75/100RP Score
Ranked #1 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Social worker”, 5.0★ from 5 Google reviews.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
Best Clinical Social Workers in Chicago, IL (2026)
287 clinical social workers ranked by RP ScoreUpdated 0 paid placements in this rankingHow we rank →
The short answer
- 1
Best overall in Chicago: Mason Kelly, RP Score 75/100; 5.0★ from 5 Google reviews.
- 11
Most-reviewed: Wendi Lev, LCSW, ACSW, CADC-Lev Counseling, 65 Google reviews at 4.4★, the most of 287 ranked; ranked #11.
Rankings can't be bought. Psychologists can't pay to change their rank or score. How we rank
287 Chicago clinical social workers are ranked here by RP Score, from eight published factors. 169 open Saturdays and 77 open Sundays, based on posted hours. The median Google rating is 4.8★ across 286 rated practices.
Top 10 clinical social workers in Chicago at a glance
Ranked by the RP Score from public listing data, not by treatment outcomes; Sponsored placements are shown separately and never change rank.
| Rank | Business | RP Score | Google rating | Based in | Hours | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mason Kelly | 75 | 5.0★ (5) | Chicago | — | Overall |
| 2 | Counseling Solutions | 75 | 4.0★ (8) | Chicago | — | — |
| 3 | Center For Grief Recovery | 72 | 5.0★ (4) | Chicago | Sat · Evenings | — |
| 4 | Vimi Gupta, LCSW | 70 | 4.9★ (10) | Chicago | Evenings | — |
| 5 | Vanessa E. Ford, LCSW, CADC | 69 | 4.9★ (30) | Chicago | — | — |
| 6 | Cutting Edge Counseling of the North Shore | 68 | 4.8★ (17) | Northbrook, 23 mi away | Sat · Sun · Evenings | — |
| 7 | Craig Mead LCSW | 67 | 5.0★ (5) | Chicago | Sat · Sun · Evenings | — |
| 8 | Tony Pacione, LCSW | 67 | 5.0★ (3) | Park Ridge, 13 mi away | Sat · Evenings | — |
| 9 | Marlee Hasson LCSW & Associates | 67 | 3.7★ (3) | Park Ridge, 17 mi away | — | — |
| 10 | Playful Healing Center | 67 | 4.0★ (4) | Des Plaines, 18 mi away | — | — |
The 287 best clinical social workers in Chicago, ranked
Ordered by RP Score, a 0–100 score from eight published factors. Paid placement never changes the order.
Ranked by the RP Score from public listing data, not by treatment outcomes; Sponsored placements are shown separately and never change rank.
Based in Chicago
75/100RP ScoreRanked #2 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Social worker”, 4.0★ from 8 Google reviews.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
Based in Chicago
72/100RP ScoreRanked #3 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Social worker”, 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Chicago
70/100RP ScoreRanked #4 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Social worker”, 4.9★ from 10 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Chicago
69/100RP ScoreRanked #5 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.9★ from 30 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychotherapist”.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
Based in Northbrook, 23 mi away
68/100RP ScoreRanked #6 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Social worker”, 4.8★ from 17 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Chicago
67/100RP ScoreRanked #7 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 5 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychotherapist”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Park Ridge, 13 mi away
67/100RP ScoreRanked #8 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Social worker”, 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Park Ridge, 17 mi away
67/100RP ScoreRanked #9 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Social worker”, 3.7★ from 3 Google reviews.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
Based in Des Plaines, 18 mi away
67/100RP ScoreRanked #10 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Social worker”, 4.0★ from 4 Google reviews.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
Based in Chicago
66/100RP ScoreRanked #11 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.4★ from 65 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychotherapist”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Chicago
66/100RP ScoreRanked #12 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 5 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychotherapist”.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
Based in Chicago
66/100RP ScoreRanked #13 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychotherapist”.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
Based in Chicago
66/100RP ScoreRanked #14 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.8★ from 22 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychotherapist”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Chicago
66/100RP ScoreRanked #15 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.0★ from 4 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Family counselor”.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
Based in Chicago
65/100RP ScoreRanked #16 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 3.7★ from 3 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychotherapist”.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
Based in Chicago
64/100RP ScoreRanked #17 because of its Google rating and proximity: 4.7★ from 48 Google reviews, based in Chicago.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Chicago
64/100RP ScoreRanked #18 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychotherapist”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
#19 Shannon Mannix
Based in Homer Glen, 22 mi away
64/100RP ScoreRanked #19 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Social worker”, 5.0★ from 12 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Wheaton, 24 mi away
64/100RP ScoreRanked #20 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Social worker”, 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
Based in Chicago
64/100RP ScoreRanked #21 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 3.7★ from 3 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychotherapist”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Oak Park, 8 mi away
64/100RP ScoreRanked #22 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.3★ from 6 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychotherapist”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
#23 Trikina Banks
Based in Arlington Heights, 23 mi away
64/100RP ScoreRanked #23 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Social worker”, 2.3★ from 3 Google reviews.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
Based in Chicago
63/100RP ScoreRanked #24 because of its Google rating and proximity: 4.5★ from 31 Google reviews, based in Chicago.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Chicago
63/100RP ScoreRanked #25 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 3.7★ from 3 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychotherapist”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Clinical social workers ranked #26 to #50
#1 to #25 are shown in full above. Here are #26 to #50, in RP Score order; each links to its profile. We publish the top 50 of 287 ranked clinical social workers here; the rest are on their profiles.
Also serving Chicago
20 more clinical social workers within 40 mi that we can't rank yet: too few reviews, or a specialty we couldn't confirm. Listed A to Z.
| Business | Google rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Affiliates in Counseling PLLC | 1.0★ (2) | In Chicago |
| Arlene Englander, LCSW | 5.0★ (2) | In Chicago |
| Danielle Hibbard, LCSW | 5.0★ (2) | In Chicago |
| Greater Chicago Counseling Center | 5.0★ (2) | In Chicago |
| Gwendolyn Hickey, LCSW | 5.0★ (2) | In Chicago |
| Ian Christensen, Counselor | 3.0★ (2) | In Chicago |
| Jaclyn Weiss, Counselor | 5.0★ (2) | In Chicago |
| John P. Harris, LCSW | 4.0★ (2) | In Chicago |
| Joshua Annex, LCSW | 5.0★ (2) | In Chicago |
| Karoline Kowalczyk, MA, LCSW | 5.0★ (2) | In Chicago |
| Lavender Room Counseling | 5.0★ (2) | In Chicago |
| Matthew Cramer LCSW | 5.0★ (2) | In Chicago |
| Promontory Psychotherapy, INC | 5.0★ (2) | In Chicago |
| Pyramid Therapeutic Preschool | 5.0★ (2) | In Chicago |
| Rachel ES Wright | 4.0★ (2) | In Chicago |
| Robin Fleming, Counselor | 5.0★ (2) | In Chicago |
| Saret Beraki, Counselor | 5.0★ (2) | In Chicago |
| Saving Lives Inc | 4.0★ (2) | In Chicago |
| Shauntai Taylor, Counselor | 5.0★ (2) | In Chicago |
| Sheade Psychotherapy PLLC | 5.0★ (2) | In Chicago |
How we ranked Chicago clinical social workers
We scored 287 Chicago clinical social workers on eight factors, weighted as shown. A practice is ranked when its specialty is confirmed and it has 3 or more Google reviews or a claimed profile. A practice with no Google reviews scores zero on rating, review volume and recency. Other unknown factors are left out, not counted as zero. Scores last refreshed November 12, 2026.
Paid placement never changes a rank or score. Sponsored businesses are paid, labelled, limited to 3 and shown above the ranking, outside it.
| Factor | Weight | Computed from | In Chicago data |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reputation | 25% | Google star rating, adjusted for how many reviews back it | Measured |
| Review volume | 5% | Number of Google reviews, compared with the most-reviewed practice on the list | Measured |
| Recency | 5% | Share of Google reviews from the last 12 months | Not yet collected |
| Availability | 10% | Weekly open hours, Saturday, Sunday, and round-the-clock or same-day availability | Measured |
| Specialty focus | 25% | How clearly the practice does this specialty (its Google category and name) | Measured |
| Proximity | 15% | Based in the city scores highest, less the farther away it is | Measured |
| Claimed profile | 10% | The practice has claimed its Ranked Psychologists profile (free or paid earn the same) | Measured |
| Partnered | 5% | The practice links to Ranked Psychologists from its own website with our badge, checked periodically | Measured |
How to choose a clinical social worker
- Check the license with the state or provincial board that issued it; most boards publish a free online lookup.
- Make sure clinical social work is a regular part of their work, and ask what approach they use and why.
- Check the license with the state social work board or provincial college that issued it.
- Ask about fees, insurance and the cancellation policy before the first session. In the US, if you are uninsured or paying yourself, you can ask for a good faith estimate of expected charges.
- Check practical fit: in-person or online sessions, evening times, and how soon they have an opening.
- After a few sessions, ask yourself whether you feel heard. Changing to a different provider is common and fine.
Questions to ask a clinical social worker
- Are you accepting new clients, and how soon could I start?
- Which license do you hold, and in which state or province?
- How much of your work is clinical social work?
- Which license do you hold, and in which state or province?
- What do you charge per session, and do you take my insurance or provide a superbill?
- Do you offer online sessions?
- What is your cancellation policy?
- What do you keep confidential, and when would you have to share information?
Terms explained
- PhD / PsyD
- Doctoral degrees in psychology. A PhD usually has a stronger research focus, a PsyD a stronger clinical focus; both can lead to a psychologist license.
- Licensed psychologist
- A person licensed by a state or provincial psychology board to practice psychology. The title is protected by law.
- Psychological associate
- In some states and provinces, a master’s-level practitioner licensed or registered by the psychology board, often with supervision requirements.
- LPC / LMHC / LCPC
- US licenses for professional or mental health counselors (the name differs by state). They provide counseling and therapy.
- LCSW
- Licensed clinical social worker: a master’s-level social worker licensed to provide therapy.
- LMFT
- Licensed marriage and family therapist: licensed to treat individuals, couples and families with a focus on relationships.
- RP / RCC
- Registered psychotherapist (Ontario) and registered clinical counsellor (British Columbia): Canadian titles for licensed therapy providers.
- PSYPACT
- An interstate agreement that lets psychologists licensed in a member state provide telepsychology to clients in other member states once they hold the required authorization.
- Telehealth
- Sessions held by secure video or phone instead of in person. The provider generally needs to be licensed where the client is located.
- CBT
- Cognitive behavioral therapy: a structured talk therapy that works on the links between thoughts, feelings and behavior.
- DBT
- Dialectical behavior therapy: a form of CBT that teaches skills for managing intense emotions and relationships.
- ERP
- Exposure and response prevention: a form of CBT used for OCD.
Clinical social workers in Chicago: frequently asked questions
Who is the best clinical social worker in Chicago?
By RP Score, the highest-ranked clinical social worker in Chicago, IL is Mason Kelly with an RP Score of 75/100. It has 5.0★ from 5 Google reviews. Counseling Solutions (#2) and Center For Grief Recovery (#3) follow. We ranked 287 clinical social workers on eight factors, last updated November 12, 2026.
How many clinical social workers are there in Chicago?
RankedPsychologists ranks 287 clinical social workers serving Chicago, IL. 40 of them are based in Chicago; the rest serve it from nearby towns. Another 20 within 40 mi are listed but not ranked yet. Counts are as of November 2026.
What should I do if I need help right now?
In crisis or thinking about suicide? Call or text 988 (US and Canada), any time. In an emergency, call 911. This site cannot help in an emergency.
Which clinical social workers in Chicago work on weekends?
169 of 287 ranked clinical social workers post Saturday hours and 77 post Sunday hours. The highest-ranked open Saturdays are Center For Grief Recovery (#3), Cutting Edge Counseling of the North Shore (#6) and Craig Mead LCSW (#7). Posted hours are office hours; many practices also offer evening or online sessions by appointment.
What Google rating do Chicago clinical social workers have?
The median Google rating among 286 rated clinical social workers in Chicago is 4.8★, with a median of 7 reviews. Wendi Lev, LCSW, ACSW, CADC-Lev Counseling has the most, 65 reviews, and ranks #11. We adjust ratings for review count, so a few five-star reviews cannot top the list.
How does RankedPsychologists rank clinical social workers?
Each clinical social worker gets a 0–100 RP Score from eight published factors, led by reputation (25%), specialty focus (25%), proximity (15%) and availability (10%). A practice with no Google reviews scores zero on rating, review volume and recency; other factors we cannot measure are left out. Only practices with a confirmed specialty and 3 or more reviews, or a claimed profile, are ranked.
Do clinical social workers outside Chicago count in this ranking?
Yes, if they are within 40 mi of the Chicago city center, our service radius for clinical social workers. Each listing shows where the practice is based and how far away it is. Proximity is 15% of the RP Score, so a nearby practice gets a small edge.
Can clinical social workers pay to rank higher on RankedPsychologists?
No. The RP Score never reads payment status, and this ranking has 0 paid placements. Up to 3 Featured practices may appear above the list, labelled Sponsored and showing their honest rank.
How are clinical social workers in Chicago ranked?
Each practice gets an RP Score from 0 to 100 from 8 published factors, including its Google rating, how clearly it focuses on clinical social work and how close it is. Sponsored placements are shown separately and never change rank. The score does not measure treatment outcomes.
Can a social worker provide therapy?
Yes, when licensed for it. In the US a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW, or LICSW in some states) holds a master’s degree in social work, has completed supervised clinical practice and passed a licensing exam. In Canada, registered social workers are regulated by provincial colleges. They provide talk therapy for many of the same concerns as counselors and psychologists.
Can I see a clinical social worker online?
Often, yes. Licensing generally follows where you are during the session, so the provider needs to be licensed or authorized there. In the US, psychologists in PSYPACT member states can offer telepsychology to clients in other member states; counselors and social workers have their own rules. In Canada, ask whether the provider is registered in your province.
What if I need help right now?
Do not wait for a consultation. Call or text 988 (US and Canada) if you are in crisis or thinking about suicide, at any time. In an emergency, call 911.
Update log for Chicago
- November 2026: RP Scores recalculated for 287 clinical social workers serving Chicago.
- November 2026: 1 duplicate listing merged.
More clinical social workers and Chicago pages
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