About Susanne Kowalsky
Focus areas
Addiction / Substance Abuse
BIPOC Mental Health Issues
Perinatal Mental Health
Adoption Counseling
Family Issues
Relationship Struggles
Anxiety
Life Transition
Clientele seen
Adults (25-64)
Individuals
Treatment approaches
Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Adlerian
Compassion Focused
Attachment-based
Culturally Sensitive
Identity
Gender
FemaleEthnicity
Asian
Languages spoken
English
Getting to know Susanne Kowalsky
As a transracial adoptee, a parent, and a person with lived experience, I bring an intersectional lens to my work. While my personal experiences offer an insider’s understanding of struggle, resilience, and growth, I am careful and intentional about recognizing where our stories are unique.
With nearly 15 years of experience, I have had the privilege of connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. I spent a decade working as an outreach worker, case manager, and therapist in community mental health organizations in Chicago. These experiences are foundational to the way I work. Additionally, I hold a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology and Counselor Education from the University of Colorado, which provides a solid foundation in evidence-based approaches.
First and foremost, therapy requires a true partnership. I enter every therapeutic relationship with humility and respect. In sessions, I collaborate with clients to explore, experiment, brainstorm, and build. My case management background promotes a holistic view of mental health centered around practical solutions and actionable ideas across various domains of wellness.
My training offers a strong evidence-based foundation, while my experience drives the need for flexibility—one size doesn’t fit all, and sometimes we need to create a brand new garment to fit the human in front of us. Having worked with hundreds of people from all walks of life, my work is rooted in the firm belief that everyone has the capacity for change when offered acceptance, warmth, and connection. People are capable of making powerful, meaningful changes, and it’s an honor to be part of their process.
What should a new client know about working with you?
One of the first goals in therapy is to develop a strong partnership. As a client, you should feel like you set the pace for therapy and that your therapist is actively trying to understand your experiences and perspective. Your sessions should leave you with a felt sense of safety and control, even – and especially – during a vulnerable process.
My approach is active and constructive, meaning I do more than just listen and allow for venting; therapy is also a place to peel back the layers of your experiences, develop insight into your patterns, and build new skills for moving forward. I offer solution-focused, practical tools combined with a patient and warm presence.
I believe that you have expertise and solutions within you; my role is to draw them out and help you trust your own voice and perspective. Together, we can brainstorm what kind of practices you can put in place to achieve the progress and growth you’re striving for.
What is your typical process for working with clients?
I encourage you to pay attention to your internal responses while talking with a potential therapist. It can take time to develop a sense of trust and comfort – especially within a process that pushes us to sit with some uncomfortable things – but with the right therapist, you should feel listened to, want to continue the conversation, and be curious about what comes next.
Your first session is an opportunity for you and your therapist to get to know each other. You’ll discuss your reasons for seeking therapy, your goals, and what you hope to achieve. Your therapist will ask questions to assess your needs and begin to clarify the focus of your work together. It’s also a space for you to ask questions and for your therapist to explain how sessions are structured.
Sessions typically last about 50 minutes. The frequency of sessions depends on your unique needs and goals, which you’ll determine together with your therapist. Typically, we do recommend that people start out with weekly sessions. We get into a good groove together more quickly that way.
Is this doctor in your insurance network?
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In-network insurances
Susanne Kowalsky, LCPC has +36 in-network plans.
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
Initial session: $175 for 60 minutes
Ongoing session: $150 for 60 minutes
More information on payments and coverage
I am in-network with BCBS PPO, Blue Choice PPO, and Aetna PPO. Some insurance providers offer out-of-network benefits, meaning that they might cover some of your costs, even if I'm not in their network.
Insurance coverage is confusing for just about everyone, so know that you’re not alone and that I'm here to help figure this out together.
Education and background
Practice names
Education and training
- University of Colorado, Master's in Counseling Psychology and Counselor Education
NPI number
1285117002
How soon can I make an appointment with Susanne Kowalsky?
Generally, Susanne Kowalsky has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Susanne Kowalsky's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Susanne Kowalsky accepting new patients?
Susanne Kowalsky generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Susanne Kowalsky's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Susanne Kowalsky accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if Susanne Kowalsky is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with Susanne Kowalsky online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Susanne Kowalsky using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
What practice does Susanne Kowalsky work with?
Susanne Kowalsky works with Practice for Progress.
What are common reasons for patients to see Susanne Kowalsky?
Susanne Kowalsky frequently sees patients for Depression, New Patient Visit, Pain Management Consultation, Psychotherapy, and Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit. You can see other visit reasons for Susanne Kowalsky on their profile.
What languages does Susanne Kowalsky speak?
Susanne Kowalsky speaks English.