This is Ashley Andersen's avatar and link to their profile

Ashley Andersen

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IL, Chester
Counselor License Type(s): MA,LCPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepression
6 years of experience

Hello, my name is Ashley Pratt. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois and have been in practice for the past seven years. Over that time, I have refined my counseling skills by providing individual, couples, and family counseling to individuals five to older adult in inpatient psychiatric settings, residential settings, community outreach programs, and in private practice. I have a direct, solution-focused approach, which aids individuals in addressing problematic behaviors and thought processes which are negatively impacting their life. I have experience supporting individuals in managing anxiety, mood disorders, psychosis, trauma, self-harm and suicidal thoughts, and substance use. I also have experience working with individuals who are managing chronic medical conditions as well as mental health issues. My philosophy focuses on building a respectful, honest, and collaborative relationship with my clients. I believe each client is the expert on themselves and their needs. Through providing a warm, safe, and supportive therapeutic space, my hope is to help individuals identify their own goals for therapy and guide them in managing hurdles in their life. In our work together, we will search for the root of the issues you are experiencing and learn to nurture the underlying issues. My personal areas of expertise include a holistic and eclectic approach using Mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral techniques, and trauma informed approaches. I enjoy teaching interventions which can be used in a variety of settings, such as relaxation techniques and thought reframing. I believe we cannot address challenges in life in isolation, and I hope to offer the support needed to overcome any challenges in life.

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Antonio Ellzey, Sr.

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IL, Chester
Counselor License Type(s): LCPC,NCC,MS
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefDepression
22 years of experience

Therapeutic Orientation I am Antonio C. Ellzey, Sr., MS, LCPC, NCC received both undergraduate (B. A. / Liberal Arts) and graduate (M. S. / Counseling) degrees at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, IL, Ph. D. / Counseling Education & Supervision (Student), Adler University, Chicago, IL (2018-Present). I am retired military (Army Reserves) after 20 years. I am married, and I have 4 children, two of whom are adult age. Antonio is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), as well as a National Certified Counselor (NCC). In the Fall of 2018 Antonio entered the Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education & Supervision at Adler University, Chicago, IL. For many years Antonio has helped clients to discover or recover the zeal of life, and tools needed to manage intense emotions. As a psychotherapist Antonio contends to always be duty bound and obligated to provide genuineness, empathy, and positive regard for any client. Driven with compassion for helping others, Antonio’s counseling experiences have been filled with great edification to help empower others to deal with difficult matters, and to ultimately produce the best viable outcome regardless of the circumstance (s) causing the discomfort. Antonio is noted to be very passionate to help to discover client’s level of functioning in effort to better understand how to help them meet their needs. Antonio has become proficient to help individuals, couples, and families find relief in understanding self and others. It is through some therapeutic assignments and mental health therapy services that many have secured the esteem needed and understanding how to navigate through the natural maturation of forging health relationships with anyone. Antonio along with his wife, has served as chairpersons for the married couples ministry at church for 2 years. Antonio is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (ΑΦΑ) Professional Associations / American Counseling Association (ACA). My approach to therapy shall be the following: A) Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, the short-term therapy technique that can help Clients to find new ways to conduct themselves by shifting their thought patterns. Engaging in CBT can help Clients to diminish stress, manage difficult relationships, and work through other common life challenges. This approach may come with the deep breathing relaxation technique to practice 3x’s per day for 2 weeks, the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) or (Tapping) to practice for 2 weeks, or the anxiety diversion technique to practice for a couple of weeks to help manage intense emotions. B) Psychodynamic therapy may provide Clients insight to their unconscious processes as they are manifested in their present behavior, particularly the dissonance that they might have experienced. This approach would assist to help Clients with self-awareness and understanding of the impact of the past on present behavior. This approach will be met with encouraging Clients to process their feelings with supportive people at least 1x per week to help manage intense emotions and to perhaps unlock potential pint up feelings. Additionally, with this approach, Clients could benefit from asserting themselves more toward others about their needs and to help meet resolve in their collective relationships with others. C) Cognitive therapy approach may help to serve Clients needs by developing alternative ways of thinking and behaving which aims to reduce psychological stress. These collective approaches will serve as an integrative approach to help meet Client’s needs.

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Daryl Flink

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IL, Chester
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changes
4 years of experience

I have 10 years experience working in inpatient and outpatient mental health treatment centers, and I hold masters degrees in Social Service Administration and Public Policy with a concentration in Healthcare Administration. I dedicated my early career to mental health research and advocacy. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois, I have worked with clients from diverse backgrounds to address anxiety, depression, substance abuse, family and relationship conflicts, career stress, and low self-esteem. I always start with genuine empathy to create a safe, nonjudgemental space. I want my clients to feel comfortable being vulnerable and sharing their concerns. My eclectic treatment interventions pull primarily from behavioral, cognitive and motivational interviewing perspectives. I work together with my clients to find a strategy that specifically addresses their needs. Through developing coping skills, such as social functioning tools, healthy boundaries and positive self-talk, I want to help empower my clients to improve their quality of life.

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Ramon Nolasco

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IL, Chester
Counselor License Type(s): LCPC,LMHC,CCTP
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
25 years of experience

I am glad that you are taking the first step into the journey of finding inner peace. I have helped adults, teens and children struggling with adaptation, resolution of life tasks, difficulties confronting problematic levels of stress, that may or may not lead to anxiety and/or depression, and any other emotional difficulty such as trauma, grief and addictions. Together, we will find new paths to resolve these challenges and moving closer to a sense of satisfaction and happiness. I provide a therapeutic environment that you can trust and feel confident that together we can find the best solutions to your problems I have been working as a mental health therapist for over 2 decades and I am passionate about seeing the process of change and improvement over time as therapy move forward. I want to guide you to do this using a strength-based method and an eclectic approach during this process as we develop our therapeutic alliance and try to obtain treatment success.

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Arnold Lavaire

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IL, Chester
Counselor License Type(s): MA,LCSW,CFTP
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
14 years of experience

I am Arnold A Lavaire, a bilingual Christian counselor licensed in the state of Virginia and Illinois. I was born and raised in Honduras and moved to live in the United States in 1996. I served 5 years of military service in the US Navy. I am fluent in Spanish, I can conduct counseling in English and in Spanish. I earned a B.S. in Psychology from Campbell University, a M.A. in Counseling from the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary, and a M.Div. from Mid-America Reformed Seminary.

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Nicole Krause

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IL, Chester
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemCoping with life changes
14 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 12 years of clinical experience; most recently specializing in addictions for the past 6 years. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I use a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Solution Focused Therapy. I work closely with my clients to create goals based on the achievements they are looking to attain and to identify techniques which can change their debilitating thoughts, feelings and behaviors. I play a very active role in therapy by listening and offering empathic feedback. 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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Kenneth Vick

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IL, Chester
AddictionsLGBTTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
26 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & relationship issues. 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.

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David Mingus

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IL, Chester
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
35 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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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Paula Voigt

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IL, Chester
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefCareer difficultiesDepression
7 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, post-traumatic stress, coping with grief and loss, & career difficulties. As a compassionate and empathetic therapist, I understand the complex emotional and psychological impact that infertility and reproductive loss can have. Strong emotional responses such as anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress may arise following reproductive loss or infertility challenges. Supportive therapy for both men and women experiencing these challenges offers much-needed understanding and validation, and can help you work through these emotions, learn effective tools to cope, and gain new perspectives that can foster healing. While infertility and miscarriage challenges are my specialty, I am also experienced in working with all types of grief/loss, PTSD, anxiety, depression and career challenges. 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.

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This is Cheryl Watson's avatar and link to their profile

Cheryl Watson

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IL, Chester
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
3 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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How to find a therapist for counseling in Chester

Finding the best therapist close by in Chester 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 Chester 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 Chester. 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 Chester, 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 Chester 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 Chester 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 Chester 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 Chester 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 Chester, elsewhere in Randolph, 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 Chester 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 Chester 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 Chester 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 Chester 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 Chester online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Chester, 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 Chester 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 Chester 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 Chester 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 Chester?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Chester 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 Chester 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 Chester 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 62233 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 Chester counselor?

Before seeing your Chester 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. Chester 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 Chester 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 Chester 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 Chester, 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.

Chester 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 Chester, 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 Chester 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 Chester.

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

62233

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