About Us: Meet Josh Bate, LPC

Josh Bate, LPC

Hello there!

I’m Josh, a Licensed Professional Counselor based in Chicago, Illinois. My clients experience me as warm, collaborative, genuine, and supportive, which together help create a safe and comfortable therapeutic environment for everyone. I try not to take myself too seriously, but when the time comes to work through the more difficult parts of life, I pride myself on being a thoughtful, engaged, and nonjudgmental listener who will meet clients where they’re at.

How I Help…

I believe that therapy works best when clients feel comfortable enough to be themselves without fear of judgment. Every person who seeks out therapy has their own experiences, goals, and strengths, which is why I aim to take a collaborative and individualized approach to treatment. Rather than applying the same approach to everyone, I work alongside clients to better understand their needs and what will genuinely help them move forward in life.

My therapeutic approach incorporates evidence-based modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). I work with clients to better understand patterns of thinking, build coping skills, improve emotional awareness, and increase confidence in managing difficult situations.

I have experience working with individuals navigating anxiety, OCD, depression, stress, relationship concerns, self-esteem difficulties, and major life transitions. I know that seeking therapy can be uncomfortable or even intimidating at first, and that’s why I strive to create an environment where clients feel supported, heard, and accepted throughout the process.

My Background…

I grew up in the Chicago area and received my undergraduate degree in Psychology. I later received my Master’s degree in Clinical Counseling from Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science. As a therapist, I have extensive experience working in high-acuity mental health settings with adolescents and adults experiencing anxiety, OCD, depression, mood disorders, life transitions, and emotional dysregulation. 

I completed my clinical internship at Rogers Behavioral Health in Skokie, Illinois, before becoming a staff member there. While there, I provided individual therapy, couples therapy, facilitated process and psychoeducation groups, worked with families, and supported clients through periods of significant emotional distress in their lives. This experience helped me develop practical skills to navigate anxiety, depression, uncertainty, and difficult life experiences more broadly.

On a more personal note…

Outside of therapy, I enjoy film, television, and pop culture, especially anything related to movies and storytelling. I also enjoy writing, traveling, and spending time with friends and family. I believe connection, humor, and authenticity are important parts of life, and I try to bring those same qualities into the therapy room whenever possible.