Heather Friend, LMSW, LCSW

About me

Need someone to truly listen and understand what you’re going through?

Seeking a therapist who offers more than just listening?

Ready to try therapy, but not sure where to begin?


If you're looking for someone to truly listen and understand what you're going through, I'm here to help. I know that finding the right therapist can feel overwhelming, especially when you're unsure where to start or what to expect. My approach to therapy is about more than just listening—it's about actively working with you to explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a safe and supportive space.

As a therapist, I specialize in helping individuals navigate complex emotions, trauma, anxiety, relationships, and personal growth. Whether you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or simply need a space to process what's on your mind, I offer a compassionate and non-judgmental environment where you can express yourself freely.

I believe in a collaborative approach to therapy, where we work together to identify your goals and create a plan that feels right for you. Whether you're dealing with specific challenges or seeking to understand yourself better, I'm here to guide you through the process at your own pace. You don't need to have everything figured out before you start—sometimes, just taking that first step to reach out is the most important part.

If you're ready to begin, I'm here to help you navigate this journey, offering support, understanding, and practical strategies to help you move forward. Together, we can work toward healing, growth, and a deeper understanding of yourself and your experiences.

Are you nervous about therapy?

It’s actually more common than you might think to feel uncertain and anxious to begin therapy. Many people worry about opening up or wonder if they’re doing it "right." Remember, therapy is a journey, and it's okay to take it one step at a time. I’m here to help promote a sense of acceptance and comfort from the very first session. Together, we’ll create a space where you feel safe to explore your thoughts and emotions without judgment. My goal is to make sure you feel supported and understood as we work through whatever challenges you’re facing.

Life can be overwhelming, challenging, and intensely painful. Through my experience with hundreds of clients with a variety of needs, I've developed a deep insight and understanding. Let's embark on your healing journey together, where I listen, understand, and walk beside you every step of the way.

I'm here to support people from all backgrounds as they navigate life's ups and downs. Since 2011, I've been helping children, teens, adults, and families overcome challenges like trauma, stress, significant life changes, anxiety, and more.

Think of our therapy sessions as a safe space where you can share your thoughts and begin healing. Whether you're facing tough times or seeking hope and direction, I'm here to help you find your inner strength and move forward.

We'll work together to improve your life, focusing on your unique story and finding positive ways to face any challenge. I am looking forward to supporting you on this healing journey.

If you're ever in a crisis and need immediate support, the following hotlines and services are available 24/7:

**Crisis Services:**
- Call or text 988
- Call 1-844-493-TALK (8255) or text "TALK" to 38255

**National Hotlines:**
- National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
- Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-422-4453
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357
- Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255, PRESS 1 or text 838255
- CDC National HIV and AIDS Hotline: 1-800-232-4636

Professional experience

Additional areas of focus: Addictions, LGBT, Family conflicts, Intimacy-related issues, Eating disorders, Sleeping disorders, Anger management, Self esteem, Career difficulties, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Coping with life changes, Coaching, Compassion fatigue, ADHD, Abandonment, Adoption and foster care, Aging and geriatric issues, Antisocial personality, Attachment issues, Autism and Asperger Syndrome, Avoidant personality, BDSM, kink, and alternative sex culture, Blended family issues, Body image, Cancer, Caregiver issues and stress, Chronic pain, illness, and disability, Co-morbidity, Codependency, Commitment issues, Communication problems, Control issues, Coping with natural or human-caused disaster, Dependent personality, Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD), Dissociation, Divorce and separation, Domestic violence, Drug and alcohol addiction, Eating and food-related issues, Emptiness, Family of origin issues, Family problems, Fatherhood issues, Fertility issues, First responder issues, Forgiveness, Gender dysphoria, Guilt and shame, Hearing impaired, Hoarding, Hospice and end-of-life counseling, Immigration issues, Impulsivity, Infidelity, Intellectual disability, Isolation / loneliness, Jealousy, Life purpose, Men's issues, Midlife crisis, Veteran and Armed Forces Issues, Money and financial issues, Mood disorders, Multicultural concerns, Narcissism, Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD, Panic disorder and panic attacks, Paranoia, Personality disorders, Phobias, Polyamory / non-monogamous relationships, Postpartum depression, Post-traumatic stress, Pregnancy and childbirth, Prejudice and discrimination, Process addiction (porn, exercise, gambling), Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Self-harm, Self-love, Sex addiction, Sexual assault and abuse, Sexual dysfunction, Sexuality, Smoking / vaping cessation, Social anxiety and phobia, Somatization, Traumatic brain injury, Trichotillomania, Visually impaired, Women's issues, Workplace issues, Young adult issues

Clinical approaches: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), Existential Therapy, Jungian Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy, Internal Family Systems

License information

MI LMSW 6801117005

IL LCSW 149026353

CO LCSW CSW.09927984

Reviews

These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Heather Friend. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.