Mental Health Therapist

Present Awakenings Therapy Center is a mental health therapy practice in Chicago specializing in providing individual therapy to adults who have experienced trauma and/or loss resulting in trauma, anxiety, mood, and dissociative disorders. We are EMDR Therapists and include parts work and somatic techniques in our practice. We also use other theoretical approaches and techniques – such as Humanistic therapies, DBT, ACT, and mindfulness techniques – in our work to enhance our ability to help clients heal.

At Present Awakenings, we recognize how past trauma continues to invade a person’s present and diminish their future, and we work to help them heal from trauma and loss to regain full lives. We have witnessed significant progress made by our clients through mental health therapy and, especially, through EMDR therapy. We know that change is hard work, includes processing through intense emotions and body sensations, and that it is worth it.

We want each individual to be the expert of themselves, their life, and their values. We don’t judge anyone for their values or beliefs and work to “look through their windows” with empathy. We value being authentic, transparent, and honest with our clients and our co-workers. We strive to provide high-quality therapy and consultation and are always growing our skills and knowledge.

If you are a like-minded therapist, we would love to have you join our team!

Present Awakenings is currently hiring for a full-time mental health therapist.

• Master’s or Doctoral Degree in Counseling, Social Work, or Psychology
• Experience and/or interest in conducting individual therapy with adults who have experienced trauma and loss, including both acute trauma and complex trauma
• 1+ years experience in psychology field preferred (pre- or post-masters); 2+ years of professional work experience in any field preferred
• Understanding of trauma-informed therapy and various therapeutic techniques
• Experience and/or interest in EMDR Therapy;
  Completion of part or all of EMDR Basic Training (from an EMDRIA approved provider) is a plus
• Excellent communication, clinical, and customer service skills
• Compliance with and knowledge of HIPAA guidelines
• Willing to work 8-10 clinical hours in the evenings (past 5 pm), early mornings (before 9 am)
• Ability to work and see in-person clients at the Present Awakenings' offices 4-5 days per week
• Allowed to work from home 1 day per week;
  Will need to have a personal computer, reliable high-speed home internet, and confidential setting to work from home

• Provide mental health therapy to individual adults combining both EMDR and talk therapy
• Grow and maintain a clinical caseload averaging 22-24 billable clinical hours per week
• Train/continue training in EMDR Therapy to refine and enhance clinical skills and knowledge
• Complete progress notes, intake assessments, treatment plans, and billing documents in a timely manner
• Professionally respond to client communication via phone and email
• Maintain professional and ethical requirements for licensure

• W-2 position with competitive compensation based on experience, license, and training
• Paid Leave and Paid Sick Leave
• SIMPLE IRA with employer matching contributions after one year of employment
• Health Insurance Benefits
• Financial contribution towards EMDR training and regular EMDR Consultation, including towards becoming an EMDR Certified Therapist
• Beautifully decorated office space located at 1332 N Halsted St in Chicago, IL
• Liability insurance provided
• Marketing, administrative, and billing assistance
• Authentic, collaborative, and supportive environment
• Fulfilling, evidence-based, and effective clinical work that helps clients heal

Please send CV/resume, cover letter, and at least two professional references to Stacy Rhoades, LCPC via email at  with the subject “Full-Time Therapist Applicant”. Include in your cover letter your interest and experience working with adults who have experienced trauma and loss, and your interest and experience with EMDR Therapy.

Present Awakenings values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages people of all genders, sexual identities, ability statuses, religions, and racial and ethnic identities to apply. We are an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, creed, sex, sexual identity, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, or any protected category prohibited by local, state, or federal laws.

For additional information on Present Awakenings, please visit