Andrea Bercos , LCSW

Andrea Bercos is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor licensed in Illinois, bringing 21 years of professional experience working across community mental health, substance use treatment centers, domestic violence and sexual assault programs, the public school system, and private practice. He draws on that broad background to support people facing a range of concerns, including childhood trauma and abuse, addictions, low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, relationship and family challenges, grief, and issues related to gender and sexuality.

He has particular experience assisting individuals through gender transition and addressing the complex impacts of trauma, substance use, and codependency. Andrea uses practical, person-centered interventions to help clients develop coping skills, rebuild self-worth, and move toward more satisfying relationships and daily functioning. He aims to create an open, nonjudgmental space where thoughts and feelings can be explored openly, and he adapts therapeutic techniques to match each person’s needs and goals.

Clients have described him as safe, free of judgment, empathic, affirming, empowering, and warm. Taking the first step toward therapy can take courage, and he acknowledges and supports that effort while working collaboratively with clients toward meaningful, sustainable change.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care with Andrea Bercos

Andrea often uses client-centered therapy, which focuses on listening carefully and building a respectful, nonjudgmental relationship so clients can explore their own goals and values. This approach helps people who need support making changes, improving self-esteem, or working through identity and relationship concerns.

He also draws on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a practical method that helps people identify unhelpful thinking patterns and learn skills to manage anxiety, depression, and addictive behaviors. CBT is useful for clients looking for structured strategies to reduce symptoms and improve daily functioning.

Andrea incorporates trauma-focused techniques when addressing the effects of abuse and traumatic experiences, helping clients process painful memories and develop coping strategies that reduce the ongoing impact of trauma. As with many licensed professionals, he adapts these methods to each person’s situation rather than relying on a single approach, and he works collaboratively with clients to determine the best fit based on their needs, goals, and preferences.

Online therapy with video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging offers flexibility for scheduling, easier access for those with transportation or time limitations, and consistent contact between appointments when needed. These options make it easier for clients to receive ongoing support from a licensed therapist while fitting care into their daily lives.