Barney Straus

Barney Straus is a dedicated and compassionate Clinical Social Worker and Therapist, specializing in the treatment of addictions, including drugs, alcohol, and behaviors such as gambling, sexual addiction, and disordered eating. He is skilled in addressing underlying issues of anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges. Working with clients of all ages—from teenagers to elders—Barney offers both individual and group therapy sessions. His therapeutic approach is interpersonal and client-centered, emphasizing that the client's own treatment goals are paramount. Recovery from addiction, as he emphasizes, often involves two phases: halting the concerning behavior and exploring deeper underlying issues. As a certified Problem and Compulsive Gambling Counselor, and a Certified Group Psychotherapist accredited by the International Registry of Group Psychotherapists, he provides a unique therapy experience. Clients typically start with a few individual sessions before becoming part of a supportive small group that meets weekly online. While his primary practice is based in Chicago, Illinois, Barney is also licensed in California, Colorado, and New Mexico, offering telehealth services to residents in these states. With group sizes limited to eight participants, he fosters a collaborative and cohesive environment for mutual support within a virtual setting.