Cassandra Brandes, PH.D.
ADVANCED POSTDOCTORAL FELLOW
She/Her
Email: cbrandes@wellspirecounsleing.com
ACCEPTED INSURANCE
-Aetna
-BCBS PPO
-Blue Choice Network
-UnitedHealthcare
*For more information on network participation, please visit your insurance website or call the number on the back of your benefits card
Waitlist for New Clients
PHILOSOPHY
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Mental health is intimately connected with every aspect of your life—your work, school, relationships, and overall well-being. Acknowledging the need for support is a crucial step towards achieving balance and fulfillment. Emotions can often feel overwhelming, and life's challenges can sometimes seem impossible. I am here to provide a safe, supportive space where you can explore your feelings and experiences without judgment. Together, we can combine your personal strengths with research-supported tools to help you achieve a rich and meaningful life.
APPROACH
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My approach is evidence-based, client-centered, collaborative, and empathic. I believe in using research to give my clients the most effective therapy possible, so I employ well-validated treatments including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) in my practice. Therapy with me is client-centered, meaning your own goals and values will always guide our work together. I focus on helping you identify personal values and use these to achieve your “life worth living.” Finally, I believe that you and I are a team in your treatment: you are the expert on your own experiences, while I can offer space for self-discovery and practical, everyday tools for enhancing your mental health. I aim to help you feel empowered to master challenging feelings, thoughts, and experiences.
I work with adults and teens with a variety of concerns, but I specialize in anxiety, depression, substance use problems, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), ADHD, interpersonal problems, and life transitions. I am committed to cultural humility and recognize the importance of intersectionality in my clients’ identities (including those related to race/ethnicity, gender, disability, and more). I am also passionate about providing quality, affirming care to LGBTQIA+ people and to individuals and couples practicing non-monogamy.
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EXPERIENCE
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I completed my Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at Northwestern University and my doctoral internship at the University of Illinois at Chicago. I also hold a research fellowship position at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. My doctoral and postdoctoral training has included providing individual, couples, and group therapy as well as integrative diagnostic assessments. I have extensive experience across various levels of care, including partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and outpatient settings. My comprehensive training and diverse clinical experience enable me to provide empathetic, effective care tailored to your unique needs.
FOCUS AREAS
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Anxiety
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ADHD
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Depression
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LGBTQIA+ Identity
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Life Transitions
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Substance Use
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CLIENTELE
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Adolescents
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College/Emerging Adults
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Adults
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Couples/Relationship Partners
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LOCATION
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Telehealth in IL
EDUCATION
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Ph.D., Clinical Psychology, 2023, Northwestern University
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M.A., Clinical Psychology, 2019, Northwestern University
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B.S., Psychology, 2014, University of Oregon
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LICENSURE
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I am a pre-licensed Advanced Postdoctoral Fellow under the supervision of an IL Licensed Clinical Psychologist
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SUPERVISOR
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