Tova Gottlieb, LCSW

Lincoln Square

Tova is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who has extensive experience working in private practice, outpatient, community, and medical settings. She works with individuals, adults, adolescents, and families, and specializes in treating mood disorders, including depression and anxiety; life transitions, and living with chronic illnesses.

Tova works to empower and help her clients understand the impact having a chronic illness has on their mental health. She specializes in working with individuals (adolescents ages 10+, young adults, adults) to better manage the daily stressors that come with living with a chronic illness. Tova has extensive knowledge and training in working with individuals with autoimmune disorders (Type 1 Diabetes, Celiac Disease, and Lupus); chronic pain, and other chronic illnesses (Kidney Disease, transplants, Type 2 Diabetes, etc).

As a therapist, Tova’s approach is direct while being empathetic and supportive to empower clients and meet clients where they are emotionally. Tova is committed to tailoring interventions and approaches to each individual’s needs in order to work collaboratively with clients. Tova integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and psychodynamic theories.

As an individual living with a chronic illness for over 25 years, Tova is passionate about and deeply values the opportunity to support individuals dealing with emotions relating to chronic illness in order to empower them to cope with the daily stress and anxieties of accepting and coping with life changes. Tova utilizes a collaborative and relational approach to therapy to help individuals express and empower themselves to regain control over their life.

Tova received her bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Northeastern Illinois University. She received her Master’s of Social Work from University of Illinois at Chicago. Tova has previous experience as a Medical Social Worker working with adults, adolescents , and their families to understand and cope with the daily frustrations of having a chronic illness.

Tova’s favorite quote is “I am a big fan of being human”, and in her office, she empowers her clients to embrace all the messy yet beautiful emotions and experiences that come with being human.

Accepts Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO, United Healthcare and self-pay.