Rae Abarbanel

PMHNP-BC

Pronouns: She/They

Psychiatric Care That Meets You Where You
Are — With Warmth, Honesty, and Real Partnership

Collaborative, evidence-based medication management and psychiatric support for young adults, working professionals, and LGBTQIA+ individuals in Chicago and across Illinois.

Let’s Start Here

Maybe you've been feeling off for a while — anxious, low, scattered, or just not like yourself — and you're not sure where to turn. Maybe you've wondered whether medication could help, but the idea of starting feels overwhelming or even a little scary. You might have questions, doubts, or past experiences that make you cautious. That's completely okay. You don't need to have it all figured out before reaching out. You just need to be willing to take one step. Whether you're navigating a major life transition, managing a mental health condition for the first time, or looking for more integrated support, you deserve care that feels safe, clear, and built around you — not a one-size-fits-all approach.

What would you say to someone who’s nervous or unsure about starting therapy?

Hi, I'm Rae Abarbanel, a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner at Tides Mental Health. If you're feeling nervous about starting psychiatric care, I want you to know — that's completely normal. You don't have to have all the answers before our first conversation. My job is to listen, understand your story, and work with you at a pace that feels right. I'm here whenever you're ready.

What It’s Like to Work Together

Sessions with Rae feel warm, genuine, and unhurried. She takes time to really understand what's going on for you — not just your symptoms, but your story, your life, and what matters most to you. There's no rushing to conclusions, and no judgment. You'll always feel like a partner in your care, not a passive recipient of it. Rae brings a collaborative, education-forward approach to medication management. That means she walks you through your options clearly, explains the potential benefits and considerations, and makes sure any decisions about your care feel informed and mutual. Medication, when appropriate, is treated as one tool within a broader, personalized plan — never a quick fix. She also incorporates supportive therapeutic conversation into sessions. This creates space to talk through stressors, explore patterns, and build practical coping strategies alongside any medication support. Together, you'll work toward both relief and long-term wellbeing.

What can clients expect it to feel like in a session with you?

Sessions with me are conversations — real ones. I'm not checking boxes or rushing through a list. I want to hear what's been on your mind, understand how you're feeling day to day, and think through things together. We go at your pace. There's no pressure to share more than you're comfortable with. The goal is for this to feel like a space where you can breathe and be honest.

What’s one reason you’re passionate about the work you do?

Working in inpatient psychiatry showed me how many people struggle for a long time before they get the support they need. I believe that accessible, thoughtful outpatient care can make a real difference — helping people stabilize and build skills before things reach a crisis point. That's why I do this work. Everyone deserves care that shows up early, and shows up with compassion.

Clinical Specialties​

Treatment Modalities

Populations Served​

Training & Credentials​

Taking the first step toward feeling better takes real courage — and Rae's goal is to make what comes next feel supported, empowering, and even a little lighter than you expected. You don't need all the answers before you reach out. You just need to be ready to start. If you're curious whether working together might be a good fit, Rae would be honored to connect with you.

Insurance We Accept

We accept most major insurance providers and offer several convenient payment methods to ensure accessibility for your care. We also offer various payment methods, including credit cards, bank transfers, and electronic payments.