Robin Brown, LCSW

Welcome! My name is Robin Brown (she/her/hers) and I am a relational psychotherapist. This means I see the therapeutic relationship as the most influential instrument of change. Really, I see all relationships possessing the awesome power to transform and heal.  In our work together, we will look at what has gone well for you in relationships and what has caused pain.  We will explore the present and the past, as together, we work to figure out ways for you to feel better.

My approach is collaborative.  You are the expert on your life.  I am here to provide a compassionate and nonjudgmental perspective on what has shaped you and how you want your life to change in the future.  We will work together to establish a relationship built on trust and mutuality.   I have extensive experience working with adolescents and adults who have been impacted by trauma, relationship challenges, depression, anxiety, and life cycle adjustments.

Our work will focus on your individual emotions and thought patterns as well as the impact of your multiple identities.  I believe in honest conversations about how culture, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, ability status, and socio-economic circumstances shape our worldview and life experiences.  I also believe that change cannot occur without acknowledging the legacy of the past as well as the various systems of oppression continuing to plague us as individuals and our society as a whole.  

I graduated from the University of Chicago, School of Social Service Administration in 2003 and I have completed two post-graduate fellowships; one at the University of California Berkeley and one at Womencare Counseling Center in Evanston.  I engaged in both of these experiences because I believe that learning should never stop.  Because of this value, and my belief in the power of learning through connection, I participate in ongoing individual and group consultation. Additionally, I have participated in years of advanced training and group consultation in the field of Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders and in 2023, I obtained the certification of PMH-C (Perinatal Mental Health Certification).

During my undergraduate studies at the University of Michigan, I was engaged as a student and facilitator in the Intergroup Relations Program. This innovative program combines theory and experiential learning to facilitate learning about social group identity, social inequality, and intergroup relations. In 2012, I took on a role as facilitator of a dialogue-based course at the University of Illinois at Chicago. As a facilitator, I have worked with hundreds of students as they explore identity, privilege, and power. In addition to this role, I have presented to clinical professionals seeking to understand their own identity and how that impacts the therapeutic relationship. These professional experiences, as well as my own internal racial justice work and work in my community, make me an ideal fit for any client seeking to understand their own identity and related social location.

Therapy sessions with me are 50 minutes long.  I like to meet with clients weekly, particularly as we begin our work together.  This helps both of us to stay in connection and work on the areas of your life that are troubling you.  My ultimate goal is to create an environment that feels safe for you, so if weekly sessions are not possible, I am happy to discuss options that fit your lifestyle.  

I am in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois.  I am happy to discuss options with you regarding submitting out of network claims if you do not have BCBS.  My standard fee per session is $140; I also offer a sliding scale on a case by case basis and a student rate of $90/session. Per the 2022 “No Surprises Act” you are entitled to a Good Faith Estimate for cost of services if you are uninsured, submitting for out of network reimbursement, or choosing not to use your insurance.

A significant portion of my work involves providing psychological evaluations for undocumented individuals in the process of seeking legal status.  For more information about this work, please visit Counseling Solutions.

I am humbled by the strength of my clients and honored to join them in healing.  I look forward to working with you.  

Call: (773) 354-4984

My office is located in Andersonville and is easily accessible by the Red Line at the Berwyn stop or the #22 CTA Bus. There is an elevator in the building lobby and I am located on the 2nd floor in suite #209.