Aja Collins, LSW

About

Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Chicago, IL. Works with LGBTQ+, Trauma and PTSD and Self Esteem. Sees clients online only. Takes Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna and other plans. Accepting new clients.

Areas of expertise

• Trauma and PTSD
• Self Esteem
• Bisexual
• Lesbian
• Life Transitions
• Peer Relationships
• Relationship Issues

Types of therapy

• Compassion FocusedHelps people who are hard on themselves to build warmth and compassion toward themselves, as a counterweight to shame and self-criticism.
• EclecticUses techniques from several approaches, chosen to suit the person and the problem rather than following one model.
• FeministConsiders how gender, power and social context affect a person's life and well-being, and aims for an equal relationship between client and therapist.
• MulticulturalRecognizes how culture, race, ethnicity and other identities shape experience, and makes them part of the work.
• NarrativeHelps people separate themselves from their problems and retell the stories they hold about their lives in ways that feel truer and more helpful.
• Person-CenteredA warm, non-directive approach: the therapist listens with empathy and without judgment, and trusts the person to find their own direction.
• Strength-BasedFocuses on the strengths, skills and resources a person already has, and builds on them to meet challenges.
• Trauma FocusedTherapy for people affected by trauma. Puts safety and pacing first, and helps process painful memories so they have less hold on daily life.

More details

Sessions

Online only

Accepting new clients

Yes

Specialties

LGBTQ+, Trauma and PTSD, Self Esteem, Bisexual, Body Image, Boundary Setting, Codependency, Domestic Abuse, Domestic Violence, Lesbian, Life Transitions, Mood Disorders, Non-Binary/Gender Nonconformity and Expansiveness, Peer Relationships, Polyamory & ENM, Relationship Issues, Sex Therapy, Sex-Positive & Kink Friendly, Sexual Abuse, Transgender

Insurance

Aetna, Ambetter, Anthem, Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Cigna and Evernorth, ComPsych, Magellan, Medicaid, Meridian, Molina Healthcare, Optum, Oscar Health, United Medical Resources (UMR), UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH

Fees

Individual sessions $175; sliding scale available

Payment methods

American Express, Discover, Health Savings Account, Mastercard, Visa

Ages

Adults

Works with

Individuals

Communities

Bisexual Allied, Gay Allied, HIV / AIDS Allied, Intersex Allied, Lesbian Allied, Non-Binary Allied, Queer Allied, Racial Justice Allied, Sex Worker Allied, Transgender Allied

Religion

Secular and Non-Religious

Languages

English

Gender

Non-Binary

Education

Loyola University Chicago School of Social Work

Years in practice

3

Education & qualifications