"Navigating through clouds to brighter horizons with Sunny Days"

About

Ariel/Ari is a licensed clinical social worker who received her Masters of Social Work from Loyola University of Chicago. Her education specialized in work with children and families. She is an advocate for social justice in the lives of her clients through her use of client-center/focused therapy and the strengths based perspective. Motivated by hope and a firm belief in the power of individuals to affect positive change in their own lives, Ari works with her clients to understand their own diverse and intersectional identities.

Aside from experience working with children and adolescents with depression and anxiety, Ari has a focus within the LGBTQIA+ population. Her advanced training working with this population gives her the tools to help queer people obtain wholeness in their lives. Ari has a passion for guiding individuals through their journeys, whether it be a young person exploring their gender, an adult discovering their sexuality, or parents navigating a child through transitioning.

“I provide an affirming, non-judgemental space for individuals to express themselves. I utilize different modalities to help facilitate therapeutic growth. My goal is to help individuals make healthy life choices and gain strength to be their own selves.”

Finding Your Healing Space?

Finding the right therapist can feel overwhelming, especially when you're looking for someone who truly understands your emotions, identity, and experiences as an LGBTQ individual.

Our practice provides a safe and supportive space for individuals, couples, and families in the LGBTQIA+ community. Whether you're dealing with mental health challenges, exploring your gender identity, or working through relationship issues, our affirming therapists are here to support you with personalized treatment plans.

Why Our LGBTQIA+ Mental Health Services Stand Out?

Finding the right therapist is crucial for your mental health journey. Here’s why our practice
stands out:

  • CRCAP Accredited: Our therapy services are proudly accredited by the CRCAP, ensuring the highest
    standards of care and professionalism in supporting the LGBTQ community.
  • LGBTQ-friendly therapists: Our professionals are trained to support the
    LGBTQIA+ community.
  • Personalized Care: We provide specialized LGBTQIA+ counseling in Chicago with services
    tailored to individual needs.
  • Certified Team: Whether you’re looking for a gay therapist, LGBTQ psychiatrist, or sex
    therapist in Chicago, our team brings extensive experience and compassion.
  • Inclusive Environment: We create a judgment-free space where you can explore your
    identity, address concerns, and navigate life’s challenges safely.

Who Can Benefit from LGBTQIA+ Therapy?

Anyone within the LGBTQIA+ spectrum can benefit from therapy, whether facing mental health
struggles or seeking support with identity. Our clients often seek assistance with:

  • Gender identity exploration: Our therapists offer guidance for those navigating gender
    identity counseling or coming out.
  • Relationship challenges: LGBTQ couples therapy helps improve communication and
    emotional connection.
  • Mental health concerns: Anxiety, depression, and trauma are common in the LGBTQIA+
    community due to discrimination. We provide comprehensive LGBTQIA+ mental health care in
    Chicago to address these issues and promote healing.

LGBTQIA+ Therapy for Individuals, Couples, and Groups

We offer various forms of therapy to support your journey:

  • Individual Therapy: Whether for anxiety, depression, or personal growth, individual therapy
    provides a safe space to work through your experiences.
  • Couples Therapy: Our LGBTQ couples therapy focuses on communication, trust, and
    intimacy to strengthen your relationship.
  • Group Therapy: Group therapy offers a space to share experiences and connect with others
    facing similar challenges.
  • Medication Management: For those needing psychiatric support, our team offers medication
    management and psychiatric care. We also provide family therapy to support LGBTQIA+
    individuals and their families with challenges like acceptance and communication.


We utilize various evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for anxiety and depression, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for emotion regulation. Our Trauma-Informed Care ensures sensitivity to trauma, creating a safe and supportive environment for all clients.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you accept insurance?

Yes, I accept BCBS PPO plans.

How do I know how much therapy will cost if I have BCBS PPO?

Each plan is different, but I always recommend you call the number on the back of your card and inquire about your plan (either listed as mental health or behavioral health). My biller will also run a benefit check through a system called Availity (after you send in a photo of the front and back of your insurance card) and that information will be shared with you. 

How do I make payments?

The electronic health system I use, Simple Practice, has a client portal. This is where you will complete all paperwork. It is also where you can add a credit card and I can enroll you in autopay.  You are able to change/update the card at any time through the portal, as well as look at statements. You can also write a check payable to Sunny Days, LLC. 

Do you offer a sliding scale?

Yes, as long as you do not have any Medicaid policies, I do offer a sliding scale. I use a calculator that takes household income, number of dependents, and a few other factors into consideration.

Can I submit to my insurance if you are not in-network?

You may have out-of-network benefits that allow you to submit to your insurance. I can provide you with a "superbill" (fancy receipt) to seek reimbursement. If you choose this option, the fee for an intake will be $205 and subsequent sessions will be $190.

How long are sessions and how often do they occur?

Sessions are 50 minutes long and typically occur once a week, especially at the start of treatment. Frequency can increase or decrease depending on need, most commonly being an eventual reduction to sessions every other week.

I’ve never done therapy before, how does this work

In the initial intake appointment, we will discuss the reasons you sought treatment and explore potential goals. I will ask some general questions in order to gather information and you can ask me any questions you have as well.

Do you ever offer in-person sessions?

No, currently I am fully remote and only offer teletherapy services.

I am seeking therapy for my teenager, how will I be involved in the therapy?

Parent involvement depends on a variety of factors including the desires of your child as well as my therapeutic recommendations. During the intake session, I would prefer a parent(s) to be present, but I will also ask for some time to meet with your child individually. Generally for all sessions following, I will meet with your teen individually with parental collaboration as needed.  I am happy to answer more specific questions about what this may look like.

What are the terms of my confidentiality?

Everything you say in therapy remains between you and I. There are only a few exceptions in which I have a legal obligation to breach confidentiality. This includes sharing any plans to end your life or harm someone else. I may also need to report certain circumstances in which someone is harming you. I can clarify what actions I would be required to take in any specific situation and you will always be a part of any decisions surrounding this. 

Do you prescribe medication?

No, I cannot prescribe medication, but I do collaborate with psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, and physicians as needed and with your consent. I can also share referrals of prescribers if this is something you are interested in.

How do I get started seeing you?

I always do a brief 10 minute screening call to ensure I am a good fit for your needs. After that, we can schedule an intake appointment and I will send a link to complete consent forms and paperwork via Simple Practice’s client portal.  

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