Mark Farrell O'Brien, MS, LCPC, CADC

If you’re in your late teens, 20s, or early 30s, you might be: -Drinking more than you planned or using weed/other substances to cope -Caught in relapse cycles that leave you feeling ashamed or stuck -Managing anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, or ADHD alongside substance use -Trying to balance school, work, and relationships while feeling overwhelmed -Worrying you’re falling behind your peers -Wanting change, but unsure how to stay consistent You’re not broken, lazy, or failing at adulthood. You just need support that fits your stage of life—and the realities of substance use during it. I work with emerging adults who want: -A healthier relationship with alcohol or drugs -Better mood stability and anxiety management -Relief from guilt, shame, and self-blame -Confidence and tools to move forward in school, work, and relationships What Our Work Looks Like I provide individual telehealth therapy for emerging adults (18–35) dealing with substance use and co-occurring mental health concerns. Our work is collaborative, practical, and judgment-free. Core Focus Areas Substance Use Alcohol, cannabis, stimulants, cocaine, opioids, and prescription misuse—whether daily use, binge patterns, or episodic relapse. Co-Occurring Mental Health Anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and their overlap with substance use. Life Transitions & “Stuckness” School and career stress, relationship strain, moving out or back home, and feeling behind. In Sessions, We Will: -Identify triggers and patterns in use and relapse -Build coping skills for cravings, stress, and emotional waves -Create relapse-prevention and harm-reduction plans that are doable -Strengthen self-esteem, boundaries, and relationship skills -Coordinate with psychiatrists or treatment teams as needed My Approach Evidence-based & addiction-informed Motivational Interviewing, CBT, DBT, relapse prevention, and trauma-sensitive care. Collaborative, not judgmental We explore what substances are doing for you—and how to meet those needs more effectively. Designed for emerging adults This isn’t “failure to launch.” It’s a complex developmental stage. I treat you like the adult you are, with support tailored to your life. About Mark Farrell O’Brien, LCPC, CADC I’m a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor based in Chicago. For more than 20 years, I’ve specialized in helping young adults and men navigate substance use, mental health challenges, and major life transitions. I started off mentoring at-risk youth in high school—capable young people who were getting off track due to struggles with school and substance use. That experience shaped my clinical focus and continues to guide my work today. Clients often say they appreciate that I: -Am direct, honest, and kind -Understand how substance use, mental health, and life stressors collide -Care about the whole person, not just the symptoms Therapy is a place to slow down, tell the truth, and build a life you actually want. Frequently Asked Questions Do I have to be sober to work with you? No. Some clients pursue abstinence; others start with harm reduction. What matters is movement toward a healthier, more stable life. Do you involve family in the therapy process? Yes. With the client’s permission, I can involve parents in supportive ways that enhance treatment and improve communication. Do you accept my health insurance? No. I am an out-of-network provider, which means I do not bill insurance directly. However, many clients use their out-of-network benefits. Do you work with all ages? Yes. I work with men across all adult age ranges who are navigating life transitions and seeking support. What if past therapy or treatment didn’t work? That’s common. We’ll look at what helped, what didn’t, and build something that fits who you are now. What Clients Say: “I finally understand why I use—and how to break the pattern.” “Mark helped me talk honestly about my drinking without shame.” “Therapy with Mark helped me stabilize my mental health and start planning my future again.” Ready to Take the Next Step? You don’t need to hit rock bottom to ask for help. If substances are starting to cost you more than they give you, that’s enough.