Nishma Patel, LCPC
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor

Have you ever felt unheard, misunderstood, stuck, or alone? Life has its difficult moments, but you don’t have to navigate them by yourself. Therapy offers a safe, supportive space to help you process your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Taking the leap into your therapeutic journey can feel daunting, but I applaud you for taking this first step!

I recognize that every individual is unique - there is no one-size-fits-all approach to healing. As a second-generation Indian American, I can empathize with the struggle of balancing expectations while silencing parts of yourself, the challenge of discovering who you are versus who you’re expected to be, and the stigma surrounding mental health.

My goal is to empower you to embrace your most authentic self by providing consistent support and guidance. It’s easy to feel as though we have little control over our lives—whether it be due to school, work, family, friendships, or relationships. By working collaboratively, we can identify the control you do have and help you take the reins on your life.

Supporting Emotional Resilience in Children, Teens, & The People Who Love Them

I have worked in various settings supporting children and adolescents navigating anxiety, depression, emotional dysregulation, Autism Spectrum Disorder/neurodivergence, trauma, and PTSD. This passion began in my work as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), where I worked in home, clinic, and social settings to help develop and strengthen essential skills such as communication, social interaction, self-care, and emotional regulation. Collaborating with other providers, I helped create individualized plans to reduce anxiety, improve self-esteem and emotional resilience, manage anger in healthy ways, and prioritize safety for themselves and others. 

In addition to providing therapeutic support to children and teens, I have worked closely with siblings and parents as they navigate the emotional challenges of having a high-needs family member. I understand the difficulty of staying present during these challenging seasons and am passionate about equipping families with practical tools and guidance. By collaborating with other healthcare professionals and taking a holistic approach, I strive to address the many factors that influence emotional well-being.

*Please note that I currently work exclusively with individuals, focusing on one client at a time.

Experience

I am deeply passionate about advocacy—both for others and for ourselves—as a path to empowerment. I have a significant understanding of the impact of trauma and the power of advocacy, shaped by my experience in previous roles and internships in inpatient/hospitalization settings, at a detention center, and at a crisis hotline. By creating a space where people feel heard and understood, and showing up as a trusted ally, I strive to be a source of support and healing.

In my practice, I integrate Trauma-Informed Care, Motivational Interviewing, Person-Centered Therapy, Reality Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Mindfulness to help guide you toward your goals and authentic self. Remember, you are not alone.

THERAPIST SPECIALITIES

  • Anxiety

  • Depression

  • Life Transitions

  • Stress Management/Burnout

  • Emotional Dysregulation 

  • PTSD/Childhood Trauma

  • Autism Spectrum & Neurodivergence 

  • Caregiver Fatigue

  • Multicultural Identity

Client focus

  • Children 

  • Teens 

  • Caregivers of High Needs Children

  • Emerging Adults

  • Adults

  • Women of Color

Location

Insurance Accepted

  • BCBS PPO

  • Blue Choice PPO

  • Aetna

Licensure

  • Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, IL, 180.016801

Education (educación)

  • M.S. Clinical Mental Health Counseling, National Louis University, Wheeling, Illinois, 2021

  • B.A. Applied Psychology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, 2016

Availability and Scheduling:

Ms. Patel sees clients online over video (telehealth) Monday through Friday. She also sees clients in-person at our 4043 N Ravenswood Ave (Lakeview) location on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Ms. Patel has availability for new clients. If you’re interested in working with her, you can book an appointment below!