Dr. Amanda Long-Pack, Ph.D.
Founder, TRUE Space Counseling & Psychological Services
Hi, I’m Dr.Amanda
I grew up here in the Chicagoland area, so offering quality, evidence-based therapy to my own community is deeply personal for me. Over the years, I’ve worked with adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, race- and gender-related stress, burnout, grief, body image issues, bipolar disorder, and relationship concerns.
I earned my Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Houston, my Master’s in Community Counseling from Loyola University Chicago, and my Bachelor’s in Psychology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. With over 10 years in the mental health field, I’ve learned that therapy isn’t about “fixing” you — it’s about walking alongside you as you uncover the strengths you already carry.
My approach is simple:
I want to understand you as a whole person — your family, your culture, your environment.
I believe you already have tools and strengths within you. Together, we’ll activate them.
Therapy is a partnership. I bring my expertise, but you bring your story, your truth, and your voice.
Why I Started TRUE Space…
I’m passionate about this work because I’ve seen, up close, the importance of mental health in the lives of Black women around me — family, friends, colleagues, and clients. Too often, we carry heavy loads in silence, pouring into everyone else while neglecting ourselves. I knew something had to change.
TRUE Space was born out of my desire to make a difference — to create a safe, affirming practice where women, especially women of color, can feel truly seen and supported. For me, this is more than therapy; it’s about breaking cycles, restoring hope, and offering a space where healing is possible.
Here, therapy isn’t just about coping. It’s about learning to breathe again, growing stronger, and thriving as your whole self.
Black Women in Color (BWIC)
Outside the therapy room, I’m also the founder of Black Women in Color (BWIC) — a membership-based community for Black women to connect, nurture themselves, and find sisterhood. BWIC was born out of my belief that healing isn’t just individual — it’s collective. Whether it’s through curated events, member resources, or intentional gatherings, BWIC is all about creating spaces where we can pour back into ourselves and each other.
Speaking & Engagements
In addition to therapy and community work, I speak at panels, workshops, and events on topics that matter to me — and to the communities I serve. I bring both professional expertise and lived perspective to every engagement.
Topics I Speak On Include:
Mental health and wellness for Black women
Combating burnout and stress
Trauma-informed care
Diversity, equity, and inclusion in mental health
Building community and sisterhood through healing
Features & Recognition
I’ve had the honor of sharing my perspective on mental health and community care through articles, podcasts, and events. THEY'RE LINKED here so you can explore some of the conversations I’ve been part of.Licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Amanda Long was featured on WGN News discussing the Strong Black Woman myth—how vulnerability and emotional openness are essential for true strength and well-being.
Click play for the full segment.
WGN NEWS
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Dr. Amanda Long shared why New Year’s resolutions often fail and how a self-audit can build lasting, intrinsic motivation.
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Dr. Amanda Long offered her insights on how to build intentional habits that transform your morning routine for the better.
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Dr. Amanda Long shared practical, proven TikTok-inspired mental health tips to help make wellness more relatable and accessible.
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Dr. Amanda Long joined a conversation on the rise of self-diagnosis through social media and the difference between self-awareness and self-diagnosis. She explained that true self-awareness comes from curiosity — noticing your patterns and needs — while self-diagnosis often comes from fear or urgency, which can be harmful. She also cautioned that absorbing symptoms from others online can take an emotional toll on your own mental health.
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Dr. Amanda Long spoke about the importance of honoring children’s consent and autonomy online. She explained that while sharing family moments may feel innocent, even well-meaning posts can shape a child’s self-identity, self-esteem, and long-term digital footprint. Parents, she emphasized, must consider how their choices online impact their child’s sense of agency and future relationships.
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Dr. Amanda Long contributed to an article on how to instill balance in your life — at work, at home, and while traveling. She shared insights on creating boundaries, protecting mental wellness, and building habits that allow for balance no matter where life takes you.
I want to congratulate you on taking the first step toward your healing. It takes courage to even be here reading these words. My role is not to tell you who to be — it’s to create a space where you can process your pain, embrace your strengths, and step into the best version of yourself.
If you’re ready, I would love to walk this journey with you.