Dr. Michael Topel, PsyD, IL | Psychologist

What patients are saying

Overall rating

4.75

Average wait time

4.86

Bedside manner

4.90

“Good listener. Made me feel heard and relaxed immediately. Understood the issues and zeroed in on possible solutions. I highly recommend Dr, Topel. ”

Beth C.May 25, 2021Video visit

“I highly recommend Dr. Michael Topel. He was extremely helpful to my family and me. Dr. Topel was a great listener and had a solid grasp on the complexities of our situation. His advice was very professional and was a great aid to resolve a variety of problems and set a clear and positive path. I am very grateful for his assistance.”

GRMore than 1 year ago

About Dr. Michael Topel

Focus areas

Adjustment Disorder

Depression

Marriage Counseling

Anxiety

Divorce Counseling

Couples Therapy

Domestic Violence

Clientele seen

Young adults (18-24)

Individuals

Adults (25-64)

Couples

Seniors (65+)

Families

Treatment approaches

Attachment-based

Humanistic

Clinical Supervision and Licensed Supervisors

Integrative

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

Interpersonal

Identity

Gender

Male

Ethnicity

Indigenous American or Alaska Native, White

Languages spoken

English

Getting to know Dr. Michael Topel

I am a creative person, passionate about writing stories, poetry, song lyrics, original music composition, orchestration and recording, ceramics, acting, singing, and playing several instruments. Therapy, to me, involves accessing our inner ability to envision and create new things-new ways of living fully and joyfully. Everyone is creative! Relationships-in love, family, and work-shape so much of how we feel. I help people understand themselves and what they bring, both good and challenging, to their relationships. Together, we build the skills needed to resolve relationship breakdowns or chronic problems and form rewarding connections. I also work with individuals and couples who have tried therapy or medication in the past without success. By listening carefully and responding thoughtfully, genuinely, and respectfully, I aim to create positive outcomes and meet important needs. Teaming with you, I help identify and work toward filling unmet needs or resolving stuck problems. Creating success in relationships brings relief. Physical, psychological, and environmental factors can be shaped to foster positive, upward cycles. New understanding opens possibilities for healing and change. I am deeply invested in those I work with, using my experience to identify the roots of complex issues and address them with compassion. Together, in a warm, safe environment, we come to understand and take the steps needed to leave frustrations and disappointments behind, moving toward the brightness of potential, hope, and relief. I hold a PsyD in Clinical Psychology from National Louis University and have completed training in Adult Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy at the Chicago Psychoanalytic Institute.

What should a new client know about working with you?

My style is flexible as needed in order to provide a personalized treatment approach that is attuned to my clients' own style and needs. That said, I like to collaborate both with my client and with any other care providers my client may choose (or not). I aim to develop insight for each of us into the true nature of my client's needs, what mechanisms may be at work limiting life joy and satisfaction, and what are the multiple ways that things can get better. I use an integrative approach that includes behavioral, cognitive, psychodynamic, and relationship therapies. I work to listen carefully and make sure I really understand what my client wants me to know. I meet with clients weekly at a set time we jointly identify, sometimes more frequently if my client is in a crisis and feels additional meetings would help. I aim to provide an environment that is warm, understanding and at ease.

What is your typical process for working with clients?

We meet for 50 minutes. We start out with me listening and waiting to learn what you're feeling that day and what you hope to get out of the meeting. I provide feedback if requested and also, I ask whether feedback would be welcome if I see something that may be useful. If my client is uncomfortable, I ask how I can help. I am encouraging and pay attention to my client's assets and positives in addition (or course) to attending to the hurts, challenges or problems. I team up with clients unless they want something else, which I then aim to learn about and join.

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More information on payments and coverage

When a new patient requests a booking, they will receive an email from Amy at Collaborative Behavioral Health - with more information about insurance coverage and billing practices.

Popular visit reasons

Depression

Pre-Move In Couples Counseling

Prenuptial Counseling

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit

Sleep Problems

Therapy

Worry

Depression

Pre-Move In Couples Counseling

Prenuptial Counseling

Psychotherapy

Office location

Dr. Michael Topel, PsyD also offers online video visits for patients

Collaborative Behavioral Health

2005 Larkdale Dr, Glenview, IL 60025

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Education and background

Practice names

Collaborative Behavioral Health

Education and training

National Louis University, PsyD in Clinical Psychology
Chicago Psychoanalytic Institute (Adult Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy)

Professional memberships

American Psychological Association

Awards and publications

Multiple Research Study Reports: Rush University Medical Center, Chicago (Sub Investigator)
Using what we have: combining medications to achieve remission (2011)
Prevention of Relapse and Recurrence of Bipolar Type I Depression: A Study Protocol for a Multi-site Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-substitution Trial (2014)
Antipsychotic drugs: pharmacology, side effects and abuse prevention (2013)

NPI number

1861704207

Patient reviews

All reviews have been submitted by patients after interacting with the practice.

Overall rating

4.75

Wait time

4.86

Bedside manner

4.90

Your trust is our top concern, so providers can't pay to alter or remove reviews. We also don't publish reviews that contain any private patient health information. Learn more here

28 reviews

Most relevant

He was very helpful and encouraging, especially since it was my first time even taking therapy.

February 22, 2021Lavarine B.Verified patientVideo visit

Finally found a great therapist Really compassionate and a true professional

More than 1 year agoInitials hidden

Fantastic experience, great listener, absolutely recommend!

More than 1 year agoAndrew N.Verified patientVideo visit

Michael is very nice and clearly cares about his patients. He’s a good listener and tends to ask the right questions. Unfortunately there were issues with his professionalism during both of our appointments. He didn’t show up to our first appointment; I had to call his office phone after 10 minutes and eventually he joined the Zoom call. He also took a personal phone call in the middle of our second session. There were other minor issues as well (scheduling, timely communication, etc.). Although he was nice and well-intentioned, he did not meet the bar for professionalism.

May 13, 2025Andrew S.Verified patientVideo visit

Easy to talk to. Very accommodating.

April 14, 2025Ira H.Verified patient

Excellent first visit

November 13, 2023Marianthi K.Verified patient

Good listener. Made me feel heard and relaxed immediately. Understood the issues and zeroed in on possible solutions. I highly recommend Dr, Topel.

May 25, 2021Beth C.Verified patientVideo visit

I highly recommend Dr. Michael Topel. He was extremely helpful to my family and me. Dr. Topel was a great listener and had a solid grasp on the complexities of our situation. His advice was very professional and was a great aid to resolve a variety of problems and set a clear and positive path. I am very grateful for his assistance.

More than 1 year agoGR

Dr. Topel is a compassionate, versatile and experienced therapist, He has helped me to identify destructive thought patterns and behaviors, root out the causes and significantly improve my relationships. He has been a steady supporter during a difficult life transition and fosters creativity and insight. Right there with you through the ups and the downs. Highly recommended.

More than 1 year agoAL

April 14, 2026Adam K.Verified patient

More than 1 year agoJared M.Verified patientVideo visit

September 20, 2024Gregory R.Verified patientVideo visit