Zerek Mayes, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Chicago, IL
Online & In-Person
About me
I help people navigate life’s transitions, manage emotional overwhelm, and cultivate deeper self-understanding through authentic, relationship-centered therapy.
As a therapist, I believe healing begins when we feel seen, safe, and understood. My approach is relational, reflective, and deeply rooted in cultural awareness. I help clients unpack life’s challenges, explore patterns of thought and behavior, and reconnect to a sense of meaning and belonging. Whether you’re navigating trauma, identity, grief, or transition, my goal is to meet you where you are—and walk with you toward where you want to be.
At Self-Theory Behavioral Healthcare Center, we call this Community-Rooted Care: therapy that honors lived experience, centers compassion, and helps people move from survival to restoration. My practice integrates evidence-based interventions with a warm, person-centered approach—drawing from mindfulness, narrative therapy, and strength-based principles.
Clients describe my style as both gentle and challenging. I listen deeply, ask thoughtful questions, and help you make sense of what feels confusing or heavy. Most of all, I create a space where authenticity is welcomed, and transformation feels possible.
If you’re ready to explore your story, rebuild trust in yourself, and design a life that reflects who you truly are—I would be honored to walk that journey with you.
License
License(s)
Education
University of Central Florida
Fees and insurance
Cost per session
$ - $Sliding scale
YesAccepted payment methods
- Cash
- Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Paypal
- Zelle
- Venmo
- Credit Card
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
Accepted credit cards
- Visa
- Mastercard
- American Express
- Discover
Accepted insurance plans
- Tricare
- United Healthcare
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Services
- Aetna
- Anthem
- Humana
- Out of Network
- Medicaid
- Medicare
- Cigna
- Blue Cross/Blue Shield
- Optum
Specialties and clinical interests
- ADHD
- Anger Issues
- Anxiety
- Betrayal Trauma
- Bullying
- Criminal Justice Involvement
- Depression
- Domestic Abuse/Violence
- Family Conflict
- Grief & Loss
- LGBTQIA+
- Life Coaching
- Mental Health Professionals
- Parenting & Parent-Child Relationships
- Race-Based Traumatic Stress (RBTS)
- Relationships
- School Performance
- Self-Esteem
- Self-Injury
- Stress/Stress Management
- Suicidality
- Suicide Loss
- Trauma & PTSD
- Violence
- Women's Issues
Therapy types
- Art Therapy
- Client-Centered Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Mindfulness
- Music Therapy
- Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
- Trauma-Informed Therapy
- Yoga Therapy
Community specialties
- LGBTQIA+
- Single Parents
- Military Families
- 12-Step Programs
- Hispanic or Latino
- Biracial
- Black
- Trauma Survivors
- Immigrants
- Asian
Faith-based specialties
- Christianity
Location
Self-Theory Behavioral Healthcare Center
770 North Halsted Street
Suite 306
Chicago, IL 60642 US
Licensed to see clients in
Years in practice
Service types
- Therapy / Counseling
Types of clients
- Kids & Tweens (5-12)
- Adolescents (13-17)
- Adults (18+)
- Older Adults (65+)
- Individuals
- Couples
- Groups
- Families
- Parents & Caregivers
Languages
- Spanish
- English
- Chinese
Website and social media