Carl Hilliard, M.A. (he/him) is a postdoctoral clinical research fellow at The Family Institute at Northwestern University. He earned his M.A. in clinical psychology from Adler University, and a B.A. in psychology from Ohio University. Prior to The Family Institute, Mr. Hilliard completed his APA-accredited doctoral internship at The Drexel University Counseling Center. His clinical interests encompass various areas, including — but not limited to — anxiety and mood disorders, relationships, identity, life transitions, diversity related issues, existential concerns, increasing access to mental health services, and psychology within sport.

Mr. Hilliard has experience working with children, adolescents, and adults across a variety of settings including inpatient care, private practice, community programs, and university counseling. His approach is guided by a deeply held commitment to centering diversity, intersectional identity, and culturally informed care. Carl provides a warm and accepting space in which clients can feel safe and supported while collaboratively exploring the complexities, challenges, and beauty of being fully human in the world. His work is grounded in relational approaches and existential psychotherapy, which seeks to honor each client's unique worldview, emphasize present moment awareness, and center genuine and authentic therapeutic relationships while supporting insight and awareness so that clients may move through the world with greater understanding, curiosity, authenticity, and intentionality. While his orientation is largely rooted in existential psychotherapy, Mr. Hilliard utilizes an integrative approach to understand the nuance of each client so he can tend to their unique needs and goals. Whether someone is navigating anxiety, depression, identity exploration, relationship dynamics, trauma recovery, or seeking a new path forward, he aims to foster a radically accepting space where empathy, curiosity, and presence are continually in the room.

Outside of work Mr. Hilliard enjoys working out and practicing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, watching history documentaries with his cat Rez, reading by the lake, catching up with friends and family, and supporting his favorite sports teams: FC Bayern, the Cincinnati Bengals, the Chicago Cubs, and The Ohio State Buckeyes!