Affirming Online Therapy in Illinois for Adults Navigating Trauma, Identity, and Belonging
A space to heal from trauma, anxiety, and depression, understand the patterns that helped you survive, and cultivate a more compassionate relationship with yourself and others—through culturally responsive, identity-affirming care that honors every part of who you are.
Trauma · informed · telehealth · therapy · — · BIPOC · centered · and · LGBTQ · affirming · across · Illinois
Accepting new clients · Telehealth sessions · Mon–Thu, 9:00 AM–6:00 PM · Open to Illinois residents
“Our sorrows and wounds begin to heal the moment we hold them with gentle compassion.” —Buddha
You don’t have to make sense of this on your own.
Life can feel especially heavy when you’ve spent years adapting just to survive—managing anxiety or depression, feeling overwhelmed or disconnected from yourself, navigating identity-related stress, uncertainty about your next steps, or carrying the quiet weight of past trauma.
At Safe Passage Therapy Services, I offer virtual therapy for adults across Illinois who are ready to make sense of their experiences more deeply, heal from emotional pain, and build more compassionate relationships—with themselves and with others.
I provide affirming, culturally responsive care with a particular dedication to supporting Black, Brown, Indigenous, and other People of Color, as well as LGBTQIA+ clients, as they explore identity, unpack internalized messages, and move toward greater emotional freedom
‘‘You deserve a space where every part of you is welcomed.’’
Does this resonate?
You may be here
because…..
You feel anxious, overwhelmed, or emotionally exhausted
You struggle with depression, self-doubt, or relentless self-criticism
Relationships feel complicated, draining, or hard to trust
You’re navigating identity-based stress related to race, culture, gender, or sexual orientation
Past trauma continues to shape how you feel, think, or connect
You’re working to unlearn patterns rooted in survival
You want to feel more grounded, confident, and at home in yourself
If any of these circumstances feel familiar, you’re in the right place. Therapy at Safe Passage is designed with your specific experiences in mind.
Meet Your Therapist
Ricky Spain Jr. — Black LCSW & LGBTQ+ affirming therapist in Illinois
I believe healing happens when people feel seen, understood, and safe enough to show up as their full selves.
I'm Ricky Spain, Jr. (he/him), a Licensed Clinical Social Worker offering trauma-informed telehealth therapy across Illinois. As a Black therapist and member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I've been the person in the room who had to decide how much of myself was safe to share. I built Safe Passage to be the kind of space I was once looking for—a space where all parts of you are welcome, and you don’t have to shrink yourself to be understood.
With experience dating back to 2015 across residential, community mental health, and private practice settings, my approach is eclectic and strengths-based, drawing from psychodynamic frameworks and trauma-informed care. Together, we'll identify your goals, examine patterns that no longer serve you, and build toward a fuller sense of self-acceptance and wellness.
I specialize in supporting adults navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, chronic stress, life transitions, and relational challenges — with a particular focus on LGBTQIA+ clients and clients of color experiencing identity-based stress and developmental or relational trauma. While I welcome clients from all backgrounds, I’m especially passionate about creating an affirming space for those whose identities and lived experiences have often gone unseen or misunderstood. Every person who walks through this door deserves to feel understood, respected, and empowered to heal on their own terms.
‘‘You don’t have to translate yourself here. You just have to show up.’’
Areas of Expertise
How We Work Together
Trauma-informed therapy in Illinois that holds all of you
Together, we create space to slow down — to make sense of your experiences without judgement, understand the patterns shaped by trauma and identity, and begin to relate to yourself with more compassion and ease.
Your race, culture, sexuality, and gender aren't things we work around here. They're things we work with. You won't have to explain yourself before the real work begins.
Psychodynamic Therapy
Together, we’ll explore how early experiences, relationships, and deeply held beliefs may continue to quietly influence how you relate to yourself and others.
Cognitive Behavioral
We will identify and shift thought patterns that fuel anxiety, self-doubt, or emotional pain.
Trauma-Informed Care
In our therapy sessions, we will work at a pace that feels safe and grounded, honoring the fullness of your experiences with compassion, curiosity, and care.
Parts-Informed Work
Together, we explore different aspects of your inner experience with curiosity and compassion rather than judgement, helping you understand the protective roles your thoughts, emotions, and reactions have developed over time.
Strengths Based Methods
A lot of therapy focuses on what's broken. Strengths-based work flips that — we start with what's already working in you and build from there.
Culturally Affirming
Your identity isn't a footnote here — it's the context for everything. Your race, culture, and lived experience aren't things we work around, they're things we work with. We'll explore how who you are, where you come from, and the systems you navigate every day shape your inner world, your relationships, and your healing. You won't have to explain yourself before the real work begins.
Services
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Individual therapy, also known as counseling or talk therapy, is a safe and confidential space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences with a trained therapist. Whether you are dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, or simply need someone to talk to, individual therapy offers a personalized and compassionate approach to support your emotional well-being.
Please note that individual therapy sessions are conducted exclusively via telehealth, ensuring your convenience and safety. Each session is 50 minutes in length. To schedule an appointment, please visit the “Contact ” link. For more information about our services, please visit the "Services" link on our website.
Ready to find out if we’re a good fit?
Finding the right therapist matters. If what you’ve read resonates, I’d be honored to connect. Start with a free 15-minute phone consultation.
Currently accepting new clients — telehealth only (Illinois residents)
Insurance accepted:
Blue Cross Blue Shield (PPO)
UnitedHealthcare / Optum (PPO)
Cigna (PPO)
Aetna (PPO)
Self-pay also accepted
*Please contact us to confirm coverage and benefits.*
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of clients do you typically work with?
Safe Passage Therapy Services works with adults (18+) who live in Illinois.
How many counseling sessions do most clients attend?
At Safe Passage Therapy Services, I tailor the number of counseling sessions to each client’s unique needs and goals. Typically, the duration of therapy can vary widely, and it’s a collaborative process between you and I. Factors such as the nature of your concerns, progress, and personal preferences all play a role in determining the number of attended sessions.
What is your cancellation policy?
In order to provide the best possible care, I kindly request a minimum of 24 hours’ notice for appointment cancellations to avoid the cancelation fee. If unforeseen emergencies arise, please let me know, and I will consider exceptions on a case-by-case basis. Your understanding and cooperation are greatly appreciated.
Do you provide in person services?
Safe Passage Therapy Services exclusively provides telehealth only services.
How can I schedule an initial appointment for Therapy?
To initiate therapy appointments, prospective clients are welcome to reach out to Safe Passage Therapy Services PLLC either by calling 708-316-7694 or sending an email to ricky.spain@safepassagetherapy.com. Alternatively, you can use the 'Contact Me' tab on the website to submit an inquiry, and I will promptly get in touch with you to arrange a free 15-minute phone consultation.
This consultation provides you with a chance to discuss your needs and ask any questions before scheduling your initial session. It also serves as an opportunity to assess if I am a good match for your specific needs and preferences.
Once an initial appointment is scheduled, I strongly recommend reaching out to your health insurance provider to verify coverage for outpatient mental health services through telehealth. This step ensures that you have comprehensive information about your coverage and can make informed decisions about your mental health care. In addition, self-pay options are available for those who are not in-network or prefer to pay for services out of pocket. For detailed information on self-pay rates, please visit the 'Services' tab on the website.
Do you prescribe medication?
My practice focuses on therapeutic interventions and does not provide medication prescriptions. If you require a psychiatric evaluation for medication, it is recommended to contact your primary care physician or consult a licensed psychiatrist.