Chloe Ford

Chloe Ford, LCSW, PMH-C, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Perinatal Mental Health Specialist with nearly 15 years of experience supporting individuals and families through life’s most complex transitions. As the founder of Thereafter Therapy PLLC, she specializes in mental health wellness during fertility, pregnancy, postpartum, and parenthood. Chloe brings a well-rounded perspective to her clinical care, having built her foundation as a special education school social worker before serving as a medical pediatric social worker. This background across education and healthcare allows her to seamlessly blend high-level clinical collaboration with deeply compassionate, autonomy-centered care. She holds a deep passion for guiding birthing people and their partners through these major life transitions, as well as supporting adolescents and young adults navigating chronic illness. Grounded in every setting she has served, Chloe is dedicated to cultivating an inclusive, affirming, compassionate, and welcoming environment where every client feels seen, heard, and empowered.

My approach to therapy is warm, deeply collaborative, and grounded in the belief that you are the ultimate expert on your own life. Navigating fertility, pregnancy, postpartum, parenthood, or chronic illness can often feel overwhelming, isolating, or heavily medicalized—my goal is to provide a safe, identity-affirming space where you feel genuinely seen, heard, and supported.

Drawing from nearly 15 years of experience across school systems and pediatric medical care at Lurie Children’s Hospital, I blend evidence-based strategies (like CBT, Interpersonal Psychotherapy, and Mindfulness) with a flexible, person-centered lens. I don't believe in one-size-fits-all treatment plans or lecturing. Instead, we work as partners to process heavy emotions, honor your unique journey, and develop practical, real-world tools that fit your actual life. Above all, my practice is autonomy-centered: I am here to advocate alongside you, help you regain confidence, and empower you to make the choices that feel right for you and your health.

Your first session is all about setting a comfortable, low-pressure foundation. You can expect a warm, conversational space where we get to know each other at a pace that feels comfortable for you—there is no test to pass and no "right" way to start.

During our first meeting, we will:

• Gently explore what brings you to therapy: We’ll talk about what you’re currently experiencing, whether that’s fertility stress, perinatal adjustments, managing a chronic illness, life transitions, or emotional overwhelm.
• Review your goals and expectations: We’ll discuss what you hope to get out of our time together and what support looks like specifically for you.
• Establish complete safety and autonomy: You are always in control of what you share. We will go over logistics, answer any questions you have about the therapeutic process, and make sure you feel completely comfortable.

By the end of our first session, my goal is for you to leave feeling lighter, validated, and clear on our path forward—knowing that you have an empathetic, skilled ally in your corner.