Matthew Vail,
LCSW (he/him/his, they/them/theirs)

Co-Founder, Psychotherapist at Salix Psychotherapy Collective

I became a therapist because I've always been curious about people's inner worlds. Therapy is one of the few places where all parts of a person are welcome. I co-founded Salix Psychotherapy Collective because I wanted to be part of a group of clinicians who think critically about how therapy is delivered: with depth, equity, warmth, humor, and humanity. I am a relational, psychodynamic therapist working with adults across the lifespan. My approach is collaborative, curious, and gently irreverent.

My practice is about helping people turn toward their inner world with curiosity instead of judgment. I also integrate mindfulness and somatic techniques, because sometimes words are not enough. I am trained in parts work and deeply committed to helping my clients work through complex trauma.

Before entering private practice, I served as Manager of Social Work Services for Affirm: The Rush Center for Gender, Sexuality and Reproductive Health, where I helped develop an integrated care model for LGBTQ patients. I continue to advocate for reducing barriers to gender-affirming care for Trans and Non-Binary individuals by providing surgical letters of readiness and training other providers on how to approach those assessments using a strengths-based, harm-reduction approach.

I have also held academic appointments at The University of Chicago Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice and Rush University’s College of Health Sciences. My professional writing has focused on integrating social work into healthcare systems to promote health equity and reduce disparities, particularly for older adults navigating complex systems of care. I currently serve as co-chair of the Chicago Network for LGBTQ Aging, working at the intersection of aging, identity, and community care.