We all need a little guidance now and then—with fostering self-awareness, building connections with others, lowering stress levels, navigating family conflict, you name it. But there’s a big difference between settling for a practitioner because their help is better than nothing, even though they aren’t the right fit for you, and engaging with a practitioner who provides unbiased, unconditional support in resolving the challenges unique to you.
Research shows person-centered therapies can be powerful aids on your journey to mental wellness—and a fulfilling life. We can help you find therapists in DeKalb, IL, that meet your needs.

Dr. Uma Subbiah
My name is Uma Subbiah and I am a Clinical Psychologist from Massachusetts with over 20 years experience working as a psychotherapist. I have experience with clients with a wide range of concerns including Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, substance abuse issues, marital and relationship issues, and anger management issues. I also have experience helping clients suffering from trauma related to abuse, sexual trauma, and military trauma. My counseling style is compassionate and respectful and I focus on developing a good therapeutic relationship with my clients. I have training in Cognitive Behavioral Treatment of depression and anxiety, Interpersonal Psychotherapy, Cognitive Processing Treatment which is Treatment for PTSD, and EMDR. I have an eclectic approach with my clients and I focus on the client’s personality style and their individual goals in determining the best approach for the client. My focus is working collaboratively with the clients to assist them in resolving their concerns and meeting their goals. I realize that seeking help for your concerns and to achieve a happier and more fulfilled life takes courage. So I am here to support you on that journey as we work together to achieve your goals. I look forward to working with you. Specialties -Depression -Anxiety -PTSD -Stress Management -Anger Management -Relationship Problems

Dorian Ortega
My name is Dorian A. Ortega, LCPC I am a licensed mental health therapist in private practice. My therapeutic approach centers BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ and is inspired by liberation, feminist and multicultural psychology. As a person of color, I believe in focusing on first loving yourself by having therapy as a tool for guiding that process. I am also co-founder of healing poetry circles to introduce accessibility for mental health services. For the passed 2 years, I have organized a series of free poetry healing circles and other events that seek to use art as a culturally relevant, accessible, inclusive tool of expression, education, resistance and community healing in Humboldt Park. My approach is client-centered and also based in building community wellness. I believe in a practice style of loving yourself first and I encourage building up strengths and help to find holistic ways to heal through mental health challenges. I believe when we create love for ourselves and honor our communication and relationships with ourselves and others, we can build a healthier future for ourselves and our loved ones. I am not only a practitioner but a community advocate for mental health and utilizes poetry, writing, and social media presence to intentionally build intersectional and restorative connections to uplift and liberate marginalized communities.

Katina Wilcher
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience providing therapy services to a diverse group of individuals, albeit an extensive portion of my practice has been providing support to children and their families. I have provided clinical services in a wide range of therapeutic arena such as shelters, inpatient/outpatient hospitals, schools. In doing so, I work with clients with multiple concerns including parenting, depression, school problems, trauma to name a few. I provide trauma-informed care with experience addressing grief, community violence impact, etc. I earned my Bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago in Criminal Justice and a minor in Sociology. I later attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where I earned my Masters in Social Work, focusing clinically on Schools, and my Masters in Education with a focus on Educational Organization and Leadership, respectively. I am currently completing my Doctorate at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a focus on providing services, resources, and access to traditionally marginalized populations. I am a culturally responsive clinician who believes that everyone minimally deserves empathy, respect, compassion, and dignity. I truly believe it is important to meet everyone where they are at, and in doing so, empower and equip my clients to have a voice and choice in their lives- to have agency. My approach is largely client-centered, strength-based, and solution-focused because I believe that clients are the experts on their lives and that everyone has strengths and talents from which we can draw. I use a variety of treatment modalities to guide clients in identifying strengths, and in developing treatment plans that accomplish their goals. While this list is not exhaustive, I use Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Intervention for Trauma in Schools, Mindfulness, Emotional Regulation Strategies, etc. with the goal of supporting clients to move towards a life of stability and happiness. Congratulations on taking the first step in achieving the change you seek. It is an honor to join you and walk alongside you as a critical thought partner on your journey. Specialties: • Parenting concerns • Relationship issues • Self-esteem • Depression • Coping with life changes • School issues and support • Emotional regulation • Effective decision-making Also experienced in: Conflict resolution, LGBT, Abuse and Neglect, Trauma, Behavioral Disorders, Parenting issues ADHD, Special Education Law, Stress Management, Domestic Violence, Homelessness, Birth to 3 Services, Grief and Loss, Attachment Issues, Mental Illness, and more. Clinical approaches: Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Zones of Regulation, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy Years of Experience: 23

Gloria Wright
I am a licensed clinical therapist in Illinois with 25 years of experience as a clinician. My experience includes helping clients with depression, anxiety, substance abuse, stress management, anger management and increasing self-esteem. My approach to therapy focuses on improving your quality of life and helping you to achieve your goals. We would work together to develop a treatment plan specifically tailored to your treatment needs. My approach in establishing a therapeutic relationship is to be compassionate and non- judgmental. It is my sincere desire for you to leave each session feeling more optimistic and hopeful about your future.

Laura Phen
****Only accepting clients from Arizona at this time. I have 24 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy related issues, & depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe space where you can experience a trusting and supportive therapeutic relationship. Thank you for having the courage to reach out and for consider me to be with you in that journey.

Roseanne King
I am licensed in Illinois and Oregon with 15 years of professional work experience. I am a graduate of the University of California, Los Angles (UCLA) and have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, self-esteem issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & parenting issues. I have worked primarily within the child welfare setting, working with foster/adoptive parents, parents who were victimized as children , and parents who have been accused of abuse or neglect. I believe in treating everyone, regardless of your past or current problem, 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 -good job getting started!

Loren Buford
I am licensed in Illinois with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with depression, anxiety, social anxiety, stress, relationships, communication and conflict, motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe that you are the best person to share your story and find solutions to the challenges that you face. I know you have core strengths that we can build on to assist you in overcoming trauma, setbacks and/or difficulties in your life. You are brave to reach out and take the first steps toward making positive change. I am here to offer support, knowledge, and empowerment on your journey, and I look forward to meeting you.

Dr. James (Jimmy) Clifton
My name is Dr. James W. Clifton. I am licensed in the State of Indiana as a Mental Health Counselor and as a Clinical Social Worker. I am also licensed in Idaho (LCPC), Vermont (LCMHC), Utah (CMHC), and New Hampshire as a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker. I have a Master of Science in Psychology from California Coast University, a Master of Science in Health Services with a Concentration in Community Heath from California College of Heath Sciences, and a Doctor of Arts in Theology and Chaplaincy from JJBIHL. I teach clients how to change their thinking, be responsible for their feelings, and make better choices. I look forward to working with you.

Terrence Watts
I am a licensed clinical social worker in Illinois, with 25 years of professional work experience. I have worked in Chicago as a therapist providing individual, couples and and family counseling. As a native Chicagoan, I truly understand how the hustle and bustle of urban living can impact one's life. I strive to be the best me that I can be, and to live a life filled with peace, joy and prosperity. I incorporate this in my practice utilizing a strength based approach that includes solution focused therapy. I am a graduate of the University of Iowa with a Bachelor's of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication and a Master's in Social Work. I have experience working with clients experiencing relationship issues, lgbtq+ related issues, trauma, abuse, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I strive 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.

Valorie James
My name is Valorie James, and I hold licenses to provide counseling services in Illinois, Michigan and Indiana. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief, coping with loss, motivation, self-esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. My counseling approach is both focused and professional but also relaxed. I am known for being supportive, attentive, and impartial. I focus on identifying your strengths and helping you maximize them to overcome obstacles and/or manage them effectively in your life. I am available to assist you in addressing current challenges and provide a safe space for honest communication. You have taken the first and most crucial step by reaching out for help. After your review of this message, should you choose to move forward, feel free to view my calendar and choose a day an time that fits you best. Cheers on taking steps to participate in counseling, regardless of whether this is your first go around or not. I recognize it takes courage and thank you for considering me to help you on this journey.
Find a therapist serving clients in Illinois
What types of therapists are available to clients in DeKalb?
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 DeKalb 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 DeKalb available through BetterHelp are accredited as psychologists to help individuals and couples. DeKalb 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, DeKalb therapists are trained in any type of therapy in the DeKalb 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 DeKalb 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 DeKalb 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 DeKalb 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.