Have you been having trouble sleeping or concentrating? Or maybe you just feel lost or sad for no reason that you can think of. You may be feeling like you just don’t care about anything anymore and don’t even feel like getting out of bed. These can all be signs of depression, and if you’re experiencing these, consider contacting a nearby therapist for treatment.
East Peoria is located on the Illinois River and the folks in the town enjoy spending time there sunbathing, fishing, swimming, and boating. But if you are depressed, you might not feel like doing anything, no matter how much fun it sounds or you remember it being. Get in touch with a licensed counselor in or around East Peoria today so you can get back to enjoying things you used to.

Pamela Matos
I specialize in counseling for Depression, Anxiety, Pregnancy/Prenatal loss/Postpartum, and Dietary impact on mood. I have a diverse clinical counseling background providing counseling services to adults. I am passionate about the mind and body counseling experience. I understand the roll thoughts play on our interpretation of the world. I provide a soothing and compassionate environment that focuses on enhancing ones self, thoughts, and confidence. I believe in meeting individuals where they're at and navigating challenging life events together. Throughout my years of experience I have worked with individuals encouraging and providing awareness into their symptoms, thoughts/feelings, and actions. By recognizing what dynamics are contributes to our current state the process of change can begin. In addition to counseling, I have experience with crisis evaluation, Inpatient and Outpatient mental health hospitalization, and individuals with developmental disabilities. I have worked in Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) and Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) facilitating groups for support, compassion, substance abuse/sobriety, and patient prosperity. I am a dedicated clinician that believes everyone can live a peaceful and joyful life.

Dr. James Geidner
Dr. Jim Geidner has over 20 years of clinical experience working in a wide variety of settings, including psychiatric rehabilitation, child treatment centers and universities. He is currently a Professor of Health and Counseling and also works in private practice. With vast experience as a Clinical Supervisor at a wide variety of institutions, including Rush Memorial Hospital, University of Chicago, University of Wisconsin, among others, Dr. Geidner is well versed in numerous modes of therapy. His approach to therapy emphasizes finding the right treatment modality to meet each client's unique needs.

Marikay Gazda
Hello! Welcome to our BetterHelp Community and congratulations in taking that courageous first step in feeling better! My name is Marikay Gazda and I have been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker since 1991. Through these many years I have provided counseling to those experiencing feelings of generalized anxiety, depressed thoughts, feelings of isolation, chronic or life threatening medical conditions, end of life issues, caregiver stress and fatigue and general life transitions. As a Certified Grief Counselor I have worked with individuals struggling in their feelings of grief and loss who feel stuck in moving on. But I have also found that those physical and psychological responses felt in grief is not unique to a death, as loss can be found across the board in relationships, health, a job or simply an empty nest. Those feelings of sadness, anxiety, depression and physical symptoms can certainly be generalized to any type of loss as it impacts an individual's ability to engage in a full and happy life. My demeanor is warm, compassionate, interactive and positive. I consider the client/therapist relationship to be the most important element to a successful therapy experience. As a clinician, my approach is client centered, goal oriented and grounded in a strengths perspective. I use the models of Emotional Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution Focused Brief Therapy in helping my clients understand the relationship between their thoughts, feelings and behavior and creating goals to effect a change. In my work with grief and loss the Duel Process Model teaches a client to regularly "take breaks" from their feelings of loss while the Continuing Bonds Model works towards creating new meaning and a new relationship within the loss. My goal as a therapist is to partner with you in an empathetic and safe space and that each interaction leaves you hopeful that change can occur. I wish you all the peace that your day can bring knowing that you have taken that first step in feeling better.

Debra Schwarze
My name is Debra Schwarze and I am licensed counselor in Illinois and Wisconsin. I have over 25 years of experience in mental health settings including community mental health, school, faith-based, health system and private practice settings. I hold master's degrees in counseling and art therapy. I utilize an eclectic approach in counseling, primarily utilizing cognitive behavioral (CBT), DBT informed, client-centered and expressive therapy modalities. If an individual is open to it, I use art making in order to provide a voice to issues that may not have words. I have experience working with individuals with a diagnosis of major depression, bipolar disorder, all type of anxiety disorders, ADHD, life changing events, end of life issues, and cancer. I know that is challenging to ask for help with the issues that impact your life. Congratulations on taking that important first step. It is natural and normal to feel anxious and fearful to begin counseling. It is my job as the counselor to provide a safe and comfortable environment for you to be able to talk about the issues that led you to seek help. It is your job to be as open and honest as possible in order to better facilitate the growth and healing process. I cannot solve the problems that you face in life, but I commit to helping you make the changes that you would like to make. I look forward to meeting you and joining you in your journey toward improved mental well being.

Aillen Ford
Hi, I am Lynn Ford. I am a licensed clinical social worker who utilizes a variety of evidenced based strategies to provide you with the tools you require to address your treatment goals. My belief is that therapy should be client-driven and goal oriented. I have over a decade of experience working with people of all ages, including children, but my focus has recently been on 18-45 year olds with anxiety, depression, adjustment disorder, ADHD and communication issues in regards to relationships and parenting. I strive to provide a safe, non-judgmental, unbiased environment to empower individuals to explore their beliefs and concerns while gaining or enhancing skills to address your therapeutic needs.

Joshua Williams
I am licensed in Illinois with 10 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.

Yolanda Ortega
I am licensed in Illinois with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, & 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. 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.

Latosha Fowlkes
I am licensed in Illinois and Missouri with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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.

Rachael Cutts
I am licensed in Illinois with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with addictions, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & depression. I also have experience working with clients who are coping with life changes. 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.

Molly Litwicki
Hi, I’m Molly! I'm a therapist who believes that real change is possible—with the right tools, support, and a space where you feel truly heard. My style is warm, supportive, and solution-oriented. I work alongside adults navigating challenges like depression, anxiety, ADHD, and substance use, with the goal of helping you feel more empowered, capable, and connected. In our work together, I draw from evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Solution-Focused Therapy. Whether you're feeling stuck in unhelpful patterns, overwhelmed by emotions, or unsure of where to begin, my role is to walk with you—offering both compassion and practical strategies to help you move toward meaningful change. I bring experience working with individuals across the lifespan in both inpatient and outpatient settings, and I know that everyone’s journey is unique. My hope is to meet you where you are and support you in getting where you want to go. Initial sessions are held via secure video to assess your needs and ensure we're a good fit. Whatever you’re facing, you don’t have to go through it alone. I’d be honored to support you on your journey.
Find a therapist serving clients in Illinois
What types of therapists are available to clients in East Peoria?
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 East Peoria 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 East Peoria available through BetterHelp are accredited as psychologists to help individuals and couples. East Peoria 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, East Peoria therapists are trained in any type of therapy in the East Peoria 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 East Peoria 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 East Peoria 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 East Peoria 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.