Phillip Barker
My name is Phillip, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Chicago, Illinois with more than four years of experience working in private practice as a psychotherapist and coach. I have worked with clients who have come to me with a range of concerns, including sexual and gender identity, depression, anxiety, life transitions, relationship issues, career issues, and ADHD. I also have more than seven years of experience working with substance use issues and adolescents in a high school setting. My undergraduate work was in Communication, so I am equipped to work with a variety of people to meet their unique needs. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I am constantly checking my biases and treat everyone with respect and compassion. My treatment approach is client-centered and strengths-based, combining Humanistic and Cognitive Behavioral Therapies. We will work together to create an individualized treatment plan that focuses on your strengths and allows for you to maximize your therapeutic experience and our time together. I commend you on this courageous first step of reaching out to a therapist, and I look forward to working with you!
Dr. Pamela Vernon Stewart
Hello, I am pleased to introduce myself to you. My name is Dr. Pamela Vernon Stewart. I hold a doctorate in Clinical Psychology with a minor in Health Psychology. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) in the State of Illinois. I am well experienced in individual therapy with adults 18 years and older. I earned my degrees (B.S., M.A. and Psy.D.) at Loyola University and the Illinois School of Professional Psychology. Some of my experience includes hospital practice, residential facilities and outpatient clinics. I have five years of intensive experience covering a wide range of concerns. These include trauma (emotional and physical), grief, depression, anxiety, alcohol and substance abuse, stress, neglect, discrimination, cultural identity difficulty, personality disorders, eating disorders, OCD, ADHD, college issues, and health issues including chronic pain, AIDS, Lupus and Diabetes across genders and age groups. In addition, I have experience working with individuals for anger management, communication problems, and relaxation and meditation for stress reduction. I enjoy working with people of all cultures. I believe in a holistic biopsychosocial approach to assessment and treatment that attends to the client’s mind, body and spirit. My therapy style is integrative (motivational interviewing, psycho-dynamic, behavioral, cognitive-behavioral, DBT, EFT, and so on) collaborative and client-centered at the core. I also have clinical training and experience in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprogramming (EMDR). My therapeutic style is interactive and driven by warmth, sensitivity and empathy. Stalwart ethical principles guide me. Together we will develop your unique treatment plan, one that will meet your specific needs. I applaud you for seeking help. This takes strength and courage. If you are ready to take the first step, I am here to empower you and help you reach the fulfillment of a happier life. I look forward to a rich clinical therapeutic experience with you. With great enthusiasm, Pamela Vernon Stewart, Psy.D., CADC, LCPC
Sally Herschman
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois with over 12 years of experience working with young children, adolescents, adults and families. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including abuse, trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety, and relationship challenges. I have also helped people with organization methods and daily routines that help lead to desired outcomes. My practice style is warm and interactive. I have profound respect for my clients and approach my work with compassion, non judgement, authentic curiosity, and a genuine interest in your well being. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic and mindfulness. I am a sex positive, strengths based therapist. I will co-navigate our time together, and will work to ensure your needs for healing are being met. Most of all, you will not be in this alone! It takes so much courage to even consider talking with someone about challenges (large and small) and I am here to support and empower you. I truly look forward to meeting with you and learning more about what you are hoping for.
Alanna Goestenkors
My name is Alanna Goestenkors and I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with over 22 years licensed experience in the medical and mental health field providing services for children, adolescents and adults. I have worked in the fields of medical and community mental health. Some of my experience includes treating issues relating to grief and loss, end of life issues, depression, anxiety disorders, adjustment disorders and stage of life transitions. My counseling style is warm and empathetic with roots based in trust and respect. I utilize a client centered, strength based, and solution focused approach to promote a positive therapeutic climate and build trust. I use an integrative perspective, utilizing cognitive behavioral and psycho-dynamic therapies, tailored to your particular needs and goals of counseling. I believe the goal of therapy is to see your own goals met and therefore I individualize treatment planning to meet your specific needs. Choosing to involve oneself in the counseling process is a step toward growth and reaching your full potential in life and I look forward to assisting you in this important journey.
Lynda Savage
“I will comfort you, I’ll take your part when darkness comes and pain is all around.” Simon and Garfunkel’s lyric in “Bridge Over Troubled Water” describes tough times and the very present and healing support offered to provide comfort - the comfort necessary to overcome tough times. Everyone has troubled water – troubled times where you need to find a safe place to “ease your mind;” a place where your voice will be heard, and your story valued. Reaching out to find this safe place and support can feel scary and vulnerable, but it can also lead to exciting growth, self-knowledge, and the power to create a better life. I am committed to listening to my client’s stories without judgment or assumptions, and meeting them exactly where they are in their life journey. I listen carefully and actively, and provide thoughtful feedback so we can explore the concerns, and develop strategies together; strategies that are unique to the client and their life story, and that empower the client to make their own best choices for their life journey. I have a master’s degree from University of Illinois-Springfield, and a Marriage and Family Therapy Endorsement from the University of Nevada-Las Vegas. In addition, I completed the Clinical Education in Psychosocial Care program through Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. I have a keen interest in working with individuals and families as they negotiate major life changes such as family building, relationships, grief, and aging. I am motivated to help each client reach their own potential, and to create their best life. My personal approach to therapy is to develop synergy with the client, a collaborative process that creates a safe, positive, and empowering environment for creating meaningful change. Through this, the client can safely explore, question, discuss, and learn without being judged. Join me as we venture into your life’s journey and create the story you envision.
Linda Goldsmith
I work with individuals struggling with depression, anxiety/stress, relationship problems, trauma and loss utilizing a holistic approach. I help clients set goals for change and seek solutions to problems. I have been in private practice for 25 years and work with adults. I utilize cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic and solution focused to help clients understand themselves and take steps to bring about change. When working with couples i like the IMAGO method and Gottmans approach. Therapy is a commitment to your health and well being. I am honored to work with individuals who are willing to better understand themselves and are motivated to work to change and improve their lives.
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.
Laurie Gray
I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois with over 16 years of experience working working with teens, adults, and families. I have helped clients with a variety of presenting issues, including stress anxiety, relationship issues, parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, and ADHD. I believe that you are the expert of your own story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming challenges. I am passionate about empowering individuals and families through a strength-based, solution-focused approach to care. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am excited to partner with you on this journey!
Mary Murdoch
I am licensed in Illinois with 28 years of professional work experience. 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.
Ana Sikula
I am licensed in Illinois with 15+ years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, occupational counseling, family conflicts, & 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. 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.
How to find a therapist for counseling in Gulfport
Finding the best therapist close by in Gulfport 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 Gulfport 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 Gulfport. 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 Gulfport, 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 Gulfport 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 Gulfport 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 Gulfport 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 Gulfport 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 Gulfport, elsewhere in Henderson, 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 Gulfport 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 Gulfport 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 Gulfport 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 Gulfport 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 Gulfport online therapy platform verified?
Therapists in Gulfport, 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 Gulfport 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 Gulfport 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 Gulfport 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 Gulfport?
One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Gulfport 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 Gulfport 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 Gulfport 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 61425 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 Gulfport counselor?
Before seeing your Gulfport 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. Gulfport 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 Gulfport 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 Gulfport 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 Gulfport, 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.
Gulfport 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 Gulfport, 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 Gulfport 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:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- Veterans Crisis Line: Call 1-800-273-8255 (and press 1) or text 838255. For support for the deaf and hard of hearing community, please use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.
- Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQ Lifeline): (866)488-7386
- SAMHSA National Helpline (Substance Use): (800)662-4357
- National Eating Disorder Association Helpline:1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM-9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST)
- Child Help Hotline: Call 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat feature
- National Anti-Hazing Hotline for young adults, adolescents, and adults: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Physician Crisis Support Line: Contact 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to Covid-19
- Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673
Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Gulfport:
61425