Life’s challenges are everywhere, and many of us can benefit from therapy at some point in our lives. When looking for a therapist, Rockford, IL can be a better place to find someone than surrounding rural areas due to a higher population. However, finding the right therapist for you can be a challenge even in a metropolitan area. 

One of the reasons for this is that there are a number of evidence-based treatment approaches when it comes to psychotherapy, that are more or less effective depending on what they’re treating. Applying complementary therapy approaches such as visualization or play therapy may be helpful for treating anxiety, but may not be as effective for treating complex personality disorders. The counseling services available in your area may not be able meet your needs. 

With online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp, you get access to a wider variety of choices. BetterHelp has over 30,000 mental health professionals that provide services in a number of specializations whether you’re looking for a solution focused therapist to help resolve challenges in your life, or an EMDR practitioner to treat post traumatic stress disorder. By filling out an online questionnaire, BetterHelp will match you with a therapist that meets your individual needs. And because therapy is a collaborative approach based on the important relationship between client and counselor, if at any time you need to change therapists you can do so at no additional cost. 

For many, one of the challenging problems of seeking mental healthcare is attending in-person therapeutic sessions. Some may lack accessibility, others time, and still others may not feel comfortable or safe going into a clinic or office environment. BetterHelp’s online sessions can be a convenient solution for all of these situations. Online sessions can fit easily into any schedule, and with video chat, phone, and text messaging options you can talk to your therapist from the comfort of your own home or office. 

If you’ve been thinking about starting therapy for any reason, from guidance for improving relationships to honing your leadership skills, BetterHelp can connect you to a licensed professional that can help. Reach out to get started on your self-care and wellness journey.

Psychologist Rebecca Hoye providing different types of therapy in Rockford

Rebecca Hoye

Clinician
License Type(s): LCPC
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
5 years offering treatment

Hello! Thanks for checking out my profile! I have been a practicing psychotherapist for 5 years, working in a community mental health agency in Chicago. I'm originally from Wisconsin, but have an adventurous spirit that keeps taking me elsewhere!! I'm happy to have the chance to provide therapy to those that may not have the time or energy to go sit in someone's office for an hour a week! Working in community mental health, I've helped individuals address a variety of mental health and environmental problems, such as life stressors, anxiety, depression, attention issues, family conflicts, parenting support, etc. In addition, the context of this work was with low-income families who had limited resources and high stress in meeting their families' needs. As human beings, we are never dealing with one thing at a time, and I believe as a therapist, it's important to understand the nuances of how someone's symptoms, environment, and other stressors interact in order to provide the best therapy. I approach each of these issues with a very empathic ear, and learned what I could about the individual in order to provide the best care possible. I take a very strong psycho-educational approach, helping clients to understand the patterns that are ineffective for them, and helping them to develop and understand coping skills, what their function is, and how to utilize them effectively. I believe that the more empowered we are, the more control we can take over our own reactions to stressors and symptoms, and the bigger impact we can have on our own mental health. Thanks for listening, and if you like what you hear, let's talk! I'd love to meet you and support you in the best way that I can!!

Psychologist Judy Thomas providing different types of therapy in Rockford

Judy Thomas

Clinician
License Type(s): LCSW
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyAnger managementSelf esteemDepressionADHD
20 years offering treatment

I am an LCSW with 20 years experience working with a variety of age groups to manage mood disturbances, attention/focus/motivation issues, stress management, and all the functional difficulties that accompany these challenges. My style is direct, honest, and compassionate. I don’t believe in sugar-coated so it’s important that there's open communication and transparency throughout the process. I’ve worked with many different people and situations in my career, so this is a judgement-free-zone. I use Cognitive Behavioral, Dialectical Behavioral, Solution Focused, Reality, and Psychodynamic therapies. I believe in the power of each person to work through issues with appropriate support. I know personally what it means to struggle and experience loss. I have experience in encouraging the strength and abilities of individuals, and also in working with known limitations. To me therapy is a partnership; you guide the process and I will not only listen, but offer support and resources to help you overcome or mitigate what’s going on for you. Together we will break things down, determine common themes, and identify what is and is not working for you. Using your vision for what you want in your life, you’ll gain the skills to go after it and replace the parts which no longer serve you.

Psychologist Dr. Cassandra April providing different types of therapy in Rockford

Dr. Cassandra April

Clinician
License Type(s): Ed.D, LCPC
Mental Wellness Specialties: Family conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
30 years offering treatment

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.

Psychologist Bradley Wolcott providing different types of therapy in Rockford

Bradley Wolcott

Clinician
License Type(s): LCSW
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changesADHD
25 years offering treatment

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has over 30 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in a variety of settings. My experience working with adults includes individual therapy in an outpatient setting, as well as working in a medical setting and on an in-patient psychiatric unit. I work with adults who are facing issues related to personal growth, life transitions, relationships, sexuality, gender, and family issues. My clients have had a wide range of issues they have needed help with; from young adults transitioning from high school or college on to the next step of their lives, to clients' who have lost of a loved one, to older adults transitioning to retirement. I have significant experience working with clients who have diagnoses of Depression, Anxiety, Autism Spectrum Disorder, PTSD and ADHD. Change of career concerns, and stress from school, work or family issues, are some of the additional issues that I have helped clients with. I enjoy working with first responders, veterans, and members of the clergy by helping them with some of the specific issues they face. I use a relaxed approach to connect with my clients and then work together to help them build upon their strengths, and achieve their goals. Developing a strong therapeutic relationship is a key to my clients' success. My clinical approach is primarily psychodynamic, but I will also draw from family systems, cognitive behavioral therapy, and dialectical behavior therapy as well.

Psychologist Kassandra  Freeman providing different types of therapy in Rockford

Kassandra Freeman

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years offering treatment

I am licensed in Illinois with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, coping with grief and loss, & depression. 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.

Psychologist Leah Pavela-Mullins providing different types of therapy in Rockford

Leah Pavela-Mullins

Clinician
License Type(s): LCSW,C-ET
Mental Wellness Specialties: Relationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
20 years offering treatment

I am a licensed clinical social worker with over 15 years of experience in helping people find solutions to their problems. Over the years, I have been told by clients that they really feel that I am listening to them and trying to understand what is going on in their lives and how they feel. Clients have also told me that they do not feel any sense of judgment, but rather that I accept them for who they are and where they are in their life’s journey. My style is empathetic and solution focused. I will spend time asking you questions in order to get to know you and try to find out what is at the heart of your issue. Together, we will talk about possible avenues you may want to take, or changes you may want to consider. I may give you some “homework” assignments…things to write out or think about, worksheets to complete, or even techniques/exercises to practice in your own time so that some of what we discuss in our sessions is reinforced. Most of all, I will be an objective listener, helping you to gain insight into what is going on with you, so that you are able to make the choices and changes you want to, in your own time. I look forward to working with you!

Psychologist Ewa Susman providing different types of therapy in Rockford

Ewa Susman

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGrief
15 years offering treatment

I am an Illinois Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (CADC) and Certified Partner Abuse Intervention Professional (PAIP). If have extensive experience (15 years) in the mental health and substance use field providing counseling and psychotherapy services to a wide variety of populations. Employing a client centered approach in my practice I provide individual and family therapy treating various mental health issues ranging from helping clients coping with addictions, relationship issues, trauma and abuse and with stress/anxiety. I am fluent in the Polish language and culture.

Psychologist Leslie Salmon providing different types of therapy in Rockford

Leslie Salmon

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyAddictionsFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
27 years offering treatment

I am licensed in Arkansas and Illinois with over 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with depression, grief, stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Psychologist Amanda Straka providing different types of therapy in Rockford

Amanda Straka

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

I am licensed in Illinois with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with addictions, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & depression. 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Psychologist Catherine Harris providing different types of therapy in Rockford

Catherine Harris

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Self esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCompassion fatigueADHD
16 years offering treatment

With 19 years in the field, I know my strengths as a Clinical Social Worker! I specialize in ADHD, self-esteem, confidence, and executive functioning challenges, helping people better understand how their minds work and develop strategies that set them up for success. Growing up, I was surrounded by highly successful individuals who thought differently due to ADHD. As someone who has experienced similar challenges, I understand both the struggles and strengths that come with it. APPROACH My approach is direct, practical, and goal-oriented. • I use Solution-Focused Therapy to identify what’s already working and help you build on your strengths. • Motivational Interviewing allows us to explore what truly drives you, so we can create change that feels natural and sustainable. • With Systemic Therapy, we look at how your environment—work, relationships, routines—shapes your challenges and how small adjustments can lead to big improvements. Many of my clients feel stuck—struggling with self-doubt, follow-through, and communication issues that impact relationships, career growth, and confidence. My goal is to help you break that cycle, build self-trust, and create practical systems that work with your brain, not against it. MY BACKGROUND My background includes private practice, group therapy, large-scale mental health programs, and training mental health leaders in coaching and strengths-based therapy. I’ve also built outcome-tracking systems for people in unstable situations—including those without phones, housing, or coping skills—and in the Philippines, where we worked without computers or a library. Beyond therapy, I have extensive experience in employment advocacy, having served as a union officer and EEOC investigator. I understand workplace challenges, career struggles, and professional communication—insight that helps clients navigate work environments with more confidence. I’m trained in Trauma-Informed Care, Psychoanalysis, CBT, and MBCT and certified in EMDR, but I focus on helping people build confidence, improve communication, and develop sustainable systems that make life easier. WHAT TO EXPECT Therapy with me feels more like coaching, with a flow focused on curiosity, observation, and tracking progress. Instead of just talking, we’ll build practical systems to make growth easier and more engaging. • Boost Self-Awareness & Confidence – Learn to recognize how your thought patterns impact decision-making, habits, and self-perception. • Set Flexible Goals – Use data-driven insights to build motivation, improve focus, and create supportive environments. • Develop Effective Communication & Productivity Strategies – We'll create simple, effective systems that improve how you express yourself, manage responsibilities, and stay on track. • Build Better Habits & Supports – Automate routines and design an environment that reduces friction and increases success. • Reframe Challenges & Strengths – You don’t need to fight against how your brain works—you need strategies that help you use it to your advantage. I work primarily with adults and teens with ADHD, focusing on executive function, motivation, and real-world strategies that create lasting change. THINGS I'VE WRITTEN • Where Does Self-Esteem Come From and How Can I Develop It? – GoodTherapy • You Habit or You Don’t: Why There’s Hope for Your Resolutions Yet – GoodTherapy • Embracing Irrationality in Communication – Marriage.com LET'S GET STARTED! If you’re ready to build confidence, improve communication, and develop strategies that work for you, let’s create a system that makes life easier. Therapy with me is engaging, action-oriented, and focused on real results. Let’s get to work!

Find a therapist serving clients in Illinois

Types of therapists available to clients in Rockford

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 Rockford 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 Rockford available through BetterHelp are accredited to help individuals and couples. Rockford 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, Rockford therapists are trained in any type of therapy in the Rockford 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 Rockford 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 Rockford may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. 

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