Owner & Primary Therapist
Arizza D. Salas, LCSW
She/Hers/Ella
Arizza is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Illinois and the founder of Solace OCD & Anxiety Therapy, PLLC. She specializes in treating OCD, anxiety disorders, PTSD, depression, and other mood disorders using evidence-based treatment tailored to each client’s needs.
Arizza is known for her warm, friendly, and down-to-earth approach, making therapy a space where clients feel truly understood and supported. At the same time, she is direct and confident, guiding clients through tough conversations and challenging moments with clarity and purpose. She believes that real growth comes from facing fears head-on and works collaboratively with clients to help them reclaim their strength. That’s why Solace proudly embraces “Transforming Anxiety into Empowerment.”
Experience
Before launching her private practice, Arizza worked as a therapist in a behavioral health hospital, providing care in a Partial Hospitalization (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for OCD and anxiety. Through this work, she gained extensive training in Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) and had the privilege of helping many individuals break free from the cycles of anxiety. These experiences deepened her passion for evidence-based treatment and her commitment to helping people reclaim their lives.
She holds a Bachelor’s in Psychology from DePaul University and a Master’s in Medical Social Work from Aurora University, both Summa Cum Laude. While proud of her academic achievements, her true passion lies in the work she does every day—helping people heal, grow, and step into their power.
In addition to clinical work, Arizza loves supervising and mentoring newer therapists, supporting them as they develop confidence and skill. She also thrives on collaborating with other clinicians, believing that the best outcomes come from working together to provide holistic, thoughtful care.
“As a queer, LGBTQIA+ allied, and social justice-oriented therapist, I am deeply committed to providing a safe, affirming space where all identities are respected and valued. As a proud Latina, I also understand the powerful role that culture plays in mental health, and I approach therapy with sensitivity to how identity, background, and lived experiences shape our journeys.
Therapy with me is both challenging and rewarding, serious and lighthearted—because healing doesn’t have to be boring! I bring energy, authenticity, and a little spunk to my sessions, making sure you feel truly seen and supported every step of the way.
Let’s do the work together—you’re stronger than your anxiety, and I’ll help you prove it to yourself.”
Personal Life
When she’s not helping clients navigate anxiety and OCD, Arizza can be found hanging out with her beloved dachshund, Denny—who also happens to be her very dedicated (and adorable) assistant. Whether he’s snoozing by her desk or demanding extra cuddle breaks, he takes his role quite seriously! (Though, fair warning—he’s prone to napping on the job!)
Arizza and her husband tied the knot in April 2024, and together, they love strength training, watching reality TV, and indulging in their favorite takeout while cozied up at home. She’s a thriller book enthusiast, with Gone Girl ranking as one of her all-time favorites. When she’s not deep in a psychological page-turner, she’s spending time with friends, sharing laughs, and spreading love wherever she can.
At her core, Arizza believes in creating spaces filled with warmth, authenticity, and connection—whether in her therapy practice, with loved ones, or anywhere she goes.
