Chicago Ridge, located in Illinois, gets its name from the ridges that were left behind after the Wabash Railroad left trainloads of dirt there during the Columbian Exposition construction in the late 1800s.

Just like the city is named for an event that happened centuries ago, our mental health can be affected by things that happened in the past. This can affect every facet of our lives. Working with a licensed mental health therapist in the Chicago Ridge area can help you sort through your issues, develop a solid plan, and head towards the future.

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Washington Cisco

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IL, Chicago Ridge
Counselor License Type(s): MSW/ LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSleeping disordersDepression
39 years of experience

I began working with children and youth in 1986 and continued until 2003. As indicated on my resume, I returned to working with a client base providing therapy to the children, and adult population in 2013 at an outpatient mental health facility. Presently, I am employed in the prison system where I am working with the adult population, 19 years old to 70 years. As therapist, I use a caring and supportive style with my clients, believing that they are coming because they need assistance in being able to function and cope with various stressors impacting each lives. My treatment approach is one of understanding and not judgmental. I understand that the client's self-determination is most significant in the counseling relationship. I believe that the client is the most important person in the session and hence in order to help, I need to listen to rather than to tell each what to do.

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Kathee Foxan

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IL, Chicago Ridge
Counselor License Type(s): LISW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
14 years of experience

I am a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist with experience working as a professional therapist in the state of Iowa for the last fourteen years, counseling clients with concerns regarding mood, anxiety, anger based, and personality disorder symptoms. I have worked as a therapist in a community mental health center for the last thirteen years and as a therapist to residents in nursing home settings four the last six years. In my thirteen years of experience, I have counseled people of all ages, stemming from the age of three, to my oldest client, aged ninety-three. I work with a particularly large amount of people in oppressed situations, including those struggling with; poverty, substance abuse/addiction, history of trauma, legal involvement, people of color, and those struggling with the loss of independence.

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Cory Bedtke

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IL, Chicago Ridge
Counselor License Type(s): MSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issues
8 years of experience

Hi there! I am a licensed clinical social worker with 7 years of experience, currently licensed in Illinois, Tennessee, and Maine. I have a Master of Social Work degree from Loyola University Chicago and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Interdisciplinary Education from Illinois Wesleyan University. Much of my practice has been as a school social worker, providing therapy to students as well as support to their families, but I have been working with BetterHelp since April 2021. In my BetterHelp practice, I enjoy working with individuals in the college and young adult range, as well as folks in middle adulthood. The clients I have served have presented with a wide range of social, emotional, and psychological concerns including social challenges, anxiety, stress, family conflicts, and parenting challenges. I have also worked with people with different neurodivergent classifications such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, and intellectual disabilities as well as other mental health disorders . I have helped many families and individuals who have experienced emotional and physical abuse, a variety of traumas, and stressors stemming from disabilities as well as financial strains. My counseling style is relaxed, yet attentive and compassionate. I have a strong belief that a therapist should be approachable and that the therapeutic environment should be an inviting setting, particularly for those who are newer to therapy. Throughout the duration of a counseling relationship, I value respectful and direct interactions and enjoy using humor to put my clients at ease. My clinical approach is a combination of the following: client-centered therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness therapy, solution-focused therapy, and trauma-focused therapy. Though I've received formal education and training in these different approaches, I value making therapeutic concepts and theories simple to understand and easy for clients to apply to their own lives. For whatever reason you are seeking out therapy, I am here to take the journey with you and I look forward to taking those first steps together.

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Queena Howard

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IL, Chicago Ridge
Counselor License Type(s): MA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsParenting issuesBipolar disorderDepression
21 years of experience

Queena Howard is a Board Certified, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA who specializes in helping her clients overcome depression, anxiety, stress, anger, loss and substance use in a matter of months rather than years. She has been practicing for more than 20 years. Her therapeutic style incorporates: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Mindfulness, so that clients can once again live purposeful, joy-filled lives while honoring past losses and struggles. Today Queena offers individual services and couples counseling. She has worked with diverse populations from couples, families, adults with substance abuse, depression through geriatric population. Her feedback from clients and colleagues supports her demeanor of calmness, empathy, compassion and insightfulness that have assisted others with resolving some of their most complex dilemmas. She strives to meet her clients where they are on their journey and challenges them to make their courageous next steps on the road to to recovery and wellness.

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Khara Harper

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IL, Chicago Ridge
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

Life can present challenges in dynamic ways. I believe that healing is a collaborative journey. Choosing to engage professional support is a courageous stride in your journey to healthy well being. I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker & Certified Employee Assistance Professional. My mission is helping others realize their fullest potential. I draw from various evidenced based practices & interventions, to create a tailored approach for each individual and situation. I’m here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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Sunny Givens

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IL, Chicago Ridge
Relationship issuesGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
19 years of experience

I am an art therapist (A.T.R ~ Registered Art Therapist) and hold my L.C.P.C. (licensed Clinical Professional Counselor) from Illinois with almost 20 years of professional work. I have experience in helping clients with coping with grief and loss/living with terminal illnesses, depression, and coping with life changes as well as other areas. Many things that we experience in our lives are beyond words, which is how art therapy can be a more engaging way to process and tell our stories. Please understand that do not need to identify as an "artist" in order to engage with and benefit from art therapy. 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!

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Yvonne Petito

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IL, Chicago Ridge
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefParenting issuesDepression
10 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, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & parenting issues. 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!

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Dr. Danika Contreras

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IL, Chicago Ridge
Counselor License Type(s): Ed.D., LCPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseSelf esteem
6 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Illinois with 6 years of professional work experience. I have worked in various therapy settings supporting clients with various struggles. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that it takes so much strength to reach out for support. I am here to support you in your journey.

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Dr. Kenneth Stanek

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IL, Chicago Ridge
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsGriefDepression
38 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 38 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, & coping with grief and loss. I also have experience working with depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. 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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Mary Jo Brill

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IL, Chicago Ridge
Relationship issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 20 years of professional work experience as a Social Worker. My experience includes helping clients with relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, & coping with life changes. My therapy style is open and welcoming, and most important, non-judgmental. I work with my clients utilizing a strength's perspective with the goal of support and empowerment for them. My approach includes cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic theory, and solution focused therapy. I treat each person individually, and create a plan that fits them. Making the decision to seek support through therapy is a big step towards having better outcomes in your life. I congratulate you as your journey towards change begins.

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How to find a therapist for counseling in Chicago Ridge

Finding the best therapist close by in Chicago Ridge 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 Ridge 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 Ridge. 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 Ridge, 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 Ridge 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 Ridge 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 Ridge 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 Ridge 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 Ridge, 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 Ridge 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 Ridge 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 Ridge 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 Ridge 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 Ridge online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Chicago Ridge, 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 Ridge 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 Ridge 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 Ridge 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 Ridge?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Chicago Ridge 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 Ridge 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 Ridge 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 60415 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 Ridge counselor?

Before seeing your Chicago Ridge 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 Ridge 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 Ridge 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 Ridge 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 Ridge, 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 Ridge 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 Ridge, 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 Ridge 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 Ridge.

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

60415

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