Effective, compassionate therapy

from the comfort of your couch,
anywhere in Illinois.

  • “I've learned so much about myself and have built a bunch of new coping skills for stressful times.”

    —L.S., previous client

  • “I feel so comfortable, seen, and supported in my sessions. The depth of knowledge and range of techniques brought to each session have significantly improved my mental health!"

    —A.G., current client

  • “I have seen myself grow and change into a person who has less anxiety, more self-esteem, and a better relationship with myself, my friends, and my family.”

    —S.B., current client

  • “Nicole helped us to identify patterns from our individual histories that had contributed to our problems as a couple and learn to develop healthier patterns, which we credit for not only saving our marriage, but making it stronger.”

    —D.P., previous client

  • "Finding someone who practices from an understanding of neurodivergence, trauma, and the depression/anxiety combination is super important and also very, very difficult to find! Finding Nicole's practice feels as if I've come across a unicorn."

    —M.S., current client

  • “I really like the way that Nicole is able to adapt our sessions to what I need - sometimes we discuss acute issues, and other times we delve deeper into underlying trauma. She is a wonderful therapist!”

    —L.S., previous client

Meet Nicole

Hi! I’m Nicole Rea, MA, LCSW.

I know reaching out for support takes courage, and I’m here to meet you with curiosity, warmth, and understanding. With more than a decade of experience, I specialize in trauma-informed, evidence-based relational therapy that helps individuals, couples, and families navigate life’s challenges, heal from past wounds, and build resilience for the future.

I especially love working with other queer and neurodivergent individuals (like me!), and I would be honored to walk alongside you on your healing journey.

If you’re ready, let’s connect and get started today!

Learn more

Services Offered

View of Chicago city skyline with tall buildings seen from a body of water during the daytime.

Individual Therapy

Life’s challenges can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face them alone. Nicole works with individuals navigating anxiety, depression, substance misuse, trauma recovery, ADHD, and other forms of neurodivergence. She specializes in supporting LGBTQIA+ clients and those from marginalized communities, creating an affirming, compassionate space to explore, heal, and grow.

Relationship Therapy

Relationships can be both our greatest joy and our biggest challenge. Whether you’re navigating couples counseling, co-parenting struggles, or simply looking to strengthen your connection with a significant other, Nicole provides a safe and supportive space to work through conflict, build understanding, and foster healthier bonds.

Psychosocial Evaluations

Red tape can feel overwhelming. From immigration hardship and VAWA cases to gender confirmation surgery, Emotional Support Animal (ESA) certifications, or the challenges of infertility paths like IVF and IUI, each step can feel like a mountain to climb. Nicole approaches every case with expertise, sensitivity, and deep understanding, ensuring you feel informed, confident, and supported from the beginning of the process to the end.

Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)

Sometimes healing requires new paths. KAP combines the therapeutic support of psychotherapy with the transformative potential of ketamine, offering a powerful and effective approach for those struggling with treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, or the impacts of trauma. Nicole partners with Journey Clinical to provide a safe, compassionate environment to explore these experiences and support meaningful, lasting change and relief.

Let’s Connect!

Ready to feel supported? Contact me today to schedule your intro session and start building the tools for a calmer, healthier tomorrow. ☀️