Your path to clarity
starts here.
Evidence-based therapy for anxiety, depression, stress, and more — in person and online across Illinois.
A Note From Our Founder
Expertise, with a
Human Touch.
"Ascend Therapy was founded on a simple, yet profound, idea: what if the clinical rigor of a leading hospital anxiety program could be offered in a space that felt like a sanctuary?"
Welcome! I'm Sara Banks, founder of Ascend Therapy. After building my expertise within the renowned Anxiety Program at Linden Oaks Hospital, I created Ascend to bring that same hospital-level clinical rigor into a warm, human environment. It's a standard of care our entire team of highly seasoned specialists is steeped in—in fact, our own Dr. Jonathan Woodin currently serves in that same respected program.
This foundation provides us with a unique depth of understanding to support the full spectrum of human experience. Our commitment to you extends to our process of intentional therapist matching, where we thoughtfully pair you with the specialist best suited for your journey. In this private practice, you're not a case file; you are a whole person deserving of world-class care and a place to feel truly seen.
Our Specialties
Specialized care for
your unique journey.
We focus on a range of interconnected areas, allowing us to provide expert, nuanced care tailored to your specific needs.
Anxiety & Panic
Break free from the cycle of worry and fear with evidence-based strategies to restore your sense of calm and control.
OCD & Intrusive Thoughts
Utilizing Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), the gold standard for OCD, to help you regain control from unwanted thoughts.
Trauma & PTSD
Heal from past wounds and reclaim your life with EMDR, a powerful approach for processing traumatic memories safely.
Couples Counseling
Improve communication, deepen connection, and navigate conflict constructively in a supportive, non-judgmental space.
Adolescent & Young Adult
Specialized support for navigating the unique challenges of school, identity, and life transitions with resilience.
Depression
Rediscover motivation and joy with practical, compassionate strategies to lift the weight of depression and find your way back to yourself.
Stress & Burnout
Develop practical strategies to manage overwhelming demands, prevent burnout, and find a healthier work-life balance.
Sex Therapy
A confidential space to address concerns about intimacy, desire, and sexual health with a knowledgeable, compassionate therapist.
Online Therapy
Access our full range of expert services from anywhere in Illinois through secure, convenient telehealth sessions.
Our Team
Compassionate guides.
Sara Banks, LCSW
Owner & Psychotherapist
Specialties
OCD, Anxiety & EMDR
Dr. Jonathan Woodin, PsyD
Clinical Psychologist
Specialties
Psychological Testing, Sex Therapy & Anxiety
Takeisha Rheams, LCPC
Therapist
Specialties
Teens, Young Adults, OCD & Life Transitions
Nagla Mostafa, LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist
Specialties
Couples, Families & Personality Disorders
Rates & Insurance
A Clear Path to Care.
We are committed to transparency in our pricing. Below you'll find our rates and accepted insurance plans.
In-Network PPO
BCBS, Aetna, Cigna, United
We are in-network with most major PPO plans. We'll help verify your benefits.
Self-Pay
$160 / Session
Our standard rate for individuals seeking therapy without using an insurance plan.
EAP
Lyra (Fully Covered)
We partner with Lyra to provide therapy services through your employer's EAP.
Payment & Policies
We accept Major Credit Cards, Cash, and HSA/FSA Cards.
Please note that we do not accept HMO plans, Medicaid, or Medicare at this time.
To respect our clinicians' time, we adhere to a strict 24-hour cancellation policy.
To ensure the right match for your journey, complimentary 15-minute clinical consultations are available upon request.
How It Works
We've streamlined our intake process to be as clear and stress-free as possible, so you can focus on what truly matters.
Initial Contact
Reach out via text, phone, or our contact form. We're here to listen and answer any questions.
Thoughtful Matching
Our clinical director personally matches you with the best-fit therapist for your specific needs.
Simple Intake
Complete our secure, online intake forms at your own pace before your first session.
Get Scheduled
Our intake coordinator or therapist will find a time that fits your schedule and confirm your appointment.
First Appointment
Begin your journey with your therapist in a safe, supportive, and confidential space.
Your new chapter
starts today.
Every transformation begins with a simple outreach. Our clinical team is ready to guide your first steps.