Licensed Professional Counselor

Sara Raja

MA, LPC, NCC
Therapy for ages 12+

I have a deep desire to connect with my clients and walk alongside them through life’s ups and downs. My approach is warm, compassionate, and collaborative. Whether you come to therapy with a clear goal or simply a sense of pain you can’t yet name, I’ll work with you to find a path toward healing and growth.

I use an integrative approach, drawing from strengths-based, person-centered, and cognitive behavioral therapies, while tailoring treatment to each client’s unique needs and goals. Together, we’ll build on your strengths, develop coping skills, and create meaningful change that supports the life you want. I welcome diversity in all its forms and have experience working with people from many different backgrounds, cultures, and life stages. As a woman of color, I am especially passionate about supporting minorities and creating a safe, judgment-free space where clients can be their most authentic selves.

I hold a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northwestern University. I also offer therapy in Urdu and Punjabi, providing culturally responsive care for clients who feel most comfortable in those languages.

A little about me:
Outside of therapy, I love spending quality time with family and friends, exploring new cafes and restaurants, experimenting with recipes in the kitchen, or curling up with a good book.

Top Specialties:

  • Anxiety

  • Depression

  • Trauma and PTSD

Areas of Expertise:

  • Asperger's Syndrome

  • Autism

  • Children & Teens

  • Codependency

  • Coping Skills

  • Emotional Disturbance

  • Family Conflict

  • Identify Issues

  • LGBTQ+

  • Life Stress & Transitions

  • Men's Issues

  • Mood Disorders

  • Multiculturally Sensitive Therapy

  • Parenting

  • Peer Relationships

  • Personality Disorders

  • Racial Identity

  • Relationship Issues

  • School Issues

  • Self Esteem

  • Self-Harming

  • Spirituality

  • Stress

  • Suicidal Ideation

  • Women's Issues

I’m in network with:

Aetna


Anthem


BCBS PPO



Cigna / Evernorth

Call (630) 940-6828 or email scheduling@paderatherapy.com to set up an appointment or schedule a 15-minute free phone consultation.

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a structured, goal-oriented type of talk therapy that can help manage mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety, and emotional concerns, such as coping with grief or stress.

“As a woman of color myself, I have a passion for working with other minorities and offering a safe space where they can be their most authentic self without fear of judgment or misunderstanding.”

— Sara Raja

Questions about insurance?

Give us a call or email scheduling@paderatherapy.com. We can often work with insurance companies if we are out-of-network. If we are an out-of-network provider or you do not have insurance, our rate is currently $135.00 for a 53 minute session. However, we also offer reduced rates in special circumstances. Finances should never be a deterrent for seeking help! We work with families to come up with a number that works for you.