Pontoon Beach, Illinois comes with countless points of interest. From lakes to hiking trails and more, if you have an appreciation for nature and the great outdoors, this city will not let you down. Did you know that soaking up the fresh air and being around the natural elements has ties to mental health? Pontoon Beach is an amazing city to get away from the craziness of life and retreat back to the roots of the world.

Another upside of Pontoon Beach comes in the form of mental health services. Nature can only do so much, but if you are truly struggling, then you should consider meeting with a professional. Counselors in the Pontoon Beach area can be of great service and help you get back on a good track.

Psychologist Charlotte Newsom providing different types of therapy in Pontoon Beach

Charlotte Newsom

Clinician
License Type(s): MA,LCPC
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyAddictionsFamily conflictsAnger managementDepression
20 years offering treatment

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.

Psychologist Lori Mattix providing different types of therapy in Pontoon Beach

Lori Mattix

Clinician
License Type(s): LCSW
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsAnger managementSelf esteemADHD
37 years offering treatment

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.

Psychologist Sheri Bassewitz providing different types of therapy in Pontoon Beach

Sheri Bassewitz

Clinician
License Type(s): MSW,LCSW
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyGriefParenting issuesDepressionADHD
30 years offering treatment

I am a licensed clinical social worker with 35 years of experience in a variety of settings. At the beginning of my career, I worked in hospice, oncology, and home care agencies for 15 years. I then became certified to work in school settings, where I worked for the next 15 years. For the last five years, I worked in a private practice with children, adolescents, and families, addressing emotional and social challenges that interfere with activities of daily living. Outside of these professional experiences, I have also worked at several camps for children. One was specifically for children with speech and language and social emotional learning challenges. I also volunteered for many summers at The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, which is a camp in Connecticut for children with serious illnesses. Additionally, I have been fortunate to supervise social workers working towards their licenses. Now, as a clinician in private practice, I am thrilled to use my skills to assist children, adolescents, and adults who are facing challenges and stressors in today’s world. My experiences provide me with the skills necessary to support those faced with challenges that accompany anxiety, depression, and social communication disorders as well as ASD and ADHD. My goal as a therapist is to help those with mental health challenges learn tools and strategies to cope with the stressors and challenges of daily life while identifying and defining their own goals.

Psychologist Shayna Rayman providing different types of therapy in Pontoon Beach

Shayna Rayman

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefAnger management
11 years offering treatment

I am licensed in Florida and Illinois with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialogue 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. Please message me to inquire about scheduling.

Psychologist Christopher Fox providing different types of therapy in Pontoon Beach

Christopher Fox

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
24 years offering treatment

I am licensed in Illinois with 24 years of professional work experience as a psychotherapist and social worker. Over this period of time, I have worked with hundreds of people with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, coping with life changes, and caregiver stress/burnout to name a few. My past clients have appreciated my down-to-earth, compassionate personal style. I use a cognitive-behavioral and solution-focused approach to help you identify thoughts and behaviors that are harmful to your emotional well being and work with you to set clear goals for how to change them so you can feel better. I believe that you have many strengths that can assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Psychologist Alexis Finnander providing different types of therapy in Pontoon Beach

Alexis Finnander

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years offering treatment

I am Alexis Finnander, a licensed clinical social worker. I've been working with adolescents and adults for over 10 years. I understand that life can suck. I'm here to listen and to be a supportive guide in your journey. Its not easy but you don't have to be alone through the process.

Psychologist Deborah (Debbie) Connery providing different types of therapy in Pontoon Beach

Deborah (Debbie) Connery

Clinician
License Type(s): LCSW
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepression
33 years offering treatment

Hello and welcome! I have been helping Illinois adults feel better for over 30 years. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I support clients seeking professional help with diverse life situations. It can be hard to reach out and so it is my goal to help clients feel comfortable about their decision to have me join them on their unique paths. I firmly believe that empathy, compassion, openness, and respect are critical to helping an individual move forward when any of the following have caused disruptions, confusion, or brought life to a screeching halt: Depression Anxiety Life Transitions Stress Trauma and Abuse Grief and Loss There is always a way through, but therapy is most effective when the client and I work together to identify strengths and search out hidden areas of hope for life enrichment. I don't believe in a "one size fits all" approach to therapy. I find cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), mindfulness, solution-focused therapy, and motivational interviewing to be useful domains to create a therapy experience that is tailored to the needs of each individual. I look forward to joining you. We'll face it together.

Psychologist James Michael Mannion providing different types of therapy in Pontoon Beach

James Michael Mannion

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefCareer difficultiesCoaching
8 years offering treatment

I am licensed in Illinois with 8 years of professional counseling experience. I have experience in helping clients with psychological crisis, stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, coping with loss/grief, and career & executive professional development. I offer a multicultural, accepting, respectful, compassionate approach for all, and I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in your journey.

Psychologist Stephanie Kutzen providing different types of therapy in Pontoon Beach

Stephanie Kutzen

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
40 years offering treatment

My name is Dr. Stephanie Kutzen, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker practicing in Illinois. My academic and career background includes three degrees in Social Work, forty five years of counseling with individuals, couples and families. I recently retired as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago, Jane Addams College of Social Work. I am highly experienced in helping diverse clients with mental health, addictions, relationship and conflicts in the workplace issues. My experience also includes counseling with those who benefit from Trauma Care. I provide care with emphasis on working non -judgmentaly and collaboratively with clients to build strategies to improve well being. My approach is built around engaging clients using empathic listening skills. Best practice theories used are Human Development, Person-In-Environment, Cognitive Behavioral and Motivational Interviewing. After discussing confidentiality, clients are asked to describe their view of the problem(s) and ideas to better manage concerns. Next, a clinical assessment of bio-psycho-social and cultural history is conducted. Explanation of of my suggested ways to work together collaboratively are offered. I ask clients to take time to consider if my approach and communication style fits their needs. If not, I offer to assist them in finding another GoodHelp counselor. If they choose to work with me, we prioritize needs and develop a treatment plan to reach goals. Evaluation of measurable outcomes with clients is integral to my approach.

Psychologist Noel Nightingale Follis providing different types of therapy in Pontoon Beach

Noel Nightingale Follis

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesAnger managementDepression
3 years offering treatment

I am licensed in Illinois with 3 years of professional work experience and 5 years of clinical experience. I am familiar with patients that have depression, anxiety, family and relationship issues, intimacy related issues, and a variety of other presenting issues. I have experience working with individuals and couples. 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 and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Types of therapists available to clients in Pontoon Beach

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 Pontoon Beach that can offer psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), 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 Pontoon Beach available through BetterHelp are accredited to help individuals and couples. Pontoon Beach 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, Pontoon Beach therapists are trained in any type of therapy in the Pontoon Beach region and in the state of Illinois.

How a therapist can help you destress, manage your emotions, and guide you towards the life you want 

Therapists in Pontoon Beach 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 Pontoon Beach may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. 

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