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Empowering Mental Health & Personal Growth Through Therapy
At CORE - Center of Relational Empowerment, we are dedicated to fostering psychological wellness and personal growth through evidence-based therapeutic practices. Our team of licensed professionals employs Self Leadership, Systemic, and Contextual Theories to help clients access their innate wisdom and overcome emotional barriers. We provide individualized care for diverse populations, including specialized services for trauma, LGBTQIA+ challenges, and acculturation difficulties.

Our approach emphasizes cultural sensitivity, combining therapy, diagnostic evaluations, and educational seminars to address complex emotional patterns. With locations in Chicago and Evanston, we offer flexible in-person and telehealth services, prioritizing accessibility through sliding-scale options. Our mission is to empower clients to achieve lasting internal transformation rather than superficial symptom relief.
Services
Individual Therapy Couples Counseling Family Therapy Trauma Counseling Group Therapy Diagnostic Evaluation Crisis Intervention Parenting Support LGBTQIA+ Support Workshops & Seminars
Highlights and features
  • We specialize in trauma-informed care and LGBTQIA+ affirming therapy.
  • Our team includes licensed professionals with expertise in systemic therapies.
  • We offer sliding-scale options for accessible mental health care.
  • We combine Self Leadership theory with evidence-based therapeutic practices.
  • We provide both in-person and telehealth service flexibility.
Services
Individual Therapy
Personalized therapy sessions address depression, anxiety, and life transitions using evidence-based techniques. Our clinicians tailor approaches to each client's unique needs and cultural background. Sessions focus on uncovering patterns that hinder personal growth and relationship satisfaction.
Couples Counseling
Specialized therapy for couples navigating communication challenges and relationship patterns. We employ emotionally focused techniques to strengthen connections and resolve conflicts. Sessions help partners develop deeper understanding and collaborative problem-solving skills.
Trauma Counseling
Specialized care for trauma survivors using integrative therapeutic approaches. Our clinicians address PTSD symptoms and complex trauma through safe, structured sessions. Treatment focuses on restoring emotional regulation and rebuilding trust in relationships.
Family Therapy
Multigenerational therapy addressing family dynamics and communication patterns. We help families navigate transitions and resolve conflicts through systemic approaches. Sessions promote healthier interactions across all family life stages.
Diagnostic Evaluation
Comprehensive assessments conducted by licensed diagnosticians to identify mental health conditions. Evaluations include clinical interviews and standardized tools to inform treatment planning. Results guide personalized intervention strategies for optimal outcomes.
People
Dr. Amanda Rios
Licensed Psychologist & LMFT
Dr. Rios specializes in trauma recovery and multicultural counseling, bringing 12 years of clinical experience. She integrates systemic approaches with evidence-based practices to help clients achieve lasting emotional healing and relationship improvement.
Dr. Preston Rice
Licensed Psychologist
Dr. Rice focuses on men's mental health and workplace stress management. With expertise in cognitive-behavioral techniques, he helps clients develop practical coping strategies for anxiety, depression, and life transitions.
Ajit Samudra
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Ajit Samudra specializes in couples therapy and relationship dynamics. Using emotionally focused therapy, he helps partners rebuild trust and improve communication patterns in both premarital and long-term relationships.
Dr. Oscar Anderson
Licensed Psychologist
Dr. Anderson focuses on adolescent mental health and family systems. He works with teens and families navigating identity development, academic stress, and behavioral challenges through collaborative, strengths-based approaches.
Dr. Monisha Berkowski
Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Berkowski specializes in women's mental health and perinatal counseling. Her practice addresses anxiety, depression, and life transitions using integrative approaches that combine mindfulness with traditional therapeutic techniques.
Questions
What types of therapy does CORE offer?
CORE provides individual, couples, family, and group therapy, along with diagnostic evaluations and specialized workshops for trauma, LGBTQIA+ support, and relationship challenges.
Do you offer telehealth services?
Yes, we currently offer both in-person sessions at our Chicago and Evanston locations and secure telehealth therapy options for client convenience.
Are sliding scale options available?
Yes, we offer low sliding-scale therapy and testing services with supervised therapists and diagnosticians based on financial need.
What therapeutic approaches do you use?
We integrate Self Leadership, Systemic, and Contextual Theories with evidence-based practices tailored to each client's unique needs and cultural background.
Do you accept insurance?
While we do not directly bill insurance, we provide documentation for potential out-of-network reimbursement. Contact us for specific details about your insurance plan.