Lee Wells, PhD, LCSW (she/her)
Individual and Group Therapist
Co-Owner & Clinical Director
Hello! I’m Lee - great to meet you! Let me share a bit about myself. I received a Bachelor of Science in Education as a Learning Behavior Specialist from Northern Illinois University (yes, I used to be a teacher!), a Master of Arts in Social Work from the University of Chicago, and a Ph.D. from Northern Illinois University. Can you believe I’ve worked with children and families for over 15 years!? For many of those years, I was a lecturer at the University of Chicago, teaching courses in cognitive and contextually-based behavioral therapies (i.e., DBT, ACT, mindfulness-based therapies). I was also the creator and director of the Child Programs for Mood and Anxiety Disorders at the largest partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs in Chicagoland. My favorite fun fact is that I’m the co-author of A Kids Book About Pronouns with my spouse, Dr. Courtney Wells. I’ve also published research in professional journals such as Zero to Three and have contributed to popular sites such as Chicago Parent.
Today, I find my professional joy in supporting children, teens, young adults, and families at Mind Chicago. As a queer therapist, I value working with LGBTQIA+ youth and young adults on their health and wellness journeys.
My primary therapeutic approaches include:
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for OCD and anxiety - Trained through the University of Pennsylvania
Resilience Builder Program® - Level 2 certified provider
Fun fact, I’m a certified yoga instructor - a little out of practice but certified nonetheless. Outside of the therapy office, I consider myself a crockpot aficionado. Ask me about my famous stuffed peppers! In the office, folks call me the office horticulturist. Stop by Mind Chicago, and you might find me misting, watering, or pruning one of our MANY plants!
Serving Illinois & Massachusetts residents.