If you want to work with a licensed professional counselor or other therapist in Peoria, IL, consider an online platform like BetterHelp. A mental health professional at BetterHelp can provide a non-judgmental environment for treatment while you attend sessions from the comfort of your home.
Therapy can be an effective way to make a positive change in your life. A therapist can help you manage a range of mental health challenges, from anxiety and depression to the psychological effects of chronic pain. Whether the obstacles in your life come from parenting teens or the demands of a stressful career, therapy can help.
Your therapist will work with you to identify your unique needs and determine what you might want to focus on throughout the healing process. Whether you strive for a better life or want to focus on improving personal wellness, schedule your first appointment with a Central Illinois-based therapist below to get started.
Deanna Stacy
Taking the first step toward change can be scary, but we will work through it together! I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with over 8 years experience. I hold an M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Roosevelt University and additional credentials in Family Psychology and Stress Management. I regularly guide clients to develop coping mechanisms for their anxiety, depression, and a myriad of other struggles in life. My experience working with the foster care system assists me in supporting children, teens, and adults through many complex issues including abuse and trauma. I am also adept at helping couples build proper communication to strengthen marriages and relationships. I primarily utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy to assist others through the challenges life sometimes brings. I am a firm believer in meeting you where you are and not forcing a counseling template on you. I will work with you to create a therapeutic environment that is unique to your path. Life can sometimes become overwhelming, so there will definitely be a lighthearted and supportive tone to our communications. My goal is to give you the skills to excel through challenging times in life. Whether it's building better communication to strengthen relationships, or finding the courage to make a change, you have the power to begin the journey to a better you today. I look forward to providing you support and guidance during this transformation. About me: I live in the suburbs of Chicago with my overly attached pug, Thornton. I love reading anything I can get my hands on and am a life long learner so I love to hear stories from other people about their jobs and life experiences. I've wanted to be a counselor since I was 13 and realized I could use the natural tendency others have to share their feelings with me for a career.
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!
Rolanda Parks
Hello there! I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of Illinois. I am also a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Arizona. I am best positioned to serve adults seeking support for various mental health concerns. My expertise lies in addressing issues such as anxiety, depression, stress, and life transitions. I work effectively with individuals navigating relationship challenges, self-esteem issues, and those striving for personal growth. Whether you're seeking short-term solutions or long-term exploration, my client-centered approach is suited for those committed to positive change and self-discovery.
Nicholas Smith
If you’re feeling stuck, unmotivated, frustrated, hopeless, lost or ready for a life pivot; you’ve come to the right place. I can help you find a way to live in accordance to your values and goals, by helping manage your emotions more effectively. Sessions will provide insight into how your own thought processes work and identification of where some of your thought processes begin, and how to challenge them for growth. From practicing in the student counseling center at Moody Bible Institute, hospital inpatient psychiatric unit, private practice, and a drug & alcohol addiction treatment center, I bring dedication alongside my strong and varied experiences to help you or your loved one. Being a counselor means more to me than a job, it is an interest in the psychology and philosophy, but most of all, helping my clients. Whether life seems difficult right now or you are noticing an area that needs addressed or explored, my goal is to walk alongside in your journey with compassion and professional insight. I use a variety of theories and approaches to fit each individual, and look forward to working with you as you start your pivoting journey.
Elizabeth Eugea
I appreciate the courage and strength it takes to enter into a counseling relationship and the anxiety that may accompany reaching out to a stranger I am here to support and empower you in your journey to a better life. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) licensed in Illinois with over 36 years of experience in the counseling profession. I have helped clients with a wide variety of life challenges including ADHD, Abuse including Domestic Violence, Anger, Anxiety, Depression, Life Changes/Transitions, Panic and Panic Attacks, Relationship Issues, Self-esteem, Stress, and Work-related and Career Issues. It is my belief that sometimes it is a lack of skills that keep us stuck in life so I also teach therapeutic life skills to manage the difficulties in your life. I think of it as equipping you with tools for your "life skills toolbox". I engage in individual, couple, and family counseling with ages 7 through 99. I specialize in serving teachers and nurses, as well as victims and survivors of domestic violence. I believe in everyone's ability to grow and progress and I will join you on your journey to a more fulfilling and peaceful life. I highly respect the way each individual learns, changes, develops, and grows in their own unique way. I counsel with empathy and compassion and without judgment or condemnation. My goal is to provide a safe, peaceful, encouraging, uplifting, and respectful environment in which you can explore the challenges that interfere with you achieving your goals. My evidence-based counseling approach includes Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) from a person-centered and humanistic perspective. I am looking forward to helping you live your best life!
Lisa Bicket
Sometimes life doesn't go the way that we would like it to. Sometimes we don't feel our best. Sometimes we realize that our past is affecting us more than our present. Sometimes we don't know what is going on, but we are sick and tired of being sick and tired. We all have different experiences and that is what makes us unique and what makes counseling so exciting to me. I recognize you are the expert of your life, it is not my job to tell you how to live or what to do, but it is my desire that all clients end treatment with a few tools in their toolbox to better manage whatever circumstances may come their way. I am a down to Earth person and use a lot of analogies and education with clients when discussing ideas that may be new to them, so they can find the language to understand something or a skill to change the things that are not working for them any longer. Then you can take these ideas with you to use in the future. I am a social worker with over 20 years of experience working with clients from infants (support to parents) to geriatrics. I love helping clients find out more about themselves through conversation and discussions that focus on moving forward while understanding how they got where they are today. I often use a solution focused approach along with rational-emotive behavioral therapy. But switch it up based on the individual and their goals and needs. Together with the client goals will be set and reassessed consistently to make sure that what is being addressed is meeting their needs and assisting them towards ongoing wellness. One of the most important part of therapy for me is for you to know you are not in this alone.
Arnold Lavaire
I am Arnold A Lavaire, a bilingual Christian counselor licensed in the state of Virginia and Illinois. I was born and raised in Honduras and moved to live in the United States in 1996. I served 5 years of military service in the US Navy. I am fluent in Spanish, I can conduct counseling in English and in Spanish. I earned a B.S. in Psychology from Campbell University, a M.A. in Counseling from the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary, and a M.Div. from Mid-America Reformed Seminary.
Gina Clarke
I am a licensed clinical social worker in Illinois with 11 years of professional work experience as a school social worker working with children and adolescents from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. However, I have a total of 29 years experience working with adults and children in a variety of settings. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. My treatment style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My office is a safe space where clients can be themselves. If you ask my students, they will say I am easy to talk to. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. 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 look forward to working with you!
Yadira Chavez
As a bilingual Latina and child of immigrant parents, I strive to provide a safe space for clients of all backgrounds and experiences. I am here to offer acceptance and support while helping clients navigate and cope with life’s challenges. There is no ‘one size fits all’ approach to therapy and I find it important to explore specific strategies and tools that work for clients and their goals. I have experience working in community behavioral health and have extensive knowledge of mental health needs. This experience has helped me find my passion in working with individuals struggling with mood and anxiety disorders, relationship stress, painful life transitions, individual and intergenerational trauma, cultural stressors. My style is meeting my clients where they are at while using humor and spirit to build a strong relationship. I utilize eclectic strategies from various theoretical approaches such as but not limited to cognitive behavior therapy, mindfulness, psychodynamic, and attachment. As a team, clients and I explore areas for change and growth.
Brenda Rogers
I am licensed in Illinois with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, anger management, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. 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 proud of you for getting started!
How to find a therapist for counseling in Peoria
Finding the best therapist close by in Peoria 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 Peoria 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 Peoria. 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 Peoria, 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 Peoria 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 Peoria 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 Peoria 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 Peoria 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 Peoria, elsewhere in Peoria, 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 Peoria 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 Peoria 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 Peoria 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 Peoria 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 Peoria online therapy platform verified?
Therapists in Peoria, 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 Peoria 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 Peoria 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 Peoria 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 Peoria?
One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Peoria 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 Peoria 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 Peoria 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 61606 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 Peoria counselor?
Before seeing your Peoria 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. Peoria 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 Peoria 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 Peoria 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 Peoria, 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.
Peoria 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 Peoria, 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 Peoria 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 Peoria:
61601, 61602, 61603, 61604, 61605, 61606, 61612, 61613, 61614, 61615, 61625, 61629, 61630, 61633, 61634, 61635, 61636, 61637, 61638, 61639, 61641, 61643, 61650, 61651, 61652, 61653, 61654, 61655, 61656