What patients are saying
Overall rating
4.57
Average wait time
4.69
Bedside manner
4.69
“I’m honestly so grateful for my therapist. From the start, she’s made me feel comfortable, understood, and never judged. At the same time, she gently pushes me to look at things differently and take real responsibility for my growth.
Because of our work together, I’ve handled stress better, understood my emotions more clearly, and improved the way I show up in my relationships. I always leave sessions feeling lighter, clearer, and more grounded.
I’m truly thankful for her support and would absolutely recommend her to anyone who’s ready to do real, meaningful work on themselves.”
Crescenza C.March 2, 2026Video visit
“Ellie made me feel comfortable and supported during our sessions. She manages to find humor that makes me find levity, and still remains very respectful of my experiences and emotions. I trust Ellie's care and would recommend anyone needing therapy to seek her out. She's the best!”
MCLess than 3 months ago
About Ellen Paul
Focus areas
Adolescent / Teen Issues
Depression
Relationship Struggles
Anxiety
Family Issues
Women's Issues Therapy
Bereavement / Grief Counseling
Psychotherapy
Clientele seen
Young adults (18-24)
Individuals
Adults (25-64)
Couples
Seniors (65+)
Families
Treatment approaches
Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)
Family / Marital
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Family Systems
Dialectical (DBT)
Gottman Method
Identity
Gender
FemaleLanguages spoken
English
Getting to know Ellen Paul
I am a compassionate and affirming therapist who specializes in supporting adolescents, adults, couples, and families as they navigate the ups and downs of life. I bring deep experience working with parents and family systems, offering grounded support for the unique pressures and complexities of caregiving.
In our work together, I help clients step “outside the bubble” to reconnect with their voice, values, and emotional truth, creating a therapeutic space rooted in trust, humor, and genuine curiosity. I am a graduate of The Family Institute at Northwestern University, and I integrate Emotion-Focused Family Therapy, Radically Open DBT, psychodynamic and person-centered foundations, CBT, Gottman techniques, and Gestalt approaches to walk alongside clients with empathy, clarity, and practical skill-building.
What should a new client know about working with you?
My philosophy centers on helping clients reconnect with their authentic selves while expanding the emotional “bubble” we all slip into during stress, grief, or transition. I believe healing happens when you feel seen, understood, and supported without judgment. I aim to create a therapeutic space that feels like a nest—safe, compassionate, and infused with curiosity, humor, and honest reflection. I am an affirming clinician who honors LGBTQIA+ identities, marginalized experiences, and diverse family systems. Whether we’re exploring intimacy, navigating parenting pressures, repairing relationships, or processing trauma, my goal is to help you rediscover your voice, build emotional resilience, and experience more connected and meaningful relationships.
What is your typical process for working with clients?
I’ve had the privilege of working with adolescents, adults, couples, polycules, and families through a wide range of emotional challenges, including anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, relationship strain, and identity exploration. I trained at The Family Institute at Northwestern University, where I deepened my grounding in psychodynamic and person-centered approaches and expanded my skills in Emotion-Focused Family Therapy, Radically Open DBT, CBT, Gestalt, and Gottman techniques. Over the years, I’ve worked closely with parents and family systems, helping them navigate the real pressures, love, and complexity of caregiving. In every setting, I walk alongside clients with empathy, transparency, and practical tools so they feel supported, empowered, and connected as they move toward growth and healing.
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In-network insurances
Aetna
BlueCross BlueShield
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Education and background
Practice names
Education and training
- Northwestern University, Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Patient reviews
All reviews have been submitted by patients after interacting with the practice.
Overall rating
4.57
Wait time
4.69
Bedside manner
4.69
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
14 reviews
Most relevant
I’m honestly so grateful for my therapist. From the start, she’s made me feel comfortable, understood, and never judged. At the same time, she gently pushes me to look at things differently and take real responsibility for my growth.
Because of our work together, I’ve handled stress better, understood my emotions more clearly, and improved the way I show up in my relationships. I always leave sessions feeling lighter, clearer, and more grounded.
I’m truly thankful for her support and would absolutely recommend her to anyone who’s ready to do real, meaningful work on themselves.
March 2, 2026Crescenza C.Verified patientVideo visit
The provider never sent information on how we would be doing the visit. I called the office 5 mins in to ask for a link and to see if I really did have an appointment. The appointment was confirmed and I was told to give the provider 15mins to show up and then to call back to let them if she didn't show up. The provider never showed up.
February 24, 2026Initials hiddenVideo visit
Ellie made me feel comfortable and supported during our sessions. She manages to find humor that makes me find levity, and still remains very respectful of my experiences and emotions. I trust Ellie's care and would recommend anyone needing therapy to seek her out. She's the best!
Less than 3 months agoMC
I have known Ellie for many years as a colleague. She is incredibly insightful and genuinely cares about her clients. She has a down to earth and humorous approach to therapy, and a straightforward philosophy. Moreover she is so delightful that therapy time feels like visiting Instead of the chore it can be with the wrong fit. But… everyone loves Ellie! She’s just that great combination of insightful, sweet, helpful, and really good for all walks of people. I would (and have) absolutely recommend her to anyone. Highly recommended!
Less than 3 months agoTM
Ellie is smart, funny, insightful, and at the last minute, brilliant with her insight. She has made me a better person along the path of my recovery and treatment.
Less than 6 months agoRS
My grandfather passed away last fall and had to move closer so I could take care of him. Needless to say I love him but the time has been incredibly stressful alongside my husband and two young children.
Ellie has become like another part of the family, providing exceptional insight, and wisdom with just the right amount of laughter.
Not only do I highly recommend Ellie, I would encourage you to seek her out immediately!
Less than 6 months agoSF
Whenever I have seen a therapist, the first thing I look for is someone who has my back and I can rely on. That's Ellie. She is funny, insightful, caring, and very effective. Sessions are constructive and purposeful. If you are looking for a therapist in Chicago, Ellie would be a great option.
Less than 6 months agoMS
Highly recommend Ellie for family therapy!
Less than 6 months agoSE
I've only had one session so far, but Ellie was awesome. She made me feel really comfortable and she was easy to talk to. Will be going back.
Less than 6 months agoMS
Less than 1 month agoInitials hiddenVideo visit
Less than 1 month agoMR
Less than 3 months agoKR
Less than 6 months agoSH
Less than 6 months agoFJ
How soon can I make an appointment with Ellen Paul?
Generally, Ellen Paul has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Ellen Paul's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Ellen Paul accepting new patients?
Ellen Paul generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Ellen Paul's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Ellen Paul accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if Ellen Paul is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with Ellen Paul online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Ellen Paul using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
What practice does Ellen Paul work with?
Ellen Paul works with Mentella Health.
What are common reasons for patients to see Ellen Paul?
Ellen Paul frequently sees patients for Depression, New Patient Visit, Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit, and Sleep Problems. You can see other visit reasons for Ellen Paul on their profile.
What languages does Ellen Paul speak?
Ellen Paul speaks English.
How do patients rate Ellen Paul in reviews?
14 patients have reviewed Ellen Paul. The overall rating for this doctor is 4.57/5. They have a 4.69/5 rating for bedside manner and a 4.69/5 rating for wait time. You can read individual reviews and ratings on their profile.