What patients are saying
Overall rating
4.48
Average wait time
4.95
Bedside manner
4.55
“I find my therapy sessions with Dr. Lana Friedman to be both highly effective in treating and addressing the underlying factors contributing to my stress, depression and anxiety as well as both informative and insightful in terms of helping me better understand how my specific pattern(s) of behavior and though process has had a direct impact on my mental health and emotional wellbeing. I have seen other therapists in the past, but did not feel that therapy was something that can work for me. I had given up on seeking help from mental health professionals and was convinced that what I was feeling was “lawyer burnout” and attributed my depression to my fast pace demanding legal practice in addition to my newly acquired role as a first-time mom at age 37. Luckily, I was encouraged to try therapy again by a few of my girlfriends, who clearly observed me struggling and feeling overwhelmed as a single parent and working professional. I found Dr. Friedman on Zoc Doc and decided to give her a try. After just a handful of sessions, I was able to observe key differences in the course of treatment she advocated versus techniques favored by my past therapists. I was also able to uncover how certain parenting techniques administered by my parents growing up have actually caused me emotional harm and have contributed towards my “people pleasing” and “perfectionist” personality. My problems were not associated with “lawyer burnout” and my prior treatment approaches from past therapists were focused on the wrong issues—that is why therapy had never worked for me before. One of the things I appreciate most about Dr. Lana is that she cuts right to the point during our sessions when it comes to topics that are crucial to my progress and is able to steer our conversations into the areas of topic that are most beneficial to me rather than allowing me to get off tangent. she’s also very easy to talk to, relatable, and never makes me feel judged. I highly recommend her!”
Initials hiddenMore than 1 year agoVideo visit
“Provided clear instructions to her office. She provided thoughtful insight and was easy to open up to. Would definitely recommend!”
Initials hiddenAugust 2, 2023
About Dr. Lana Friedman
Focus areas
Alcoholism
Emotional Overeating
Anxiety
Family Issues
Emotional Abuse
Social Anxiety
Clientele seen
Young adults (18-24)
Individuals
Adults (25-64)
Seniors (65+)
Treatment approaches
Attachment-based
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Psychodynamic
Identity
Gender
FemaleLanguages spoken
English
Getting to know Dr. Lana Friedman
*Video visits will be conducted via Skype or FaceTime.*
For over 30 years, I have worked with people who suffer from addictions, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or co-dependence. Therapy begins by establishing a personal connection. This connection is not one-sided but is something that is felt by both of us. Once connected, we will work together to understand the meaning behind your symptoms. Symptoms such as depression, loss of sleep, overeating, overspending, anger, or feelings of worthlessness are alarms telling you that something is wrong in your life. These symptoms make you feel trapped and out of control. I will help you find strategies that enable you to reduce negative thoughts, manage past traumas, and set limits on toxic relationships. If you set better boundaries and undo your negative thoughts, you will begin to feel more secure and whole. You will eventually live the life that you want to live.
I hold a PhD in Social Work from the Institute for Clinical Social Work and a Master’s in Clinical Social Work from the University of Chicago.
Is this doctor in your insurance network?
Enter your insurance carrier and plan
choose insurance
In-network insurances
Dr. Lana Friedman has 50+ in-network plans.
Out-of-pocket fees and assistance
Initial session: $125 for 60 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
- Charges post-reimbursement amount: This provider will only charge you for the amount you pay after you get reimbursed from your insurance plan, so you don’t need to pay the session fee upfront
Office location
Dr. Lana Friedman, LCSW, PhD also offers online video visits for patients
Education and background
Practice names
Education and training
- Institute for Clinical Social Work, PhD in Social Work
- University of Chicago, Master's in Clinical Social Work
Professional memberships
- National Association of Social Workers
NPI number
1053463091
Patient reviews
All reviews have been submitted by patients after interacting with the practice.
Overall rating
4.48
Wait time
4.95
Bedside manner
4.55
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
94 reviews
Most relevant
I paid for my visit through Venmo and am uncertain as to how to notify my insurance provider of the copayment
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenVideo visit
I love working with her! After each appointment I look forward to the next.
January 29, 2016Maggie W.Verified patient
Everything was great. Really looking forward to working with Dr. Friedman.
February 13, 2015Jamie S.Verified patient
Dr. Friedman is fantastic. Would highly recommend to anyone.
May 4, 2022Dan D.Verified patient
Lana Friedman is empathetic, knowledgeable and professional.
More than 1 year agoPB
She was very helpful and I immediately felt comfortable.
February 8, 2021Alexandra C.Verified patientVideo visit
Finally decided to open up about physical violence and emotional neglect in childhood for the first time. Her response: I noticed in your picture you looked heavier, how’d you lose the weight, Ozempic? You must be so happy! (Not joking.) Horrifying.
November 6, 2025Initials hidden
Great, will come back
September 1, 2025Luisa O.Verified patient
I find my therapy sessions with Dr. Lana Friedman to be both highly effective in treating and addressing the underlying factors contributing to my stress, depression and anxiety as well as both informative and insightful in terms of helping me better understand how my specific pattern(s) of behavior and though process has had a direct impact on my mental health and emotional wellbeing. I have seen other therapists in the past, but did not feel that therapy was something that can work for me. I had given up on seeking help from mental health professionals and was convinced that what I was feeling was “lawyer burnout” and attributed my depression to my fast pace demanding legal practice in addition to my newly acquired role as a first-time mom at age 37. Luckily, I was encouraged to try therapy again by a few of my girlfriends, who clearly observed me struggling and feeling overwhelmed as a single parent and working professional. I found Dr. Friedman on Zoc Doc and decided to give her a try. After just a handful of sessions, I was able to observe key differences in the course of treatment she advocated versus techniques favored by my past therapists. I was also able to uncover how certain parenting techniques administered by my parents growing up have actually caused me emotional harm and have contributed towards my “people pleasing” and “perfectionist” personality. My problems were not associated with “lawyer burnout” and my prior treatment approaches from past therapists were focused on the wrong issues—that is why therapy had never worked for me before. One of the things I appreciate most about Dr. Lana is that she cuts right to the point during our sessions when it comes to topics that are crucial to my progress and is able to steer our conversations into the areas of topic that are most beneficial to me rather than allowing me to get off tangent. she’s also very easy to talk to, relatable, and never makes me feel judged. I highly recommend her!
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenVideo visit
Provided clear instructions to her office. She provided thoughtful insight and was easy to open up to. Would definitely recommend!
August 2, 2023Initials hidden
I've been seeing Lana for a few weeks now, and I really enjoy our appointments. She's very approachable, and I appreciate her no-nonsense attitude. She's helped me to identify patterns in my behavior that are not serving me, and I've been able to pivot when I see those coming up again. I plan to keep seeing her consistently going forward!
June 25, 2023Initials hiddenVideo visit
She listens and her ideas and thoughts she gives are helping me in my life. I appreciate her kind bedside manner, prompt appointments and helpful feedback and thoughts. I was not sure about therapy but now I can’t wait for each session.
More than 1 year agoMelinda C.Verified patientVideo visit
Lana is so supportive. I’ve seen a few different therapists in the last few years and she has been by far the best one. Her attention to detail and pattern recognition is so strong and has helped identify some of my opportunities. She’s incredibly approachable, and I feel I can open up to her about all things. It’s clear that she supports her patients and their needs. Highly recommend!
May 8, 2020Linda S.Verified patient
Lana does a great job of meeting me where I am. She has taken the time to know how my mind works and helps me make sense of my jumbles of thoughts without sounding overly prescriptive. Tele-health visits are a breeze—they take place over Skype and she is always on time, if not early. Payment takes roughly 3.5 seconds over Instamed.
More than 1 year agoSteve H.Verified patient
She listens intently and helps you figure out what the greater scope of your issues are. I always feel better after my sessions with her!
May 5, 2020Initials hidden
She's direct, as am I and i like / need that.
More than 1 year agoJill B.Verified patient
Lana is one of the most compassionate, intellectual and dedicated professionals that I have ever had the privilege to interact with and I could not recommend her more confidently. She is all-business and no fluff, but these qualities are tempered with an attitude of non-judgement and serious introspection. For these reasons alone, she works perfectly with my personality. If you want to work with a professional who will dig deep and then deeper, and leave you seeing yourself more clearly and with compassion, this is your Psychologist - look no further.
More than 1 year agoKim M.Verified patient
Lana is a great Psychotherapist. I have been seeing her for 5+ years. Every session I left having an "aHa" moment and a valuable tip/piece of advice/guidance to help me address my struggles independently. It really takes working weeks, months, years with a therapist to reap the benefits. 5+ years later, thanks to Lana I have made significant strides in self-growth and am in a much better place with my life.
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
I didn’t feel better after visiting Dr. Friedman.. in fact, I felt worse! I felt like she was judging me for the things I was telling her. It was not comforting and it offered no sense of peace or release; instead, it was cold and unwelcoming. I felt like I was driving the conversation and there were long periods of silence when I felt like I had nothing else to say, but she never asked further questions. No hard feelings, but I definitely wouldn’t come back.
November 10, 2019Megan S.Verified patient
I love Lana. Here's the thing: I came to Lana when I had a previous therapist dump me because my life made her "uncomfortable." I have a lot of issues to fix being a single mom in recovery and it's a major uphill battle. Working with Lana has literally changed my life. In the last 9 months I have real and tangible changes in my life in regards to: new/better apartment, attaining promotion at work, finally beginning to win in an intractable custody battle. If you are someone who needs and wants real and tangle improvement in your life, work with Lana. If you're a schmuck, I suggest look elsewhere. She is direct. She's tough. She's funny. She'll work hard for and with you if you're willing to take direction. She is literally changing my life for the better.
October 22, 2019Jessica W.Verified patient
I've been seeing Lana on and off for a few years. Setting an appointment and payment has always been very easy, and the wait time has never been more than a couple minutes. Lana is a great listener, and asks non-threatening questions that allow her to see the bigger picture, and, in turn, help you understand it.
She never needs to be reminded of past events discussed, and frequently makes connections to them that I would never see. Regarding some other comments, yes Lana can be direct. It's one of her best traits, for me. She's not here to wave her hand and fix your life, and her directness is much better, in my opinion, for actual healing. The times I've reduced the frequency of visits, it was based on her advice - she's not here to waste your time. If you want an outside party that truly wants to help you help yourself - I think you'll come out better than you went in.
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
Lana has helped me open up about things in my life that I never wanted to realize were true. She has been able to get me to focus on attainable goals that help to push me in the right direction. As a first time therapy patient, I can say I approached this with little belief it would help and Lana has definitely proven me wrong. Recommend to anyone looking to improve on their mental health.
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
I had a few appointments with Lana. She would be best fit for baby boomers, not young adults. She shows a lack of understanding for the poor and no lack of sympathy for their situations. Seems like a Lincoln Park and River North kind of person. I felt compelled to force myself to drive the conversation and ask myself questions.
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
Doesn't 'believe' in prescriptions for depression or panic attacks. Would have been great to know before talking about them for an hour and leaving with no help in combating them. Also asked about payment while I was sobbing.
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
Lana was great & quickly helped me work through many things I had internalized for a long time. She helped me change my mindset & move forward!
More than 1 year agoStephanie E.Verified patient
Lana is a good listener and good at asking the right questions and giving an advice. After few meetings I became very comfortable with Lana and I could talk about almost everything - work, family, friends, dating and sex life.
The meetings allowed me to navigate thru situations I was facing with at that time in my life, Lana listened and asked questions that helped me with understanding the "bigger picture".
My first meeting with Lana was scheduled thru ZocDoc and she was available to meet the following day. Lana was very flexible with her schedule and made sure we scheduled the best time that can work for me. She was always available with her e-mail and phone (by texting).
One place for improvement will be the invoicing process - I will recommend sending the invoice right after each session.
April 16, 2019Initials hidden
I thought she was a bit out of touch, mentioned how "far north" I lived, and talked about how "cheap that must be." I imagine that where I live costs much less than where she lives, but I felt that she may not understand some of my mental and emotional stress around finances if she deemed an apartment that I pay a third of my income towards as "cheap." She was also not a very active listener. I would talk, and she would look very confused, so I would try to explain what I meant in different words, and then she would talk over me, raising her voice to say "NO NO I GET IT." Additionally, I felt that as I shared insights I learned about myself throughout the week, she would just repeat them back to me during my session like they were her idea. All in all, I didn't feel like I was getting anywhere with her, and didn't even feel relieved to have shared with her.
January 4, 2019Initials hidden
I have a lot of relatives. I usually send them cards. Lana suggested that I send them electronic cards, so I don't wear myself out. She suggests things to me. Sometimes when we are talking instances, she is able to shift gears to talk about the bigger picture. I appreciate being aware of the bigger picture.
Her office is close to public transportation.
More than 1 year agoPaul B.Verified patient
I would highly recommend Lana to anyone I know! She is a very warm, welcoming person who offers the tiniest shifts in your perspective that can really make your whole day. She's extremely empathetic, and it's nice to feel like someone is on your side when you tell them your stories. She's easy to get a hold of, flexible in terms of appointment scheduling, and really makes you a priority when you need to see her ASAP. She has changed my life for the better, and I will be forever grateful to her. Don't hesitate to see her today!
More than 1 year agoKatilyn P.Verified patient
Lana is super nice. I think with seeing any therapist the first couple of times is weird but that's because you are building a relationship with them so they can best help you. I've been seeing Lana for 2 years now and have come a long way with her help and guidance.
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
Essentially pointless. Save yourself the time and awkwardness by just talking to a friend. She offers no real help or feedback. Just listens and offers lil tips on how to get ahead in life. I was struggling to find a job at the time, which was worsening my already troubling post-graduation depression, and she used the entire session to brainstorm job possibilities. IDK why. To make me feel better? To ignore the fact that I have been trying this entire time and don't need more possibilities and lists but needed someone to listen or to give me a chance?
It was one of those times when you know the person you are speaking to isn't really listening and is instead reacting to what you say in a pseudo-curative way, with practical, i-can-fix-your-life-with-mere-tips babble rather than the expected psycho-babble of subconscious evaluation.
One of those times when you feel awkward for witnessing someone else embarrass themselves around you. Like someone's mom offering advice to a new friend of yours without listening to the circumstances first. Blindly offering advice.
Imagine if your grandmother sat you, a Millennial, down and tried to give you job market advice--you know it's nonsense, but you were taught to respect others and not to point out their obvious flaws, so you smile and nod in pretend gratitude.
Moving away from the grandma analogy, after the appointment ended, it felt like a bad one-night stand, as I dodged the question of when I could come in again and offered the excuse of "Oh man, my schedule is so busy," before I speedily fled her office.
I found a doctor who listens and advises. You can too. Just keep up the search. Good doctors are out there. Don't get discouraged. We're all rooting for you. Hope my review helps!
November 20, 2016Initials hidden
This was my first time going to talk therapy since I was a pre-teen and any nerves I felt about it were totally eased by Dr. Friedman. She made sure I felt comfortable and kept the conversation moving easily and naturally. I'm very excited to continue to work with her and I absolutely recommend you check her out if you're looking for a new therapist!
October 20, 2016Caroline M.Verified patient
I've been seeing Dr. Friendman consistantly for over three months now. I was very pleased with the results of our first session, and know that she would be a great fit for my therapy moving forward, I can't reccomend her highly enough!
More than 1 year agoJF
Lana is a really excellent therapist. She is empathetic and analytical (reads people very well and offers support, but also has a finely tuned knack for calling you on B.S. you didn't even know you had.) She will give you the tools to become more self sufficient and to know yourself better & the start of meaningful and lasting change. Definetly seek her out if you feel stuck.
More than 1 year agoSC
I've been seeing Dr. Friedman for a little over 2 years and I really find her insightful and refreshing. She is caring but she "calls it as it is". I have started to work on issues that I have had for years but have never acknowledged within myself. This has helped me when I deal with others: my children and my spouse. I have started to find "me within me" thanks to Dr. Friedman.
January 24, 2014Tory M.Verified patient
All visits are beneficial.
More than 1 year agoMN
Very good
More than 1 year agoJE
Less than 6 months agoInitials hidden
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
October 27, 2023Margaret B.Verified patientVideo visit
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenVideo visit
June 12, 2023Linda J.Verified patientVideo visit
March 1, 2023Jeffrey B.Verified patient
January 12, 2023Elizabeth O.Verified patient
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenVideo visit
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenVideo visit
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenVideo visit
August 17, 2021Margaret H.Verified patientVideo visit
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenVideo visit
Loading...
How soon can I make an appointment with Dr. Lana Friedman?
Generally, Dr. Lana Friedman has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Dr. Friedman's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Dr. Lana Friedman accepting new patients?
Dr. Lana Friedman generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Dr. Friedman's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Dr. Lana Friedman accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if Dr. Friedman is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with Dr. Lana Friedman online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Dr. Friedman using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
What practice does Dr. Lana Friedman work with?
Dr. Lana Friedman works with Dr. Lana Friedman.
Where is Dr. Lana Friedman's office located?
Dr. Lana Friedman has 2 office locations in Chicago, view full addresses on Dr. Friedman's profile.
What are common reasons for patients to see Dr. Lana Friedman?
Dr. Lana Friedman frequently sees patients for Anxiety, Depression, Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit, and Therapy. You can see other visit reasons for Dr. Lana Friedman on their profile.
What languages does Dr. Lana Friedman speak?
Dr. Lana Friedman speaks English.
How do patients rate Dr. Lana Friedman in reviews?
94 patients have reviewed Dr. Lana Friedman. The overall rating for this doctor is 4.48/5. They have a 4.55/5 rating for bedside manner and a 4.95/5 rating for wait time. You can read individual reviews and ratings on their profile.