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. 

Psychologist Brianna Yates providing different types of therapy in West Chicago

Brianna Yates

Clinician
License Type(s): LCSW,CCM
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changes
3 years offering treatment

Hello there! Thank you for taking the time to read my bio. I look forward to hearing from you, and for the possibility of becoming a part of your journey. I have over five years of experience as a medical social worker and I have worked with clients who have chronic health conditions, and new health concerns. In addition, I’ve also worked in a local domestic violence agency where I provided children and adults with therapy and education. I tailor each individual therapy session to meet each client’s unique need, and I’m here to make a positive impact on your life by listening, validating and working with you to achieve your goals. I use many techniques from both Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness. On a more personal note, I am the oldest of four girls, and I have an identical twin who is one-minute younger. I grew up on the north side of Chicago’s suburbs, and when I’m not working, I am usually in my kitchen trying new recipes, going on walks, and binge watching the latest shows. I wish you the best and I look forward to meeting you. Best, Brianna

Psychologist Pat (Patrick) Granada providing different types of therapy in West Chicago

Pat (Patrick) Granada

Clinician
License Type(s): LCSW
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepression
4 years offering treatment

Hello my name is Pat Granada I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 20 years of experience. I am licensed in Illinois. I earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Truman State University and a Master’s Degree from The University of Illinois School of Social Work. I have worked in many disciplines and populations of Social Work working with children, the physically disabled, the chronically and severe mentally ill, and people with medically induced life changes such as dialysis, and people in hospice. When working with my clients, I provide a warm, supportive and welcoming space that is free from judgement or rejection. I am often told that I am easy to talk with. I enjoy helping individuals meet their desired outcome and I would be delighted to help you reach yours. I have trained social workers to work in the clinical field as well and emphasize the importance of client self change with therapeutic assistance. My therapeutic approaches include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Behavioral Modification, and Mindfulness. These modalities have proven to be highly effective throughout my years of helping others. "This first message may seem very formal, but it is absolutely necessary that I share with you your legal rights for self-care should you experience a crisis or need a higher LOC (level of care). It includes my availability to you to support you along your counseling journey; and, discusses your HIPPA rights which ensure and protect your right to privacy and confidentiality. These therapeutic requirements for Informed Consent and Duty to Warn are a part of the development of the therapeutic relationship; and, although it may not necessarily apply to you I am required to share this information immediately (Informed Consent) in the event the steps outlined below become necessary so that you understand your rights, feel validated, and know what steps to take: -I am committed to responding to you within 24 hours–I do check my messages at least twice a day, but cannot provide sessions until the evening— with the exception of weekends and holidays; as I am committed during the AM hours to work in my private practice. I will respect your personal time with not interrupting you after 9pm CST daily. If you decide to schedule a live video/phone/chat session with me, you are able to schedule your appointments based on my availability schedule from your dashboard as well under the “SCHEDULE’ tab; I will receive a notice anytime that you schedule an appointment ;It is strongly encouraged that we discuss a time to meet. I cannot guarantee that I can make an appt if not agreed upon by us together. -The platform or dashboard where we communicate for services is open 24 hours a day/7 days a week, with asynchronous messaging where you can chat-in at any time. Please keep in mind that I will respond to you within 24 hours, in the evening at the latest., except on weekends and/or holidays, however, you can respond or initiate contact for when it is convenient to you; -Sharing ‘Duty to Warn’ with you is part of your Informed Consent as it is an ‘ exception’ to your rights to privacy and confidentiality. This means that I am required to inform you that you should call 911 to report an emergency if you are having or begin to have thoughts of suicide or if you are planning suicide. Suicidal Ideation or Planning is an emergency for us both because it involves preservation of your life; my professional and therapeutic duty is to first preserve life. You should inform your love ones and your Emergency Contacts so that they can support you in accessing the help you may need to engage level of care within your community for crises of any nature. “Duty to Warn” also includes thoughts or plans of Homicide (killing or hurting someone else); and, the Abuse or Neglect of the Elderly or Children including indecency or other sexual acts; -If you share any information with me (verbally or written) that falls under the guidelines of “Duty to Warn,” I am required, by Law, to inform the legal authorities and possibly your Emergency Contact immediately if you have not communicated intent to do so or have not already done so. In some cases, if you do have experiences which fall under the “Duty to Warn’ guidelines, you may be required to submit your follow-up evaluation of receiving adequate care within your community to BetterHelp for continued counseling via LOC Tele-therapy; **-Finally, because we are not a crisis center, we can’t provide the counseling services/support that are required in a crisis situation. You can dial 911, 211, or 411; and/or, also call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). The following website can be accessed, as well, to help you if you are in need of immediate support: http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ ***This is the end of your Informed Consent and Duty to Warn for me as your Therapist; please let me know if you have any questions as we prepare to move forward in your counseling journey…" I applaud you for taking the first step on your path to improving your emotional well being. I look forward to working with you along the way.

Psychologist Marcelo Gonzalez providing different types of therapy in West Chicago

Marcelo Gonzalez

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: LGBTSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCoaching
10 years offering treatment

I am licensed in Illinois with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with many issues. From feelings of isolation to managing the day to day stress, there are times when you need help finding a new lens view life's experiences. Working from a holistic perspective, my goal is to always provide an encouraging, empathetic and affirming environment to explore new perspectives. I'm experienced in aiding those who are struggling with issues of identity (gender, race, nationality, etc.), low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, phase of life issues, career transitions, LGBTQ-related issues, and acculturation issues. Meeting people where they are at with a judgment-free and authentic approach, I help individuals, couples, and families create room to find new ways to achieve their goals and create insight into the challenges, barriers, and patterns. To help create growth. People represent so many individual identities, from gender, culture, ethnicity, geographic location, etc. I strive to engage and assist each individual in exploring how the culmination one's identities within our society may affect how one walks through the world and the lens they use.

Psychologist Leah Pavela-Mullins providing different types of therapy in West Chicago

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 Raegan Caras providing different types of therapy in West Chicago

Raegan Caras

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
20 years offering treatment

I am licensed in Illinois with 20+ years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, depression, coping with grief and loss, and dealing with everyday life stressors. 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 Tina Lakatos providing different types of therapy in West Chicago

Tina Lakatos

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
19 years offering treatment

I am licensed in Illinois with 19 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & career difficulties. 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 Charlene Mabins providing different types of therapy in West Chicago

Charlene Mabins

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyLGBTGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
10 years offering treatment

I am licensed in Illinois with 8 years of professional work 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 I am proud of you for getting started!

Psychologist David Petersmark providing different types of therapy in West Chicago

David Petersmark

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
22 years offering treatment

I am licensed in Illinois with 22 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, & depression. 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.

Psychologist Felicia Muhammad providing different types of therapy in West Chicago

Felicia Muhammad

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
11 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, relationship issues, 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 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 West Chicago

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

What types of therapists are available to clients in West Chicago?

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

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

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

Is it better to find a mental health counselor or therapist in West Chicago offering online therapy or in person?

Studies show online therapy can be just as effective as in-person counseling. Online therapy with licensed counselors is often more affordable, with BetterHelp pricing ranging from $65-$100 weekly, while in person therapy can cost up to $200 per session.

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