Profile image of Brandon  Vélez Ríos

Brandon Vélez Ríos(He/Him/His)

(He/Him/His)
Psychologist, PhD
Illinois
Anxiety - Depression- LGBTQIA, gender, & sexuality topics-Panic attacks / panic disorder-Chronic illness-
AboutSpecialtiesLocationsInsurance & Fees

Professional statement

Dr. Brandon Vélez-Rios is a pre-licensed therapist that enjoys helping people identify what they care about most in life, and assisting them in overcoming adversity. His goal is to co-create a therapeutic space where you feel comfortable talking about those things we rarely share with people. As a first-generation Hispanic & gay therapist, he is familiar with many of challenges minorities face. He strives to use his identities to better relate to his clients and offer competent and culturally sensitive interventions.

He has been trained in cognitive behavioral approaches (CBT, ACT and DBT), and he incorporates motivational interviewing. For over 3 years he has provided services to people of all ages living with HIV and other chronic health conditions. Other additional areas of clinical interest are mood disorders, anxiety disorders, geek therapy, sexual orientation and gender identity development, kinks and fetishes, and working with Latinx clients.

Dr. Vélez-Rios completed his pre-doctoral internship at the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana, and he enjoys working with emerging adults and college students. When not working, he loves spending his time trying new foods, connecting with friends, playing videogames, listening to music, and watching series and movies.


Message to clients

Hi! Thank you for viewing my profile. I look forward to us meeting and working together, but I believe sharing a bit more about what you can expect can be helpful.

My therapeutic approach is modified depending on the person. I tend to work from a collaborative approach where your strengths are recognized, and we try to build upon that foundation. Your foundation is created by all the diverse experiences you have gone through in life, meaning everyone has a unique lens through which they see their world. My goal is to understand that lens and share with you how it may or may not be helping you in this moment, while also providing techniques you may incorporate into your repertoire of skills. I prioritize your lived experiences, and believe we are more than what we feel and what we do. If you believe we could be a good fit to work together, please don't hesitate to reach out. We can schedule a free 15-minute video consultation to talk more about your needs and make sure I can provide what you are looking for.


Licensure

Illinois: 071010306

Supervisor: Corina Morgan( 071010306)


Languages

English, Spanish

Specialties

Anxiety - Coping with excessive worry, nervousness, or stress; intense discomfort in social settings (social anxiety); sudden and intense feelings of panic (panic disorder)

Depression - Providing support and promoting healing of hopelessness, low motivation and energy, sadness, irritability, sleep disturbance, and loss of interest and pleasure in life

LGBTQIA, gender, & sexuality topics - Exploring topics of sexuality, gender, and identity; coping with discrimination and oppression; navigating relationship, family, and cultural challenges

Panic attacks / panic disorder - Brief, intense periods of overwhelming fear or anxiety.

Chronic illness - Receiving a diagnosis; adjusting to lifestyle and medication changes; coping with related changes in mood, emotions, and relationships; managing symptoms and stress




Clientele

  • Adults (24+)
  • Seniors (65+)
  • Young adults (18-24)

Locations & Hours


Insurance

  • Aetna
  • Aetna Student Health Insurance
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois PPO
  • Northwestern University Student Health Insurance (Aetna)
  • UMR
  • United Healthcare

Out-of-pocket fees

  • Individual sessions:$180 (55min)
  • Sliding scale:$43 - $180