About Mary Leighton
Focus areas
Academic Stress
Bullying
Perfectionism
Anxiety
Creative Blocks
Therapy
Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Life Transition
Clientele seen
Adults (25-64)
Seniors (65+)
Individuals
Treatment approaches
Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)
Culturally Sensitive
Coaching
Eclectic
Compassion Focused
Emotionally Focused
Identity
Gender
FemaleLanguages spoken
English
Getting to know Mary Leighton
I specialize in providing therapy to adults with ADHD, academics, and first- and second-generation immigrants. My style is sympathetic and straightforward, and I bring a sense of humor, honesty, and compassion to my sessions.
I help academics and other professionals with issues like burnout, imposter syndrome, workplace bullying, and procrastination. For clients with ADHD, our work together involves building practical tools you can use in everyday life while also working through the emotions that come with a new diagnosis.
Questioning something that defines your identity—whether it is a career, a relationship, your gender, or religious faith—is frightening. It’s normal to feel stuck or overwhelmed when confused or in pain. My role is to walk alongside you.
As an existential therapist, I believe no situation is completely hopeless. The options we face might be painful or have messy consequences: changes may temporarily cause things to get worse before eventually becoming permanently better. But you don’t have to face this alone!
I provide a supportive and non-judgmental space to explore all possible options so you can rediscover your strengths and core values and begin to feel empowered to make your own decisions. I welcome adult clients of all genders, religious backgrounds, and life stages.
I hold an MEd in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from DePaul University and completed my PhD studies at the University of Chicago: Hyde Park.
What should a new client know about working with you?
My personal style is sympathetic and straight-forward, and I bring a sense of humor, honesty, and compassion to my sessions. As an anthropologist I studied scientific communities and higher education institutions in the U.S. and Latin America, and I realized that the ivory tower is too-often built on depression, anxiety, and untreated trauma. As a therapist, my goal is to take what I learnt from studying academics and use it to help individuals survive and flourish in what is often a lonely and unsupportive environment. This can involve addressing issues like burnout, anxiety, procrastination, bullying, imposter-syndrome, and fieldwork depression/trauma.
I bring my personal experience as an immigrant to the U.S. to my work as a therapist, but I recognize that my experience of making a life in a new country will not be the same as yours. All our stories are unique. Moving to a new country is a major life event, but it’s also an ongoing process. New issues arise at different life stages, as we build lives that bridge two (or more) cultures. I continue to seek out trauma-informed training in counseling refugees and to educate myself about the immigration histories of the populations with whom I work.
What is your typical process for working with clients?
I welcome clients of all ages, genders, and nationalities. In sessions I take an approach that puts the client's needs and feelings first, and makes them feel in control.
Finding a new therapist can be difficult. There's often the fear it will be awkward if it doesn't work out. But the fit between therapist and client is so important! I want the best for my clients - and that means acknowledging that sometimes I might not be the best fit for you.
If after our first (or even several) sessions you feel that I am not the right person for you, I will help you find someone who is a better fit. Because the difference between therapy and friendship is that you don't have to worry about my feelings!
Is this doctor in your insurance network?
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In-network insurances
Aetna
BlueCross BlueShield
Cigna
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
Ongoing session: $125 for 60 minutes
- Sliding scale: Offers lower out-of-pocket fees on an individual basis, typically based on your ability to pay
- 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
We are in network with BCBS, Cigna, United and Aetna. We also offer Self Pay options, including sliding scale (please inquire). We can also provide a superbill for out of network reimbursement. We know finances can be stressful, and we are here to help.
Office location
Mary Leighton, LPC also offers online video visits for patients
Education and background
Practice names
Education and training
- DePaul University, MEd in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- University of Chicago: Hyde Park (PhD)
Professional memberships
- American Mental Health Counselors Association
NPI number
1043997687
How soon can I make an appointment with Mary Leighton?
Generally, Mary Leighton has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Mary Leighton's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Mary Leighton accepting new patients?
Mary Leighton generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Mary Leighton's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Mary Leighton accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if Mary Leighton is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with Mary Leighton online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Mary Leighton using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
What practice does Mary Leighton work with?
Mary Leighton works with At Peace Therapy.
Where is Mary Leighton's office located?
Mary Leighton has 2 office locations in Chicago, view full addresses on Mary Leighton's profile.
What are common reasons for patients to see Mary Leighton?
Mary Leighton frequently sees patients for Depression, New Patient Visit, Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit, and Therapy. You can see other visit reasons for Mary Leighton on their profile.
What languages does Mary Leighton speak?
Mary Leighton speaks English.