Monique Cleminson, PsyD

Hello! My name is Dr. Monique Cleminson

I’m a clinical psychologist licensed in Illinois and New York and authorized to provide telepsychology in participating PSYPACT states. I love helping people feel more confident, less anxious, and more comfortable with who they are and how they move through their lives and relationships. I deeply value openness, curiosity, and acceptance of others, values that ultimately led me to create Open Mind Therapy Center.

My approach to therapy is warm, active, collaborative, and insight-oriented. I bring a genuine, encouraging, and energetic presence to our work together, and I want therapy to feel both supportive and hopeful. We’ll work together to deepen your understanding of yourself and explore how your experiences and relationships have shaped the way you see yourself, relate to others, and respond to what happens in your life. I will help you make sense of complicated emotions and situations, find clarity when things feel confusing or overwhelming, and recognize patterns that may be keeping you stuck. We will also build on your strengths, work through experiences that continue to affect you, and move toward feeling more confident and grounded in making choices that feel right for you.

Above all, I want therapy to feel like a place where you can genuinely be yourself. I work hard to create a relationship where you feel safe, understood, and accepted, while also creating space for us to look at things from different perspectives and gently challenge patterns that may no longer be serving you. I bring curiosity, thoughtfulness, and positivity to my work, and I value the connection we build along the way. I look forward to understanding what matters most to you and working together toward the changes you hope to make in your life!

My Professional Background

I earned my undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Spanish from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, and my doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from the Adler School of Professional Psychology in Chicago. During and following my studies, I also had the opportunity to live and study abroad in Ecuador, Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Argentina. I hold a certificate in Art Therapy from Northwestern University and a certificate in Trauma Studies from the Justice Resource Institute (JRI) in Boston. I am also engaged in ongoing specialty training in Psychodrama through the Hudson Valley Psychodrama Institute in New York.

Throughout my career, I have worked with individuals across a wide range of settings and life circumstances. My experience includes working with adults and adolescents experiencing acute mental health crises in inpatient hospital settings, individuals receiving intensive treatment for eating disorders, and people navigating substance use and recovery. I have also worked extensively with individuals affected by trauma, homelessness, incarceration and reentry, and other significant life transitions.

In my clinical work, I have extensive experience helping adults with anxiety, depression, low self-confidence, grief and loss, trauma, gender identity and transition, relationships, and maintaining recovery from substance use.

In addition to my private practice, I serve as Director of Clinical Excellence and Training at a transitional living and behavioral health organization in Chicago, where I train and supervise graduate students pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees in social work, clinical counseling, forensic, and clinical psychology.

Treatment Specialization Areas

  • Stress and Emotional Overwhelm

  • Relationships (i.e. Infidelity, Uncertainty, Trust Issues, Moving On, Dating)

  • Adjustment to Change (i.e. School, Career, Move, Endings, New Beginnings)

  • Self-Esteem/Self-Image

  • Grief and Loss

  • Gender Identity

  • Anxiety

  • Depression

Contact

I see clients in person at our downtown Chicago office and offer online therapy throughout Illinois. I am also licensed in New York and provide online therapy to clients in New York and participating PSYPACT states. If you’re interested in working together or have questions about whether I can provide therapy where you’re located, email me at mcleminson@openmindtherapycenter.com. I am excited to help you move towards your personal goals!