Riley Dean is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), providing individual therapy and couples therapy. Riley has cultivated a diverse and impactful career journey serving people in a variety of mental health settings.  Their expertise spans trauma, depression, anxiety, substance abuse and process addictions, life transitions, bipolar disorder, body dysmorphia, and relationship and sex issues. They are an affirming therapist for the LGBTQIA+ community, and they strive to create a safe and inclusive space for everyone.

Riley's career began in emergency family services and human trafficking prevention, igniting their passion for social advocacy. They then transitioned to the University of Illinois-Chicago, where they worked in domestic violence advocacy and training. Notably, Riley served as a crisis counselor at a national hotline for homeless youth and their families, eventually leading to the role of director of crisis services after five years of dedicated service. With a vast background in social and mental health issues, Riley transitioned into clinical therapy. Their brief but powerful stint at an intensive men's rehab deepened their understanding of addiction's impact on individuals.  Riley's approach to therapy is integrative and relational, rooted in psychodynamic principles. Their unique ability to blend psychodynamic insight with crisis intervention expertise allows them to meet individuals wherever they are in their journey.

Riley's educational background includes a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and an interdisciplinary Bachelor of Arts in political science, women and gender studies, and peace studies from the University of Missouri. They then pursued a Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Illinois-Chicago with a specialization in Community Health and Urban Development. Additionally, Riley completed a psychodynamic fellowship training program at the Lakeview Center for Psychotherapy in Chicago, enhancing their clinical expertise. They also are trained in EMDR therapy to further assist those looking to heal from trauma.  Dean holds the title of Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and is licensed to practice in both Illinois and Michigan, allowing them to serve a diverse clientele across multiple states. Riley Dean brings a wealth of expertise to Psychiatric & Psychological Specialties, with a diverse professional background, clinical proficiency, and specialized skills. Their dedication to anti-oppressive practices and transformative approaches ensures a safe, inclusive therapeutic environment, fostering holistic well-being for all.

Specialties:

• Individual and couple's therapy 

• LGBTQIA+ affirming care 

• EMDR 

• Trauma, depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety 

• Substance abuse and process addictions 

• Life transitions 

• Body dysmorphia 

• Relationship and sex issues 

Education:  

• BSW and an interdisciplinary BA in political science, women and gender studies, and peace studies from the University of Missouri 

• MSW from the University of Illinois-Chicago with a specialization in Community Health and Urban Development 

• Psychodynamic fellowship at Lakeview Center for Psychotherapy 

• EMDR trained 

Licenses & Therapy Services:  

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker 

Licensed States:  

• Illinois

• Michigan

Languages:  

• English

Book Recommendations: 

• Reclaiming UGLY! by: Vanessa Rochelle Lewis 

• Braiding Sweetgrass by: Robin Wall Kimmerer 

• Come As You Are by: Emily Nagoski 

• Polysecure by: Jessica Fern 

• Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving by: Pete Walker

Podcast Recommendations: 

• Finding Our Way- Prentis Hemphill