About Karen McCurtis-Witherspoon
Karen McCurtis-Witherspoon, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist in Illinois and the founder and Chief Clinical Officer of Healing, Empowering and Learning Professionals (H.E.L.P.) LLC, a Chicago practice offering culturally responsive counseling, psychological evaluation and assessment for children, youth and adults. The practice has offices in Hyde Park, Bronzeville and South Holland, also provides school-based services, and is an approved Illinois DCFS provider of psychological evaluations and parenting capacity assessments. Dr. McCurtis-Witherspoon holds a PSYPACT authorization for telehealth practice in other compact states.
Message Karen
Ask about availability, services, and rates. No medical details needed. Only your name, email, and message are required.
Locations
Show map Hide map
Specialties
Black patients and Psychology (PhD/PsyD)
Black psychologists (PhD/PsyD): therapy, assessment, neuropsychology. Fewer than 4 percent of U.S. psychologists are Black, so concordance matters deeply.
Only about 4 percent of U.S. psychologists are Black (APA, 2022), yet the demand is extraordinary. Black adults with major depression are half as likely as white adults to receive treatment, and Black youth suicide rates have doubled since 2007. Psychologists are doctoral-level providers who specialize in evidence-based therapy (CBT, DBT, EMDR), psychological testing, and neuropsychological evaluation. They do not prescribe medication. If you need meds, they partner with a psychiatrist or PCP.
Common reasons to see a psychologist
- Depression, anxiety, panic disorder
- Complex trauma, childhood trauma, racial trauma
- Relationship and attachment patterns
- ADHD evaluation (formal neuropsych testing)
- Learning disability evaluation
- Grief, burnout, and identity work
When to book
- Months of low mood, loss of interest, or sleep/appetite disruption
- Feeling stuck after prior therapy didn't work
- Need formal ADHD or learning disability testing for accommodations
- Racial trauma that previous therapists didn't understand
Advocacy prompts
- What therapy modality do you use, and why?
- How do you handle racial and cultural context in sessions?
- How long do you expect treatment to take for someone with my presentation?
How this listing was verified
Every provider in this directory self-identifies as Black or is listed by a self-identifying professional organization, and licensure or credentials are checked before a listing goes live.
- CMS NPI Registry License check NPI 1700078748 recorded Oct 2026
- Provider self-claim Self-identification recorded Oct 2026
Frequently asked questions
Where is Karen McCurtis-Witherspoon's practice located?
Karen McCurtis-Witherspoon practices at 1525 E 53rd St, Chicago, IL 60615. Phone: 773-819-5504.
Does Karen McCurtis-Witherspoon offer telehealth?
Karen McCurtis-Witherspoon offers telehealth.
What does a Psychology (PhD/PsyD) treat?
Black psychologists (PhD/PsyD): therapy, assessment, neuropsychology. Fewer than 4 percent of U.S. psychologists are Black, so concordance matters deeply.
Other Black Psychology (PhD/PsyD) providers in IL
Trina Armstrong, PhD, LMFT
Chicago, IL
Mind Body Co-op, Psy.D., CGP, CMHIMP
Chicago, IL
Ariel Ferguson, PsyD
Burr Ridge, IL
Brian Griffith, PsyD
Chicago, IL
Aretha Steele, PsyD
Orland Park, IL
Articles about Psychology (PhD/PsyD)
Mental Health Care for New Immigrants: What You Can Use Now
Read the guide →When Your Child Is Bullied for Being African or Caribbean
Read the guide →Caribbean Families and Mental Health: The Generation Gap
Read the guide →What Happens When You Call 988: A Guide for Black Callers
Read the guide →