kissner — and if you’re someone who feels accomplished on the outside but stretched thin on the inside, you’re in the right place. Many of the people I work with are navigating burnout, transitions, stress, uncertainty about next steps, or a sense that life’s moving faster than they can keep up with. You want clarity, balance, and a way to turn insight into real-world change, and you want a space that meets you where you are — respectful of your identity, your experiences, and your goals.

I am a clinical psychologist driven by a deep sense of empathy and a genuine curiosity about human behavior and the motivations that shape our lives. I strive to create a space where clients feel truly seen, heard, and understood without judgment. My approach is grounded in authenticity, both in how I show up and in how I support others in reconnecting with their own genuine selves. I believe that meaningful change begins with understanding, and I am committed to walking alongside each person as they explore their experiences, build insight, and move toward a more fulfilling and balanced life.

I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with over a decade of experience in mental health care, supporting individuals across inpatient and outpatient settings. Through my work, I have cared for clients with a wide range of needs, including chronic and severe mental health conditions, and I understand how overwhelming it can feel to navigate symptoms while trying to maintain daily life.

My care philosophy is centered on partnership. Treatment is not about taking over your care, but about working with you to explore your symptoms, goals, and values. Together, we develop a treatment plan that feels respectful, personalized, and empowering. If you have concerns or hesitations about medication, we will discuss all available options openly and thoughtfully, moving at a pace that feels right for you.

I work with individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, OCD, and other mood and thought-related conditions. During the initial session, we focus on understanding your concerns, reviewing your history, and identifying practical steps toward improvement. Care may include psychiatric evaluation, medication management when appropriate, brief psychotherapy, education, and ongoing support.

I believe mental health care should feel supportive, clear, and collaborative—not rushed or overwhelming.

You do not have to face these challenges alone. My role is to help you reduce symptoms, strengthen coping skills, and regain balance so you can function at your best and move forward with confidence and stability.

I have a fundamental belief in the transformative power of therapy. I come to this belief not just as a practicing therapist but as someone who was profoundly shaped by therapy as a young man. Having started my own journey with doubt and hesitation, I deeply respect the courage it takes to begin this work. Talking about therapy can feel tricky as jargon and platitudes often dominate the conversation. What I can say is this: I believe in your capacity—within a therapeutic relationship that intuitively feels right to you—to become a better version of yourself defined on your own terms.

My therapy room is a space where you don’t have to explain yourself. You can show up, fully and authentically, without the need to code-switch or justify your experiences. Our sessions are a dedicated time for you to be heard and understood without judgment.

Hi, I’m Joe! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a background in education leadership within the Chicago Public Schools system. My path to therapy was a second career, which allows me to bring a unique perspective on life transitions to our work together. I hold a Master’s degree from the University of Chicago and specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex systems and identity.