“I will comfort you, I’ll take your part when darkness comes and pain is all around.” Simon and Garfunkel’s lyric in “Bridge Over Troubled Water” describes tough times and the very present and healing support offered to provide comfort - the comfort necessary to overcome tough times. Everyone has troubled water – troubled times where you need to find a safe place to “ease your mind;” a place where your voice will be heard, and your story valued. Reaching out to find this safe place and support can feel scary and vulnerable, but it can also lead to exciting growth, self-knowledge, and the power to create a better life. I am committed to listening to my client’s stories without judgment or assumptions, and meeting them exactly where they are in their life journey. I listen carefully and actively, and provide thoughtful feedback so we can explore the concerns, and develop strategies together; strategies that are unique to the client and their life story, and that empower the client to make their own best choices for their life journey. I have a master’s degree from University of Illinois-Springfield, and a Marriage and Family Therapy Endorsement from the University of Nevada-Las Vegas. In addition, I completed the Clinical Education in Psychosocial Care program through Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. I have a keen interest in working with individuals and families as they negotiate major life changes such as family building, relationships, grief, and aging. I am motivated to help each client reach their own potential, and to create their best life. My personal approach to therapy is to develop synergy with the client, a collaborative process that creates a safe, positive, and empowering environment for creating meaningful change. Through this, the client can safely explore, question, discuss, and learn without being judged. Join me as we venture into your life’s journey and create the story you envision.

Hello! Janet Craig here. I come to Betterhelp with 30+ years of social work/advocacy/counseling experience. I am a licensed clinical social worker in the state of Illinois. I have worked in a variety of settings (child welfare, hospice, and the schools), and am comfortable helping people of all ages explore what makes them tick, what causes them pain, and how they can best take care of themselves. Being a human being is hard work no matter your age or life experience. I am especially skilled in helping parents with a variety of parenting issues, and have a passion for working with parents of teenagers. Raising a family is one of life's biggest and most important challenges. I'm here to help parents navigate new territory as their kids grow through adolescence. As a bereavement counselor, I have helped individuals and families cope with loss and it's resulting aftermath. Grief can feel very lonely and overwhelming at times. Sometimes it helps to sort out thoughts and feelings with someone outside the family. That's where I come in. My approach is one of compassion, careful listening, and guiding individuals toward meeting goals that they set for themselves. I firmly believe that people have the capacity to heal themselves, and that no one has to make that journey alone. My approach to my life and profession is that of acceptance, respect and kindness. The bumper sticker on my car says, “Human kind (be both).” My life's motto. EXPERTISE parenting grief/loss stress management relationship issues self-esteem anxiety coping skills

My name is Kaneesha Craig and I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of Illinois. I have worked in the mental health field for over 15 years. I have worked with many clients with a range of concerns ranging from the chronically mentally ill in a hospital setting to clients adjusting to life circumstances in a community agency setting. My counseling style is warm and engaging. I am a person centered counselor who believes in treating people with respect while helping them own their behaviors. My clinical approach is cognitive behavioral. My ultimate goal is to help you reach your desired level of wellness in life. I believe in a clinical partnership and I look forward to being your partner to help you navigate through life. I look forward to working with you soon.

I am an older male black therapist with a history of military experience. I have worked with teenagers and with adults. My approach is straight forward and solution focused. I am a great listener with a "can do positive" mentality to issues and problems. I am reality based and like to set goals for treatment. I am very drawn to couples therapy and enjoy working to find common ground, and/or highlight the needs for couples to determine the next step in their relationship. I have three male children, all boys, and enjoy my role as a father so I am always available to help improve someone's parenting skills. I have a blended family so I am aware of the challenges, dynamics, and issues associated with such a family model. I know that trust is essential for therapy to be successful. I will do all that I can to establish such a therapeutic relationship with you if you choose me as your therapist. Unfortunately , I have not had much experience working with the LGBTQ community . I am a licensed clinical psychologist and a licensed Clinical Therapist.

Beverly (Ann) Smith Bio In addition to being a therapist, I am a licensed clinical social worker (MSW, LCSW), certified dementia practitioner and former Baccalaureate trained nurse. This unique background enables me to empower others in multiple ways. My over 20 years of experience includes working in hospitals, clinics, adoption/foster care agencies, assisted living facilities, and teaching as an adjunct professor at local junior colleges. I have counseled children, teens, foster parents, grandparents, young parents, members of the LGBTQ community, and cisgender adults using cognitive behavioral therapy, narrative therapy, and mindfulness-based therapy. I believe that good outcomes with therapy are significantly linked to being matched with the therapist best suited for you. My goal is to be caring, honest, compassionate, committed and effective.

My name is Angela Johnson and I have been in the mental health field for over 20 years. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and I am currently Licensed in Illinois, Missouri (LPC), Maryland (LCPC) licensed as telehealth therapist in Florida. I am currently working in mental health, substance abuse, Veterans, vocational education and services, educational services, assessments, evaluations, and probation and parole, as well as crisis intervention and counseling victims of traumatic events. I am currently working with individuals, children and adolescents , couples, substance use, and traumatic therapy. I also specialize with counseling minorities, LGBTQ, and other clients of ethnic backgrounds. I am currently working with clients that suffer from depression, stress or anxiety. I use various methods to work with clients which includes, homework, play therapy, music therapy, talk therapy, role play, and other methods that provide you with a different view of therapy. I look forward working with you or your family.

I am licensed in Florida & Illinois with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbt-related issues, relationship issues, & trauma and abuse. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. 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.

Blessings to you: I am licensed Social Worker in Illinois with 20+ years of professional work experience, with most of those years being in therapeutic situations. My extensive social work experience has allowed me to work with many walks of life, where I have advocated for their best qualities of their life, always. I have much experience working with diverse populations and have the ability to meet people where they are at. I believe my gift of being a minority helps a great deal in this ability. I thrive on positivity and mental wellness, with a clear understanding and vision of one's light. With this gift, I feel I am called to help others live their best lives, and give skills to help keep their light bright. I am a natural promoter of empowerment and hold a great deal of empathy. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbt-related issues, relationship issues, family conflicts, etc. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. 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.

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois with 12 years of experience. Currently, I serve as Clinical Director at a community mental health agency. Also, I facilitate a parenting group which is extremely rewarding. I am a Managing Adaptive Practices Certified Therapist, a Triple P Parenting Group Certified Instructor, a Teen Mental Health First Aid Certified Instructor, and Youth Mental Health First Aid Certified. My training and experience enables me to help clients with depression, stress and anxiety, 0-12 age parenting skills, and motivation and confidence. I am most knowledgeable and passionate about brain development, self-regulation, thought patterns, and quality parenting strategies. My training exposure is varied and my treatment philosophy is eclectic. However, I lean towards a strengths-oriented, solution-focused approach. Although I do take my work seriously, I try not to take myself too seriously. My hope is to have a genuine and positive impact in your life. I look forward to meeting you, listening to your story, and supporting you in your goals.

I am licensed in Illinois with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, & 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.

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) with over 9 years of experience in the mental health field. I am passionate about helping individuals navigate life's challenges. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working with clients of all ages, from children to adults, and have a strong focus on supporting minority communities. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started! I understand that each person's journey is unique, and I strive to provide a safe, compassionate, culturally sensitive, and client-centered approach to therapy. Whether you're managing anxiety, depression, trauma, or navigating life transitions, I am here to offer support and tools for growth and healing. Let's work together to create a path toward well-being.

I am licensed in Illinois with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, anger management, & depression. 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.