The village of Forest Park, Illinois is a small suburb of Chicago. The village was originally part of the larger suburb of Harlem but became independent in the early 1900s. Forest Park is often commonly referred to as being a village of cemeteries due to the fact that there are more deceased residents than there are living ones.

Sometimes it can feel like you’re being haunted by your own ghosts. To truly take charge of your own village of cemeteries, reach out to a licensed mental health professional near you today. They can help guide you through the darkness and into the light.

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Meghan Howie-Timmel

Offering therapy in IL
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyGriefParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

Greetings. Congratulations on taking this first step. I believe that counseling is one of the greatest gifts you can give to yourself. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois who has worked in healthcare settings for 20 years. I have experience working with persons with chronic illness, grief and loss, as well as anxiety, depression, high risk pregnancy, reproductive issues, parenting, issues of self-worth, life transitions, and compassion fatigue. I am also a certified Nia dance teacher. Nia is a practice that incorporates the healing arts, the martial arts and the dance arts. I like to work from a strengths-based approach utilizing elements of humanistic and positive psychology. I incorporate mindfulness techniques and elements of gentle healing movement as I believe that through movement we find health. I also utilize elements from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to re-pattern habitual behaviors that may no longer serve the individual. Collaboratively, we will explore what emotions come up, begin to access and investigate feelings and learn to nurture self. The work will allow those who are vulnerable to find meaning, purpose, and joy leading to a more harmonious well-balanced daily life. I look forward to going on this journey with you.

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Abayomi Nichols

Offering therapy in IL
License: LCPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

I take my role as "change agent" very seriously. I want to partner with you in making the changes in your life that make it more fulfilling and more rewarding, Let my 20 years of experience work for you. I have a history of success in working with clients with various issues, including depression, anxiety, quarter life issues, aging,couples communication, couples intimacy, boundaries in relationships,blended families, foster care and adoption, life transitions, trauma, forgiveness,reconciliation and much more. I bring authenticity, professionalism, honesty, expertise to the therapy session and I look forward to hearing from you.

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Hope Kravetz

Offering therapy in IL
License: LCPC
Stress, AnxietySleeping disordersParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
17 years of experience

HI, my name is Hope. I am a licensed professional counselor that earned my degree from Roosevelt University in Chicago Illinois. I have been working with children, adolescents and adults for over 17 years and have a true passion for what I do. I approach things on a very individual level depending on the needs of the client and believe in creating a safe space for my clients to share their experiences and struggles in a way that allows for the best understanding and counseling approach that will work for that client. I like to describe my therapy as being an approach that feels safe and hopeful for each person that I work with. I use various therapy approaches depending on the situation and needs of the client. My nature is to be very open with the client and work toward the client's identified goals. My areas of expertise include child and teen issues, parenting struggles, women's issues and life changes, anxiety and depression. Please feel free to ask me any questions about my back ground or approach! My office hours are Monday-Friday from 730AM-43 PM. These are the times that I am available for sessions and general correspondence. I do have a 24 hour cancellation policy that I ask all of my clients to respect. I am here to help and the time that is set aside for you is yours and not available to others. Thank you for being here and I look forward to meeting you!

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Erin Taylor

Offering therapy in IL
License: LCPC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
15 years of experience

I am a professional counselor independently licensed in Illinois after moving back and practicing in Arizona for nearly a decade. I have over 15 years of experience in a wide range of services and populations both in Arizona and Illinois. I have both experience in crisis intervention and outpatient therapy. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, abandonment, abuse, bullying, parenting problems, grief, addiction and ADHD. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. I have worked with schools, DCFS, foster parents, Emergency Rooms, Police/Fire, Psychiatric Hospitals, Psychiatrists, Probation. My internship was completed at a shelter that provided counseling for women in need of therapy for domestic violence situations and sexual assault trauma. I completed an additional internship that focused on substance abuse and addictions. I served working with juveniles on probation/parole initially in Arizona and then entered the crisis world. I then changed to outpatient work with individuals and families for over 5 years before moving back to Illinois. I have been working in a combination of crisis work and outpatient therapy for almost 5 years now. My style is warm, empathetic, supportive and a little humor at times. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I have worked with all populations, including children, adults, LGBTQ+, people of various backgrounds, spiritual beliefs and appreciate diversity. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, crisis intervention, solution-focused therapy, mindfulness, humanistic, client centered and rational-emotive counseling. I will ensure the treatment plan is unique to you and your specific needs, so this is a team effort. I want you to feel heard, valued, and our interactions to feel genuine and promote your growth and wellness. I know this is difficult and I applaud you for reaching out to take care of yourself, it is so important to take care of mental health and learn tools and ways to carry with you the rest of your life.

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Alisa Neary

Offering therapy in IL
License: MSW, LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCoping with life changes
9 years of experience

Hi! I am Alisa Neary (she/her). I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. More specifically, I am passionate about inspiring hope and empowering change. My 30-year career has been centered around helping adults free themselves of toxic relationships and heal from interpersonal violence. Whether abuse occurred in your childhood, in a past adult relationship, or is happening in a current relationship, you can reclaim your personal power and heal. I support individuals in reducing symptoms of PTSD, anxiety and depression; decreasing self-blame and isolation; building self-esteem; finding self-acceptance; and recognizing healthy and unhealthy relationships. In my person-centered approach, I strive to create a therapeutic experience that is comfortable, non-judgmental and empathetic. I believe that every human being strives for and has the capacity to fulfill their own potential. The steps you have taken thus far, exploring services through BetterHelp, demonstrate your “readiness” for change. A trusted therapist can provide support and guidance on your journey toward self-discovery and healing. If you think I may be that person, let’s connect! I look forward to meeting you!

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Dr. Zauditu McCants

Offering therapy in IL
Relationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesSleeping disordersDepression
20 years of experience

Greetings! I’m Dr. Z. E. McCants. I am licensed in Washington D.C., Georgia, Nevada, and Illinois. I have 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy related issues, Bipolar, Depression, Anxiety, couples therapy, Christian Counseling & sleeping disorders. 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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Nevida Khetarpal

Offering therapy in IL
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
8 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. 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.

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Leah Pavela-Mullins

Offering therapy in IL
License: LCSW,C-ET
Relationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

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!

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Carrah Demos

Offering therapy in IL
Grief
6 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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Paramita Bhattacharya

Offering therapy in IL
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteemCoping with life changes
13 years of experience

Hello! My name is Mita and I am a LCSW in Illinois with 13 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. I want you to know that you are brave and I am in your team to empower you.

How to find counseling in Forest Park

Finding the best therapist close by in Forest Park 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 that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing.

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Forest Park. 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 Forest Park, 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. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

Mental health professionals working through their own in- person therapy practice in Forest Park or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, or change in negative thinking patterns. They may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain. 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 Forest Park area in different types of therapy, including:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search and find 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 Forest Park, elsewhere in Cook, or in the greater state of Illinois.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Forest Park area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Forest Park 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 Forest Park 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 Forest Park 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 BetterHelp or clinicians 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).

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

Therapists in Forest Park, 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 psychiatrists to prescribe a drug as treatment, or perform psychological assessments.

How does working with a 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, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in Forest Park 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 Forest Park helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety or depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. 

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address?

BetterHelp's verified Forest Park 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:

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 Forest Park 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?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a 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.

A psychologist 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 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 Forest Park 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 lot of people in IL, providers 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 60130 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site. No matter if you are seeking help in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Forest Park counselor?

Before seeing your 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. 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 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. A Forest Park 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 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.

Is mental health care and therapy worth it? 

Therapy 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 professional 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 Forest Park, 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.

Forest Park 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?

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

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 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 Forest Park.

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

60130, 60682

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