Hope Baer, MSW, LCSW.

A smiling woman with long light brown hair sitting on a white chair in a bright space with a white textured wall, green leafy plants, and white decorative objects in the background.

Reaching out for support can feel unfamiliar, even intimidating. I believe we're all innately resilient, and that same resilience, as powerful as it is, can sometimes make asking for help feel harder. Starting therapy is a courageous first step. My practice is collaborative, allowing you to control the pace and process, with my guidance and support. It is my goal to ensure you feel safe and comfortable, providing an empathetic, judgment-free space where we can build a trusting relationship.

I offer a warm, relational approach grounded in curiosity and respect. Alongside support, I bring gentle challenges and reflections that help you carry what we explore in session into your everyday life. I'm passionate about helping you strengthen your emotional awareness and deepen your connection to mind, body, and soul.

I work with teens, young adults, and adults, supporting clients as they cope, grow, and build on their strengths. My background includes providing therapeutic services in group practice, communities, hospitals, and schools.

Clinical modalities I practice and specialized training include:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

  • Exposure Response Prevention (ERP)

  • Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)

  • Mindfulness-Based Therapy

  • Narrative

  • Trauma Focused

  • Play Therapy

  • Person-Centered Therapy

  • Sand Tray Therapy

  • Psychodynamic Therapy

  • Somatic Therapy

  • Relational Therapy

I Specialize in:

  • Adolescents, Young adults and Adults

  • Anxiety

  • Depression

  • ADHD/ADD

  • OCD

  • Mood Related Disorders

  • Boundary setting

  • Grief and loss

  • Life transitions

  • Relational stress

  • Body image/ self-esteem 

  • Emotional regulation

  • Self-harm

  • Traumatic events and childhood trauma

  • Feeling Stuck, self-doubt, procrastination, 

  • Work stress/burnout

  • Perfectionism/Hard on self

  • LGBTQ+ affirmative

  • Women’s Health

  • Family planning, Pregnancy, and postpartum 

‍ ‍Pronouns: She/Hers

Let’s Get Personal

I grew up in the western suburbs of Chicago and have always felt drawn to understanding people and what helps them thrive. I earned my undergraduate degree focusing on developmental Psychology from Michigan State University (Go Green!) and later completed my master’s in Social Work at Columbia University in New York.

Outside of my professional life, I’m someone who deeply values connection, nature, and play. Whether that’s hiking, kayaking, swimming, or simply hammocking with a good book. I love traveling, taking spontaneous road trips, and spending summers with my family in Northern Michigan. I’m also a proud mom of two energetic young boys and a very lovable dog.

These parts of my life continually shape the way I show up in my work, with presence, empathy, and a genuine belief in the importance of balance and self-discovery.

More info:

Insurance In-Network:

  • BCBS PPO, Blue Choice PPO

  • Aetna

  • Out-of-Network/Private Pay Clients: I can provide superbills for out-of-network reimbursement.

Telehealth: (Illinois + Michigan) Offers effective, convenient therapy from the comfort of your home, saving time and increasing accessibility. It allows flexible scheduling and ensures consistent support, helping you stay connected and engaged in your healing journey wherever you are.