Meet Bernard de Wet

LCPC, LPHA, ACS, PhD Student, Practice Owner

I founded ARCH Counseling Center with a vision to make mental health care accessible to all members of our community. I believe that everyone deserves access to quality mental health care, regardless of their background, financial situation, or insurance coverage. This is why ARCH Counseling Center strives to provide culturally sensitive and linguistically diverse services, offers both in-person and virtual/telehealth therapy sessions, and works with both Medicaid insurance and several private insurance companies.

More about Bernard

Education, Background & More

At ARCH Counseling Center, we are guided by four core values:

Acceptance: We foster a safe and supportive environment where individuals/couples/families can embrace their unique experiences and challenges, promoting self-acceptance and personal growth.

Recovery: We empower individuals/couples/families to overcome mental health obstacles through evidence-based interventions, fostering a journey of resilience, hope, and lasting change.

Compassion: We provide kind and empathetic care that honors the dignity and individuality of each person, creating a therapeutic space free from judgment and discrimination.

Healing: We facilitate holistic healing by addressing the mind, body, spirit, and emotions, promoting well-being and fostering a sense of peace and fulfillment.

These values deeply resonate with me as a therapist and guide my approach to care. I believe in the importance of an interdisciplinary approach to mental health, recognizing that individuals thrive when their needs are addressed holistically. I value collaboration with other professionals, such as school counselors, primary care physicians, psychiatrists, psychologists, and probation officers, to ensure that clients receive comprehensive and coordinated care.

I have over 10 years of experience in the mental health field, specializing in a wide range of areas, including:

  • Acculturation, Immigration and Refugee Counseling
  • ADHD
  • Anxiety, OCD and Panic Disorders
  • Career Counseling
  • Depression and Mood Disorders
  • LGBTQIA+ Counseling
  • Life Transitions
  • Marriage and Family Therapy
  • Men’s Issues
  • Personal Growth and Development
  • PTSD/Trauma, Grief and Loss

Prior to founding ARCH Counseling Center, I served as the Assistant Director at a non-profit organization where I oversaw their community mental health center, American Sign Language counseling program, and mental health juvenile justice program. I also have experience in private practice, where I served as the Clinical Director.

I am a skilled clinician with a strong foundation in Person-Centered Therapy and Trauma-Informed Care. I integrate these approaches with other evidence-based modalities, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy, to tailor treatment plans to the unique needs of each client. I also utilize evidence-based approaches like Gottman Method Couples Therapy and Structural Family Therapy to address relationship challenges and improve communication within couples and family relationships.

Beyond my clinical work, I am dedicated to fostering a supportive and collaborative environment for our clinicians. I prioritize quality assurance and provide ongoing training and development opportunities to enhance their skills and knowledge.

I am passionate about providing high-quality mental health care to the Chicago community and beyond. I believe in creating a welcoming and supportive environment at ARCH Counseling Center where clients can feel safe, understood, and empowered on their journey of healing and growth.

Mental Health Matters

Articles & Resources from Bernard

Secret Link