Lauren Topel, LCSW

Lauren Topel, LCSW

Psychotherapist
IL
4.91
“I cannot recommend Lauren Topel highly enough. As her patient for several years, I can confidently attest to her exceptional ability to create personalized therapy plans tailored to my individual needs. She is present, responsive, kind, empathetic, patient and deeply knowledgeable in her field. She approaches our sessions with thoughtfulness, positivity, and genuine care. It is difficult to find someone who truly invests in the well-being of their clients but Lauren is an outstanding example of exactly that while maintaining the utmost level of professionalism . Most importantly, I never feel judged and I always feel seen, 5 stars!”
AW
Highly recommended
96% of patients gave this doctor 5 stars
Excellent wait time
100% of patients waited less than 30 minutes

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External video visit

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Available appointments

Today, Apr 3 – Thu, Apr 16
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What patients are saying

Overall rating

4.91

Average wait time

5.00

Bedside manner

5.00
“I cannot recommend Lauren Topel highly enough. As her patient for several years, I can confidently attest to her exceptional ability to create personalized therapy plans tailored to my individual needs. She is present, responsive, kind, empathetic, patient and deeply knowledgeable in her field. She approaches our sessions with thoughtfulness, positivity, and genuine care. It is difficult to find someone who truly invests in the well-being of their clients but Lauren is an outstanding example of exactly that while maintaining the utmost level of professionalism . Most importantly, I never feel judged and I always feel seen, 5 stars!”
AWLess than 1 year ago
“Lauren is simply the best professional that I've ever had the pleasure to engage. Unlike others, she listens, analyzes, and provides feedback, tools, and actionable recommendations that I can use to better understand myself and improve how I engage with others. Thank you, Lauren!”
Initials hiddenMore than 1 year ago

About Lauren Topel

Clientele seen

Young adults (18-24)
Adults (25-64)
Individuals

Treatment approaches

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Experiential Therapy
Culturally Sensitive
Integrative
Eclectic
Interpersonal

Identity

Gender

Female

Sexuality

Straight

Faith

Nonreligious

Ethnicity

White

Languages spoken

English

Getting to know Lauren Topel

Lauren is passionate about helping people heal emotionally and transform their lives. She specializes in working with adults facing depression, anxiety, ADHD, and relationship struggles, using a blend of evidence-based approaches to create meaningful, lasting change. Getting Unstuck Lauren’s primary focus is helping clients get unstuck by identifying and reprocessing childhood trauma. Emotional blocks often stem from early experiences shaping self-perception, behaviors, and coping. Through inner child therapy, based on the Amanda Curtin Model of the Relationship Recovery Process (RRP), she helps clients heal relational wounds and establish healthier connection patterns. Lauren supports clients in reconnecting with their present-day adult self and inner child—who often carries old emotional wounds. This work allows clients to break free from deep-seated patterns, fostering self-compassion, emotional regulation, and fulfilling relationships. Therapeutic Approach In addition to the RRP model, Lauren integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), mindfulness, and strengths-based techniques to create a structured yet compassionate healing process. She is skilled at breaking down new skills and concepts into actionable, manageable steps, making personal growth achievable and sustainable. By working through past experiences and developing essential life skills, clients gain the ability to: - Process and regulate emotions effectively - Build self-esteem and self-efficacy - Improve relationships and interpersonal dynamics - Develop strategies for achieving personal and professional goals Lauren fosters a warm, supportive space where clients feel safe to explore emotional wounds, heal trauma, and build a more authentic, empowered life. She earned her Master’s in Clinical Social Work from the University of Illinois Chicago and is committed to guiding individuals toward hope, resilience, and lasting transformation.

What should a new client know about working with you?

If you're feeling stuck, I can help you clearly express your thoughts, feelings, and ideas, identify areas to focus on, and explore possible options. I communicate transparently so we're always aligned on goals and the steps we'll take together.

What is your typical process for working with clients?

In our first session, I will take the time to listen closely to obtain your history and make sure I truly understand your experiences and concerns. We’ll explore what brings you to therapy and discuss how I can best support you. As we continue working together, I will introduce tools and strategies tailored to your needs and preferences—whether that’s through practical techniques, thoughtful discussions, or helpful resources. I believe in a collaborative approach, where your input and feedback shape our work together. My goal is to create a space where you feel heard, supported, and empowered to make meaningful changes at a pace that feels right for you.

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In-network insurances

Lauren Topel, LCSW has 50+ in-network plans.

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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: $200 for 53 minutes
Ongoing session: $200 for 53 minutes

    Popular visit reasons

    Anxiety Disorder
    Boundary Issues
    Depression
    New Patient Visit
    Psychotherapy
    Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit
    Sleep Problems
    Women's Mental Health Issues
    Anxiety Disorder
    Boundary Issues
    Depression
    New Patient Visit

    Education and background

    Practice names

    Education and training

    • University of Illinois Chicago, Master's in Clinical Social Work

    NPI number

    1578230769

    Patient reviews

    All reviews have been submitted by patients after interacting with the practice.
    Overall rating
    4.91
    Wait time
    5.00
    Bedside manner
    5.00
    Trust Banner Shield
    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
    23 reviews
    Most relevant
    Understanding, great listener & I really felt like she understood how I felt
    Verified patient
    I cannot recommend Lauren Topel highly enough. As her patient for several years, I can confidently attest to her exceptional ability to create personalized therapy plans tailored to my individual needs. She is present, responsive, kind, empathetic, patient and deeply knowledgeable in her field. She approaches our sessions with thoughtfulness, positivity, and genuine care. It is difficult to find someone who truly invests in the well-being of their clients but Lauren is an outstanding example of exactly that while maintaining the utmost level of professionalism . Most importantly, I never feel judged and I always feel seen, 5 stars!
    Lauren is simply the best professional that I've ever had the pleasure to engage. Unlike others, she listens, analyzes, and provides feedback, tools, and actionable recommendations that I can use to better understand myself and improve how I engage with others. Thank you, Lauren!
    Excellent
    Verified patient
    Every time I go to my therapy sessions with Lauren I am always excited to speak with her and tell her how I feel and what I am going through! I always leave our sessions feeling better, have new advice to better improve the original issues I came in with. I have improved immensely after every session and learned new things and ways to better myself and manage my diagnosis. I have never attended a session where I felt disappointed or as if it was not helpful. Lauren is extremely sweet, understanding, and truly cares and that is what I have been looking for in a therapist for so long, someone who not only listens to me, but challenges me, while also providing me advice, techniques, and methods to improve my issues. So far the methods I have learned after all my sessions and been amazing! Overall, I love my sessions with Lauren and I know that they are actually working and I have been improving immensely.
    Lauren has made my intro to therapy a breeze. Easy to talk to, great advice, and very professional. I hope to continue our sessions and use what we go over in the real world scenarios.
    Verified patientVideo visit
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    Frequently asked questions

    How soon can I make an appointment with Lauren Topel?

    Generally, Lauren Topel has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Lauren Topel's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.

    Is Lauren Topel accepting new patients?

    Lauren Topel generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Lauren Topel's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.

    Does Lauren Topel accept my insurance?

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    Can I make an appointment with Lauren Topel online?

    Yes, you can make an appointment online with Lauren Topel using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.

    What practice does Lauren Topel work with?

    What are common reasons for patients to see Lauren Topel?

    Lauren Topel frequently sees patients for Depression, New Patient Visit, Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit, and Sleep Problems. You can see other visit reasons for Lauren Topel on their profile.

    What languages does Lauren Topel speak?

    Lauren Topel speaks English.

    How do patients rate Lauren Topel in reviews?

    23 patients have reviewed Lauren Topel. The overall rating for this doctor is 4.91/5. They have a 5/5 rating for bedside manner and a 5/5 rating for wait time. You can read individual reviews and ratings on their profile.

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    ZocdocChicago, IL PsychotherapistsLauren Topel, LCSW