Zachary Karr, LCSW

Zachary Karr is a licensed clinical social worker practicing in Illinois. He focuses on everyday concerns like stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and thoughts and everyday habits that get in the way of day-to-day life. He aims to create a relaxed space where people can be themselves and talk about what matters without judgment.

Zach brings six years of post-graduate clinical experience and over a decade working in mental health across three states. That range of work exposed him to many different situations and ways people cope, which he uses to shape clear, practical conversations in sessions. He keeps language simple and direct so people leave understanding the next steps.

His style is down-to-earth and interactive. He listens first, then helps identify small changes that can make daily life easier. He draws on approaches such as client-centered listening, cognitive behavioral ideas, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, and psychodynamic thinking to guide those conversations.

Zach likes to help people who feel stuck, who are managing mood concerns, or who want new ways to handle relationships, parenting, or career stress. He also supports people working through grief, addiction struggles, or identity questions in the LGBT community. Sessions focus on practical tools and reflections that fit into everyday life.

Away from work he spends time hiking, camping, or picking up new hobbies, and in winter he enjoys shows, books, and video games. This relaxed personal style carries into his work and helps people engage in straightforward, useful therapy.

Approaches that translate well to online care

Client-centered therapy focuses on listening and understanding a person's experience. It helps people feel heard and guides conversations toward what they want to change or understand. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) focuses on how thoughts and habits affect mood and behavior, and it offers clear, practical techniques to test new ways of thinking and acting. Mindfulness therapy teaches simple attention and breathing practices to reduce reactivity and improve focus in daily life.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will collaborate with the client to choose methods that match goals, preferences, and what feels useful in real life. That collaborative process helps tailor sessions so they work for each person's needs.

Confirm current session formats before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions around work, parenting, or other responsibilities. It can reduce travel time, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and let people access regular support from wherever they spend most of their day. Licensed professionals often use a mix of practical exercises, thought records, and mindfulness practices that translate well to remote sessions, helping clients build new habits between meetings.