
Dr. Thomas Kadela
Hi – I’m Dr. Kadela and it’s nice to “meet” you. They wanted me to write a little about myself so here you go! Note – if you have insomnia this might just put you to sleep – so enjoy that perk at no charge! - Why are you on BetterHelp? I have over 26 years of assessment and treatment experience. I only work with 1-2 clients at a time on BetterHelp since I work full time with the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) and am also a United States Army National Guard Behavioral Health Officer (neither of which I formally represent here). BetterHelp allows me to work with cool people like you in a more casual setting. Before coming to the DVA I specialized in children and families. - What would our sessions look like? Well – that’s really up to you! I may have gone to school for a long time to be called “Dr.” but you’ve spent a long time being you – and you’re the expert of you! So we are both experts, and therefore equals, in this partnership. So YOU get to pick how we spend our time together. Do you want Executive Coaching? Or to use me as more of a sounding board for your thoughts and feelings (sometimes known as Gestalt Therapy)? Do you want to target an issue like Depression, Trauma, Anxiety, Sleep, Communication or Anger? If that’s the case you can choose an Evidenced Based Psychotherapy (EBP). EBPs are well researched and have proven outcomes. They almost always involve homework in-between our sessions. You can see you have a lot of choices and we can talk about what’s right for you, and what you think would be best, but I am formally trained in: • Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) • Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Depression (CBT-D) • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Chronic Pain (CBT-CP) • Social Skills Therapy (SST) • Anger Management (AM) • Solution Focused Brief Psychotherapy (SFBP) • Problem Solving (PS) No matter what we do I take a holistic approach. I believe we need to balance Body, Mind and Spirit (however you define Spirit). When one of them is out of whack (not a technical term) the other two go wonky (again not a technical term). It’s like driving a vehicle with three round tires and one square – it’s very clunky and uncomfortable! - Resume/Curriculum Vita OK – here is the boring stuff. I’ve been practicing for over 26 years and during that time I’ve taught/teach at University at both the Graduate and Undergraduate levels. I’ve published in a few journals. I’m Board Certified in my discipline. I’ve worked and/or supervised inpatient, outpatient and residential treatment programs. I’ve been on the conference circuit and given many workshops and keynote speeches. I’ve held job titles such as Chief Clinical Officer of National Programs, State Director, Chief Administrative Officer, Training Director, Supervisor of Specialty Programs, etc. I am a US Army Combat Veteran. Let me know if you want more details as I’m happy to share. I hope I get to meet you!

Polly Vaughn
I am someone who takes pride in helping my clients. I use a variety of techniques to help with the change process. I have been a therapist in my own practice for 4 year. I work with any population that I can assist. I have treated mood disorders as well as relationship concerns. I am a very caring person and I believe that change is possible as long as someone has a dream.

Karen OBrien
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years’ experience working with individuals, families, and couples. I encourage a therapeutic relationship based on respect, compassion, and sensitivity. Additionally, I encourage clients to utilize their strengths as tools to address their needs, life challenges, and enable progressions. Some common themes clients and I have worked through are depression, anxiety, communication skills, addiction, loss, grief, relationship issues, divorce, LGBTQ struggles and domestic violence. I approach therapy with an eclectic perspective by utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Family Systems, Motivational Interviewing, Client-Centered Therapy, and Narrative Therapy. While also incorporating my professional and academic background in trauma, addiction, crisis intervention, domestic violence, divorce mediation, and community mental health during the session. I strive to meet you where you are and collaboratively develop a treatment plan to address your needs. Taking the first steps toward change takes courage, if you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you!

Jennifer Seward
Hello, First of all, congratulations on taking that first step toward making positive changes in your life. I would be very humbled and grateful to have the opportunity to partner with you on your journey. I have been a licensed clinical social worker for 20 years and have been in the social work field for more than 30 years. I feel my fresh and practical perspective will allow me to bring a new level to helping others. My experience has been focused on youth and adults who have suffered trauma, painful life events, anxiety and depression. I also have extensive experience working with individuals on addressing parenting concerns. I believe in creating a safe and supportive place for healing. I utilize a holistic approach to therapy examining how the environment of the person impacts their ability to function. I also believe in assisting those I serve in finding solutions to their problems in the most nonjudgmental and efficient manner. I will be open and honest with you during sessions but will always be supportive and respectful.

Amanda Kim
Hello! I am Dr. Amanda Kim and I am a licensed clinical psychologist with over twenty years of experience. Whether you have a specific concern, are facing a particularly difficult time in your life, or are uncertain about your future, I am here to listen, support, and challenge you to move forward. I believe in authenticity and genuinely meeting every person where they are with respect, appreciation and dignity. Based on your specific situation and what you know about yourself, we will identify the best way to move forward. Deciding to seek help is the first step. I wish you the best in discovering where your journey takes you next.

Dr. Melissa Chovan
I am an individual and family therapist with 19 years of experience in this field and 13 years as a therapist. I have experience in many areas of mental health and family and social issues including, but not limited to: generalized anxiety disorder, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, Oppositional Defiance Disorder, PTSD, parenting problems, domestic violence, sexual assault, and trauma. I have some experience working with gender dysphoria. I have worked in the areas of domestic violence, sexual assault, at risk youth (alternative education and a residential program), therapy for child protective services cases, community mental health, state prison, private practice, and teaching (online and in person). I am working towards specializing in trauma. I have learned three different types of trauma therapies this past year (Brainspotting, CPT, and Accelerated Response Therapy) and am working on getting certified in all three. Each of these therapies has it's place in an individual's abiity to overcome trauma. However, I deal with more than just trauma and I have more tools (i.e., CBT, motivational interviewing, reality therapy, family systems therapy, and DBT - to name a few). My therapy style is warm, respectful and interactive. I believe therapy is individualized (every person is different with different needs) and the therapy styles. Hope, empowerment, a good relationship and education are things I feel are integral to a successful therapeutic experience. If you want to be heard, learn, and work towards bettering yourself, I am here to support and assist you in this endeavor. I look forward to meeting you.

Dr. Cheryl Affrunti
Greetings and welcome! My name is Cheryl Lee Affrunti (I go by “Lee”), and I am a Florida-based clinical psychologist with more than 13 years of experience assisting clients of all ages. I have been privileged to work with clients struggling with a wide range of challenges including anxiety, depression, stressful life transitions, bipolar disorder, ASD, PTSD, OCD, ADHD, schizoaffective disorder, learning disabilities, parenting problems, and relationship concerns. I am especially honored to have helped veterans, first responders, and others experiencing the harmful effects of physical and emotional trauma. As a person-centered therapist, I believe you deserve to be treated with empathy, respect, dignity, and compassion. I offer a judgment-free zone where you can count on my commitment to provide a safe and welcoming environment during our time together. I don’t profess to have the specific answers you seek, but I fervently believe you have those answers within you, and I will focus our time together by listening to you and helping you discover your richest and most meaningful path forward. My theoretical orientation is based primarily on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and includes cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, mindfulness-based, and solution-oriented approaches depending on your unique challenges, preferences, and situation. I appreciate the courage it took for you to reach out to someone to improve the quality of your life. Yes, you absolutely can live your most meaningful and fulfilling life, and I offer to you my services as your guide who will strive to enlighten, empower, and support you on your journey. I hope we can travel this part of your journey together!

William Edleman
I am licensed in Illinois with 32 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, career difficulties, depression, & coping with life changes. 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.

Michael Dubose
I am licensed in Michigan with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence, & depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. Mind over mood. I believe that everyone can change & grow at any time in their lives. I don't believe that there is a limit to human capacity. Together we will work to regain a sense of normalcy in the lives of those who I serve. 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.

Nicole Sodawasser
I am licensed in Illinois with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with grief, coping with loss, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & coping with life changes. I also have experience working with compassion fatigue. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
Find a therapist serving clients in Illinois
Types of therapists available to clients in Concord
Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist. Be sure to narrow your search for therapists in Concord that can offer psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy depending on your needs.
Licensed therapists & mental health professionals available through BetterHelp's online platform
Mental health therapists in Concord available through BetterHelp are accredited to help individuals and couples. Concord therapists' credentials can include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinician or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, Concord therapists are trained in any type of therapy in the Concord region and in the state of Illinois.
How a therapist can help you destress, manage your emotions, and guide you towards the life you want
Therapists in Concord can help clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples challenges, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family life, or change in negative thinking patterns. A therapist in Concord may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment.