Rachel Epley, LMHC, LCPC, MT-BC
In-Person & Telehealth Appointments
She/Her/Hers
Rachel is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC, Iowa), Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC, Illinois), and Board-Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC) who specializes in working with individuals impacted by recurring or treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, trauma, chronic medical conditions, cognitive decline and dementia, personal loss, and end-of-life issues. Rachel uses an adaptive approach to meet the individual needs of each client, drawing from the psychotherapeutic theories of positive psychology, strengths-based therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT). She also uses music therapy with clients who enjoy a creative approach to therapeutic insight and growth. Rachel works with adolescents aged 16 and older, adults, and older adults of diverse identities and neurological experiences.
Rachel is committed to ongoing awareness of her sociocultural privileges and how they influence her work with clients. She strives to be gender-affirming, sex-positive, polyamory friendly, trauma-informed, and culturally sensitive in her therapeutic approach. She is committed to resisting discrimination and oppression in any form. Rachel celebrates body size diversity, LGBTQIA+ identities, disability inclusivity, and cultural humility. She advocates for the research and development of alternative treatments for chronic depression, anxiety, and PTSD, including psychedelic-assisted therapy, and has experience in working with individuals undergoing ketamine therapy for mental health issues.
Rachel received her Bachelor’s Degree in Music Performance from the Ohio State University, and three Master’s degrees in Music Performance (Northwestern University), Music Therapy (Illinois State University), and Counseling Psychology (The Chicago School of Professional Psychology). She has specialized training in the treatment of trauma, psychedelic-assisted therapy, and queer-affirming care.