You've Started to Notice Your Drinking Isn't Just Stress Relief Anymore
Individual therapy in Chicago for anxiety, depression, and the habits you’ve built to cope. In-person or telehealth.
You Might Be Here Because:
You drink more than you used to
Not every night. Not out of control. But enough that you've started keeping track in your head.
Anxiety runs the show
And something has to take the edge off. A glass of wine after work. A few hits to quiet your mind. You tell yourself it's just how you unwind.
You want tools
Not just someone to talk at. You've tried "just talking about it." You're ready for something that actually changes how you respond.
You're tired of carrying this alone
You function. You show up. But something underneath has been building for a while, and you're the only one who knows how much.
Individual Therapy in Chicago for
Substance Use, Anxiety & More
Substance Use & Coping
If alcohol or drugs have become your go-to for managing stress, anxiety, or hard emotions, we'll work on what's underneath that habit, not just the habit itself. You'll leave sessions with real tools, not just insight.
Anxiety
Racing thoughts. A body that won't settle. Anxiety that shows up in your chest before you've even named what's wrong. We'll get specific about what triggers it and build tools you can use in the moment.
Depression
Getting through the day already takes everything you have. We'll work at your pace, without pressure to feel better faster than you're ready to.
Life Transitions
A job change, a breakup, a move, a loss. Big shifts can leave you steady on the outside and unmoored underneath.
Relationship Issues
This is individual therapy focused on your patterns in relationships, not couples counseling. We'll look at how you show up, what you tend to repeat, and what you actually want instead.
About Samantha Greenwald, LCPC, CADC
Hi, I'm Sam.
For years, I watched people white-knuckle their way through anxiety and stress, using whatever got them through the day; a drink, a substance, a distraction. I understand that impulse. I also know what it takes to build something better in its place.
I’m a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor in Illinois, and I’ve spent over 10 years helping adults figure out what’s actually driving their coping habits, and how to respond differently once they see it clearly.
My approach blends practical, evidence-based tools with real understanding of what you’re up against. We’ll use CBT to work through the thinking patterns that keep you stuck. We’ll use motivational interviewing so you set the pace, not me. You won’t leave sessions with vague encouragement. You’ll leave with something you can actually use.
If you’re ready to look at this honestly, without judgment, I’d like to help.
What Makes This Different
No lectures, no alarm
You won't be met with shock or a script about what you should be doing differently.
Practical tools, not just talk
Every session moves toward something you can use outside the room.
You set the pace
This work moves at your speed, not mine.
Real understanding
I bring both training and a genuine grasp of what makes coping habits so hard to shift.
CBT that changes the pattern
We target the thinking that drives the behavior, not just the behavior itself.
Insurance & Rates for Chicago Therapy Services
Making Therapy Accessible
I’m in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, and United Healthcare (Optum). If you’re self-pay, sessions are $135.
Not sure what your plan covers? I’m happy to help you check your specific benefits before your first session.
Ready to Talk?
The first step is one free 15-minute call. No pressure, no commitment beyond that.