Can you remember the last time you were really happy? If not, you may be suffering from a mental illness like anxiety or depression. While these can be mild, they may get much worse without treatment. Luckily, the City of Charleston has quite a few of the best mental health care providers in Illinois. 

Charleston is surrounded by the Wabash and Embarras Rivers, beech-maple forests, and tall grass prairies where you can go to enjoy nature. However, if you are trying to deal with a mental illness on your own, it is going to be hard to enjoy anything. You can make an appointment today to see one of the Charleston therapists, so you can start feeling better.

Psychologist Maria Conforti providing different types of therapy in Charleston

Maria Conforti

Clinician
License Type(s): LCSW
Mental Wellness Specialties: Relationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefCoachingADHD
16 years offering treatment

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Illinois. My experience spans 16 years as a social worker in a variety of settings including private practice, group homes, incarceration, community resources, non profits, high profile cases, and many more. In those settings, I have had the privilege of working with a variety of children and family issues, specialized in pediatric adhd, provided couples therapy for a variety of sexually oriented couples, assisted in divorce mediation with a concentration on child well being and direction of co-parenting agreements, lead extensive integration programming for at risk young men, and group counseling for affluent young women experiencing self esteem issues and many other issues involving human interactions in various environments. My clinical background includes professional training in dialectical behavior therapy which I received as part of an intensive training through my work as a DCFS contracted provider in a group home for high risk children. I use an eclectic style of therapeutic interventions including cognitive behavioral therapy to create a custom approach tailored for each client and their preferred styles. I pride myself in offering a judgement free zone, keeping in mind that I'm not going necessarily sugar coat what needs to be worked through. I use compassion and a tender approach knowing we are ALL just doing our best and at the same time, need to do better (based on the assumption that's what we are here for). I truly understand what it is like to feel isolated by friends and family and offer a unique perspective that helps each client figure out what's really at the root of things. I use psychoanalysis when it's appropriate to help understand the mechanics of how childhood experiences affect adult situations. I like to focus on solutions that make sense. Once we have identified the issues in the past, I prefer not to stay there but rather, make peace, offer forgiveness where needed and help my clients get on with their lives as they would like to live them. Often figuring out what we want is the most difficult part, but I like to think I can help guide my clients to a point of self satisfaction. I believe in collaboration. If I put in 100 % and my clients do the same, I have full faith in a positive outcome. My professional goal is to render myself obsolete by encouraging the skills and offering the tools needed to live a therapeutic life, not a life in therapy. The ideal client for me is going to be ready for change and willing to do the work. They will be open minded and willing to hear truths that are not necessarily easy to take but will lead to the outcome they are looking for. I am not for everyone, but for those clients that find my style helpful, I am confident will feel helped in the end. I have nothing but respect for anyone who is brave enough to take up the arduous task of self improvement and I do my best to gently stretch my clients out of their comfort zone. So anyone wanting to work with me should be aware that this is a critical part of the process and while I believe therapy to be a healing art, I must admit, it doesn't always feel as comfortable as we wish it could be. Having said that, I work hard to offer sincere compassion to the people I work with and do so with genuine respect for their right to self determination at every turn.

Psychologist Fritz Gelin providing different types of therapy in Charleston

Fritz Gelin

Clinician
License Type(s): Ed.D.,LCPC,CADC
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyAddictionsGriefSelf esteemDepression
3 years offering treatment

I currently hold an LCPC (Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor) and a CADC (Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor), both from the State of Illinois. Professionally, I am the Program Coordinator at a crisis center, but I have over 15 years of experience working with clients presenting with a wide range of issues, including bipolar, schizophrenia, anxiety, depression, and relationship issues. I draw my counseling strengths from using a Person-Centered Therapy approach. I believe that the therapy space is for the client to have a voice and options available for adequate problem solving. I am certified in CBT, but I use an eclectic approach integrating various counseling models. At times, we are faced with a difficult task, and we may need some assistance. If you feel ready for therapy/counseling, I am here to provide you the help you need. Thank you.

Psychologist Jamie Blakeman providing different types of therapy in Charleston

Jamie Blakeman

Clinician
License Type(s): LCPC
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseBipolar disorderDepressionCoping with life changes
16 years offering treatment

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) with over 16 years of experience in the mental health field. I specialize in counseling individuals experiencing a wide range of issues, including severe mental illness, trauma, depression anxiety and relational issues. I am passionate about working with individuals who are are struggling with co-occurring disorders and those who are need of support with daily life challenges or events. I have a wholistic approach to therapy and draw from the various modalities , including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), solution-focused therapy and dialectal behavioral therapy (DBT), in an effort to meet the need of each individual. Through the collaborative process of therapy, Through the therapeutic process, I will help to guide you to increase self-awareness, gain new perspectives, decrease symptoms, and increase personal strengths to have a more meaningful life experience. By using the power of the therapeutic relationship, I strive to create a nurturing environment and foundation to help clients heal, rebuild their lives and increase their resiliency. In every session, I use therapy as a way to nurture, challenge, support and understand clients. Healing can occur within a safe and trusting relationship.

Psychologist Erica Tonn providing different types of therapy in Charleston

Erica Tonn

Clinician
License Type(s): LCSW
Mental Wellness Specialties: Self esteemCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
4 years offering treatment

I am a social worker and therapist from Illinois with just over 10 years of experience. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and career challenges. With my work as a medical social worker, I have also helped those cope with health crises, caregiver stress, burnout, and adjustment disorder. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic, rational-emotive therapy, and client-centered. I am here for you to be your sounding board through life's challenges. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

Psychologist Elizabeth Newman providing different types of therapy in Charleston

Elizabeth Newman

Clinician
License Type(s): LCPC,LMHC,NCC
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyLGBTFamily conflictsParenting issuesDepression
6 years offering treatment

I am an experience clinician who is dedicated to treating teens and adults deal with and overcome anxiety, depression, and trauma. My philosophy is client-centered, Mindfulness based, trauma informed, and goal oriented. I have training and experience with Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), and Mindfulness. My areas of focus include trauma, attachment issues, and difficulties with distress tolerance and emotional regulation. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC in ILLINOIS), and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC in WASHINGTON STATE. Perspective clients need to know I genuinely care about those I work with and have a passion for joining them on their journey to a new self. The fact that you are searching for a therapist is an indicator that you want something to change. It is easy to lose perspective about situations and how we deal with them. It is also easy to want to forget things buried in our past or relationships that did not support us in the way we needed. Your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are what make you who you are. As we work together to understand these parts of you, we will find a way to alter those thoughts that no longer work for you and strengthen those that are helping you become who you wish to become.

Psychologist Melissa Cauthen providing different types of therapy in Charleston

Melissa Cauthen

Clinician
License Type(s): LCSW
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepression
16 years offering treatment

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.

Psychologist Denise McNicholas providing different types of therapy in Charleston

Denise McNicholas

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Relationship issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoaching
5 years offering treatment

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!

Psychologist Kimberly Monk providing different types of therapy in Charleston

Kimberly Monk

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: AddictionsFamily conflictsParenting issuesCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
6 years offering treatment

I am licensed in Illinois with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, family conflicts, parenting issues, & career difficulties. 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.

Psychologist Beth Rosenberg providing different types of therapy in Charleston

Beth Rosenberg

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changesADHD
15 years offering treatment

I am licensed in Illinois with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, anger management, 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.

Psychologist Kelsey Flynn providing different types of therapy in Charleston

Kelsey Flynn

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
7 years offering treatment

I am a Licensed Mental Health Therapist in the State of Illinois, with 7 years of professional work experience. I completed my Masters of Social Work Degree at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, following receiving my dual Bachelors of Arts Degree in Psychology and Sociology at Michigan State University. I have experience working in the mental health setting within the school system and the community with children, adolescents, and adults through Individual, Family, Couples, and Group Therapy. I have experience working with the Department of Human Services Child Welfare System and youth in the Juvenile Justice System through my academic experience. I am certified as a Partner Abuse Intervention Program Facilitator (PAIP). I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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 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 Charleston

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 Charleston 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 Charleston available through BetterHelp are accredited to help individuals and couples. Charleston 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, Charleston therapists are trained in any type of therapy in the Charleston 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 Charleston 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 Charleston may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. 

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