What patients are saying
Overall rating
4.74
Average wait time
5.00
Bedside manner
4.89
“Our initial visit went well. The doctor was very understanding throughout the conversations we had . Our child's felt very comfortable during the visit. Will be returning for future treatment .”
JUAN H.February 7, 2026
“I took my son to see Carl Brakman after seeing great reviews. Carl was wonderful to work with. He was very straightforward in explaining treatment and very understanding of my son's needs. Scheduling is also very flexible. I had gone to therapy as a child and had a decent experience, but the therapist back then would keep therapy going indefinitely whether there were improvements or not. Carl, on the other hand was not looking to create a life long client that was dependent on him. He is kind and knowledgeable, but will also state when he needs to research how to treat something more fully, and then by the next visit, he will obviously have done effective research into the most current therapies. My son was able to see Carl weekly for a couple months and then biweekly for a couple more before Carl suggesting that he was ready to graduate. If my family needs anything in the future, we will not hesitate to return. For now, my son has great therapeutic strategies thanks to Carl.”
JBLess than 1 year ago
About Carl Brakman
Clientele seen
Children (<13)
Adults (25-64)
Couples
Teenagers (13-17)
Seniors (65+)
Families
Young adults (18-24)
Individuals
Treatment approaches
Applied Behavioral Analysis
Existential
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Family / Marital
Compassion Focused
Mindfulness-Based (MBCT)
Identity
Gender
MaleLanguages spoken
English
Getting to know Carl Brakman
Carl Brakman, LCSW, holds a Master's in Social Work from the University of Illinois, Jane Addams College of Social Work, and a Bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois. He has extensive experience counseling individuals struggling with ADHD, depression, anxiety, and associated substance use and behavioral addictions. As a behavior therapist in special education, Carl has worked with children, adolescents, and young adults facing a range of academic, emotional, behavioral, and developmental challenges, including individuals on the autism spectrum. He also has experience counseling older adults with chronic medical conditions. As a counselor and psychotherapist, Carl strives to bring a holistic understanding to the complex cognitive, behavioral, medical, and psychiatric diagnoses of these individuals.
What should a new client know about working with you?
My therapeutic approach begins with creating a safe, judgment-free environment where you can express yourself authentically. I view therapy as a collaborative partnership where your experiences and perspectives are valued and respected. Drawing from evidence-based modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Applied Behavioral Analysis, Mindfulness Practices, and Existential Analysis, I tailor treatment to address your specific needs and goals. I believe firmly in your innate capacity for growth and transformation and consider it my privilege to support you on this journey toward greater self-awareness and emotional well being.
What is your typical process for working with clients?
Our work together typically begins with a comprehensive initial assessment where I'll take time to understand your current challenges, personal history, and therapeutic goals. Rather than rushing to solutions, I prioritize building a strong therapeutic relationship based on trust and mutual understanding. Together, we'll develop a personalized treatment plan that incorporates strategies and techniques best suited to your unique situation. Sessions focus on practical skill-building while exploring underlying patterns that may contribute to current difficulties. I provide regular opportunities to evaluate your progress and adjust our approach as needed. Whether working through immediate concerns or addressing longstanding patterns, my commitment is to provide consistent support while empowering you with tools for lasting change.
Is this doctor in your insurance network?
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In-network insurances
Aetna
BlueCross BlueShield
Cigna
Medicare
UnitedHealthcare
Don’t see your insurance?
It’s common for mental health providers to be out-of-network. Many insurance plans offer out-of-network coverage, so you may get partially reimbursed. Learn more
Out-of-pocket fees and assistance
Initial session: $225 for 60 minutes
Ongoing session: $175 for 45 minutes
- Files your insurance claim: You pay the session fee upfront and the provider files the claim for you, so you can get reimbursed directly without worrying about the paperwork
More information on payments and coverage
In network with:
CIGNA
BCBSIL
Aetna
Aetna Medicare Advantage
Magellan
United Healthcare
Medicare
Office location
Carl Brakman, LCSW also offers online video visits for patients
Education and background
Practice names
Education and training
- University of Illinois, Jane Addams College of Social Work, Master's in Social Work
- University of Illinois (Bachelor's)
NPI number
1689188716
Patient reviews
All reviews have been submitted by patients after interacting with the practice.
Overall rating
4.74
Wait time
5.00
Bedside manner
4.89
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
35 reviews
Most relevant
I feel i will finally get the help I need. That I've been needing all my life. I finally feel at ease .
May 18, 2025Andrew S.Verified patient
I am going back. From the very beginning, Carl Brakman has been helpful!
September 16, 2024stephen S.Verified patient
I will definitely go back. The service is excellent and trustworthy.
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
Very good sessions, felt comfortable, highly recommend
More than 1 year agoDM
Our initial visit went well. The doctor was very understanding throughout the conversations we had . Our child's felt very comfortable during the visit. Will be returning for future treatment .
February 7, 2026JUAN H.Verified patient
I took my son to see Carl Brakman after seeing great reviews. Carl was wonderful to work with. He was very straightforward in explaining treatment and very understanding of my son's needs. Scheduling is also very flexible. I had gone to therapy as a child and had a decent experience, but the therapist back then would keep therapy going indefinitely whether there were improvements or not. Carl, on the other hand was not looking to create a life long client that was dependent on him. He is kind and knowledgeable, but will also state when he needs to research how to treat something more fully, and then by the next visit, he will obviously have done effective research into the most current therapies. My son was able to see Carl weekly for a couple months and then biweekly for a couple more before Carl suggesting that he was ready to graduate. If my family needs anything in the future, we will not hesitate to return. For now, my son has great therapeutic strategies thanks to Carl.
Less than 1 year agoJB
I have been very pleased with every aspect of my treatment - very thoughtful and inciteful and most importantly useful results. I want to thank Carl and Dr. Graham for the work you are doing.
Less than 1 year agoMS
Carl is the first therapist I have had, and he has made things very easy for me. I came into my first appointment very skeptical of the practice, but left feeling refreshed and supported. He gives sound advice and is a very engaged in our conversations. I continue to see him frequently and it has been very helpful.
More than 1 year agoIS
Carl Brakman is the first therapist I have had, and he as made things very easy for me. I came into my first appointment skeptical of the practice and left eeling refreshed and supported. I continue to see him to this day and I only enjoy it more every session.
More than 1 year agoIS
Carl Brackman is an excellent social worker and I highly recommend him. He is kind, considerate patient and is certain to ask questions and give feedback that are relevant to concerns I have presented. He is knowledgeable about the many conditions he treats and has been respectful and encouraging of progress made. I find him to be easy to converse with and supportive in sessions. He asks helpful questions and I leave feeling heard, supported, and with a direction to focus on in between visits. I very much appreciate the sessions I have had and the breath work exercises he has shared with me.
More than 1 year agoMK
Really nice and compassionate therapist.
February 14, 2025Jana Z.Verified patient
Carl was very welcoming and helpful
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
Intelligent, understanding, good communicator with my daughter that does not talk much. Is down to earth with parents and the kids.
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
Carl has helped me improve my health and wellbeing in ways I've never thought possible. The first couple of sessions will be an icebreaker, be prepared to challenge yourself and come with any problems that keep showing up in your life. The guidance I've received has helped alleviate so much stress and burden from my past and present worries. I feel significantly more confident in my abilities, and calm for the present and what's to come. Thanks for showing me the path of equinimity!!
More than 1 year agoRS
Carl is an ideal therapist -- good listener, thoughtful commenter, and sympathetic, but practical.
He puts you at your ease and we came up with several good ideas for me to work on. He elicits the goals of his patient.
I would recommend Carl to people who want to work on their behavior to improve their lives!
More than 1 year agoSS
Carl Brakman is an excellent listener and quite knowledgeable about his field, and a natural in working with others. His kind approach makes it easy to share thoughts and information with him, I look forward to seeing him and have booked my next appointment already.
July 27, 2024Initials hidden
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July 9, 2025Michael M.Verified patient
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March 27, 2025Monica S.Verified patient
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August 30, 2024Marina S.Verified patient
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April 6, 2024Dominik B.Verified patient
March 19, 2024Kevin H.Verified patient
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How soon can I make an appointment with Carl Brakman?
Generally, Carl Brakman has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Carl Brakman's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Carl Brakman accepting new patients?
Carl Brakman generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Carl Brakman's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Carl Brakman accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if Carl Brakman is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with Carl Brakman online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Carl Brakman using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
What practice does Carl Brakman work with?
Carl Brakman works with ACP Consultants.
Where is Carl Brakman's office located?
Carl Brakman has 2 office locations in Park Ridge, view full addresses on Carl Brakman's profile.
What are common reasons for patients to see Carl Brakman?
Carl Brakman frequently sees patients for Depression, New Patient Visit, Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit, and Sleep Problems. You can see other visit reasons for Carl Brakman on their profile.
What languages does Carl Brakman speak?
Carl Brakman speaks English.
How do patients rate Carl Brakman in reviews?
35 patients have reviewed Carl Brakman. The overall rating for this doctor is 4.74/5. They have a 4.89/5 rating for bedside manner and a 5/5 rating for wait time. You can read individual reviews and ratings on their profile.