Nozi Afzali Lsw

Nozi Afzali, she/her

LSW
Ages seen
18+
Languages I speak
English
Accepting new clients?
Yes
Location
Portage Park, plus virtual across Illinois
SPECIALITIES:
  • Bipolar
  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Domestic Violence
  • Eating Disorders
  • LGBTQIA+
  • Mood Disorder
  • Multicultural
  • Non Substance Addiction
  • Perinatal
  • PTSD
  • Self Harm
  • Substance use
  • Trauma
ABOUT ME:

I’m a Licensed Social Worker in Portage Park who works with anyone needing support through the ebbs and flows of life. I lead with a culturally conscious, person-centered, strengths-based lens to create a space where you feel safe, comfortable, and able to show up as your full self.

Quote Png.png

“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” — Maya Angelou

At a glance

Best fit for: Trauma and PTSD, grief, domestic violence, self-harm and SI, substance use, eating disorders, bipolar/mood, immigrant, LGBTQ+; adults.

Approaches: Motivational Interviewing, Person-Centered Therapy, Strengths-Based Therapy

Who Am I?

Hey there. I’m Nozi (she/hers), a licensed social worker who works with anyone needing support through life’s ups and downs. I see therapy as collaborative: I’m walking alongside you, not leading from above, because you’re the expert in your own life. I can’t fix things for you, but I can help you understand what may no longer be serving you and support you in making changes that feel meaningful and realistic. I’m a cisgender, second-generation, Middle Eastern American woman.

I specialize in working with:
  • Emerging and young adults exploring who they are and what no longer fits
  • Adults balancing responsibilities, relationships, and daily demands
  • Big emotions tied to grief, trauma, relationships, transitions, identity, and uncertainty
  • Coping strategies that once helped but no longer support your growth
How I help

At the core of my approach is a safe, collaborative space where you feel seen and heard as we explore patterns and defenses that may no longer serve you. My work is integrative and grounded in psychoeducation and evidence-based modalities.. I hold a 40-hour ICDVP Domestic Violence Certification, which informs my commitment to safe spaces for trauma processing and empowerment, and I’m a Certified Shame-Informed Treatment Specialist. I bring curiosity, humility, and integrity, and I stay committed to ongoing self-reflection around bias and privilege.

What a session with me is like

The first few sessions focus on getting to know you, your story, and what’s bringing you in. Therapy is fluid soI’ll check in with you along the way to make sure the relationship feels helpful and to adjust as needed.

What I believe

I believe in meeting you where you are, gently challenging when it helps, and knowing when pushing isn’t what’s needed.

A little more about me

Outside of work I enjoy time with my rescue Chihuahua, family, and friends. When Chicago weather allows, you’ll find me by the lakefront soaking up time outside. I’m a big fan of the Real Housewives franchise, and yes, I’ll reference iconic moments in session. I also love historical fiction, Pilates, exploring neighborhoods, road trips with my dog, and experimenting with new crockpot recipes.

help-line
A few common questions

Are you accepting new clients?
Yes

Do you offer virtual sessions?
Yes, I see clients virtually across Illinois, and in person at our Portage Park office.

What do you help with most?
Grief, trauma, life transitions, identity, relationships, and shame-informed care.

What insurance do you take?
BCBS PPO, Endeavor HMO, Optum, and Aetna.

Quick Facts

Ages seen

18+

Languages I speak

English

Accepting new clients?

Yes

Location

plus virtual across Illinois, Portage Park

Insurance Accepted
Similar Therapists

READY WHEN YOU ARE

Schedule your first appointment. For follow up appointments (existing clients), please contact your therapist at 773-774-4444.

How I Can Support You

We help individuals grow, heal, and move forward with compassionate care.

A Few Questions Before You Start?

We know reaching out can feel overwhelming. These quick answers can help you.

Q. How do I find the right therapist for me?

Each therapist’s page lists their focus areas, the ages they see, and the insurance they take. You can also call us at 773-774-4444, text 773-677-5002, or email [email protected], and our intake coordinator will help match you with the right therapist.

Urban Wellness is a multispecialty group practice. We bring on therapists who specialize in specific areas, and collectively our team supports the whole lifespan and most presenting concerns, from young children to older adults and from everyday stress to complex trauma.

Yes. All of our therapists offer virtual sessions across Illinois, alongside in-person availability at our four Chicago-area offices.

Yes. As a practice, Urban Wellness accepts BCBS PPO, BCBS HMO (Northshore and Endeavor), Aetna, Cigna/Evernorth, and Optum/UnitedHealthcare. Individual therapists may still be in the process of credentialing or not yet in network with every plan, so check the therapist’s own page or check with our intake department.

Your first session is about getting to know each other. You’ll talk through what brought you in and start shaping goals, at your pace. Your therapist will ask questions that help them understand your past and how it shapes you, your present concerns, and future goals.

Yes. We’re an anti-oppressive, neuro/LGBTQIA+/BIPOC/disability affirming practice, and many of our clinicians hold LGBTQ+, neurodivergent, and multicultural lived experience.