Debbie Barrett, PhD, LCSW

6655 Main Street, Suite 203
Downers Grove, Il 60516

If you find yourself awake at night, experiencing feelings of loneliness, frustration, or pain, and longing for a different life or more satisfying relationships, assistance is available to you.

Providing both in-person and remote telehealth psychotherapy services.

For individuals, couples, and families. Ages pre-teen through adult. 

Hello and welcome!

I am a doctoral-level clinician with over 25 years of practice. I graduated with a PhD in Clinical Social Work from the Institute for Clinical Social Work after transitioning from a career in finance. 

I have a diverse background in working with individuals, couples, and families. I began my clinical work at a residential treatment center as the lead therapist for the latency-age boys’ unit. During that time, I furthered my education and became certified as a drug and substance abuse counselor, receiving my addiction certification (CADC). I then completed training and became certified in domestic violence (CDVP) and was employed at a domestic violence agency. There I counseled those impacted by domestic violence and provided clinical supervision to staff and counseling interns. 

Afterward, I worked toward my doctorate in Clinical Social Work and opened my private practice in Downers Grove, where I continue to work today. I provide therapy to individuals, couples, and families, ranging in age from pre-teens to adults. 

My services

I have extensive experience in the following areas

Depression

Anxiety

Relationship conflicts or codependency 

Difficulties with communication or assertiveness

Grief and loss

Current or past trauma

Eating disorders

Self-injury

Domestic violence

Stressors with life transitions or changes

Alcohol and drug use and abuse

Impaired school or work performance and ADHD

Clinical consultation to therapists

Discover the benefits of professional therapy

When you prioritize your mental and emotional health and seek therapy, you tap into your innate capacity not just to heal but to grow. Resiliency is strengthened. Though some pains and stressors may remain, their impact on you is lessened. Greater feelings of satisfaction and happiness are realized. You feel better and are more at peace. Contact me to begin your journey toward a more rewarding life.

Frequently asked questions

  • Beginning with the first session, we will discuss your history and current situation. We will explore what concerns you have as well as your hopes and expectations for therapy. A treatment plan will be developed and includes changes you want to make, potential obstacles to treatment, and a general timeframe for treatment. Sessions are typically 45 minutes in length, with the first session lasting a bit longer.

  • An empathic, non-judgmental, and reliable therapist fosters trust and is the foundation of successful therapy. My aim is to encourage client self-reflection and emotional awareness as a means to develop or strengthen the ability to communicate authentically with others.  Creating strategies to overcome personal challenges lead to feelings of enhanced esteem and well-being, heightened personal satisfaction, and better relationships with others.

  • Throughout our life, especially early in life, we learn many things about ourselves and others. Our early experiences form a blueprint for how we think, feel, and behave later in life. My approach is to explore how the past influences the present (psychodynamic), how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are intertwined (cognitive and behavioral therapy), how they serve as a form of communication that can be altered and improved (relational therapy), and how one can live more fully and peacefully (mindfulness and DBT).

  • Being in practice over 25 years, I have extensive experience working with those who have depression, anxiety, relationship conflicts or codependency, difficulties with communication or assertiveness, grief and loss, current or past trauma, eating disorders, self-injury, domestic violence, stressors with life transitions or changes, alcohol and drug use and abuse, impaired school or work performance and ADHD, and clinical consultation to therapists.

    I provide therapy to individuals, couples, and families, ranging in age from pre-teens to adults.

  • Finding the right therapist is important. Some points to consider in selecting a therapist: Do you experience your therapist as listening to what you are saying? Do you feel heard and understood? Do you believe your therapist has the skills and experience you need to heal? Is your therapist warm and engaged? Do you feel a rapport and working alliance?

    People feel a range of emotions in session from anticipation and eagerness to uneasiness and vulnerability. Although being in therapy and discussing personal topics can be difficult at times, you want to experience your therapist as having your well-being in the forefront of treatment. Your therapist should also have a clear direction that guides treatment towards symptom resolution and growth.

  • Take the first step towards improved well-being by sending a message to Dr. Barrett. Simply fill out the form below, or if you’d rather, send an email to debbiebarrettphd@gmail.com or call 630-217-7754.

Insurance and Fees

Insurance

I am an in-network provider with most major insurance plans such as BCBS, Aetna, United Healthcare, Optum, UMR, Magellan, Cigna, Medicare, and others. Claims will be submitted directly to your insurance for payment and you will be responsible for any deductibles, copay, or coinsurance.

Fees

For those using out of network benefits or paying out of pocket, the charge for each session is $140.00, payable by cash, check, or Zelle at time of service.

Contact

Take the first step towards improved well-being by sending a message to Dr. Barrett. Simply fill out this form, or if you’d rather, send an email to debbiebarrettphd@gmail.com
or call 630-217-7754.