Depression Therapy for Individuals in Chicago, IL

Depression Therapy for Individuals in Chicago, IL

Lately, you may have noticed that your mood feels persistently low, anxious, or even empty. It can feel like there’s a cloud of hopelessness or pessimism following you, while at the same time, you might find yourself feeling easily irritated or restless, which can be confusing. Physically, you might be experiencing changes too—perhaps struggling with sleep, noticing weight changes due to eating more or less than usual, or simply feeling drained. You may also be experiencing physical symptoms like migraines or stomachaches, which can make everything feel even more overwhelming.

depression therapy chicago

You might find yourself withdrawing from friends and loved ones, preferring to be alone. It's also common to feel less confident in yourself or in your abilities. You might be finding that making decisions, concentrating, or remembering tasks feels incredibly stressful right now. It’s common to feel a sense of helplessness that just doesn’t seem to fade. Sometimes, you might turn to substances like drugs or alcohol as a way to cope with these overwhelming emotions or the weight of responsibilities. In moments when it all feels too much, you may have found yourself contemplating or feeling stuck in thoughts of hopelessness. These experiences can be tough, but you're not alone in feeling this way. There are people ready to support you.

 

My name is Shirley, and I provide mental health therapy in Chicago, IL!

Hi, I’m Shirley Khong, LCPC (#180.015179) and I provide mental health therapy for individuals and couples in Chicago, IL. I help kindhearted people who are constantly taking care of others break unhealthy patterns that create stress and anxiety. Those who are tired from feeling out of control, shrinking yourself, or that you don’t have a voice worth listening to.

I am located in Chicago, IL and provide online therapy for those in Illinois.

Book a free 15-minute consult with me via Zoom to see if therapy is right for you and how I can best support you. Let's create a personalized plan to help you move beyond anxiety and depression, starting your journey to relief sooner.

How I can help!

It’s easy to give clients with depression a list of things to do and hope for the best. However, solutions may not resolve their concerns immediately. My role isn’t just to offer temporary fixes; it’s to be with you through the ups and downs of life. There’s a significant difference between simply suggesting actions and genuinely being present for someone experiencing depression.

I am committed to working closely with you to understand your unique needs and create a collaborative, compassionate space where we can explore what truly helps you feel more like yourself. Together, we’ll work on strategies that align with your values and goals, helping you live more intentionally and be more present in your daily life. I’m here to support you every step of the way, ensuring you feel understood and empowered as we navigate your journey.

I'm here to help you create a quiet space for reflecting on what YOU want from life, giving you permission to be unapologetically yourself.

Take the first step today and schedule a 15-minute consultation.

 

FAQs

  • Some individuals may achieve their desired outcomes in about 8-12 sessions, while others may benefit from longer-term therapy.

  • In each session, we reflect upon the previous one to open up discussion if there were any lingering questions, comments, or concerns. I always make sure to meet my clients where they are at for the day.

    Some clients come in with an agenda and we focus on one at a time. Others may not have specific issues to address, and in such cases, we observe the dynamics that unfold during our conversations. Those patterns may lead to insights that they did not notice before.

  • For individual sessions, my rate is $210 for a 50 minute session. I use Reimbursify for my Out-of-Network client insurance reimbursements. You can click on the link to set up your Reimbursify account.

  • I understand that life happens and we can’t always predict unexpected or emergency scenarios. However, I do ask that if it is an emergency (not a work conflict), that you let me know as soon as you can.

    The session slot, (i.e. Mondays at 2pm), will be yours until we terminate our meetings. If you feel that the day and time needs to be adjusted since we had to reschedule them, please let me know and I would be happy to change to a time that works for both of us.

    Unfortunately, I cannot reschedule another client if you do not attend the session. If it is a late cancellation, you will be charged the full fee and your insurance will not cover cancelled sessions.

  • If a client is 5 minutes late for our meeting, I will be sending out an email to ask if you are available to attend the session. If I do not receive a response within 10 minutes, you will be charged the late cancellation fee.

    If we run into three consecutive rescheduled or late cancellation meetings, we will need to discuss if the time aligns with your schedule or if you would like a referral.

    Goodness of fit, communication, and consistent meeting times are beneficial to seeing improvements.

  • I highly encourage clients to take necessary time off when they need it. Or if you have an exciting opportunity to move in your profession.

    In those cases, please let me know of an upcoming or scheduled vacation or job interview as early as possible so that you will not be charged.

  • I will make sure that whenever I will be out of town/the country, to let you know 2-4 weeks in advance. There will be coverage by one of my colleagues with their name and contact information if emergency sessions are needed.

    Every quarter (beginning of March, June, September, and December), I will be taking a few days off. Before I take time off in our last session, we will discuss any feedback or check-ins needed.