Find a therapist, counselor or psychologist in Evanston, IL

"As a licensed clinician, I guide people through personal challenges, help ease emotional burdens, and help clients find solutions that will work best for them."

Andy Benson is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with additional certification in alcohol and substance use disorders (CADC license). He is committed to working with adults and seniors to help make positive changes leading to happier and more fulfilling lives. Andy specializes in addiction, anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, loss, relationship challenges, and major life transitions. He also has considerable experience working with first responders, and has worked extensively with this client population for several years.

Andy earned his undergraduate degree at Northwestern University in philosophy and communication, and his Master’s in Social Work from Loyola University Chicago. Andy uses multiple treatment approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing (MI), and client-centered therapy, among other modalities.

Andy hopes that your time in therapy will be productive, and allow new growth for the next steps on your journey. Coming to therapy is a courageous decision and he is here to support you in making the changes you decide to try. Andy will welcome you to judgment-free, supportive counseling.

"My 30+ years in clinical practice, combined with lessons learned through parenting my now adult children has shaped the way I engage in the sacred and playful art of pediatric psychotherapy. I currently only serve clients 5 to 13 years of age. Please note, to best support my clients and avoid conflicts of interest, I do not provide services to multiple children in the same family."

Debra Honig, MSW, LCSW, is a well-seasoned, enthusiastic, and authentic pediatric psychotherapist. She has practiced in many settings in the Chicago area, with a focus on children and their families. Debra uses humor, empathy, and creativity to help children and their families to navigate life's expected and unexpected challenges. Debra uses an eclectic and warm style and focuses on the client's strengths and uniqueness. Debra offers specialization in the areas of self-esteem, ADHD, coping with illness and life transitions, divorce, grief, loss, anxiety, and mood disorders. Her treatment room is always inviting for children, including art material, action figures, puppets, and games.

Debra completed her Master of Social Work (MSW) degree at the Jane Addams College of Social Work, a college of the University of Illinois at Chicago. Her professional experience and training are further strengthened through personal experiences as an adoptive mom, stepmom, and foster parent. Debra utilizes an eclectic treatment approach incorporating expressive therapies, mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and solution-focused brief therapy.

Debra's philosophy is that everyone has roses and thorns from day to day. When it happens, it is important to talk about it, and use our coping strategies. That is the center of her work and helps create a safe and comfortable space for sharing and growth.

Debra currently only serves clients 5 to 13 years of age.

"I know I thrive when I am connected to my community, but also to myself. Balancing life stressors by understanding our strengths and our networks is the best way to prepare ourselves for daily difficulties."

Emily Ellsworth is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who specializes in depression, anxiety, mood disorders, relationships, first-episode psychosis, and other psychotic symptoms. Emily has been committed to providing mental health services and life coaching to individuals ages 18+ for 9 years. She earned a dual degree in Psychology and Gender, Sexuality, and Feminism studies from Duke University where she fell in love with the idea of holistic treatment. She then earned her Master’s in Social Work from Loyola University Chicago to gain further knowledge about treating an individual from an internal and external perspective.

Emily utilizes multiple treatment approaches including mindfulness, dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), empathetic and active listening, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused therapy.

Emily understands that it is a natural response to build maladaptive coping mechanisms, but people who gain insight into these mechanisms can learn to adjust them into more productive skills. Through the use of self-exploration, exposure activities, and interventions, Emily facilitates an environment where clients are free to become their ideal selves.

"As a trauma-informed and compassionate counselor who has worked with a wide range of client populations and issues, I will create a safe and non-judgmental space to support you in your growth. "

Taylor Barton is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who has over 10 years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families presenting with a wide variety of issues. Taylor has worked in multiple settings including the school and hospital setting as well as with diverse populations. Taylor obtained her Bachelor Degree in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and she received her Master's of Education in Counseling Psychology from Loyola University in Chicago. Having worked with many individuals who have been in crisis, Taylor is passionate about this work and currently holds a Clinical Trauma Professional certification (CTTP). 

Taylor believes that meeting an individual where they are and building a strong therapeutic relationship are keys to the success of treatment. Drawing from evidence-based practices such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and client-centered therapy, Taylor will utilize an eclectic approach in order to meet a client's individual needs. As a highly compassionate individual, Taylor prides herself on offering a safe environment to explore difficult feelings. Helping one process past and current experiences as well as evaluate relationships are all important aspects of treatment. With some humor and humility, Taylor aims to empower others to make the necessary changes in their lives.

"I believe in taking care of our mental health. Whether you have experienced trauma, a loss, are having difficulty adjusting to a life situation or are feeling unhappy with yourself or in your relationships, I am here to assist you in your healing and personal growth," says Taylor. "I will create a safe and supportive space for you to share and feel understood. Using an individualized approach, I will tailor treatment to your unique needs and together we will find ways to overcome obstacles so that you can improve your overall well-being. I look forward to helping guide you on your path."