Social Anxiety therapists in Chicago, IL
Browse Social Anxiety therapists in Chicago, Illinois. Compare credentials, specialties and therapeutic approach. Contact a therapist to learn more.
Social Anxiety
Nostos Psychotherapy
Psychologist, PsyD
We help individuals to manage feelings of discomfort and stress related to social anxiety.
12 Years Experience
In-Person in Chicago, IL 60661
Online in Chicago, IL
Social Anxiety
Dr. Adam Shafer (Chicago, IL)
Psychologist, Psy. D., M.A.
The ambivalence people can experience in the desire for interpersonal connection while feeling uneasy or anxious in the presence of others can be difficult.
17 Years Experience
In-Person in Chicago, IL 60607
Online in Chicago, IL
Social Anxiety
Dr. Monika Sharma
Psychologist, PsyD
Social anxiety may stem from feelings of vulnerability, like you don't belong, past experiences of rejection, fears of judgment, and/or a sensitive nervous system's that needs lower stimulation and greater predictability than social interactions entail. Socializing or the thought of meeting people can come with feelings of fear, embarrassment, self-consciousness, and self-doubt. It's easier to avoid interacting with others, but the temporary comfort this brings leads to greater discomfort in the long run. You feel like your social anxiety is hindering your relationships and keeping you from experiencing life as fully as you'd like.
I will teach you how to be curious about your uncomfortable feelings such as anxiety, anger, fear, sadness, loneliness, and overwhelm. This involves learning to build tolerance for uncomfortable feelings because they won't actually hurt us; approach these feelings without judgment; poke at them and examine them and see what lies within them; and then decide how we want to use these feelings as a compass to guide us toward those things that truly matter. You will feel empowered to be the master of your feelings, not a puppet to them, while honoring who you are.
Schedule a free 15-minute consult at: sharmapsych.com/schedule
26 Years Experience
In-Person in Chicago, IL 60610
Online in Chicago, IL
Social Anxiety
Clark Thompson, PsyD, MA
Psychologist, PsyD, MA
Through specialized virtual assessments, I help individuals understand how social anxiety impacts their cognitive functioning, daily performance, and overall quality of life, providing comprehensive evaluations from the privacy and comfort of home. My approach to social anxiety assessment goes beyond symptom identification, examining how anxiety affects attention, memory, decision-making, and executive functioning—crucial insights for developing effective treatment strategies. With extensive experience evaluating the intersection of anxiety and cognitive performance, I provide detailed assessments that differentiate social anxiety from other conditions, identify specific triggers and patterns, and offer evidence-based recommendations for therapy, accommodations, and coping strategies tailored to each client's unique needs and goals.
7 Years Experience
In-Person in Chicago, IL 60656
Online in Chicago, IL
Social Anxiety
Dr. Andrew Bingman
Psychologist, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, PsyD
Social anxiety is rooted in a fear of rejection and/or judgment by others. I work with clients to help identify the source of this fear while highlighting strengths and positive attributes that clients possess, which helps to empower clients to seek and develop meaningful relationships.
15 Years Experience
Online in Chicago, IL (Online Only)
Social Anxiety
Dr. Aretha Steele (Mindful Healing Counseling)
Psychologist, PsyD
(Note: We have specific therapists who specialize in this area at our practice. See our website for more information)
17 Years Experience
Online in Chicago, IL (Online Only)
Social Anxiety
Bergen Counseling Collective
Counselor/Therapist, LCPC
It's not shyness. It's the dread before social situations, the replaying of conversations afterward, the constant worry that you said something wrong or that people are judging you. You cancel plans because the relief of staying home outweighs the effort of showing up. Or you push through and spend the whole time managing the anxiety instead of actually being present. Social anxiety shrinks your world slowly, and the avoidance that feels like it's helping actually makes it worse over time. We can help you break that cycle with approaches that work, not just "put yourself out there" advice that ignores how hard that actually is. Telehealth throughout Illinois. BCBS PPO and Aetna accepted.
20 Years Experience
In-Person in Chicago, IL 60640
Online in Chicago, IL
Social Anxiety
Sarah Fandel
Counselor/Therapist, LPC, LMHC, LCPC
I am experienced in using the modalities listed above to treat social anxiety.
11 Years Experience
Online in Chicago, IL (Online Only)
Social Anxiety
Nick Sotor
Psychologist, PsyD
I treat symptoms of anxiety with a through a therapy called, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). ACT is a unique form of psychotherapy that emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and embracing thoughts and feelings instead of attempting to control or avoid them. While the concept of accepting even the harshest experiences might appear counterintuitive, practicing radical acceptance can mitigate the additional suffering caused by avoidance strategies and can paradoxically diminish their intensity.
12 Years Experience
In-Person in Chicago, IL 60647
Online in Chicago, IL
Social Anxiety
Mary Mesiha
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LICSW
College can be an exciting time—but it can also bring intense pressure to fit in, make friends, and find your place. If social situations leave you feeling anxious, self-conscious, or worried about being judged, you’re not alone. Many students quietly struggle with these same feelings. In therapy, we’ll work together to understand your anxiety, build coping skills, and increase your confidence so you can feel more at ease connecting with others and fully engaging in college life.
27 Years Experience
Online in Chicago, IL (Online Only)
Social Anxiety
Rachel Losoff
Psychologist, PhD
I specialize in helping individuals overcome social anxiety and build confidence in social situations. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with exposure therapy, helping clients challenge negative thought patterns and gradually face feared social scenarios in a supportive environment. Through our work together, clients learn to develop practical coping strategies, improve their social skills, and cultivate a more positive self-image, enabling them to engage more comfortably and authentically in social interactions.
18 Years Experience
Online in Chicago, IL (Online Only)
Social Anxiety
Andrew McKenzie, Psy.D.
Psychologist
Social anxiety can leave you replaying conversations, worrying about how others perceive you, or avoiding situations that matter to you. We'll explore the fears and beliefs that fuel those patterns with curiosity rather than self-criticism, recognizing that they often developed for understandable reasons. As therapy progresses, you'll learn more flexible ways of responding to anxious thoughts so they have less influence over your choices. My hope is to help you feel more present, confident, and authentic in your relationships.
15 Years Experience
In-Person in Chicago, IL 60640
Online in Chicago, IL
Social Anxiety
Dr Calvin Young
Counselor/Therapist, PhD, LCPC
As a part of my treatment of anxiety disorders I address social anxiety as well with analysis and programmed treatment planning that assesses and addresses underlying and/or related psychological issues
30 Years Experience
Online in Chicago, IL (Online Only)
Social Anxiety
Merrisa Dawn Santos
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC, CCTMHP, CCTP
In assisting individuals with social anxiety issues, I provide a supportive and understanding environment to explore their concerns. Through therapy, we work on understanding the underlying factors contributing to their anxiety, such as negative beliefs or past experiences. I offer strategies to manage anxiety symptoms, including relaxation techniques, cognitive restructuring, and exposure therapy. Together, we practice social skills and gradually confront feared social situations, building confidence and reducing avoidance behaviors. The goal is to empower individuals to navigate social interactions with greater ease and enjoyment, ultimately improving their overall well-being and quality of life.
5 Years Experience
Online in Chicago, IL (Online Only)
Social Anxiety
Gemstone Wellness, Inc.
Psychologist, PsyD, LCPC, LCSW, LPC
Social anxiety can turn everyday interactions—from networking and public speaking to social gatherings or casual conversations—into exhausting cycles of overthinking and body tension. At Gemstone Wellness, we offer trauma-informed, depth-oriented therapy to help you address the root causes of social fear, severe self-consciousness, and performance anxiety. We work with you to calm an overactive nervous system, soften the inner critic, and build genuine social confidence so you can show up authentically without constant fear of judgment. In-person care in the Chicago Loop and telehealth across Illinois are available, in-network with BCBS PPO, Aetna PPO, and Curative Health.
10 Years Experience
In-Person in Chicago, IL 60604
Online in Chicago, IL
Social Anxiety
Dr. James R. McClymonds
Psychologist, Psy.D., HSPP
Are you stressed out? And is it getting harder to "just not think about it?" I specialize in helping people work through stressful transitions and high-conflict situations. Through individual or couple's therapy, we can work together to achieve the goals you've wanted, but have felt out of reach.
19 Years Experience
In-Person in Chicago, IL 60603
Social Anxiety
Empowered Wellbeing, Decolonizing Intersectional and Integrative Complex Trauma & Dissociation Recovery Support
Life Coach, view my credentials online at: www.recoveringfromwithin.com/credentialslongform
Social Anxiety and Social Anorexia cases have had documented increase with lower practice of intimacy in our current culture. In addition, social isolation registers in the same part of the brain that processes pain and we are biological beings that need social engagement for health and stasis. CPTSD and intensive health needs can contribute to a sense of growing isolation or challenges with over stimulation, limiting social interactions. There could be grief due to that or ease if it aligns with a neurobiology that doesn't prefer social interactions in person. There are many creative ways to connect these days. Utilizing Havening, Brainspotting, Polyvagal Theory, Safe and Sound Protocol, IFS, Attachment Theory, and optionally Energy Work to address adrenal fatigue, clients may stretching into experiences of more social engagement and working through trauma or anxiety along the way. This work combines a sensitive understanding of social systems and the pressures that come with adapting to them. Additionally, clients can gain safe practice with communication utilizing NVC and other communication and relationship models.
15 Years Experience
Online in Chicago, IL (Online Only)
Social Anxiety
Mackson Psychology
Psychologist, Samantha Mackson, Psy.D.
Social anxiety can make everyday interactions feel stressful, uncomfortable, or overwhelming. I help clients work through fears of judgment and self-consciousness, build confidence in social situations, and develop practical tools for feeling more comfortable and connected with others.
6 Years Experience
Online in Chicago, IL (Online Only)
Social Anxiety
Dr. Ryan Kitts Schallon
Psychologist, PsyD
Social anxiety is not shyness. It is the experience of being watched by a judge who lives inside your own head — a judge who arrived long before you ever chose to listen to it. Every room becomes a performance. Every interaction is graded. The exhaustion is not from other people. It is from the constant labor of self-surveillance. Therapy works not by teaching you to ignore the judge but by understanding whose voice it actually is, and why it was installed in the first place.
3 Years Experience
In-Person in Chicago, IL 60613
Online in Chicago, IL
Social Anxiety
Natalie A Shafer
Counselor/Therapist, MA, NCC, LPC
For those who struggle with social anxiety, everyday interactions may feel overwhelming and bring fears of judgment, self-consciousness, or a tendency to withdraw. These responses are understandable and often rooted in a need for safety and belonging. Together, we explore the underlying patterns, build confidence, and develop ways of engaging with others that feel more comfortable and authentic.
2 Years Experience
In-Person in Chicago, IL 60607
Online in Chicago, IL
Social Anxiety therapists in Chicago, IL Statistics
Social Anxiety therapists in Chicago, IL average 16 years of experience and charge around $200 per session. 98% offer online sessions. The top treatment approaches are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) (79%), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) (46%), and Person-Centered Therapy (Rogerian) (37%).
Average years in practice
16 Years Experience
Average cost per session
$200
Accept insurance
44%
Offer sliding scale
34%
Gender ID
| 61% |
Female |
|
| 35% |
Male |
|
| 3% |
Non-Binary |
|
| 1% |
Gender Fluid |
|
Session Type
| 55% |
In Person and Online |
|
| 43% |
Online Only |
|
| 2% |
In Person Only |
|
Top Treatment Approaches
| 79% | Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) |
| 46% | Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) |
| 37% | Person-Centered Therapy (Rogerian) |
| 35% | Behavioral Therapy |
| 32% | Psychodynamic Therapy |
| 32% | Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) |
| 30% | Existential / Humanistic Therapy |
Ages Served
| 98% | Adult |
| 77% | Young Adult |
| 49% | Senior |
| 47% | Teen |
| 21% | Children |
Client Focus
| 50% | Women |
| 38% | LGBTQ+ |
| 36% | Men |
| 26% | Military / Veterans |
| 21% | Christian |