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Headshot of Shannon McCray, LCPC

Shannon McCray

Therapist(She/Her)
18 years of experience
  • Virtual & in-person
  • Substance use / addiction, Anxiety, Depression, OCD, Family issues, LGBTQIA+, Stress management, Anger management, Cultural & ethnic issues, Grief or loss, Maternal mental health, Relationship issues, Women's issues, Identity issues, Trauma, PTSD
  • Individual therapy

Great to meet you!

I am a licensed therapist and the founder of Village & Vine Wellness, created as a response to burnout, misalignment and the need for care that truly honors Black women’s lived experiences. My clinical background includes working in community-based, school and nonprofit settings, supporting clients navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, identity stress and life transitions. I bring both professional expertise and lived understanding to the therapy space, with deep respect for culture, faith and the realities of being a Black woman moving through the world.

My approach to therapy

My approach is relational, trauma-informed and rooted in care that centers safety, dignity and self-trust. I integrate evidence-based practices with culturally responsive and body-aware approaches, recognizing that healing for Black women often requires addressing both internal experiences and external systems. Therapy with me is collaborative, affirming and grounded in the belief that boundaries and joy are essential—not optional. I also use humor a lot, so prepare to laugh!

What you can expect from me

Your first session is a gentle, grounding space where we focus on understanding what brings you to therapy and what you need right now. There is no pressure to share everything at once. My priority is helping you feel seen, respected and emotionally safe. We’ll move at your pace, clarify your goals and begin building a therapeutic relationship rooted in trust and care.

About me

  • I identify as
    Black or African descent, Cisgender Woman
  • My style is
    Empowering, Humorous, Holistic

Qualification and insurance

  • Years of experience
    18 years of experience
  • Training
    MA (Master of Arts) at The College of New Jersey, MA (Master of Arts) at Columbia University in the City of New York
  • License type
    LCPC (Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor) (Illinois)
  • Licensed in
  • Insurance accepted
    Aetna, Ascension, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, Carelon Behavioral Health, Cigna, Horizon Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Jersey, Independence Blue Cross Pennsylvania - Virtual National Network

Cost

Care details

  • Top specialties
    Substance use / addiction, Anxiety, Depression, OCD, Family issues, LGBTQIA+, Stress management, Anger management, Cultural & ethnic issues, Grief or loss, Maternal mental health, Relationship issues, Women's issues, Identity issues, Trauma, PTSD
  • Therapy methods
    Motivational Interviewing, Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Relational, Narrative Therapy, Strength-Based, Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Attachment Based, Trauma Focused CBT
  • Care types
    Individual therapy
  • Ages served
    Adults, Seniors, Adolescents, Children
  • Languages
    English
  • Location
    5653 South Blackstone Avenue
    Chicago, IL 60637