South Asian Therapist in Chicago Area | TherapaJi

South Asian Therapist Serving the Chicago Area

Finding a therapist who truly understands your cultural background can be challenging. If you’ve ever wished for a therapist who gets the pressure of family expectations, the complexity of bicultural identity, or the weight of being “the good kid”—without having to explain everything from scratch—you’re in the right place.

I’m Amar Banga, a South Asian American therapist serving the Chicago area. I offer therapy in English, Punjabi, Hindi, and Urdu, with both in-person sessions in Algonquin and virtual sessions throughout Illinois.

Why Cultural Understanding Matters in Therapy

Mental health looks different across cultures. In many South Asian families, we’re taught to handle problems privately, to prioritize family reputation, and to “just push through.” Therapy itself can feel like a foreign concept—or even a sign of weakness.

But here’s what I’ve learned: seeking help is one of the strongest things you can do.

When your therapist shares your cultural background, you don’t have to:

• Explain what “log kya kahenge” means and why it matters
• Justify why you can’t just “set boundaries” with your parents
• Describe the pressure of being first-gen or ABCD
• Translate your experiences into terms others might understand

You can just… be. And that freedom is where healing begins.

Who I Work With

First-Generation South Asians: Navigating the push and pull between two cultures, honoring your roots while building your own path.

Second-Generation (ABCDs): Feeling “too American” for your family and “too ethnic” for your peers. Finding where you actually belong.

Professionals Under Pressure: The expectation to excel in a “respected” career while managing your actual mental health.

Adult Children of Immigrants: Carrying the weight of your parents’ sacrifices while trying to live your own life.

Anyone Seeking Culturally-Informed Care: You don’t have to be South Asian to benefit from a therapist who values cultural context in healing.

Common Challenges We Address

• Anxiety and perfectionism rooted in high family expectations
• Depression that’s been dismissed as “just stress”
• Cultural identity confusion and feeling like you don’t fit anywhere
• Family conflict around life choices, career, or relationships
• Shame and guilt that’s been passed down through generations
• Relationship struggles influenced by cultural dynamics
• Immigration-related stress and acculturation challenges

Therapy in Your Language

Sometimes emotions don’t translate well. A feeling might have a word in Punjabi that doesn’t exist in English. A phrase from your parents might carry weight that loses meaning in translation.

I offer sessions in:

• English
• Punjabi
• Hindi
• Urdu

You’re welcome to switch languages mid-sentence. Whatever helps you express yourself most authentically.

Serving the South Asian Community Across Chicago

Whether you’re in the northwest suburbs, the city, or anywhere in Illinois, I’m here to help:

In-Person: Algonquin, IL (convenient to McHenry, Kane, and Lake counties)

Virtual: Available throughout Illinois, perfect for busy schedules

Many clients appreciate the privacy of virtual sessions—no running into community members in a waiting room.

Breaking the Stigma Together

I know that simply reading this page might feel like a big step. In our communities, therapy often carries stigma. You might be worried about what family would think, or whether seeking help means something is “wrong” with you.

Let me be clear: wanting to feel better isn’t weakness. Understanding yourself isn’t a betrayal of your culture. And healing doesn’t mean rejecting where you come from—it means making peace with all parts of yourself.

Take the First Step

If you’ve been looking for a South Asian therapist who gets it, I invite you to schedule a free 15-minute consultation. We’ll talk about what you’re experiencing and see if working together feels right.

No pressure. No judgment. Just a conversation.

You deserve support that honors your whole story—not just the parts that are easy to explain.