Falling in love is an amazing ride but sometimes your relationship may be more work than you expect it to be. That’s right, relationships are hard but if you are serious, relationship counseling can help a lot. Luckily, there are many counselors in West Chicago trained and experienced in relationship counseling. 

West Chicago is a nice peaceful town that is a great place to raise a family. If you and your significant other is having trouble in your relationship, call one of the dedicated mental health counselors in West Chicago who can help you both, so you can move on to the next phase of your relationship. 

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Tim (Timothy) McNichol

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IL, West Chicago
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

“Where you are, is where we will start” is a saying that has always resonated with me. I welcome you into the practice. I focus on a collaborative approach that hopefully will allow you to see the strengths that you already possess from your life experiences. Life can be hard. Having time to sit down, share stories, listen and work together to help with your present concerns is my hope for you. I incorporate many different styles into my work and together we will find the one that works best for you. If this is something that speaks to you, please feel free to contact me. I look forward to meeting you soon. Some things that I have found work well for myself in creating a balanced life are gardening, spending time in nature, running, movement/dance and reading fiction. Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony. -Gandhi

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Janice Nass

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IL, West Chicago
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW,LNHA
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
40 years of experience

For those of us experiencing anxiety, depression, chronic illness/disability, grief and loss, relationship issues, and work/life balance difficulties, trying to adapt to the changes these issues inevitably bring is a common thread that binds us all together. Change is a natural part of life, but it has ways of bringing up feelings of fear, uncertainty, doubt, and sometimes even apathy and pessimism. Since we cannot control change – we can only control how we respond to it – we often feel “stuck”. Together, we can work to address these feelings and adjust our mindsets so we can become stronger from the inside out. Realizing that we have the power to “course correct” our circumstances can be empowering. Our aim in the therapeutic process is to address change by: *learning to “reframe” the situation and see it differently. We can become more aware of what our minds are saying to us and change the narrative to something that is more aligned with our needs. Sometimes we don’t see the possibilities that change can bring because we are locked in a mindset that this is how things are supposed to be. *re-examining our core beliefs about ourselves and the world around us. When we know ourselves, our truths, our current beliefs, we can weather change more effectively. Sometimes difficulty comes when we are living out of alignment to our core values. *acknowledging that it can be uncomfortable but that difficult moments to not define us. Although social media may have us believe otherwise, life is not meant to be lived perfectly. We can learn from our mistakes, alter our actions, and see where we can do better. Avoiding discomfort can lead us to miss out on amazing experiences. Together, through the therapeutic process, we can discover what might be on the other side. *identify supports and health self-care practices. We can explore those relationships and practices that are reflections of our worth and learn to let go of those that don’t. The therapeutic process can also address how our communication styles can either enhance or diminish our support systems. These are my beliefs. I blend cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), person centered therapy (PCT) and solution focused therapy tailored to each person’s needs. In the past 4 decades as a social worker (yes, it has been that long!), I have worked with individuals in long term care and hospice, both as a social worker and as an administrator, and as a mental health practitioner in group practice settings. If I have learned anything over those years it is this: It is never too late to try something new, to start again, and to create a life we truly desire. We are all connected. Our journeys may look different and feel different, but we are all here on this earth for a reason and for a purpose. Let us discover yours – together.

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Queena Howard

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IL, West Chicago
Counselor License Type(s): MA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsParenting issuesBipolar disorderDepression
21 years of experience

Queena Howard is a Board Certified, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA who specializes in helping her clients overcome depression, anxiety, stress, anger, loss and substance use in a matter of months rather than years. She has been practicing for more than 20 years. Her therapeutic style incorporates: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Mindfulness, so that clients can once again live purposeful, joy-filled lives while honoring past losses and struggles. Today Queena offers individual services and couples counseling. She has worked with diverse populations from couples, families, adults with substance abuse, depression through geriatric population. Her feedback from clients and colleagues supports her demeanor of calmness, empathy, compassion and insightfulness that have assisted others with resolving some of their most complex dilemmas. She strives to meet her clients where they are on their journey and challenges them to make their courageous next steps on the road to to recovery and wellness.

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Stephanie Armanetti

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IL, West Chicago
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesGriefDepression
9 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbt-related issues, relationship issues, & coping with grief and loss. 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.

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Crystal Williams, LCPC

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IL, West Chicago
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemBipolar disorderDepression
25 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 25 plus years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & bipolar disorder. 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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Carrah Demos

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IL, West Chicago
Grief
7 years of experience

I am a licensed counselor in Illinois with 6 years of counseling experience, and 9 years experience working in the mental health field. I have worked in inpatient hospital settings, schools, and hospice. For the last 5 years, my specialty has been in grief counseling, but I also have experience helping clients with stress, anxiety, depression, self-love, and relationship issues. Starting counseling can be scary, so I work with clients to create a safe space where you can feel comfortable sharing your thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment. I am a person-centered therapist that also incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy into sessions. 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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Joseph Siegel

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IL, West Chicago
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSleeping disordersDepression
7 years of experience

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 the fact that you are starting in this process is a very real sign of strength and resilience. Thank you for looking at my biographical information. I have years of experience in helping clients with anxiety, depression, trauma, abuse, grief, relationship difficulties, coping with stress, and other behavioral health struggles. Additionally, my speciality is the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder.

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Rasa Ruzgys

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IL, West Chicago
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
10 years of experience

I am a licensed mental health and addiction therapist in Illinois with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence, and addiction. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Cheryl Watson

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IL, West Chicago
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
3 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, family conflicts, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. 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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Francesca Cooley

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IL, West Chicago
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
11 years of experience

I am licensed in Indiana, Georgia,Minnesota, and Texas with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

How to find a therapist for counseling in West Chicago

Finding the best therapist close by in West Chicago 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 West Chicago 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 West Chicago. 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 West Chicago, 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 West Chicago 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 West Chicago 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 West Chicago 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 West Chicago 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 West Chicago, elsewhere in DuPage, 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 West Chicago 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 West Chicago 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 West Chicago 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 West Chicago 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 West Chicago online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in West Chicago, 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 West Chicago 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 West Chicago 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 West Chicago 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 West Chicago?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a West Chicago 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 West Chicago 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 West Chicago 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 60186 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 West Chicago counselor?

Before seeing your West Chicago 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. West Chicago 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 West Chicago 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 West Chicago 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 West Chicago, 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.

West Chicago 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 West Chicago, 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 West Chicago 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 West Chicago.

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

60185, 60186

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