FAQs

Yes. Dr. Wolthusen treats children, adolescents, and adults. She offers specialized adolescent therapy and runs a structured group program (the Adolescent Anxiety Clinic) for teens struggling with school stress, social anxiety, and life transitions.

A Psy.D. (Doctor of Psychology) is a doctoral-level clinical degree focused on the practice of therapy and psychological assessment, as opposed to academic research (Ph.D.). Unlike a psychiatrist (M.D.), Dr. Wolthusen does not prescribe medication, but she can coordinate with prescribing physicians when medication management is appropriate alongside therapy.

Dr. Wolthusen is known for being down-to-earth, actively engaged, and easy to talk with. She describes herself as the opposite of the stereotyped therapist who “simply nods her head.” Her approach is collaborative: she works with each client to identify goals and build practical, evidence-based strategies for reaching them within a supportive, non-judgmental environment.

A psychologist (Psy.D. or Ph.D.) holds a doctoral degree and is trained in psychological assessment and therapy. A therapist or counselor typically holds a master’s degree. A psychiatrist holds an M.D. and can prescribe medication. Dr. Wolthusen is a doctoral-level licensed clinical psychologist—she provides therapy and assessment but does not prescribe medication. She can coordinate with a prescribing psychiatrist when medication is part of a treatment plan.

Dr. Jo Wolthusen is a licensed clinical psychologist based in Rolling Meadows, Illinois, with more than 25 years of clinical experience. She holds a Psy.D. (Doctor of Psychology) and specializes in helping individuals, adolescents, and families navigate depression, anxiety, grief, divorce, women’s issues, and life transitions.

Yes. Grief and loss therapy is one of Dr. Wolthusen’s areas of expertise. She provides a compassionate, structured space to process loss, develop healthy coping strategies, and move toward healing at your own pace.

Depression treatment is individualized. Sessions may include cognitive restructuring (identifying and challenging negative thought patterns), mood and motivation strategies, healthy coping skill development, and goal-setting. Treatment can be delivered in individual or group formats. When appropriate, Dr. Wolthusen provides referrals for medication management by a prescribing physician.

Dr. Wolthusen’s philosophy is that “the key to managing anxiety is learning to be comfortable being uncomfortable.” Treatment focuses on helping clients understand the anxiety cycle, reduce avoidance behaviors, and build a personalized toolkit of healthy coping skills so they can face fears and manage discomfort without panic. Anxiety disorders—including panic disorder, social anxiety, phobias, OCD, and PTSD—are among the most common and most treatable mental health conditions, and Dr. Wolthusen addresses all of them.

Women can face unique biological, environmental, and psychosocial pressures—including hormonal changes, workplace inequity, caregiving demands, body image concerns, and relationship dynamics—that significantly affect mental health. Dr. Wolthusen has specific expertise in women’s mental health and creates a judgment-free space to address these concerns.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a scientifically supported approach that helps people identify and change distorted thought patterns that fuel depression, anxiety, and other challenges. Yes, Dr. Wolthusen uses CBT as a core component of both individual sessions and her structured Adolescent Anxiety Clinic group program.

Family therapy provides a safe space for family members to build communication skills, negotiate roles, and work through conflict together. It is recommended when one family member’s behavior significantly impacts others, when the family is navigating a major life transition, or when a family member in individual therapy wants their loved ones involved in the process. Sessions may involve all or only some family members, and frequency typically decreases as progress is made.

Dr. Wolthusen’s treatment areas include: depression, anxiety disorders (panic disorder, social anxiety, phobias, OCD, PTSD), stress management, grief and loss, divorce and relationship issues, women’s mental health, family conflict, and adolescent emotional and behavioral challenges. She also delivers corporate and community presentations on topics such as empowering relationships, stress management, and ADHD.

Dr. Wolthusen offers individual therapy for adults and adolescents, family therapy, and group therapy (including the Adolescent Anxiety Clinic). Her work is insight-oriented and draws on evidence-based methods including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), cognitive restructuring, and coping skills training.

Yes. The Adolescent Anxiety Clinic is specifically designed for teens overwhelmed by school, social, or life pressures. Dr. Wolthusen also provides individual adolescent therapy. The group clinic meets Thursdays 6:00–7:30 PM; individual sessions can be scheduled on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Saturdays.

Contact Dr. Wolthusen’s office at (847) 826-5881 or through the contact form at drjowolthusen.com/contact to inquire about upcoming group sessions and availability.

The clinic uses a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) framework that is comprehensive, insight-oriented, and skills-focused. The goal is to help teens manage anxiety while continuing to attend school and keep up with daily routines and responsibilities—building skills for both short-term relief and long-term success.

The Adolescent Anxiety Clinic is a structured, 8-week group therapy program for teens designed to help them manage school stress, social anxiety, college preparation pressure, extracurricular overload, and major life transitions. It meets every Thursday from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM.

The clinic is designed for adolescents who feel overwhelmed by school demands, extracurriculars, relationships, or the pressures of growing up. It is structured so teens can participate without disrupting their existing treatment appointments, school attendance, or daily schedules.

The website currently lists an in-office location in Rolling Meadows. For the most up-to-date information on telehealth availability, please call (847) 826-5881 directly.

You can request an appointment by calling (847) 826-5881 or by sending a message through the contact form at drjowolthusen.com/contact. New patient intake forms are available at drjowolthusen.com/forms.

To confirm current availability, please call (847) 826-5881 or submit an inquiry at drjowolthusen.com/contact.

Current office hours are: Tuesday 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM, Wednesday 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM, and Saturday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Evening and weekend availability makes it easier for working adults and students to attend appointments.

Dr. Jo’s office is located at 3601 Algonquin Road, Suite 714, Rolling Meadows, Illinois 60008—a convenient northwest suburban Chicago location easily accessible from surrounding communities including Arlington Heights, Schaumburg, Palatine, and Hoffman Estates.

If Dr. Wolthusen is out-of-network for your plan, many insurance policies provide partial reimbursement for out-of-network mental health services. You may also choose to pay privately. Contact your insurer to ask about out-of-network benefits, and call the office at (847) 826-5881 to discuss payment options.

Dr. Wolthusen currently accepts United Behavioral Health / UnitedHealthCare and Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS). Private pay (self-pay) is also welcome.

Private pay (also called self-pay) means you pay for sessions directly rather than through insurance. Some clients prefer this option for privacy reasons or because their insurer is not accepted. Dr. Wolthusen accepts private pay.

Yes. Grief and loss therapy is one of Dr. Wolthusen’s areas of expertise. She provides a compassionate, structured space to process loss, develop healthy coping strategies, and move toward healing at your own pace.

Therapy can be helpful for anyone experiencing persistent sadness, worry, or stress; relationship or family conflict; major life transitions (divorce, grief, career change); or simply a desire to improve self-awareness and coping skills. You don’t need to be in crisis to benefit. As Dr. Wolthusen puts it, therapy can help you “lead a healthier, more fulfilled life” whether your challenges are mild or severe.

The length of therapy varies depending on the individual, the nature of their concerns, and their goals. Some clients benefit from short-term, focused work (such as the 8-week Adolescent Anxiety Clinic group), while others engage in longer-term therapy. Dr. Wolthusen works collaboratively with each client to determine the right pace and duration.

Yes. Like all licensed psychologists, Dr. Wolthusen is bound by strict confidentiality requirements under state and federal law (including HIPAA). There are limited legal exceptions—such as imminent risk of harm to self or others—which she will explain during your first session.

The first session is an opportunity for you and Dr. Wolthusen to get to know each other. She will ask about your background, current concerns, and goals. Together you will begin to identify what you hope to achieve and start building a collaborative plan. Clients consistently describe Dr. Wolthusen as easy to talk with and actively involved—not passive.

A psychologist (Psy.D. or Ph.D.) holds a doctoral degree and is trained in psychological assessment and therapy. A therapist or counselor typically holds a master’s degree. A psychiatrist holds an M.D. and can prescribe medication. Dr. Wolthusen is a doctoral-level licensed clinical psychologist—she provides therapy and assessment but does not prescribe medication. She can coordinate with a prescribing psychiatrist when medication is part of a treatment plan.

Dr. Wolthusen is actively involved in every session. Her clients appreciate that she engages directly, offers feedback, and helps build concrete strategies—she is not the stereotyped therapist who simply listens in silence. Therapy with Dr. Wolthusen is a genuine collaboration aimed at your self-empowerment.

Dr. Jo Wolthusen’s office at 3601 Algonquin Road, Suite 714 in Rolling Meadows serves clients throughout the northwest Chicago suburbs—including Arlington Heights, Schaumburg, Palatine, Barrington, and Hoffman Estates. She specializes in anxiety treatment using evidence-based CBT. Call (847) 826-5881 to schedule.

Dr. Jo’s office is located at 3601 Algonquin Road, Suite 714, Rolling Meadows, Illinois 60008—a convenient northwest suburban Chicago location easily accessible from surrounding communities including Arlington Heights, Schaumburg, Palatine, and Hoffman Estates.