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Sarah Malavenda

Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Accepting clients Last Updated Today

Sometimes, life can feel heavy. Maybe it feels like no matter how much you do, it’s never enough. Maybe you feel lonely or disconnected in your relationship. Maybe you’ve already tried therapy, read the books, and still feel stuck. Or maybe things simply feel harder than they need to, and you’re ready for something to change.

I work with individuals and couples who want to better understand themselves and navigate challenges with more clarity and confidence. Through curiosity and collaboration, we’ll explore patterns, build practical skills, and find what works best for you.

Through my experience in private practice and community mental health, I’ve had the opportunity to support people through challenges related to anxiety, trauma, chronic illness, sex, neurodivergence, and women’s health. My approach is collaborative, warm, and direct. I draw from evidence-based approaches including CBT, DBT, Attachment Theory, Mindfulness, and Internal Family Systems.

As a Gottman Certified Clinician, I also support monogamous and ethically non-monogamous couples in exploring the complexities of sex and relationships, whether they are navigating disconnection, conflict, changing relationship structures, or exploring desires.

Building fulfilling, loving relationships—with yourself or with your loved ones—can be hard work, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Together, we can work through the messy parts with humor and lightness along the way. If you’re ready to take the next step, I’d love to connect. Give me a call or schedule a free, 15-minute consultation so we can see if we might be a good fit.


Specialties

Anxiety Body Image Career Concerns Chronic Medical Condition Chronic Pain College adjustment Emotional Regulation Executive Functions Gender Identity Infertility Life Transitions Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) Perfectionism Pregnancy and Postpartum Relationship Issues Self-esteem Sexual Assault Sexual Health Sexuality Sexual Orientation Stress Stress from Academics Trauma & PTSD

Insurance & Payment

In-Network Insurance Plans

Sarah Malavenda is in network for the following plans:

Aetna Blue Cross Blue Shield Blue Cross Blue Shield, Blue Choice Select PPO

Paperwork:

I can provide you with paperwork for reimbursement from your insurance company if you are seeking out-of-network sessions.

NPI Number

1619747516

Rates

First session $125
Ongoing sessions $125

Locations

3139 North Lincoln Avenue
Suite 209
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 609-1371
ADA Accessible
Map of provider office locations

Practice Hours

Monday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Thursday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Friday 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Saturday --
Sunday --

Treatment Approaches

Anti-Oppressive Lens Attachment-based Body positivity Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Compassion Focused Culturally Sensitive Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) Emotionally Focused Therapy Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) Exposure Therapy Family Systems Feminist Gottman Method Health at Every Size Internal Family Systems (IFS) Meditation Mindfulness Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) Motivational Interviewing Person-Centered Trauma Focused

Modalities

Couples Individuals

Age Groups

Adolescents (13-17) Young Adults (18-25) Adults (26-64) Seniors (65+)

Communities

First-Gen Kink / BDSM LGBQ+ Neurodiverse People with Disabilities Polyamorous Trans non-binary gender fluid

Meeting Options

Video sessions available
In-person sessions available

Qualifications

  • Years in Practice: 5
  • License(s): IL-149.030477

More About Me

  • Languages Spoken: English
  • Gender(s): Woman