About

First a therapist. Then a lawyer.  Now, both.

After becoming frustrated by the ways in which various systems treat people who are struggling with mental illness, trauma, and other differences, I went to law school in hopes of being better equipped to advocate and inspire legitimate, societal change.

I am committed to supporting all individuals struggling with their mental health; specifically, those struggling with the effects of trauma. My goal is to remove common barriers that impede individuals’ access to quality mental health services by offering trauma-informed therapy that are is-network with your insurance and/or made affordable by sliding scale, pro bono, and other payment options.

I aim to bridge the gap between between the mental health and legal systems by consulting with, supporting, and educating attorneys and other legal professionals about mental illness, trauma, and the biological, psychological, social, and environmental factors that can impact a person’s behavior, emotional wellness, and development. I offer strategies to foster trust and safety with clients and reduce the traumatizing effects of the legal system. Together, we explore ways to identify symptoms of mental health or trauma and create a plan of how to support the client through their legal processes and proceedings.

In 2025, I founded the Arena Therapy and Justice Center, a nonprofit dedicated to ensuring equitable access to mental health treatment for all, especially those impacted by the criminal justice system.

Meet Tatiana Duchak

Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor

Tatiana Duchak, M.A., LCPC headshot, Therapist and Lawyer

Tatiana Duchak

Your therapist & advocate

I've spent most of my career working with individuals involved in the legal system, and consequently, processing intense pain, trauma, and challenges.  I have worked in a variety of intense and fast-paced settings, including:

  • Correctional settings (jails, prisons)

  • Sexual assault and domestic violence crisis counseling

  • Forensic psychiatric hospital

  • Residential treatment facility for children in the custody of the Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS).

  • Chicago Public Schools

Consequently, I understand that these systems are hard and draining, for clients and the service providers. In my experience, they are often tasked with carrying the heaviest work and addressing intense issues, while being understaffed and underfunded. The helping professionals they rely upon are often left with little, or lacking, support, which impacts those receiving services.