Business Details
22 Years
experience
Faith-Based Mental Health Counseling in Chicago
Founded in 2004 by Dr. Ary Christofidis, the Orthodox Christian Counseling Institute (OCCI) has served the Chicagoland community for over two decades. Our network comprises licensed psychologists, counselors, and marriage and family therapists with extensive clinical experience across psychiatric hospitals, outpatient clinics, and university counseling centers. We uniquely integrate Orthodox Christian faith with evidence-based psychological practices to address mental health challenges while maintaining alignment with the teachings and sacraments of the Orthodox Church. Our clinicians are state-licensed professionals committed to ethical practice and spiritual integrity, ensuring clients receive care that honors both psychological science and religious tradition.OCCI provides specialized support for clergy and parishioners, offering confidential consultations, marital guidance, and family therapy rooted in Orthodox values. We also host educational initiatives including webinars, retreats, and workshops that explore the intersection of psychology and faith, addressing contemporary issues like technology's impact on family life and stress management through a Christian lens. Backed by grants from the Fr. George Scoulas Memorial Fund and Novak Family Foundation, we remain dedicated to expanding accessible, faith-centered mental health resources for individuals and communities.
Services
Individual Counseling
Marital Therapy
Family Counseling
Clergy Consultations
Telehealth Sessions
Workshops & Retreats
Parenting Guidance
Stress Management
Trauma Recovery
Faith Integration
Details
- Year established: 2004
Highlights and features
- 20+ years serving Chicagoland with Orthodox-integrated mental health care
- Clinicians licensed and practicing in alignment with Orthodox Christian values
- Specialized experience in psychiatric hospitals, clinics, and academic settings
- Clergy support programs for parishioner consultations and marital guidance
- Backed by grants from established religious community foundations
Services
Individual Counseling
Our licensed therapists provide one-on-one sessions addressing anxiety, depression, trauma, and personal growth through psychological techniques integrated with Orthodox Christian teachings. Clients receive tailored treatment plans that honor both clinical best practices and spiritual values. This service helps individuals develop coping strategies while deepening their faith-based understanding of mental health.
Marital Therapy
Specialized support for married couples navigating conflict, communication challenges, or separation concerns. Therapists incorporate Orthodox perspectives on marriage while teaching practical relationship skills. Sessions focus on restoring harmony through both psychological interventions and spiritual guidance rooted in church teachings about marital unity.
Clergy Consultations
Confidential guidance for clergy members addressing parishioner mental health needs while maintaining professional boundaries. Our therapists help priests develop effective strategies for supporting congregants through crises using both clinical expertise and understanding of Orthodox pastoral care traditions.
Telehealth Sessions
Secure virtual counseling available for clients in Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana. This service maintains the same faith-integrated approach through video conferencing while providing flexibility for those unable to attend in-person appointments at our Chicago location.
Workshops & Retreats
Interactive learning experiences covering topics like technology's impact on families, stress management, and faith-based mental health. These events combine psychological insights with Orthodox teachings through lectures, group discussions, and practical exercises designed to promote spiritual and emotional well-being.
People
Dr. Ary Christofidis
Founder
Clinical psychologist and ordained minister with 20+ years experience integrating Orthodox theology with mental health practice. Specializes in trauma recovery and faith-based therapeutic approaches.
Questions
What mental health services do you offer?
We provide individual counseling, marital therapy, family counseling, clergy consultations, and faith-integrated treatment for anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions.
How does your faith influence therapy?
Our Orthodox Christian values shape our therapeutic approach by incorporating sacramental understanding, spiritual practices, and ethical teachings into evidence-based psychological care.
Are your therapists licensed professionals?
Yes, all clinicians hold state licensing certifications and have trained in clinical settings including hospitals, clinics, and university counseling centers.
Do you offer remote therapy options?
We provide both in-office and telehealth services to accommodate clients across Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana.
How can clergy access your services?
Priests can request confidential consultations through our members page to support parishioners' mental health needs with faith-aligned care.
What educational programs do you provide?
We host webinars, workshops, and retreats on topics like technology's impact on families, marital preparation, and stress management through an Orthodox lens.
