Therapists in Crystal Lake, IL
Therapy can be a courageous step that signals the start of a meaningful journey with many opportunities for healing, reflection, and personal growth. Whether you’re facing a challenging mental health condition, overcoming personal struggles, seeking positivity, or striving to meet your goals, a therapist can likely offer support, encouragement, and guidance. They may be able to help you identify meaningful areas for change, focus on the things you want to achieve, and overcome adversity using evidence-based techniques backed by decades of research.
Research-based techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy or dialectical behavioral therapy require years of training and experience to apply properly, which is why most therapists receive at least a master’s degree and thousands of hours of supervised experience before practicing independently. Many also receive advanced training to expand their skills beyond individual therapy, giving them the tools to work with couples, families, and groups.
Therapists often work with couples to help address struggles in their relationship. Like other forms of therapy, couples therapy is evidence-based and helps partners learn healthy communication and problem-solving skills. Therapists also often help reduce family conflict and may specialize in advanced techniques like play therapy to help children with challenging behaviors.
If you’re ready to start your journey with a therapist, Crystal Lake, IL, has many practitioners available. You can seek an appointment with mental health professionals, many located downtown between Terra Cotta Ave and McHenry Ave. You may also want to consider online therapy when searching for a provider. Online therapy takes place remotely via a computer or phone, allowing you to attend sessions from home or any quiet location. Online therapists use the same evidence-based techniques as traditional therapists, and evidence suggests that, in most cases, online therapy is just as effective as in-person therapy.
Bernice Banks
Clinician
License Type(s): MSW, LCSW
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
18 years offering treatment
I am a licensed clinical social worker with an extensive and diverse experience working with adults, children, couples, and families. I earned my master’s degree from the University of Chicago in Illinois in 1997. I also hold a Bachelor’s degree from Roosevelt University in Illinois with a major in psychology. I enjoy the work I do and have worked in both the public and private sectors in the fields of social services and mental health. Having worked with children and families and the many challenges they face for more than 20 years, I know that the decision to seek professional help can often be a very difficult one. If you are trying to make that decision right now, it may help you to know that I am someone who is not here to judge you, and who really believes that there is a way out for you that together we can find. You have already taken the most important step by acknowledging that, for now, this is something you cannot handle alone. I have been in private practice for the past 12 years and currently specialize in marriage, couples and family therapy. I also have a background in child and adolescent mental health and have worked with families extensively around these issues. Other areas of expertise include Grief and Loss, Depression, Stress, and Anxiety, My approach to therapy is that it should be used as a tool to provide the knowledge, help, and support needed to understand problems and develop skills to cope with them. I use Cognitive Behavioral techniques to help clients develop insight and new skills.. Most importantly, I want to empower my clients so that they are able to gain a deeper understanding of their experiences, make informed choices about what actions they need to take, and develop skills that will help them handle difficult situations in the future. Working together, I believe we can accomplish those goals.
Tara Hartley
Clinician
License Type(s): MSW,LCSW,CADC
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
9 years offering treatment
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois with 7 years of experience working as a therapist and two years as a substance abuse counselor. I am member of a TF-CBT cohort where I have gained extensive training working with clients with trauma. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, addiction, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, OCD, couples therapy as well as other mental health disorders. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic and dialectical behavioral therapy. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!
April Lacey
Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Relationship issuesTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
8 years offering treatment
Welcome! My name is April Lacey and I am a licensed counselor in Illinois. Taking the first step to seeking a happier and fulfilling life takes courage. I am here to support you through that process. My vision for therapy is to create a safe and encouraging space for clients to share their experiences while recognizing their strengths to cope with life's challenges. I have worked in a wide range of therapeutic settings such psychiatric units, crisis lines, community mental health working with youth and families impacted by the juvenile justice system, and group practice. I have experience in helping clients with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma, anger management, self-esteem, and parenting concerns. I use an integrative approach of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Client-Centered, Trauma- Focused, Mindfulness, Trust-Based Relational Intervention, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution-Focused Therapy to help my clients. My approach focuses on fostering a strong collaborative relationship with clients to reach their goals. I value genuineness and believe in meeting clients where they are, treating everyone with respect and compassion.
Natasch Lindsey-Acker
Clinician
License Type(s): LPC
Mental Wellness Specialties: Relationship issuesFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesSelf esteem
7 years offering treatment
My name is Natasch Lindsey Acker. I am a licensed therapist. You can call me Talyah. I've been fascinated with psychology my whole life. I've worked in the fields of education with young people, and then in counseling for a total of 20 years. I've attended Spelman College, Columbia College, and the University of Arkansas. I've chosen to specialize in helping people have better relationships. Much of what we struggle with today is a direct result of the things we learned and experienced in our past. Things that we had no control over. My favorite two sayings are "Knowledge is Power" and "Team work makes the dream work." They can be corny, I know; but cliches become cliches for a reason. Because they start with well worn truth. Gaining knowledge of how our mind works can empower us in so many ways. It's like turning on the light switch in a cluttered attic. You can see the fullness of your environment and can easily navigate your way through once you see the full space clearly. Our lives are like that. Because we are social creatures, we live, and grow, and develop our sense of self by what we see reflected in the eyes of others. It is vital that we have a support network. And sometimes that support can start with just one person who will take the time to listen and be on your side. I am here to be that person for you. I am passionate about helping people learn how to have a healthy connection with themselves and with others; because those connections are our greatest sources of happiness and satisfaction. You can have better relationships, more outward success, and greater peace. You can rewrite your old scripts and choose how you want your life to unfold, rather than continuing to follow the old patterns that worked in the past, but are no longer working in your best interest now. Thank you for taking this first step with me.
Susan Hoffstetter
Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseBipolar disorderDepression
16 years offering treatment
I am licensed in Illinois with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & bipolar disorder. 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!
Katie Tapert Mercado
Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyGriefDepressionCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
29 years offering treatment
I am licensed in Illinois with 23 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, depression, & coping with life changes. 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.
Najah Hawkins
Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
10 years offering treatment
I am licensed in Illinois with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Nicole Sodawasser
Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
25 years offering treatment
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.
Carla Dumas
Clinician
License Type(s): LCPC
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefParenting issuesDepression
31 years offering treatment
I am licensed in Illinois with 31 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief, coping with loss, & parenting issues. I also have experience working with 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Heather Jackson Brown
Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: LGBTRelationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesCoping with life changes
3 years offering treatment
I am licensed in Texas with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with lgbt-related issues, relationship issues, intimacy related issues, & parenting issues. 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.
Find a therapist serving clients in Illinois
What types of therapists are available to clients in Crystal Lake?
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 Crystal Lake that can offer psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), therapeutic 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 Crystal Lake available through BetterHelp are accredited as psychologists to help individuals and couples. Crystal Lake 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, Crystal Lake therapists are trained in any type of therapy in the Crystal Lake region and in the state of Illinois.
How can a therapist help you destress, manage your emotions, and guide you towards the life you want?
Therapists in Crystal Lake 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 Crystal Lake may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment.
Is it better to find a mental health counselor or therapist in Crystal Lake offering online therapy or in person?
Studies show online therapy can be just as effective as in-person counseling. Online therapy with licensed counselors is often more affordable, with BetterHelp pricing ranging from $65-$100 weekly, while in person therapy can cost up to $200 per session.
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