Chicago Heights, located in the upper Midwest, was once called the crossroads of the nation with the major crossroads of Lincoln Highway and Dixie Highway. Eight MLB superstars, eleven NFL players, and Shonda Rhimes who created and produced Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, and How to Get Away with Murder. 

However, the town can sometimes have issues with crime, just like any city in America. In some circumstances you or someone you love may get mixed up in a bad situation and need counseling. There are lots of devoted counselors and therapists in Chicago Heights who can help you. All you have to do is reach out and ask for it. 

This is Dr. Doris Ayala's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Doris Ayala

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IL, Chicago Heights
Counselor License Type(s): PhD,MJ,AM
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
40 years of experience

I provide the sensitivity and skill needed to work through difficult conflicts and interpersonal dynamics to help you create the life you want. With multiple certifications and degrees in law, social work, and psychology, I bring you a unique educational background and work experience. I am fully bilingual in English and Spanish. I provide a warm, empathic, non-judgmental, and collaborative approach to understanding who you are and what you would like to achieve. I work in developing a trusting alliance and work towards finding solutions to your problems. While pain, frustration, and sadness often bring people to therapy, I know that transformation happens when you take positive action. I think that I can help you on your personal and familial journey to greater mental health and stability!

Get started View profile
This is Jack Richey's avatar and link to their profile

Jack Richey

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IL, Chicago Heights
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepression
20 years of experience

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!

Get started View profile
This is Beverly Smith's avatar and link to their profile

Beverly Smith

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IL, Chicago Heights
Counselor License Type(s): MA,MSW, LCSW
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
20 years of experience

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.

Get started View profile
This is Caroline Christian's avatar and link to their profile

Caroline Christian

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IL, Chicago Heights
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changesADHD
7 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois and Missouri with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with managing symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression; improving motivation, self-esteem, and self-confidence; exploring sexual orientation and gender identity & coping with life changes. I am also comfortable assisting individuals facing challenges presented by adjustment issues, depression, grief, anxiety, mood disorders, trauma (PTSD), body dysmorphia and gender dysphoria, and other long-standing mental health concerns. My counseling style is pretty laid back. As, I feel this helps make the sessions feel less clinical. I like to focus on identifying your strengths and helping you to maximize them to overcome your obstacles. I'm here to help you sort through the things that are difficult right now, and offer you a safe place to be open and honest without fear of judgment. You have taken the first and most important step by reaching out for help. I'm really looking forward to working with you!

Get started View profile
This is Sharonda Giles's avatar and link to their profile

Sharonda Giles

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IL, Chicago Heights
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsAnger managementDepression
8 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 8 years of professional work experience. Throughout those years, I have gained experience providing therapy to individuals who may be dealing with substance use, anger/stress management, anxiety, depression, grief & loss, as well as trauma. I have experience working with teens, young adults, BIPOC, and adult men. I believe in the necessity of cultural competence and sensitivity when working with clients from diverse backgrounds and populations. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and discuss how thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are connected. I also focus on empowering clients by using empathy and a strength based approach. 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. It will sometimes be challenging, frustrating, and complicated, but also very rewarding and reflective. I do want you to know that throughout the therapeutic process, I am here to support you along this journey. With some hard work and dedication, you will be on a path of growth that will truly make you happy. Congrats on being an advocate for your own mental health and wellbeing! I look forward to working with you.

Get started View profile
This is Karen Roach's avatar and link to their profile

Karen Roach

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IL, Chicago Heights
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf esteem
20 years of experience

Hi there! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois with over 20 years experience working with kids, adults, and families. My passion is helping you resolve stress and anxiety that impacts your day to day life. I especially love supporting women, moms and educators to better understand the behaviors and emotions of kids that causes disruption to the family or school environment. My therapeutic approach is understanding, non-judgmental and collaborative. I lean into my expertise of the stress response system and use a variety of modalities to help balance the stress response while also building a client's toolbox of strategies. Other professional work includes school social work and teaching graduate level students in a Master of Social Work program. As a full-time school social worker, my general availability for phone and video sessions will be early mornings and mid to late afternoons during the typical school year. Messaging is also convenient and accessible throughout each day! I'm excited to get to know you and support you on your journey!

Get started View profile
This is Gregory Jenkins's avatar and link to their profile

Gregory Jenkins

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IL, Chicago Heights
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

Greg specializes in trauma-focused therapy for children ages 5 & up, adolescents, and adults. For those who have experienced childhood trauma, relational trauma, or complex trauma, life often feels overwhelming. Their sense of self, relationships, & view of the past, present, & future become rocky at best. As a result many trauma survivors live in chronic state of anxiety, depression, numbness, fatigue, burn out & suffer from illness. In addition to trauma survivors, Greg works closely with children, teens, young adults, & adoptive families struggling with depression, anxiety, dissociation, mood disorders, behavioral issues & more. By utilizing a variety of approaches and interventions, such as: EMDR, Theraplay, TRBI, Mindfulness, CBT, Sand Tray-based Therapy, and Neurofeedback, Greg equips trauma survivors with the space, support, and skills necessary to identify triggers, develop healthy coping skills, decrease traumatic symptoms, and practice trauma processing and integration. With his supportive & caring nature, a touch of fun & humor, Greg creates the warm, stress-free, & compassionate environment required for survivors to re-establish safety, a sense of self, & self-trust. Grounded in neuroscience & attachment theory, Greg believes that trauma happens in relationships & thus, a portion of healing also occurs in relationships.

Get started View profile
This is Sujata De's avatar and link to their profile

Sujata De

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IL, Chicago Heights
Stress, AnxietyGriefAnger managementDepressionCoping with life changes
9 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 11 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 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 am looking forward to our work together.

Get started View profile
This is Christopher Fox's avatar and link to their profile

Christopher Fox

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IL, Chicago Heights
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
24 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 24 years of professional work experience as a psychotherapist and social worker. Over this period of time, I have worked with hundreds of people with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, coping with life changes, and caregiver stress/burnout to name a few. My past clients have appreciated my down-to-earth, compassionate personal style. I use a cognitive-behavioral and solution-focused approach to help you identify thoughts and behaviors that are harmful to your emotional well being and work with you to set clear goals for how to change them so you can feel better. I believe that you have many strengths that can 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.

Get started View profile
This is Elwin Trammell's avatar and link to their profile

Elwin Trammell

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IL, Chicago Heights
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Indiana and Illinois with approx. 10 years of professional work experience. I'm a Certified Case Manager. I'm also a Doctoral Student with a concentration in Moral Injury. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma, motivation, self esteem, 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Get started View profile

How to find a therapist for counseling in Chicago Heights

Finding the best therapist close by in Chicago Heights 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 Chicago Heights 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 Chicago Heights. 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 Chicago Heights, 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 Chicago Heights 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 Chicago Heights 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 Chicago Heights 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 Chicago Heights 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 Chicago Heights, elsewhere in Cook, 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 Chicago Heights 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 Chicago Heights 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 Chicago Heights 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 Chicago Heights 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 Chicago Heights online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Chicago Heights, 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 Chicago Heights 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 Chicago Heights 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 Chicago Heights 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 Chicago Heights?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Chicago Heights 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 Chicago Heights 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 Chicago Heights 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 60412 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 Chicago Heights counselor?

Before seeing your Chicago Heights 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. Chicago Heights 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 Chicago Heights 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 Chicago Heights 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 Chicago Heights, 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.

Chicago Heights 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 Chicago Heights, 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 Chicago Heights 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 Chicago Heights.

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

60411, 60412

Popular cities near Chicago Heights, IL

Find the right therapist for your needs
Match with a qualified therapist