While Mount Vernon is a fantastic city to live in because of the great community, the city itself has had many challenges to overcome. Tornadoes have ravaged the city, economy troubles, and many more challenges to list.
Do you have troubles that keep setting you back? There are many mental health professionals among the great people of Mount Vernon, Illinois who you can reach out to at any time. Get the help you need to take steps forward without going backwards, and
to keep going until you reach your goals. Don’t wait, because they are standing by and are ready to help you immediately.

Amy McGinnis Hogan
I believe that growth and change are possible. I believe we have the ability to enrich our human experience. I am committed to helping you understand your personal story in a caring and safe therapeutic environment. Together we will examine your inner world in a non-judgmental space that we create together. I use a psychodynamic approach to increase insight, while drawing from solution-based approaches that provide tangible coping skills for managing day to day life. This process of self-examination and increased self-understanding will help identify and overcome the roadblocks standing in the way of reaching your full potential. If you are struggling right now, I encourage you to reach out. I would love the opportunity to collaborate with you on your journey of greater self-discovery, growth and healing.

Stephanie Arzavala-Reed
Welcome to the first step in feeling better! My name is Stephanie, I am a licensed clinical professional counselor with 8 years of experience. I knew I wanted to be a counselor at the age of 13 years old and have always enjoyed helping others. For me, working with others is the most rewarding experience and I'm thankful to each person who feels comfortable enough to share their stories with me. Being vulnerable isn’t easy and my goal is to provide a safe space, completely judgement free, to enable an open, honest exchange to begin the healing process. I enjoy working with a wide variety of people with varies presenting concerns. I easily relate and connect with teens and young adults with life transition struggles. I have several years of experience with women who have experienced various levels of trauma as well as members of the LGBTQ community. I also thoroughly enjoy working with couples. I tailor my therapeutic treatment approach to fit each individual’s needs and primary source of distress for each session. Generally, I lean towards person centered, cognitive behavioral, and solution focused therapy approaches. With each client I explore their goals and together we form a treatment plan. I am skilled in treatment and psychoeducation of: stress, anxiety, depression, communication, coping skills, self care, family conflicts, marital support, and more. Thank you for taking the first step, I would be honored to be a part of your healing process. I look forward to working together working towards the life and goals you’ve always dreamed of. Stephanie

Craig McIntosh
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in both Missouri and Illinois. I have been working with individuals, couples, and groups for 24 years. I completed a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology from Texas A&M University in 1992 and Master of Social Work from New Mexico State University in 1997. I have lived in St. Louis since 2004. I am also certified to provide licensure supervision in both Missouri and Illinois. I know that it takes something to decide to reach out for help. Clients feel supported, encouraged, and appreciated from the very first meeting with me. I want them to leave feeling they’ve made a good decision and looking forward to the next session. Having someone on your side and feeling hopeful about the process is a huge relief and provides momentum and motivation to get the process underway. I am well-versed in 12-Step recovery and have great respect for the rigors and rewards of sober living. I am a Gottman Level I Certified couple’s counselor, skilled at having couples learn to listen, talk, and connect with each other again. I also enjoy parent coaching, helping people learn how to get the best out of their children and learn to relax and enjoy those relationships again. And I am at home with existential conversations about Life’s big questions. I also have many years of experience working with domestic abuse and anger management. And I’ve worked for years with men around issues of relationships, fatherhood, masculinity, and abuse. I’ve spent the last twelve years as a social worker for the U.S. Air Force. I bring a great deal of both personal and professional experience to my work with clients. I draw from many different evidence-based practices. I can be straight-shooting, empathetic, serious, or funny as you need on any given day. But mostly, I will listen for what’s most important to you and then help you make that real in your life. I’ll look forward to hearing from you.

Charlotte Newsom
Hello, my name is Charlotte D. Newsom. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC). I have thirty years of progressive experience in the field of mental health. Twenty of those years, I functioned as a psychotherapist working with individuals, specifically veterans who have chronic mental illnesses such as PTSD, Bipolar Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, Substance Use Disorder, and many other disorders. I have an extensive background working with clients with symptomatic issues such as suicidal ideation, homicidal ideation, and child abuse/neglect. Besides, interpersonal matters, couples relationship issues, parenting problems, child neglect/abuse, and emotional/physical abuse. My professional history includes having a Master's Degree in Clinical Professional Psychology, and as stated above, I am a Licensed Clinical Profession Counselor (LCPC). I have an honorary membership with Roosevelt University Psi Chi Honor Society. And most recently, and for many years that past was awarded an Outstanding Performance Appraisal from the Jesse Brown VA Hospital for my exceptional clinical skills, dedication to excellence, and having a professional and compassionate relationship with patients and staff. My counseling techniques consist of being a good listener and fully understanding your emotions and reasoning. I have a flair for counseling that requires flexibility and attentiveness to develop coping skills to strengthen your abilities to succeed. I approach therapy by combining short-term and long-term treatment planning to meet your specific need. Your treatment plan will include integrating evidence-based treatment using the best available data with clinical knowledge and expertise while considering your personal needs and preferences. For example, short-term therapy consists of cognitive-behavioral therapy, behavior therapy, reality therapy for problem-solving, motivational enhancement therapy for addiction-related issues, and psychoeducation to improve insight into multiple problems. At the same time, long-term treatment may combine client-centered treatment that focuses on empathy and positive regard, psychodynamic therapy, and free association techniques to engage the client to talk. It takes courage to attend therapy, and it takes dedication to see it through. Just remember each day brings about new opportunities for change. So, let's work together to explore your goals for therapy; thank you.

Erika Luhn
Thanks for taking the time to get to know a little bit about me as you make an important decision about your recovery process. Finding the right therapy professional is the first of many important steps you will take and so thank you for taking the time to consider me as someone to work with. I don't take the process of therapy lightly. I have worked in private practice for 14 years and have worked as a therapist for twenty years. My experience is extensive; however, my scope of practice includes working with survivors of trauma, sexual assault/sexual, physical and/or emotional abuse, post traumatic and complex-post traumatic stress, self-harming behaviors, depression, generalized anxiety, grief & loss, family conflict, disorders of personality and finally, working with children & adolescence. I have level I certification in Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and also have completed my post graduate training and supervision using Dialectical & Behavioral Therapy, & Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

Kathryn Douglas
I have worked in mental health since 2004. I have been employed in a variety of settings and worked with individuals struggling with addiction, chronic mental health issues, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, postpartum depression and anxiety. I work from a behavior context, largely utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and other behavioral techniques. I completed my Bachelor's degree in Psychology in 2004 from Quincy University, my Master's degree in Education in Counseling in 2007 from Quincy University, a Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis from Penn State in 2013, and a Master's degree in Sociology from Arizona State University in Spring of 2022.

Dr. William Keating
I am licensed in Illinois with 35 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, 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.

Charlotte Kauffman
I am licensed in Illinois with 32 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, life transitions and motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also have experience in career counseling, counseling persons experiencing divorce and working with persons experiencing mental illness and their families. I have had the personal experience of dealing with mental illness in two family members, divorce and grief in the loss of one of my children. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. I am qualified to incorporate spirituality into the counseling if the client desires. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Margo Chavez-Easley
I am licensed in Illinois with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also have experience working with 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. 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.

Debra Bujalka
I am licensed in Illinois with 25 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 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 sign up for therapy can take courage; you are amazing!
Find a therapist serving clients in Illinois
What types of therapists are available to clients in Mount Vernon?
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 Mount Vernon 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 Mount Vernon available through BetterHelp are accredited as psychologists to help individuals and couples. Mount Vernon 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, Mount Vernon therapists are trained in any type of therapy in the Mount Vernon 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 Mount Vernon 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 Mount Vernon 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 Mount Vernon 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.