Dr. Akamin Nkengaka, LCSW

LCSW specializing in trauma and anxiety

CBT and holistic care
Trauma and addiction support
15 years experience

About Dr. Akamin Nkengaka

Dr. Akamin Nkengaka is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in Illinois with 15 years of clinical experience. He works with adults facing stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use concerns, self-esteem struggles, and relationship challenges, offering practical tools drawn from evidence-based methods. Dr. Nkengaka blends a cognitive-behavioral framework with a holistic perspective, exploring patterns of thought and feeling while keeping a solution-focused orientation to help clients make meaningful changes.

He approaches each person as the expert of their own story and emphasizes individual strengths throughout the therapeutic process. Sessions are aimed at identifying unhelpful thinking patterns, building coping skills, and supporting clients as they move toward clearer goals and greater wellbeing. The work is collaborative and grounded in respect for each person’s experience, with an emphasis on skill-building and real-world application.

Taking the first step toward change can feel difficult, and Dr. Nkengaka frames that step as one of courage. He offers steady support and practical guidance to help clients pursue a more fulfilled, balanced life while tailoring strategies to their unique needs and circumstances.

Areas of Expertise

Primary Focus

Stress, Anxiety Addictions Trauma and abuse Self esteem Depression

Additional Focus Areas

AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAntisocial personalityAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeAvoidant personalityBDSM, kink, and alternative sex cultureBlended family issuesBody imageCancerCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)DissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFertility issuesFirst responder issuesForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHearing impairedHIV / AIDSHoardingHospice and end-of-life counselingImmigration issuesImpulsivityInfidelityIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPhobiasPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSex addictionSexual assault and abuseSexual dysfunctionSexualitySmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaSomatizationTraumatic brain injuryTrichotillomaniaVisually impairedWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic Approach

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Attachment-Based Therapy Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) Existential Therapy Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Gottman Method Hypnotherapy Imago Relationship Therapy Jungian Therapy Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing Narrative Therapy Psychodynamic Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy Somatic Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy Internal Family Systems

Frequently Asked Questions

How much experience does Dr. Akamin Nkengaka have?

Dr. Akamin Nkengaka has 15 years of experience in clinical practice.

Is Dr. Akamin Nkengaka a licensed therapist?

Yes. He holds the credential LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker). License details: IL LCSW 149028885.

In which languages does Dr. Akamin Nkengaka provide therapy?

Dr. Nkengaka provides therapy in English.

Where is Dr. Akamin Nkengaka located?

He is located in Illinois.

How can I work with Dr. Akamin Nkengaka as my therapist?

You can work with Dr. Nkengaka through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.

Does Dr. Akamin Nkengaka work with international clients?

Yes, Dr. Nkengaka works with international clients.

How much does therapy with Dr. Akamin Nkengaka cost?

The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.

How can I get started with therapy?

Getting started is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.

Therapeutic approaches and accessible online care

Dr. Nkengaka integrates approaches that emphasize both practical skills and relational understanding. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors to reduce symptoms like anxiety and depression and to improve daily functioning. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) encourages clients to clarify values and build psychological flexibility, helping when avoidance or stuck patterns limit meaningful action. Attachment-Based Therapy explores relational patterns formed in early relationships and how these influence current connections, which can be especially helpful for trauma, relationship difficulties, and attachment-related concerns.

Finding the right approach is part of the work itself, and Dr. Nkengaka collaborates with each person to determine which methods best fit their needs, goals, and preferences. He tailors interventions over time, combining techniques as appropriate so therapy remains responsive and client-centered.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, making it easier to fit care into busy schedules and to access therapists from different locations. These options support continuity of care and allow licensed professionals to deliver effective, skills-based treatment in formats that match a client’s life and comfort level.

Ready to start therapy with Dr. Akamin Nkengaka?

Take the first step toward a better you.

Get Started