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Alissa Levy Chung

As a developmentalist, I believe that our past shapes our present, but that every person has the potential for change.  I use a variety of therapeutic methods that include gaining insight into the meaning of behavior.  I know that something as simple as difficulty with social relationships can have a variety of meanings and origins.  For one person, it could be difficulty reading social cues, whereas for another it could be due to social anxiety.  The same behavior could also be due to past trauma or a history of relationships problems in the family of origin.  Therefore, one size does not fit all for therapy.  Each person needs to be matched with the interventions that target his/her specific problem and, more importantly, that call upon his/her areas of strength.

 

I work flexibly with my clients, seeing both individual and families, depending on the needs of each person who comes to see me.  Sometimes our time together is brief, focused on consultation and empowering the clients or family to be able to meet their own needs.  Other times we may work together for an extended period of time, particularly when unexpected life stresses arise. 

 

I am also a parent of three daughters who attended schools in Evanston.  Two of my children have disabilities, and I have been active in the community, schools, and PTA.

Education and Experience

1999 Ph.D. in Clinical and Developmental Psychology

University of Minnesota

Advisor: L.Alan Sroufe, Ph.D.

2018 to present

Northwestern University

Associate Professor of Instruction in Psychology

2023 to present

Northwestern University

Associate Director of Clinical Training

Zach Anderson

As a therapist, I specialize in evidence-based treatments that are both structured and deeply

compassionate. I work with adults, teens, and children navigating a wide range of

challenges—from depression, anxiety, and trauma to substance use, mood dysregulation, and

intense negative thoughts. If you're carrying the weight of past trauma, you don’t have to do it

alone. I specialize in working with adults who are navigating the lasting impact of traumatic

experiences—whether that means anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, or feeling stuck in

patterns that no longer serve you. Drawing from evidence-based approaches like Cognitive

Processing Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy,

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, I work

collaboratively to help you make sense of what’s happened, reconnect with your values, and

build a greater sense of safety and self-trust. For me, therapy is an opportunity to reclaim your

life and to do it on your own terms. I’m excited to take part in whatever journey you’re on.

Education and Experience

2025 Ph.D in Clinical Psychology

Northwestern University

Advisor: Robin Nusslock, Ph.D.

2025-present

Northwestern University

Postdoc with Vijay Mittal, Ph.D., conducting research on risk for the onset of psychosis

2024-2025

Predoctoral Internship

University of Illinois at Chicago

Research and clinical work related to mood disorders and 

psychosis risk

Call 

773-852-6910

Email 

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