Some days just seem to be endless and you cannot keep up with all that is going on. Maybe you are struggling with depression or anxiety, which can wreak havoc on your life. It can make you sad, anxious, nervous, tired, or confused and you may not be able to make even the simplest decisions. There are many therapists in Ottawa who can help.
Ottawa also has some great places to hang out like the Washington Park Historic District, Ottawa Historical and Scouting Heritage Museum, and Allen Park. These are all fun places to explore but if you are depressed or anxious you may not enjoy anything right now. Talk to a therapist in Ottawa today to get treatment.

Rima Mickus
Welcome, I'm Rima Mickus, a fully licensed clinical counselor in Illinois and Arizona and am limited to working with only Illinois and Arizona residents at this time. I enjoy working with men and women who are struggling with relationship issues, anxiety, and insomnia. I have 17 years of experience as a counselor, and have been in private practice since 2013. I have post graduate training in couples counseling, relationship coaching, domestic violence, and non-drug treatment for insomnia (using CBT-I). I have a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology from Benedictine University in Illinois. I work with adults in my private practice and enjoy helping them navigate through difficult circumstances. Relationship issues are usually a top stressor for many adults, whether it is family, dating, marriage, or work relationship issues. A bulk of my practice is helping adults with their relationships. We explore communication styles, personality differences, childhood influences, and other factors that impact the quality of our relationships. I help clients learn what a healthy relationship looks like and what constitutes abusive and disrespectful behavior. I can provide links to online assessments that can help identify strengths and areas of growth for both singles and couples. Another area that I enjoy helping clients with is health , fitness, and weight management. I have a certification in Wellness coaching and have helped many clients improve their mood and health using some simple interventions. Finally, an area that I find most important, but often neglected is sleep quality. Sleep is very under- rated but can make an enormous difference in a person's mood and cognitive function. I am trained directly by Dr Gregg Jacobs of the Harvard Medical School in providing CBT-I (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia). This is a 5-6 week structured program that requires the participant to keep a detailed weekly sleep log. It has been very helpful in helping men and women get more hours of quality sleep at night. There is also a way to wean off of sleep medications, but this will require medical supervision with a doctor. If weaning from medications is involved, the program typically takes longer, depending on how long the medication has been used. Please note that therapy is a very active process and frequent communication is important for maximum benefit. I will be contacting you through messaging more than once a week, as required by this service. I check messages at least 2 times per day. Your active participation is key to the success of your therapy. The more you participate, the more benefit you will get out of this service. My general hours of service are M-F 9 am-6pm CT. I check messages on weekends and occasionally offer sessions on weekends. Let me know when you are ready to start your therapy. I am looking forward to working with you! Warm regards, Rima

Dr. Cassandra April
I am an African American female located in the Chicago land area. I have been a licensed clinical professional counselor in the state of Illinois for over 25 years. I also have many years of experience teaching counseling and psychology as an adjunct professor at eight different colleges and universities. As a therapist who is also a Christian, I assist people in the areas of faith and spiritual matters, if requested. I am the author of the book "Tending to Broken Hearts: Reflections from Three Decades in the Counselor's Chair" available on Amazon. I do not operate according to the medical model and don't work with issues pertaining to psychotropic medications or imbalanced brain chemistry. I operate from the perspective that we all have choices, and need to make healthy ones in order to live mentally, emotionally, and spiritually healthy lives.

Jennifer Forbes
WELCOME TO SEED OF HOPE COUNSELING SERVICES! ABOUT THE FOUNDER Jennifer M. Forbes, M.S., LMFT is the Founder of Seed of Hope Counseling Services and is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She is passionate about the work that she does and is grateful to God for the training, opportunities, and people that she has been able to serve throughout the years. She has successfully counseled hundreds of individuals, couples, and families through difficult times and it has been one of her greatest joys. Jennifer has served both in the non-profit and private sector, since 2009, providing counseling, consulting services, support, supervision, and leadership to various teams, clinicians, leaders, and organizations. She has been a pioneer in the field, working with agencies to create and implement innovative therapeutic initiatives. She has developed, established, and assessed various community programs for crisis, trauma, and clinical services. She has served on clinical committees for the Illinois Health Practice Alliance, the Behavioral Health Consortium and the Westside Community Triage and Wellness Center. Jennifer is a member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapist (AAMFT). Jennifer received her formal training from Northern Illinois University where she earned her Bachelor's in Psychology and Masters in Applied Family & Child Studies with a Specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy. Ready to Connect? We are confident you have come to the right place. Request your appointment today! We are looking forward to speaking with you. Feel free to visit www.sohcs.com for more information. Warmest Regards, Jennifer M. Forbes, LMFT MEET OUR THERAPIST: CHRISTINE HUFFAKER Throughout difficult years in my own mental health journey, I developed a growing passion for supporting others with their mental health from a place of empathy and understanding. I have always had a passion for sitting with others in both moments of joy and sorrow and honoring both spaces. I approach counseling with a genuine understanding of what it feels like to struggle silently with mental health and feel alone in the process. Out of my own time in counseling, I developed sincere belief in the therapeutic process. During my clinical experience as a masters counseling student through Indiana Wesleyan University, I have gained experience working with children, adolescents, young adults, and adults on a wide range of topics including anxiety, depression, grief, and anger management. My approach to counseling is rooted in person-centered care and the belief that clients are always the experts of their own lives. Above all, I strive to create a safe and nonjudgmental space for all clients characterized by compassion and acceptance. I believe deeply in the power of self compassion and the practice of attuning to our own emotions without shame. Topics of interest and possible future areas of specialization include: counseling work with teens and young adults, couples counseling, sexual functioning, obsessive compulsive disorder, and anxiety. Reaching out takes great courage, and I look forward to celebrating that victory with you in our first session! Sincerely, Christine Huffaker Don't Wait Another Day! Request an Appointment Today!

Lori Mattix
I have been a licensed clinical social worker for 35 years. I have experience providing individual , group, and family counseling to teens, adults and families. I have background in the areas of anxiety, depression, ADHD, anger management and foster care and adoption. I truly enjoy working with people and my goal is to assist my clients in managing a variety of concerns . It is important to me to establish a safe, non-judgmental environment, and to show respect to all my clients. I don't have one approach I utilize, as I feel everyone is an individual and it is important to develop a plan once I have your input and together we decide on the direction your counseling will take. I recognize that for some, deciding to attend counseling can be a challenge. I am here to provide the support, flexibility and trust you need to succeed. Once you choose to begin counseling to address the concerns you have, I will be there to assist and support you in the process.

Carolyn Cole
Do you notice yourself feeling as though something is just missing in your life? Maybe work feels unsatisfying or relationships feel unfulfilling. Your inner critic may be constantly yapping away, where you start to question if you even like yourself anymore, and you may find yourself trying to constantly distract yourself to escape the voice of the inner critic. You may feel more stressed, anxious, depressed, or even angry. Maybe you also notice patterns that keep - on - repeating, and you just don't know how to get out of this cycle. You may find yourself getting stuck in cycles of shame, guilt, anxiety, depression, or frustration or anger. Everything you've been trying to get ahead just simply isn't working. You may wonder "when will things ever change?" You may even feel a bit stuck or lost, or perhaps as though you feel an urge to "find yourself" again. If this resonates for you, this means you are my ideal client and I am here to help you! I love working with clients on the process of self discovery, self love, and uncovering a way to live a life that feels authentic to you! Let's work together to get you back on track to living a life that feels happier and more fulfilling. I have been working as a therapist since 2011, though my career in the mental health field began in 2000 when I worked as a case manager at a day program helping those diagnosed with persistent mental illness. I loved this experience so much, which is what inspired me to return to school so I could practice as a psychotherapist! My favorite areas to help my clients with are managing depression and anxiety, navigating relationship issues, healing from break-ups, coping with career challenges. exploring life purpose, enhancing self love, improving self esteem and self compassion, self discovery, and finding more meaning in life. My therapy style is warm, conversational, and collaborative, and I would be honored to help you on your journey. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I'm a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and National Certified Counselor. I am licensed to provide clinical services to those residing in Illinois. I look forward to working with you!

Wendy Gatewood
Greetings! I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois and Indiana. I have over 20 years of experience in my specialization. My work experience includes multiple settings such as, residential, foster care, treatment centers, schools, and private practice. For the first half of my career, I mostly worked with ages 2-22, and for at least the past four years I have helped others up to age 80. Areas I have expertise with are managing stress and anxiety, Autism Spectrum, ADHD, Conduct Disorder, self-worth, trauma and abuse, anger management, & 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. 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.

Brian Stella
I am licensed in Illinois with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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.

Dr. Kristen Haut
I am licensed in Illinois with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, sleeping disorders, bipolar disorder, & depression. 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.

Robert Allanson
Robert Allanson is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), Certified in Drug and Alcohol Counseling (CADC) and holds his Certification as an Integrative Mental Health Provider (CIMHP). He received his undergraduate degree in Education from Elmhurst College as well as his Master’s Degree in Community Counseling from the National Louis University. Robert has worked with a diverse population of adolescents and adults within the inpatient hospitalization as well as outpatient substance abuse and mental health settings. Robert’s areas of focus have been addictions, anxiety, depression, anger, grief, and life transitions/adjustment related issues among many more. While taking a very client centered approach, he utilizes techniques from Acceptance Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Solutions-Focused Therapy. Using these therapeutic approaches he strives to empower clients and their families to take an active role in recovery employing their own strengths and resources in addition to learning how to modify and adapt them to the ever evolving seasons of life. Patient Care Philosophy My approach to patients is very much based on empowerment and collaboration. I believe each individual holds the tools and resources for healing within them. I strive to work with them to clarify these strengths and learn or problem solve strategies for adapting them. I integrate various evidence-based therapeutic approaches to foster not only healing, but wellness and a true sense of fulfillment. Therefore it is critical to take a holistic approach that emphasizes flexibility and adaptability to the ever changing seasons of life. How I Stay Well: Balancing my life with a wide range of activities has been very helpful for me. I feel it is very important to get a sense of accomplishment each day in as many of my valued areas of life as possible, within reason. With that I try to pick up a pencil and draw, sketch, or doodle something every day to keep my creative juices flowing. I also have made it a point to set specific time aside each day to play with my boys, whether that be going on epic adventures, building Lego masterpieces, or Jedi and lightsaber training in the backyard. Maintaining that sense of wonder and imagination has been a much needed treatment to balance out the stressors of work and life.

Alice Bigelow
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, depression, LGBTQ+ related issues, trauma, and low self esteem. I also have specific experience working with OCD. 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 so proud of you for getting started!
Find a therapist serving clients in Illinois
What types of therapists are available to clients in Ottawa?
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 Ottawa 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 Ottawa available through BetterHelp are accredited as psychologists to help individuals and couples. Ottawa 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, Ottawa therapists are trained in any type of therapy in the Ottawa 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 Ottawa 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 Ottawa 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 Ottawa 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.