Laura Elk-Weist

Laura Elk-Weist accepts Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, Out of state BlueCard PPO, United Healthcare, United Healthcare/Optum, Cigna Healthcare/Evernorth, Centivo, Oscar IL, and Prime Health. Octave clients pay an average of $28 per session through insurance, and more than 95% pay less than $45 per session. Your exact cost depends on your plan’s copay or deductible. You can use the cost estimator to see what you would pay before your first session. If you would rather pay out of pocket, self-pay sessions in Illinois are estimated at $185-195 per session.

Laura Elk-Weist is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Laura is licensed to practice in Florida, Illinois, and Texas, so clients located in any of those states can book sessions. Laura’s Illinois license number is 149013658, and you can look it up through the state licensing board. Octave verifies every therapist’s license before they begin seeing clients, and licenses are kept current as a condition of practicing with Octave.

Laura Elk-Weist has been practicing therapy for 17 years. Laura’s education and training include MA - Clinical Social Work, University of Chicago. Over that time, Laura has worked closely with LGBTQ+, Parents, Neurodivergence, and Students. Octave therapists average more than a decade of experience, and Laura is part of that group.

Laura Elk-Weist works with LGBTQ+, Parents, Neurodivergence, and Students and specializes in Anxiety, Depression, LGBTQ+, Life Transitions, Relationship Concerns, Stress, Trans+, and Workplace Stress. These are the areas where Laura spends most of their clinical time. If the concern you want help with isn’t listed here, a Care Navigator can tell you whether Laura is a good fit or match you with another Octave therapist who specializes in it.

Laura Elk-Weist draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Interpersonal Psychotherapy, Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Psychodynamic, Relational, Solution-Focused, and Strengths-Based. In sessions, Laura’s style is affirming, authentic, challenging, open-minded, and warm. In Laura’s words: “I believe you already hold the capacity for change, and my role is to walk alongside you with guidance, skills, and support.”

Laura Elk-Weist (she/her) offers therapy in English. Laura identifies as White. Laura provides LGBTQIA+ affirming care.

Laura Elk-Weist offers online sessions over secure video, so you can meet from home or any private space. Laura is licensed in Florida, Illinois, and Texas, and you need to be located in one of those states at the time of each session. All you need is a device with a camera and a stable internet connection.

Your first session with Laura Elk-Weist is a chance to talk through what brought you to therapy and what you want to work on. Laura will ask about your background, your current concerns, and your goals, and together you will start shaping a plan for your sessions. It is also a chance to see whether Laura’s style feels like a good fit for you. After their first session, 9 in 10 Octave clients say their therapy experience has been good or better.

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Only clients who have completed a session with this provider can leave a rating for them.