This is Dr. Christine Wilcox's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Christine Wilcox

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IN, River Forest
Counselor License Type(s): M.S.W.,L.C.S.W.,DNP
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
27 years of experience

Christine L. Wilcox, M.S.W., L.C.S.W., CND My expertise and scope of private practice is Women's Mental Health Issues. I am dedicated to women ages 18 and older. In addition: clinical consulting, nursing, working in elementary, secondary, and college settings, long-term care, hospice, inpatient, intensive outpatient, hospital, community, and psychiatric programs. I have a Masters Degree from The Ohio State University, in Columbus, Ohio; Bachelor of Science Degree from Defiance College in Defiance, Ohio; Nursing degree from Otero Junior College in LaJunta, Colorado; and a Doctor of Naturopathy Certification from Trinity School of Natural Health in Warsaw, Indiana. I embrace twenty-seven years in private practice with licensure in Colorado, Indiana, and Ohio. My goal is education, modeling the use of positive therapeutic strategies, providing change agents from various methodologies, and introducing boundaries that will provide the desired outcome in life transitions and relationships. The practice modalities I circumfuse are: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Therapy (DBT), and Solution-Focused Therapy (BSF). These modalities have core foundations that support: anxiety, depression, grief, loss, trauma, nutrition, exercise, mindfulness, meditation, alternative and integrative therapeutic approaches to wellness. Know that I encourage and support women for employing self-care steps of: taking management of mind, body, health and wellness. It may be difficult, or a prior counseling experience may have been challenging. It's okay. Breathe. Help and support are on the way!

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Paul Mefford

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IN, River Forest
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesDepression
20 years of experience

My goal as your therapist is to "help you through"; the challenges that you are currently facing. My clients see me as a compassionate listener with a huge tool box of ways to counteract these challenges. These clients present with issues such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse issues and relationship problems. I graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a minor in Psychology; Boston University School of Theology with a major in Pastoral Counseling; and with an MSSW from the Universoty of Louisville majoring in Mental Health. I have also studied at the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland and the Family Institute of Cincinnati. I use evidence based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I use mindfulness techniques, Emotional Freedom Technique and IRest Yoga Nidra. I see myself as a holistic practioner who listens to each client to understand their personal goals and how my skills might best help them. Specialities: --Stress, anxiety --Addictions --Self esteem --Depression --PTSD/Trauma and Abuse.

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Matt Givens

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IN, River Forest
Counselor License Type(s): LMFT,RPT-S,EMDR-C SATP-C
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefIntimacy-related issues
16 years of experience

The Initiation of counseling illustrates that an individual is ready to explore the possibilities of growth and refocusing on their strengths. Gaining the courage to attend the first session can be a major hurdle as we acknowledge that we are vulnerable and something is not working in our best interest. With the stigmatism of mental health, many individuals feel that if they seek counseling they may damaged. This is not the case. Counseling is about individuals seeking a safe environment in which they are able to be supported and gain skills to be able to function more optimally in which their lives can be so much more fulfilling. Change is fostered through acceptance and connection. Reconnecting relationships is a major agent of change, whether between the therapist and the individual, parents and their children, or between partners. My goal is to provide a nonjudgmental relationship that will allow for individuals, couples and families to foster healing, growth and repair. I’m a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) who is certified in eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) while also using rapid resolution therapy (RRT) and accelerated resolution therapy (ART) to eliminate the persistent symptoms left over from experiencing a traumatic event. I employ The Gottman Method with couples and play therapy with children. I also treat sexual and pornography addictions as I’m a certified sexual addictions treatment provider (SATP-C). I focus on various other modalities of therapy such as solutions focused therapy, logotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy in order for the client to be able to manage stress, anxiety and depression in a more adaptive manner.

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Patricia (Tricia) Ring

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IN, River Forest
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
25 years of experience

I am licensed in Indiana with 22 years of licensed professional work experience. I have been in the social work field for over 30 years. I am originally from Connecticut and moved to Indiana to be closer to my family. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & depression. I have experience with individuals from young adult to age 55. My specialty is teens through age 25. I have extensive experiences with both women and males. Their backgrounds vary and came from various demographics. I have experience with mixed races, blended families, family of origin, adopted families, domestic violence victims, brain injuries, veterans, and more. I have unique training with dual diagnosed and chronic mentally ill. I primarily use evidenced based therapy techniques with strong emphasis on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I have strong background in the following as well: Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Informed Therapy, Emotional Freedom Technique, Behavior Modification, Problem Solving and Harm Reduction. Together will will determine the best interventions to move you along your mental health journey and utilize humor along the way which I believe is necessary. Your experiences are unique to you alone. We will explore your story together and move towards attaining your clinical goals. 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. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I believe everyone is capable of positive change in their life. I am here to support & empower you in that journey. I look forward to meeting you and help you on your journey. Please feel free to take the time to explore on the platform my detailed clinical experiences.

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Jack Schinderle

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IN, River Forest
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseADHD
45 years of experience

I have 40 years of treatment of Substance Abuse, Mental health, and Employee Assistance Programs. I consider myself a generalist and see a wide range of people problems and organizational efforts. I specialize in EAP as a way of being able to identify problems possibly identifying earlier intervention. I see Perfectionism as a big problem, along with Anxiety, PTSD, Depression, Relationship issues, Sports improvement, and the list goes on. I am able to get to know my clients and provide insightful assistance. Sometimes the process of counseling is fairly quick and the outcome is very positive. I am understanding and sincere in providing counseling. My clients have taught me about life's struggles and has provided insights that has proved very valuable. I have been a football coach and a member of 1965 National Championship, playing for Michigan State University. MSU has received awards for being a leader for racial integration, diversity. I am a licensed Clinical Social Worker by the state of Indiana.

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Amanda Van Milligan

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IN, River Forest
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Indiana with over 7 years of professional work experience. I have a Masters degree in Mental Health Counseling and I am a member of the American Counseling Association. I have worked in a variety of settings from outpatient to inpatient, intensive outpatient care and hospital and emergency services. I have experience in helping clients with a variety of concerns including stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self-esteem, self-confidence, depression and much more. I believe that you are the expert of your own story and that you have many strengths that will help you in overcoming the things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage and I am here to support you in that process. I look forward to working with you!

This is Valeta Wilson's avatar and link to their profile

Valeta Wilson

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IN, River Forest
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
13 years of experience

I am licensed in Indiana with 13 years of professional work experience. I have extensive experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, & depression. I also have experience working with 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

This is Robert Meier's avatar and link to their profile

Robert Meier

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IN, River Forest
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefIntimacy-related issues
33 years of experience

I am licensed in Indiana with 33 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. 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!

This is Christopher Martin's avatar and link to their profile

Christopher Martin

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IN, River Forest
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteem
14 years of experience

I am licensed in Indiana and Ohio and hold a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master of Science in Counseling and Psychology, both from Troy University. I have 15 years of professional work experience working with a range of patients from children to adults and families. Throughout my career, I have specialized in trauma focused therapy and have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, professional development, & coping with grief and loss. My philosophy of counseling is a comprehensive blend combining person-centered, cognitive-behavioral, and reality therapy that focuses on acceptance and accountability of one’s past and current self, while building resiliency by making the everyday changes in one’s personal life with the understanding that perfection is not the goal. I believe in a mind-body connection where one’s physical health and mental health are intricately connected. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialogue and plan for treatment in collaboration with you to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am excited to be part of this process with you.

This is Michael Steinke's avatar and link to their profile

Michael Steinke

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IN, River Forest
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
3 years of experience

I am licensed in Indiana with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma, abuse, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with 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. 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.

How to find a therapist for counseling in River Forest

Finding the best therapist close by in River Forest 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 River Forest 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 River Forest. 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 River Forest, 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 River Forest region and in the state of Indiana. 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 River Forest 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 River Forest 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 River Forest 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 River Forest, elsewhere in Madison, or in the greater state of Indiana. 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 River Forest 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 River Forest 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 River Forest 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 River Forest may not take health insurance, some in the state of Indiana 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 Indiana 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 River Forest online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in River Forest, Indiana 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 River Forest 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 River Forest 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 River Forest 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 River Forest?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a River Forest 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 River Forest 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 River Forest 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 IN, 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 46011 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 River Forest counselor?

Before seeing your River Forest 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. River Forest 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 River Forest 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 River Forest 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 River Forest, Indiana 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.

River Forest 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 River Forest, Indiana

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 River Forest 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 River Forest.

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

46011

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