Aurora, IL, part of the Chicago metropolitan area, is known as the City of Lights. It was one of the first cities in the United States to use an all-electric public lighting system. It can be hard to figure out how to forge ahead in our lives without someone to help us shine a light on the path. If you need help with life's challenges, talk to a therapist in Aurora, IL. 

A therapist can help people of all ages identify and learn to manage a variety of behaviors. Whether you attend your appointment in person or online, a compassionate therapist will help you build a trusting relationship in a friendly environment. Therapists, licensed professional counselors, and licensed clinical social workers can work with you in your recovery to help change problematic human behavior, learn how to stay focused on goals, and treat mental health conditions like anxiety or mood disorders.

If you want to find someone committed to helping you light up your life, connect with an Aurora-based therapist to get started.

 

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Rima Mickus

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IL, Aurora
Counselor License Type(s): MS,LCPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSleeping disordersCoping with life changes
17 years of experience

Welcome, I'm Rima Mickus, a fully licensed clinical counselor in Illinois and Arizona and am limited to working with only Illinois and Arizona residents at this time. I enjoy working with men and women who are struggling with relationship issues, anxiety, and insomnia. I have 17 years of experience as a counselor, and have been in private practice since 2013. I have post graduate training in couples counseling, relationship coaching, domestic violence, and non-drug treatment for insomnia (using CBT-I). I have a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology from Benedictine University in Illinois. I work with adults in my private practice and enjoy helping them navigate through difficult circumstances. Relationship issues are usually a top stressor for many adults, whether it is family, dating, marriage, or work relationship issues. A bulk of my practice is helping adults with their relationships. We explore communication styles, personality differences, childhood influences, and other factors that impact the quality of our relationships. I help clients learn what a healthy relationship looks like and what constitutes abusive and disrespectful behavior. I can provide links to online assessments that can help identify strengths and areas of growth for both singles and couples. Another area that I enjoy helping clients with is health , fitness, and weight management. I have a certification in Wellness coaching and have helped many clients improve their mood and health using some simple interventions. Finally, an area that I find most important, but often neglected is sleep quality. Sleep is very under- rated but can make an enormous difference in a person's mood and cognitive function. I am trained directly by Dr Gregg Jacobs of the Harvard Medical School in providing CBT-I (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia). This is a 5-6 week structured program that requires the participant to keep a detailed weekly sleep log. It has been very helpful in helping men and women get more hours of quality sleep at night. There is also a way to wean off of sleep medications, but this will require medical supervision with a doctor. If weaning from medications is involved, the program typically takes longer, depending on how long the medication has been used. Please note that therapy is a very active process and frequent communication is important for maximum benefit. I will be contacting you through messaging more than once a week, as required by this service. I check messages at least 2 times per day. Your active participation is key to the success of your therapy. The more you participate, the more benefit you will get out of this service. My general hours of service are M-F 9 am-6pm CT. I check messages on weekends and occasionally offer sessions on weekends. Let me know when you are ready to start your therapy. I am looking forward to working with you! Warm regards, Rima

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Caryn Kelley

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IL, Aurora
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

Welcome to Better Help. I hope together we can work to improve your life! My name is Caryn Kelley. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with many years of experience in different settings. I have a Masters of Social Work from Arizona State University and have been certified as a LCSW since 1988. In my practice I have seen clients struggling with self-esteem issues, family conflict, depression, anxiety, bipolar, addiction and multiple medical issues. My approach utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Techniques, Client Centered, Empathetic Listening, Motivational Interviewing and Supportive allow my client's the space to explore life issues, gain much needed clarity and foster confidence to make changes. Our time together will be a safe place to vent, allow yourself to experience true emotions and gain insight and ability to trust your own thoughts, decisions and plans. My counseling style will include time to get to know you, hear about your strengths and struggles, things that make you happy and areas that upset you. Then with a warm, caring style, we will further explore your challenges and concerns, perhaps offering a new viewpoint or path for you to follow to make changes. Sometimes having a kind, supportive person in your corner will be enough, other times some motivational conversation will be the flash point for change. I believe you have the inner strength in you, and with a positive, therapeutic relationship, can feel better. I am looking forward to working with you to support you in taking the first steps toward a happier, more fulfilling life.

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Kathryn Klein

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IL, Aurora
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepressionADHD
12 years of experience

Hello and thank you for reading my biography! I have over 20 years of experience working with troubled youth and adolescents as a school counselor and 12 years of experience working in private practice. In private practice, I have worked with young children, adolescents, adults, and couples. I love working with people to help improve their lives and to help people become more insightful as they navigate the waters of life. I also consider myself rather philosophical and naturally inquisitive and I bring these qualities to my practice. If you have any questions for me, please do not hesitate to ask!

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Dr. William Robison

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IL, Aurora
Counselor License Type(s): PsyD,MDiv
AddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
40 years of experience

I consider myself an optimist and seek to find the best in the people I meet. I have an out-going nature. I love people and I love life and seek to help others find the same joy, even in bleak circumstances. When asked to help, I pitch in. I dislike saying “no” and would rather say “yes” to tasks and assignments. I think of myself as a “can do person” and am always looking for how good things can be made to happen. Finally, I would like to note that I can be comfortable in most environments, working with most age groups and mental health conditions. I began my professional career some 30 years ago. In additional to my Psychology Doctoral degree, I also hold a Master of Divinity degree and a Post-degree Certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy.

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Denise McNicholas

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IL, Aurora
Relationship issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoaching
5 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. I also have experience working with executive and professional coaching. 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!

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Ashley Spickler

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IL, Aurora
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementSelf esteemCoachingCompassion fatigue
7 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois and Wisconsin with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, anger management, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & executive and professional coaching. 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. Fun facts about me: - I love to travel- I've been to over 25 countries across 5 continents - I'm currently enrolled in a PhD program in Psychology and will begin my dissertation soon! - I love tacos, donuts, and iced coffee

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Stephanie McSharry

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IL, Aurora
Stress, AnxietyIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteemCoaching
13 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with over 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also have experience working with executive and professional coaching. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Kenyotta Eugene Cross

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IL, Aurora
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with more than 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, career difficulties, & depression. 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.

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Cyd O'Neal

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IL, Aurora
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
25 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. 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. 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.

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Elizabeth Stone

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IL, Aurora
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseDepression
11 years of experience

Whether it is a single event or a life time of struggles, our thoughts and emotions can become so overwhelming that every day tasks are difficult to complete. For some, it is hard to reach out for help but once you have taken the first step of acknowledging you need help and you cannot do it alone, the journey of emotional healing begins. It is learning to confront life's adversities rather than allowing them to define you. It is a journey of self-discovery, self-awareness, and learning to trust intuition while building inner strength to embrace and love who you are. As your therapist, I will walk that journey with you. I use a trauma-informed, strengths-based approach as well as Cognitive Behavioral therapy, however, I adapt interventions to meet clients' needs. I also apply a holistic approach with Mindfulness-based practices to integrate the mind-body connection.

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How to find a therapist for counseling in Aurora

Finding the best therapist close by in Aurora can feel challenging, but know that once you narrow your search for a counselor serving your area, you can find a therapist in your city that is accepting new clients and fits your goals. Whether you're struggling with depression, anxiety, marriage, family issues, or other emotional challenges, feel proud that you have begun your search to find the mental health care services with therapists in Aurora that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing with a therapist.

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Aurora. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of support of this kind with BetterHelp therapists can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in Aurora, feel free to contact the provider via email to find out which methods they practice.

It is also important to understand that mental health professionals in the United States are accredited to provide care, helping individuals and couples, with a variety of licenses for therapists. These include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinical psychologist or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, they are trained able to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy in the Aurora region and in the state of Illinois. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

A mental health counselor working through their own in-person therapy practice in Aurora or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples counseling, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family therapy, or change in negative thinking patterns. A Aurora therapist may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. Verified providers and therapists can provide licensed marriage and couples therapy, tailor to individual needs, and create a therapeutic relationship as a National Certified Counselor.

There are all kinds of therapists working with clients today across the United States and in the greater Aurora area offering:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search keep in mind what support you'd like your provider to be most experienced with and choose an experienced provider with a practice located near you in the city of Aurora, elsewhere in Kane, or in the greater state of Illinois. Get matched with one of the therapists working on the BetterHelp platform today.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about therapists and mental health services

Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Aurora area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling with a therapist compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Aurora therapist?

The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US with most therapists is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Aurora due to a higher cost of living, and a limited number of therapists taking new clients. The price also depends on the type of provider you are looking for. See the following average prices for various mental health providers without insurance:

  • Counseling with a psychiatrist: $150-$500
  • Counseling with therapists: $100-300
  • Therapy with a psychologist: $100

While many psychologists in Aurora may not take health insurance, some in the state of Illinois may work on a sliding scale, meaning they'll factor in your income and charge what you can afford per session. With a BetterHelp therapist throughout the state of Illinois you can expect significantly more affordable options, with therapists sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks). 

How is a licensed therapist on this Aurora online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Aurora, Illinois working on BetterHelp are licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited as a doctor of psychology (PhD / PsyD), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW / LICSW), or licensed professional counselors (LPC). All of these psychology clinicians have a Masters Degree or a Doctorate Degree in their field of psychology sciences, and follow the APA Code of Ethics. Therapists have been qualified and certified by their state's professional board after successfully completing the necessary education, exams, training and practice with a patient, and extensive experience in a healthcare clinic or treatment centers, in order to become a mental health provider. While their lived experience, expertise, careers, and background vary, therapists here all possess at least 3 years and 1,000 hours of hands-on experience with adult and sometimes teen patients, and have the necessary therapist credentials to provide a safe space for long lasting emotional healing in therapy. 

Please note BetterHelp does not offer or provide care from Aurora psychiatrists to prescribe a drug or medication as treatment, or perform psychological assessments and other psychiatric services.

How does working with a professional counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?

BetterHelp clinicians and therapists treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in Aurora above, can work with young adults, children, adolescents, and adults virtually as an accredited licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). You do not have to commute to a an office as a psychotherapy client.

Through BetterHelp therapy, you can partake in video, phone, or live chat therapy sessions with your licensed therapist. You can work through various symptoms, use the in app journaling feature, and receive worksheets. You'll also find support groups or group therapy helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. Get matched today.

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address with the help of psychologists?

BetterHelp's verified therapists specialize and have clinical experience in a wide range of mental health issues and modalities, helping clients to feel better and improve their lives every day. See below for examples.

Our therapists specialties on BetterHelp include:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy - This is provided by professional counselors, helping clients identify and change negative thought patterns through structured sessions.
  • Behavior therapy - Behavior therapy techniques are used to help clients modify harmful behaviors and develop healthier habits, often through the guidance of a professional counselor.
  • EMDR therapy - EMDR therapists assist clients in processing traumatic memories to alleviate emotional distress and improve overall well-being, utilizing the expertise of a professional counselor.
  • Talk therapy - Clients explore their feelings and develop strategies for dealing with various mental health issues, often guided by a professional counselor.
  • Depression - This counseling is designed to help individuals manage symptoms of depression and improve their mood and functioning, often working closely with a professional counselor.
  • Anxiety disorders - Sessions for anxiety disorders, offer strategies to manage and reduce anxiety symptoms effectively, often through counseling sessions with a professional counselor.
  • Stress - Tools and techniques to help clients cope with stress and improve their mental resilience, frequently under the supervision of a professional counselor.
  • Eating disorders - Professionals experienced in eating disorders offer specialized counseling to address unhealthy eating patterns and body image issues, with the support of a professional counselor.
  • Grief - Support and guidance are offered to clients experiencing grief, helping them navigate the stages of loss, often in collaboration with a counselor.
  • Attachment therapy - Therapists use this to help clients understand and improve their emotional bonds and relationships, often with the assistance of a counselor.
  • Relationships - Therapists work with clients to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen their connections with others, often using the skills of a counselor.
  • Children, adolescents, and teens - Therapists specializing in youth therapy address the unique mental health needs of children, adolescents, and teens, often involving a counselor in the process.
  • Addiction (substance abuse) - Therapists offer counseling for addiction, helping clients overcome substance abuse and maintain long-term recovery, often under the guidance of a counselor.
  • Divorce - Therapists support individuals through the emotional and practical challenges of ending a marriage, often working with a psychologist to provide comprehensive care.
  • Trauma or PTSD - Therapists specializing in trauma and PTSD help clients process traumatic experiences and reduce their symptoms, frequently collaborating with a psychologist.
  • Bipolar disorder - Therapists provide counseling to manage the mood swings and challenges associated with bipolar disorder, often in consultation with a psychologist.
  • Psychodynamic treatment - Therapists use psychodynamic treatment to explore unconscious processes and how they affect current behavior, often guided by psychologists.
  • Career counseling - Therapists assist clients in making informed decisions about their professional paths and resolving work-related issues, often with the help of psychologists.
  • Alcohol use disorders - Therapists offer specialized counseling to help clients manage and overcome alcohol use disorders, frequently under the supervision of psychologists.
  • OCD - Therapists provide strategies and support to manage obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms, often via psychotherapy.
  • ADHD - Therapists offer counseling to help clients with ADHD improve focus, organization, and overall functioning, often via psychotherapy.
  • Mood disorders - Therapists work with clients to stabilize and improve mood through various therapeutic approaches, frequently in psychotherapy.
  • Sex addiction
  • Complex trauma
  • Life transitions

You may also be struggling with relationship problems that could be addressed in couples therapy or with a sex therapist. In that case, you may choose to work with one of BetterHelp's experienced cognitive-behavioral therapists or licensed marriage family therapists (LMFT) who work with clients in relationships. You can also try a Aurora provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide with licensed therapists. 

How do I know if online counseling is right for my family in Aurora?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Aurora therapist is the validation and active listening they can provide. Your friends and loved ones may also be available to listen, but you may feel that they may lack the skills to provide objective guidance. Counselors and therapists are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.

Therapists in your city can support you toward a healthier emotional state, regardless of your mental health, life concerns, or healing needs. While supporting individuals in developing healthier habits, another good benefit of Aurora therapy is having an understanding, safe space with a non-judgmental party who can support you through challenging experiences.

Many people have sensitive topics that they may feel ashamed to discuss with their friends or partner. A Aurora therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of therapy, such as art therapy, where you may find you can express yourself through creativity instead of words with a psychotherapist.

With a lot of people in IL, therapists may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles or therapists above and others within BetterHelp's team, you may be able to find a psychologist within 24 to 48 hours. If you're searching to find a a nearby psychotherapist close to 60507 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site where you can schedule a session based on your and the therapist's schedule. No matter if you are seeking help from therapists in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Aurora counselor?

Before seeing your Aurora therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the process. You might write a list of questions you want to ask your psychotherapist, any emotional pain you may feel, and the ways in which you hope to improve. When you attend your session, you can let our therapists know if you have any concerns or feel unsure about what to talk about. Aurora therapists here may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions while offering mental health services. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn why you're attending therapy.

Should I find a therapist or psychologist for therapy if I feel fine? 

Some simply don't feel the need to see a psychologist. However, some people may avoid attending therapy due to stigma or preconceived notions of what it might entail. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or specific condition. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback. A Aurora licensed clinical social worker may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.

Gaining a new perspective on yourself through various therapies might allow you to improve your self-esteem, work through relationships, and gain a better sense of your mental health goals. The success you may find with a Aurora counselor can be dependent on your process.

People may also attend therapy for specific motives, such as bullying, an autism diagnosis, a desire to learn mindfulness meditation, personality concerns, trouble with office workers, specific phobias, and many other principles that a counselor can help with.

Is mental health care and therapy with a therapist worth it?

Therapy with a licensed counselor is effective and has the power to change individuals' lives. Each client is at a different stage of their emotional healing journey in life, as each human can be unique in their personality, expression, skills, and goals. A psychologist can target various symptoms, experiences, and personalities to help you feel your best and put you on the path to healing. Unlike advice from a friend, family, or non-professional, a mental health therapist has an understanding of various disorders like ADHD and depression with many hours of experience in treating adults in their practice. For this reason, seeing an evidence based psychologist in Aurora, Illinois can be worth it. Over 41 million adults in the US attend therapy services each year, showing it's a popular option and is proven to be effective.

Aurora has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online sessions to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into online therapy, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change therapists easily at any time. Many people struggling with anxiety and depression, substance abuse, body image issues, and more find therapists that are a good fit for them, feel supported, and gain further insight into their lives through internet-based therapy.

Do therapists judge you in therapy sessions during telehealth appointments?

The boundaries between you and a therapist are in place to help you and them regarding ethical concerns. Mental health professionals are held by ethical standards through the American Psychological Association (APA) and are not allowed to judge or harm their clients. If you are concerned about sharing details about yourself, feel free to withhold personal information. Their job in the therapeutic relationship is to create a safe place, help you gain a deeper understanding of your mental health, and support you. You might consider changing counselors if you don't feel safe or respected.

Stay up to date with the leading online counseling platform for Aurora, Illinois

To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on Pinterest, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.

Take some time today to learn more about the team of Aurora therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to therapy or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out to customer service through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.

If you’re ready to sign up for online therapy, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched within 24 to 48 hours.

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:

A woman meets with a therapist online in her home city of Aurora.

Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Aurora:

60502, 60503, 60504, 60505, 60506, 60507, 60519, 60568, 60569, 60572, 60598, 60599

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