Therapists & Locations

Our therapists are notable for their high quality academic backgrounds, professionalism and lifelong commitment to advancing their skills. Our treatment is empirically informed, theoretically grounded and culturally responsive. Behind each clinician is our team of more than 110 clinicians allowing for ongoing information sharing, consultation and effective referrals at four Chicagoland locations.

Our Therapists

When you work with one of us, you work with all of us. We are a diverse team of therapists who partner together. Our collaborative approach of sharing knowledge and skills ensures the best possible outcomes.

Please note that not all listed therapists are taking new clients at this time.

Search By Therapist Name

Location

Client Population

Types of Therapy

Issue / Concern

Insurance

Language(s)

Emily Perepa, LCSW, ICST

Therapist

Types of Therapy:

EMDR Therapy, Family Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy

Locations:

Teletherapy, Chicago, Evanston

Emily Perepa is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who earned her Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Meet Emily

Chris Akel, M.S.W.

Staff Therapist

Types of Therapy:

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Couple Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Meditation, Mindfulness & Behavior Therapies, Psychodynamic Therapy

Locations:

Teletherapy, Chicago, Evanston

Chris Akel, M.S.W. (he/him) is trained in a variety of 3rd wave theories including Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and the Unified Protocol. Prior to his time at The Family Institute, Mr.

Meet Chris

Jennifer White VanBoxel, LMFT, Ph.D.

Core Faculty, MSMFT Program
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Primary Branch: MSMFT On-Campus

Types of Therapy:

Brief Consultation (1-6 Sessions), CBT-informed, Couple Therapy, DBT-informed, Discernment Counseling, Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, Humanistic Therapy, Integrative Systemic Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, Premarital Counseling

Locations:

Teletherapy, Chicago, Evanston

Jennifer VanBoxel, LMFT. Ph.D. (she/her) is a systemic therapist with advanced training in evidence-based models, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) trauma therapy, Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT), and Prepare/Enrich Premarital Therapy.

Meet Jennifer

Heidi J. Hayden, M.A., LCPC

Therapist

Types of Therapy:

Integrative Systemic Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy

Locations:

Teletherapy

Ms. Hayden works with individuals, couples and families. Her areas of interest include working through the impact of trauma in all its forms as well as grief, loss and life transitions.

Meet Heidi

Neil Venketramen, LMFT

Core Faculty, Marriage & Family Therapy Program
Clinical Lecturer of Psychology at Northwestern University
Therapist
Assistant Director of Clinical Training and Supervision On-Campus
Primary Branch: MSMFT On-Campus

Types of Therapy:

CBT-informed, Couple Therapy, Discernment Counseling, Family Therapy, Integrative Systemic Therapy

Locations:

Teletherapy, Evanston

Mr. Venketramen helps couples, individuals and families overcome a variety of conflicts related to finances, attachment styles, intimacy, addictions, family transitions, mood disorders, infidelity and discernment therapy.

Meet Neil

Yvette Gonzalez, Ph.D.

Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Types of Therapy:

Neuropsychological Assessments for Children & Adolescents, Neuropsychological Testing

Locations:

Teletherapy, Chicago

Dr. Gonzalez has worked with children and adolescents for more than 20 years. She specializes in neuropsychological assessments and has a special interest in working with young children and their parents. Dr.

Meet Yvette