My Experience

Psychology is a calling. My calling. And I have known from an early age that I would spend my life helping others. I started my career as a camp director, and then spent many years working as an early child care director. It was those instrumental years that proved my calling was to help young people overcome the problems that prevented them from reaching their greatest potential in life and finding their inner happiness. A career in clinical psychology was the natural choice for me.

I received my Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in Psychology from National-Louis University. My Master’s thesis discussed how adolescents responded to the death of their fathers, a topic I chose because my father died when I was fourteen. After completing my Doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from Midwestern University, I dedicated my dissertation to the effects art therapy has on adolescents with Asperger’s Syndrome.

My clinical training and career have brought me to a variety of facilities, including an urban hospital, a juvenile justice facility, a therapeutic day school, and private practices. The success I have achieved working at such a diverse group of facilities has allowed me to develop experience with a large cross section of patients. This exposure has been instrumental in the development of Courage to Connect.

My Approach

My patient-focused therapeutic approach is designed to promote positive outcomes for patients who are facing some of life’s toughest challenges, and guide them to use their inner strength to become more confident and ultimately meet their goals. All of this is accomplished in an empathic way, while I listen and offer feedback. As they grow, my patients become happier and more successful in their lives — and that is what my work at Courage to Connect is all about.

My Specialities

I have had great success helping children, teens and young adults with common mental health and developmental issues. A major focus of mine has been working with patients who have:

• Asperger’s Syndrome
• Grief & Loss
• Guys’ Issues
• Teens and Young Adults
• Art and Play

• Anxiety/Depression
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Behavior Management
• Self Esteem Issues
• Adolescent Relationship Issues

 Testimonials

These kind words are courtesy of Mrs. Jill Burstein. She is an education consultant who owns and operates College-finder.org. She and Dr. Clatch work side by side in helping young adults find and maintain appropriate school settings.

“I met Dr. Michael Clatch when a colleague of mine raved about his practice. I have met many clinicians over the years as my role as an independent educational consultant but there was something very special about the way Dr. Clatch talked about his clients and love of his work. His connection with families and children is so genuine, I feel he has a unique way of helping people deal with difficult times in their lives. As I walked through his office and where he holds groups, you see his tremendous understanding of children. His empathetic nature makes him an ideal therapist.” – Jill Burstein

Jill’s website is “http://www.college-finder.org”

This testimonial comes from a client who reached out to Dr. Clatch for a referral source in another area of therapeutic services.

“Recently, while I was searching for a referral, I really struck gold! After noticing an excellent article in my local Deerfield newspaper written by Dr. Clatch, I contacted him and left a detailed voicemail. He immediately returned my call and said I would be hearing from you. Quickly, you got a hold of me and promised to look into my request for information. Then, true to your word, I was promptly given excellent, well-researched referral choices! All of this was handled in a kind, courteous and professional manner. The best part was how respectful all the communication was to my situation. I cannot emphasize that enough. I am so very grateful to have found you and Dr. Clatch. The referral I used is working out nicely. Bravo, Ashlee!! You are simply terrific!”  Sincerely- Client H.

With warm wishes, this testimonial comes from a client who found great success through Courage to Connect and Dr. Clatch.

When my husband and I were looking for a therapist, we were hoping to find someone who could help with our son’s anger management skills white at the same time give our family insight and tools on how to work together. Dr. Clatch did this and so much more. He truly became a friend to all of us. Our son absolutely love going to his meetings and we loved seeing such an improvement in his behavior and interactions at home. Dr. Clatch did such a great job getting our son to communicate his thoughts and feelings because he has such a warm and personable demeanor. His office is a very friendly, safe and welcoming place that my son even thought was “cool and fun”. I am extremely grateful for all of the time Dr. Clatch spent working with our family. I couldn’t have found a better therapist for our son. -Client M