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Headshot of Erica Velarde, LCSW

Erica Velarde

Therapist
10 years of experience
  • Anxiety
  • Individual therapy

Great to meet you!

I’ve been in the mental health field for almost 20 years, and in that time, I’ve worked with people from all walks of life — from young kids who just want to feel heard, to adults trying to make sense of their past and create a better future. My work is rooted in psychoanalytic theory, which means I take the time to understand the deeper patterns and emotions that influence your thoughts and behaviors. No need to lie down on a couch (unless you want to), but we’ll definitely take a good look at the bigger picture to help you make lasting changes.

I’m here to support you through challenges like anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, and those life transitions that can feel overwhelming. You won’t find judgment in my office, just a safe space where we can talk openly about what’s really going on.

I believe that healing doesn’t have to be all serious — we’ll explore tough emotions, but with a bit of humor and real-world strategies to help you feel better, faster. My goal is to help you understand yourself more deeply, break free from old patterns, and move forward in a way that feels empowering.

My approach to therapy

My approach is rooted in Psychoanalytic theory, while also adapting to meet the unique needs of each client. I incorporate techniques from ACT, CBT, DBT, and Narrative Therapy, all viewed through a solution-focused lens, with a holistic outlook that considers the mind as well as the body.

What you can expect from me

If you’re ready to take a step toward feeling better and more in control of your life, I’d love to work with you.

Together, we’ll explore what’s really going on, make sense of it, and come up with practical ways to help you move forward.

About me

  • I identify as
    Caucasian, Woman
  • My style is
    Empowering, Inquisitive, Humorous

Qualification and insurance

  • Years of experience
    10 years of experience
  • Training
    MSSW (Master of Science in Social Work) at Dominican University
  • License type
    LC (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) (Maine), LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) (Illinois)
  • Licensed in
  • Insurance accepted
    Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, Carelon Behavioral Health, Cigna, Independence Blue Cross Pennsylvania - Virtual National Network, Point32 Healthcare

Cost

Care details

  • Top specialties
    Anxiety
  • More specialties
    Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Sleep disorder, Family issues, Stress management, Anger management, Grief or loss, Relationship issues, Women's issues, Identity issues, Trauma, PTSD, Chronic conditions
  • Therapy methods
    Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Brief Dynamic, Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Behavior Modification, Motivational Interviewing, Positive Psychology, Psychodynamic, Narrative Therapy
  • Care types
    Individual therapy
  • Ages served
    Adults, Adolescents
  • Languages
    English