In a town known for the struggles of blue-collar work, a counselor in Waukegan can help you overcome the travails of life, allowing you to live the life that you want to live.

It was originally known for the small forts that were created here, and soon, it began to become more developed. It’s a place that’s close enough to Chicago that it’s got the city vibe to it, but also far enough away that you can enjoy the tranquil life. It’s the perfect location for one to find a counselor in the area, and help take your life back. 

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Adriana Franco

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IL
Counselor License Type(s): MSW,LCSW,CRADC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
19 years of experience as a mental health therapist

Hi, my name is Adriana. I am a Bilingual Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Addictions Counselor with over 16 years of experience. I studied Clinical Social Work at UIC Jane Adams School of Social Work. I also practice yoga, mindfulness, and meditation. This is my second career and my passion. I have the honor, and privilege, of providing mental health services to young adults, adults, families, and couples, as well as working with children from 4-12 years of age. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including, anxiety, depression, substance use disorders, anger, domestic violence, career challenges, and parenting. My counseling style focuses primarily on empowering clients to lead better lives, and in so doing, treat them with respect and dignity in a safe, supportive, encouraging, and warm space. My role as a therapist is to understand you as an individual, listen, provide a non-judgmental safe space, guide, advocate, advice, and educate those in need as they find their voices and healthier lifestyles, meeting them where they are at – believing that clients are the experts of their lives. I strive to establish rapport through understanding, honesty, and positive regard towards the individual while applying person-centered, person-in-environment theoretical orientations, and motivational interviewing. I use an integrated approach, based on the client’s needs through the course of therapy, established on client-therapist collaborative treatment plan development. This plan might integrate a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, meditation skills, dialectical behavioral therapy, and acceptance commitment therapy, grounded on the client’s preferences and needs. You are here, you have taken the first courageous step on the path to building a healthier, responsible, joyful life. I believe I could help you to succeed in this journey. I would love to get started working with you and am happy to answer any questions you may have for me.  I look forward to working with you.

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Roy Buggee

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IL
Counselor License Type(s): LMHC,LCPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsDepression
25 years of experience as a mental health therapist

My name is Roy Buggee and I have been working for twenty-five years with clients who have substance abuse and mental health issues. My career has taken me to different health care facility such as psychiatric hospitals, outpatient clinics, mental health agencies, and substance abuse programs. My passion has been working with clients who have both mental health and substance abuse issues. Also, I am knowledgeable in twelve steps programs such as Alcoholic Anonymous, Al-Anon, Narcotic Anonymous, Overeaters Anonymous, and Adult Children of Alcoholics. I am easy going and enjoyed helping others. My counseling style is being respectful to my clients and treating you as an equal. I will be your advocate and facilitate a safe and supportive environment. My approach is client centered and you are the most important in the therapeutic relationship. I specialize in in the following therapies: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Reality Therapy, Family System Therapy, Person-center therapy and Rational Emotive Therapy. Also, I have experience with clients who have been diagnosed with anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, psychotic disorders, obsessive compulsive disorders, borderline disorder, and anti-social disorder. In 2006, I graduated from Florida Atlantic University with a master’s degree in educational counseling. My concentration of study was mental health counseling. Since that time, I obtained my license in Mental Health Counseling in the state of Florida and a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of Illinois. I am looking forward in assisting in your recovery.

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Jesse Waltz

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IL
Trauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
15 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in Illinois with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, depression, & coping with life changes. 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!

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Monica DuShane

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IL
Stress, AnxietyGriefCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
7 years of experience as a mental health therapist

Greetings, my name is Monica. I am a Licensed Independent Social Worker-Supervisor in the state of Ohio; I also hold clinical licenses in the states of Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Minnesota and Wisconsin. I have over sixteen years of experience as a social worker. I have experience in helping clients with: stress and anxiety; life changes; Isolation & Loneliness; compassion fatigue; motivation, self esteem, and confidence; Aging and Geriatric issues; Serious Illness; Hospice and End of Life Counseling: coping with grief and loss. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in your journey. 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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Julianna Murphy

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IL
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemCoping with life changes
6 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in Illinois with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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.

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Dashawn Hunter

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IL
Relationship issuesCareer difficulties
10 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in Illinois with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with career difficulties, depression, anxiety, grief and navigating through issues of everyday life. 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.

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Kinya M Lucas-Brown

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IL
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoaching
20 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Holly Lewis

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IL
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
3 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have more than 18 years of experience working with children, teenagers, young adults, and families in a number of different roles and capacities. I have worked in residential treatment settings, community-based programs, outpatient community mental health, and with youth involved in the juvenile justice system. During my career, I have worked with clients seeking services for mood disorders, ADHD, disruptive, impulse-control, and conduct disorders, anxiety, attachment/relational issues, and issues stemming from trauma. I have an eclectic approach to treatment. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Motivational Interviewing techniques. I had the opportunity to receive training in Neurosequential Models of Therapeutics (NMT) from the Child Trauma Academy. I recognize the value in meeting a client where they are, and use a trauma-informed, strengths-based, and holistic approach.

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Dr. Suzanne Degges-White

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IL
LGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemCoping with life changes
22 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in Illinois, North Carolina, and Indiana, with 22 years of professional work experience. I am also a licensed clinical addictions counselor in Indiana. I have experience in helping clients with lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, family conflicts, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. Each of us holds the power to make choices that will enhance our lives and move us closer to our goals. Sometimes we are able to move towards change with deliberation and intent and other times we find ourselves in situations and circumstances where we feel an urgent need to change our thoughts, behaviors, or feelings. Change can be difficult, but my role is to provide you with the support you need to manage planned and unplanned transitions and changes. I believe that enhancing wellness and increasing a client’s sense of empowerment to make better choices will help clients become more capable of finding happiness and contentment in their lives. Helping clients learn to better manage life stressors and develop strategies for coping with developmental transitions and relational challenges are emphases in my work. In our work together, I may employ a variety of therapeutic techniques to encourage you to take new perspectives and engage in new behaviors that will help you better manage the challenges that have brought you into my office. Using a humanistic framework, and depending on the nature of the concern, I may use techniques from cognitive and behavioral therapy, existential counseling, choice theory, and feminist theory. I often incorporate client homework assignments into therapy including bibliotherapy, journaling, or other brief writing assignments.

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Deborah Gleason

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IL
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
8 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in the state of Alabama and the state of Illinois with over 6 years experience as a social worker. I am also certified as a Somatic Activated Healer under Sah D'Simone. I specialize in treatment for anxiety, lgbt-related issues, relationship issues, & trauma and abuse. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. I work to meet my clients where they are at and provided strategies if necessary. I have worked with teens in a group home setting to help them improve self esteem and maximize their potential in everyday life. I practice from a spiritual lens understanding that everyone has a divine purpose that can be tapped into at any time. I’m here to help support and empower you.

How to find a therapist for counseling in Waukegan

Finding the best therapist close by in Waukegan 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 in Waukegan 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 Waukegan. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of therapy can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in Waukegan, 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. 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 to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy in the Waukegan 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 Waukegan 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 therapist may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. Verified providers 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 Waukegan area in different types of therapy, including:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search and find Waukegan therapists, have in mind what type of therapy 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 Waukegan, elsewhere in Lake, or in the greater state of Illinois.

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 Waukegan 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 Waukegan therapist?

The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Waukegan due to a higher cost of living. 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 Waukegan 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 sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks). If you're looking for a therapist, Cincinnati offers a variety of professionals who can help with your mental health needs at a price you can afford.

How is a licensed therapist on this Waukegan online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Waukegan, 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. They 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, they 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 Waukegan 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 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 therapist, including the therapists in Waukegan 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 lead by a therapist in Waukegan 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. 

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address with the help of psychologists?

BetterHelp's verified Waukegan 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.

Specialties on BetterHelp include:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy - This type of therapy is provided by therapists who are professional counselors, helping clients identify and change negative thought patterns through structured sessions.
  • Behavior therapy - Therapists use behavior therapy techniques 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 - Therapists engage clients in talk therapy to explore their feelings and develop strategies for dealing with various mental health issues, often guided by a professional counselor.
  • Depression - Therapists offer counseling to help individuals manage symptoms of depression and improve their mood and functioning, often working closely with a professional counselor.
  • Anxiety disorders - Therapists specialize in anxiety disorders, offering strategies to manage and reduce anxiety symptoms effectively, often through counseling sessions with a professional counselor.
  • Stress - Therapists provide tools and techniques to help clients cope with stress and improve their mental resilience, frequently under the supervision of a professional counselor.
  • Eating disorders - Therapists experienced in eating disorders offer specialized counseling to address unhealthy eating patterns and body image issues, with the support of a professional counselor.
  • Grief - Therapists provide support and guidance to clients experiencing grief, helping them navigate the stages of loss, often in collaboration with a counselor.
  • Attachment therapy - Therapists use attachment therapy 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 Waukegan therapy provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide. 

How do I know if online counseling is right for my family in Waukegan?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Waukegan 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 are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.

Waukegan 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 Waukegan 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 Waukegan 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 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 60085 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site. 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 Waukegan counselor?

Before seeing your Waukegan therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the therapy 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, let them know if you have any concerns about therapy or feel unsure about what to talk about. They 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 in Waukegan.

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 therapy entails. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or condition to attend therapy. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback and advice from a therapist. A Waukegan 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 through therapy with a Waukegan 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 Waukegan, 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.

Waukegan has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online therapy 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 Waukegan, Illinois

To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on PinterestLinkedInInstagramTwitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.

Take some time today to learn more about the team of 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:

A woman meets with a therapist online in her home city of Waukegan.

Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Waukegan:

60048, 60079, 60085, 60087

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