About Dr. Nicole Velez-Pagan
Focus areas
Anxiety
Bipolar Disorder
LGBTQ+ Counseling
BIPOC Mental Health Issues
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
Women's Mental Health Issues
Bereavement / Grief Counseling
Depression
Clientele seen
Young adults (18-24)
Individuals
Adults (25-64)
Seniors (65+)
Treatment approaches
Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)
Cognitive Processing (CPT)
Attachment-based
Compassion Focused
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Culturally Sensitive
Identity
Gender
FemaleSexuality
StraightEthnicity
Hispanic or Latinx
Languages spoken
English, Spanish
Getting to know Dr. Nicole Velez-Pagan
I’m Dr. Nicole Vélez-Pagán, a bilingual (English/Spanish) Licensed Clinical Psychologist with a PsyD in Clinical Psychology from Albizu University. I specialize in psychotherapy and psychological testing for the Latinx/Hispanic and LGBTQIA+ communities in Illinois. As a proud Latina, I am deeply passionate about helping individuals and couples navigate life’s challenges, particularly those arising from cultural, societal, and relational dynamics. With years of experience working with underserved communities—including women, immigrants, veterans, and LGBTQIA+ individuals—I’m committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and affirming space for all clients. My goal is to help you explore your identity, process trauma, improve mental health, and strengthen relationships through evidence-based therapies tailored to your unique needs. Together, we’ll work toward healing, self-discovery, and overall well-being.
What should a new client know about working with you?
When working with me, you can expect a compassionate and nonjudgmental space where you will be heard and respected for who you are. I strongly believe in creating a therapeutic environment where you feel safe and supported as you explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences. My approach is collaborative—meaning we will work together to develop personalized treatment goals and find solutions that work for you. I understand the importance of cultural context in mental health and integrate a culturally responsive approach in every session, especially for those navigating the complexities of Latinx, Hispanic, or LGBTQIA+ identities.
I specialize in evidence-based therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), depending on your specific needs. These modalities will help you identify and challenge unhelpful thought patterns (CBT), build emotional regulation skills (DBT), and process trauma (CPT). Therapy is not a one-size-fits-all approach; instead, I tailor our sessions to support your unique journey and offer practical tools to help you feel empowered in your mental health and healing process.
What is your typical process for working with clients?
The process begins with an initial assessment, where we’ll take time to discuss your concerns, history, and goals for therapy. This is an opportunity for me to get to know you better and for you to ask questions about the process. We will also identify any key areas of focus, such as anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or trauma. If psychological testing is needed, I may recommend additional assessments to help gain deeper insights into your experiences.
During ongoing sessions, we’ll work together to address the challenges you’re facing. Each session is tailored to your needs, and I will offer evidence-based techniques and tools that can help you manage emotions, reframe negative thoughts, and heal from past trauma. We’ll regularly assess your progress to ensure that our work is aligned with your goals.
For individuals, the focus will often be on building self-awareness, understanding how culture and identity impact mental health, and developing coping strategies for managing emotions. For relationships/couples, we’ll work on improving communication, resolving conflicts, and building a deeper understanding of one another's needs and perspectives. I also work with clients navigating acculturation stress, identity exploration, and the pressures that come from being part of marginalized communities. Ultimately, therapy with me is a collaborative journey, and my approach is both supportive and goal-oriented, designed to empower you as you work toward healing and growth.
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: $100-200 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
- 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
More information on payments and coverage
Navigating insurance coverage and payments should be as simple as possible, and we strive to make the process smooth for you. Here's how we handle payments and insurance coverage:
1. Verification of Benefits: Your benefits will be verified prior to your first session. This allows us to confirm your coverage and provide you with details about co-pays, deductibles, and what services are covered, such as therapy and psychological testing. You'll have a clear understanding of your benefits before your first appointment.
2. Insurance Follow-Ups: If there are any issues with billing or insurance claims, we will follow up with your insurance provider to ensure that everything is processed correctly, taking the burden off your shoulders.
3. Payment Options: For your convenience, we offer electronic payment options through a secure and easy-to-use system. Payments are due at the time of service, and we accept various payment methods. If you are paying out-of-pocket, competitive rates are available, and we’re happy to discuss options with you.
4. Autopay: To streamline payments, we also offer an autopay option. Once your payment details are on file, payments can be automatically processed after each session, letting you focus more on your therapy and less on the administrative side.
We aim to make the financial aspect of therapy as straightforward as possible so that you can focus on your healing and growth. If you have any questions about insurance or payment options, feel free to reach out.
Education and background
Practice names
Education and training
- Albizu University, PsyD in Clinical Psychology
Professional memberships
- American Psychological Association
NPI number
1144084401
How soon can I make an appointment with Dr. Nicole Velez-Pagan?
Generally, Dr. Nicole Velez-Pagan has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Dr. Velez-Pagan's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Dr. Nicole Velez-Pagan accepting new patients?
Dr. Nicole Velez-Pagan generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Dr. Velez-Pagan's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Dr. Nicole Velez-Pagan accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if Dr. Velez-Pagan is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with Dr. Nicole Velez-Pagan online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Dr. Velez-Pagan using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
What practice does Dr. Nicole Velez-Pagan work with?
Dr. Nicole Velez-Pagan works with Reconnect Psychotherapy PLLC.
What are common reasons for patients to see Dr. Nicole Velez-Pagan?
Dr. Nicole Velez-Pagan frequently sees patients for New Patient Visit, Pain Management Consultation, Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit, and Sleep Problems. You can see other visit reasons for Dr. Nicole Velez-Pagan on their profile.
What languages does Dr. Nicole Velez-Pagan speak?
Dr. Nicole Velez-Pagan speaks English and Spanish.