Introducing
Dr. Buckelew and
Elysian Mental Health
Learn more about the practice, Dr. Buckelew’s background and approach, and what
you can expect as a client
Learn more about the practice, Dr. Buckelew’s background and approach, and what you can expect as a client
Hello and Welcome
Hello and Welcome
I'm Cassidy, a licensed clinical psychologist in Illinois and the founder of Elysian Mental Health. I created this practice to offer a relaxing space where you can share your experiences, feel understood, and work together toward your goals.
My approach is primarily psychodynamic and attachment-based. In practice, that means we'll explore the story of your life from past to present and look at how your relationships, your history, and the roles you've learned to play shape the way you feel today.
Therapy with me is conversational and collaborative. Together, we'll work to deeply understand your inner world, explore new perspectives, and build new skills that help you move toward your goals.
One of my favorite parts of this work is when clients tell me their hour in therapy feels like a respite: a chance to set down their troubles, take a pause, and leave feeling a bit lighter than when they arrived.
I'm a licensed clinical psychologist in Illinois, and through PSYPACT I'm authorized to provide telehealth in 40+ participating states. I earned my PsyD in Clinical Psychology from Adler University in 2022 and completed my APA-accredited internship at Adler Community Health Services. My clinical training also includes work done within Northwestern Medicine, Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, Thresholds, and several private practices across Chicagoland.
My doctoral research focused on women's mental health, parenthood, and the division of household labor, and working with women on these topics remains a clinical passion of mine. I've also served as adjunct faculty at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology and have worked with Prosper Health providing adult autism evaluations. I hold a bachelor's in Applied Clinical Psychology from the University of Michigan-Flint and have called Chicago home since 2017.
Background & Experience
Background & Experience
In Greek mythology, the Elysian Fields were a place of deep rest and restoration.
In Greek mythology, the Elysian Fields were a place of deep rest and restoration.
The ancient poets imagined the Elysian Fields as a world apart, with its own sun and stars, where those who had come through life's trials could rest and be renewed.
Therapy can be that kind of space — away from the noise of everyday life, with room to reflect, heal, and come back to yourself.
The ancient poets imagined the Elysian Fields as a world apart, with its own sun and stars, where those who had come through life's trials could rest and be renewed.
Therapy can be that kind of space — away from the noise of everyday life, with room to reflect, heal, and come back to yourself.
Your Top Questions, Answered
Your Top Questions, Answered
-
Yes — we accept most PPO plans with Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Oscar Health, and United HealthCare.
Once you share your insurance information with our practice, we will check your benefits and follow-up with an estimate of what your policy covers.Learn more on our FAQ page
-
The culture, identity, and story you bring into the room are a big part of knowing you and foundational to building a strong connection. I work with clients from many cultural backgrounds and find that staying thoughtful and curious helps create a space where you can feel safe and deeply understood.
My practice is also affirming for LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent clients. Our work isn't about changing who you are. It's about helping you feel more comfortable in yourself and building a life that's better suited to you. There's no single picture of what "healthy" looks like, and together we'll figure out what well-being means in your life, on your terms.
Learn more on our FAQ page
-
Both. I see clients in person at my office in downtown Evanston, and I offer telehealth for clients throughout Illinois. Through PSYPACT, I can also provide virtual sessions in 40+ participating states. If you're not sure which option fits you best, we can talk it through during a free consultation call.
Learn more on our FAQ page
In addition to clinical services, Dr. Buckelew offers consultation for psychologists and therapists seeking structured support in assessment, complex case conceptualization, and private practice development.
