Rachel Mintz (she/her), LCSW, CST, PMH-C

My approach

Clients describe me as warm, calm, caring, and honest.

I strive to create an environment where you feel safe to be vulnerable with me, as well as to build a relationship with you where we can be honest with one another. It is my job to be open and honest with you about patterns or beliefs that may be getting in the way of reaching your therapeutic goals, so I will provide you with feedback in a direct, warm manner. I also encourage you to give me feedback, as this is a crucial part of strong relationships, and having a strong therapeutic relationship is the foundation of therapeutic success.

Given my training in social work, as well as feminist and queer theories, I am keenly aware of the ways in which all aspects of your life (work, relationships, physical health, sexual functioning, identity, politics, culture, etc.) may impact your mental health, which I take into consideration in treatment planning. Together we may also explore the ways in which societal/cultural/religious norms impact your life. This, coupled with improving your self-awareness and self-knowledge, will give you the tools to decide which norms actually serve you, and which do not, in order to build an authentic life.

In terms of therapeutic modalities, I practice Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). You can learn more about these modalities here.

My certifications

I am a Certified Sex Therapist (CST) through the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT). This means I received over 150 hours of education and 50 hours of supervision in order to provide evidence-based sex therapy, and obtain ongoing education to maintain this certification.
My interest in sex therapy grew from working with survivors of sexual violence and seeing the toll that this can take on one’s relationship with sex and mental health in general. Sex is an integral, often overlooked, part of our mental health, and repairing one’s relationship with sex can have wide-reaching effects. Whether you’re healing from sexual violence, experiencing sexual dysfunction, or are just dissatisfied, I hope we can get you back to feeling satisfied with your sex life–whatever that means for you.

I am also a Perinatal Mental Health-Certified (PMH-C) clinician through Postpartum Support International. In order to obtain this certification, one must undergo several hours of education and pass an exam on perinatal mental health. In order to maintain this certification, I must also continue obtaining ongoing education in this field. My interest in perinatal mental health grew from witnessing loved ones and clients transition into parenthood, experiencing emotional, physical, and relational challenges that are not discussed openly in our society. For those that decide to become parents, the transition into parenthood is often the most vulnerable time, mental-health-wise, in their lives. Everyone going through this life change deserves high-quality, evidence-based mental healthcare.

My training

I received my Bachelor’s in Anthropology from Colorado College, with minors in Feminist & Gender Studies and Spanish Language. While in college, I conducted research both on intimate partner violence connected to the military and abortion rhetoric in Quito, Ecuador, as well as worked with teens and adults experiencing homelessness.

I received my Master’s in Social Work from the University of Chicago. During my graduate training I completed my clinical internship at a rape crisis center, working with survivors of sexual violence and their loved ones.

In addition to my years in academia, I also have completed the following trainings and hold the following professional memberships:

Certified Sex Therapist (CST)

Perinatal Mental Health-Certified (PMH-C)

Trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

Gottman Training Level 1 for Couples Therapy

60-Hour Rape Crisis Counselor Training

Certified in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)

Certified in Psychological First Aid

Member of Postpartum Support International (PSI)

Member of the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT)

Member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW)

More about me

I am a cisgender, white woman who grew up in the Chicagoland area.

I speak Spanish and can provide services in “Spanglish.”

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my loved ones, learning languages, singing, camping, hiking, traveling, and moving my body.