The town of Kankakee takes great pride in its natural areas and shows it in how well they take care of their 37 parks with over 600 acres of land. Some of the amenities include a marina, campgrounds, dog parks, recreation center, indoor ice-skating rink, and the Kankakee River.
The residents and visitors to Kankakee like to spend time fishing, boating, swimming, and camping in their free time. However, there are many people who have trouble finding free time and when they do, they are too stressed out to relax. If you are one of them, there are many devoted counselors in Kankakee who can help you relax.

Jack Richey
Welcome to Better Help! You may be wondering how this works and whether it would be right for you. My name is Jack Richey. I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Illinois. I earned my Master of Social Work degree, specializing in Interpersonal Communication and Change from the University of Iowa. I founded and directed an outpatient mental health clinic. I have worked on an inpatient behavioral healthcare unit. I had a private mental health counseling practice. I retired in August of 2021 after thirteen years of providing out patient mental health counseling services in a psychiatric wing of a local clinic under the direct supervision of a psychiatrist. I've worked with individuals, couples, and families who have had to address a variety of issues. These have included employment difficulties, depression, anxiety, stress, anger, family and relationship issues, self-esteem, divorce recovery, and parenting problems. My counseling style combines Cognitive Behavioral, Family Systems, and Solution focused approaches. I do not have a “cookie cutter” or “one size fits all” approach. Each person is unique with specific needs. I try meet clients "where they are". I believe we can all grow through challenging experiences by increasing self-awareness. Sometimes another person who isn't directly involved can offer a new perspective. Having additional support can guide people through a difficult situation when they feel stuck. People all want to be able to share their personal experiences, be accepted, and feel understood. I believe it's very important to be open-minded and non-judgmental when people share their personal stories or experiences. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life. Your life and your goals are important. If you are ready to take that step toward change, I am here to support, encourage, and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

Barbara Barr
Hello and Welcome. My name is Barbara Barr and I am a Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor with over 25 years of experience. Throughout my years of providing professional counseling, I have worked with individuals, teenagers, families and couples. My counseling focus addresses an array of issues including depression, anxiety, sexual, physical and emotional abuse and trauma, eating disorders, addiction issues, individual and adolescent counseling, couples counseling, and family relationship issues. My counseling style has been described as warm, sensitive, supportive, helpful and effective. I strive to help my clients feel safe, comfortable and trusting in me as their clinician, and comfortable to explore thoughts and feelings in a safe and trusting place free of judgment. It is important to me that you feel understood, really listened to, and confident in my ability to help you achieve your goals. I believe in emphasizing each person’s internal feelings, thoughts and sense of basic human worth. It is important for me to help individuals understand their own potential, accept themselves and others as unique individuals, and help individuals to take a problem-centered approach to life situations. Online counseling may be new for many individuals, yet it is being described as extremely comfortable, convenient, and very effective. Our work together will be structured to meet your specific and individual needs and comfort level. Please feel free to ask any questions you may have, and I will be happy to respond with any information you may need, including reviewing the process with you. Live video sessions are scheduled between 6:00am EST. - 2:00pm EST; I am looking forward to this journey with you and look forward to hearing from you.

Gina Dunphy
I have been a Social Worker for 30 years. I have my Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and Master's Degree in Social Work. I am also Licensed in the State of Illinois. My treatment approach is an eclectic one and client directed. I have expertise in Mindfulness approaches as well as DBT. I like to allow you, the Client, to choose the direction of your therapy. In other words you decide the direction of your therapy. Some clients wish to pursue direct problem solving in the course of their treatment, while others merely want a sounding board and feedback regarding the issues they are facing. I bring compassion, experience, and positivity to the counseling experience. I look forward to meeting you!

Lydia Schatzel
I believe in maintaining a strong and positive rapport because through that trust, we can really get work done. I treat everyone with respect and compassion. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, harm reduction, and mindfulness with a solution focused approach that is client centered. I will tailor our dialogue and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. As a therapist, it is my job to provide the tools and coping skills to navigate this thing called life. I will work diligently to be that empathetic and supportive hand to help you through tough times and emerge on the other side feeling stronger and more capable to take on whatever new challenges come your way. I am a licensed clinical social worker in Illinois with over 10 years of experience working as a crisis worker, care coordinator, and therapist. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including various behavioral health conditions, substance abuse, history of trauma, relationships, and stages of development. I have additionally addressed abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

Melinda Osborn
Melinda Osborn is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor based in Springfield, IL. Melinda has earned her Bachelor of Science in Social Work with a minor in Sociology from Illinois State University in Normal, IL, and later went on to earn a Master of Arts in Community Agency Counseling from Bradley University in Peoria, IL. She developed a particular interest in healthcare casework and counseled the sick, dying, and bereaved in a hospice facility. Other areas of experience include life stage transitions, self worth / value, general anxiety, and situational and chronic stress and depression. Melinda is familiar with addressing a client’s psycho/social /spiritual wellness, and takes a systems approach to info gathering. A lifelong Christian, Melinda also has further training with integrating faith based & religious strengths with psychology to work through challenging situations for clients who so choose. She uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy which is an approach that challenges cognitive distortions and behaviors and works to chage them to improve a person's emotional regulation and develop personal coping strategies going forward.

Karyn Lockerman-Elliott
It takes a great deal of courage to admit that you feel different, that you are experiencing feelings of depression or anxiety, or you just feel off and would like to talk to someone who is trained and licensed to help you. College, family, relationships, and life and career goals are difficult no matter what stage of life you are in and sometimes it helps to talk to a professional who can teach you skills to manage your emotions or can listen to you without judgment. I am a licensed therapist who has been practicing for more than 15 years. I work with individuals, families, and couples. I have 57 hours post masters in gender studies and think that everyone has the right to live a life that they love and to be successful in their goals while navigating life in this chaotic world we live in. I am licensed to practice in Florida, Illinois, and Iowa. I have 15 + years of experience in issues from depression, anxiety, gender identity, same-sex relationships, alternative relationships, trauma and abuse, and family issues. I have 57+ hours post-masters in Gender Studies and believe all peoples should live their lives fully and understand how to make their unique style and relationships work for them.

Dashawn Hunter
I am licensed in Illinois with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with career difficulties, depression, anxiety, grief and navigating through issues of everyday life. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

Teresa Yu
Hello! My name is Teresa Yu and I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and a Registered Art Therapist (ATR) in the State of Illinois. I have over 3 years of experience working with a diverse client population from children to adults and with concerns ranging from day-to-day stress, life transitions, anxiety, adjustment, to trauma. I specialized working in multicultural therapeutic spaces, interacting with culturally diverse, BIPOC clients focusing on adjustment, acculturation stress, family separation, and migration trauma. I am fluent in Mandarin. I am often described to have a calm, caring personality with moments of humor. I like to listen empathetically, clarify and summarize, before inviting processing. I recognize one approach does not fit all, I like to remain flexible and explore a working balance where you feel engaged while being challenged towards your identified goals. I like to highlight your strengths and achievements to empower positive changes. Depending on your needs, I frequently utilize Attachment, Regulation, Competency framework, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused processing, mindfulness, therapeutic, or art activities in my sessions. My goal is to hold a therapeutic space where you feel engaged to share what’s on your mind from your daily experiences to your concerns without feeling judged. It takes courage to open up your stories and seek support, and I am here to hear you and honor what you are going through.

Christy Carter
I am licensed in Illinois, Iowa and Nebraska with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, anger management, career changes, end-of-life, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence, & depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Vincent Dhan
I am licensed in Illinois with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma, abuse, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Find a therapist serving clients in Illinois
Types of therapists available to clients in Kankakee
Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist. Be sure to narrow your search for therapists in Kankakee that can offer psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy depending on your needs.
Licensed therapists & mental health professionals available through BetterHelp's online platform
Mental health therapists in Kankakee available through BetterHelp are accredited to help individuals and couples. Kankakee therapists' credentials can include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinician or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, Kankakee therapists are trained in any type of therapy in the Kankakee region and in the state of Illinois.
How a therapist can help you destress, manage your emotions, and guide you towards the life you want
Therapists in Kankakee can help clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples challenges, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family life, or change in negative thinking patterns. A therapist in Kankakee may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment.