Irene Akther
Practicum Student, M.A.
Meet Irene Akther, an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and a third-year Clinical Psychology doctoral student at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in Los Angeles. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from California State University, Northridge, and a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology from Mount St. Mary’s University. Irene works under the direct supervision of seasoned professionals, Heather Hettinger, Psy.D. #PSY35580 and Neda Safvati, Psy.D. #PSY25346.
With clinical experience in community mental health, residential treatment, and private practice, Irene has supported clients across the lifespan—from adolescents to older adults. She works with individuals navigating anxiety, depression, mood disorders, trauma, life transitions, identity development, and relationship challenges.
Irene believes that clients are the best authors of their own lives. Her role as a therapist is to offer warmth, curiosity, and collaboration, while also gently challenging clients to recognize their resilience and capacity for change. She integrates a humanistic foundation with evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Through this integrative style, she helps clients embrace authenticity, build resilience, and break free from patterns that no longer serve them.
As a South Asian therapist, Irene is especially passionate about reducing cultural stigma around mental health. She empowers women to move beyond traditional expectations, embrace independence, and build self-confidence. Her goal is to help every client align their choices with their values, navigate uncertainty, and move toward meaningful growth and self-actualization. Dedicated to her ongoing development as a clinician, Irene is committed to creating a safe, collaborative, and empowering space where clients feel understood, supported, and capable of lasting change.