River Smith (They/them)

Accepting Clients

Hello! My name is River, I am a therapist based in Chicago, IL. My approach to therapy emphasizes empathy, authenticity, and openness.

Clinical Trainee in Illinois
Supervised by Kat Cockey, LCPC

Services
  • Individual

About My Clients

I work with adults (18+) and my main areas of focus are anxiety, depression, and life transitions. I also have a particular passion for working with people from the queer and neurodivergent communities. I enjoy working with clients who are trying to live fuller, more authentic, values-driven lives, and I am passionate about helping each client carve out a path forward that honors their unique identities.

My Background and Approach

My experience working in mental health has taught me that there are no one size fits all solutions when it comes to therapy. The things that help us heal are going to be different for everyone. Some people will benefit from concrete direction and coping strategies, while others just need a space to talk things out. My approach is person-centered, flexible and holistic.

My Personal Beliefs and Interests

I believe that therapy should be an empowering experience. Historically, mental health systems have defined healthy behavior in a way that excludes members of marginalized groups, namely LGBTQ+ people, people of color, women, and people with disabilities. I believe it is the responsibility of a good therapist to work with each client to create a definition of health and wellness that honors every aspect of your personhood and each identity you hold dear. As a queer, neurodivergent person myself, I understand what it means to navigate mental health systems with those identities. I also believe in bringing conversations of power and privilege into the therapy room. Experiences of racism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, and other bigotries can be internalized when they go unchallenged. By calling out these experiences when they happen, we can better recognize that experiencing bigotry is not a personal failing, and respond in a healthier way.

Techniques I Use

Specialties
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Feminist Therapy Humanistic Therapy
Other Techniques
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  • Coaching
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Culturally Sensitive Therapy
  • Eclectic Therapy
  • Existential Therapy
  • Feminist Therapy
  • Harm Reduction Therapy
  • Humanistic Therapy
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Person-Centered (Rogerian)

Issues I Treat

Specialties
Anxiety Depression LGBTQ-Friendly Therapists
Other Issues
  • Addiction
  • ADHD Therapists
  • Anxiety
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • Body Image Issues
  • Burnout
  • Career Counseling
  • Depression
  • Gender Identity Therapy
  • Grief or Loss
  • LGBTQ-Friendly Therapists
  • Polyamorous and Open Relationships
  • Relationship Issues
  • Self-Esteem
Insurance Plans Accepted
  • Aetna
  • Cigna
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO
  • UnitedHealthcare
  • Aetna PPO
I offer online counseling in the following states:

At A Glance

  • Experience: 1 year of practice
  • Languages: English
  • Rate: $30 - 30/session

Reach out to River