I have years of experience helping clients cope with both the symptoms as well as the underlying causes of their struggles with issues of anxiety, trauma and PTSD, depression, difficulty managing anger, alcohol or other substance use disorders, and relational difficulties that often stem from low self-confidence and the need for updated and enhanced communication skills. My clinical style combines a personal approach that aims to make the client feel genuinely understood, supported, and safe. I utilize a variety of therapeutic interventions that help to update coping skills and strategies, while operating from a psychodynamic base that can facilitate both shorter- and longer-term psychotherapy for deeper-reaching, more stable positive change. I am also certified to provide EMDR when appropriate. I received a Master's degree in Social Work from Loyola University Chicago in 2010, and I also hold degrees in philosophy, theology, and consciousness studies. I have lived and/or worked in California, Illinois, and Indiana, and I currently reside in Louisiana.
Professional experience
18 yrs in practice
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma, AbuseDepressionCoping with life changes
Additional areas of focus:LGBT, Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Grief, Intimacy-related issues, Anger management, Self esteem, Communication problems, Control issues, Divorce and separation, Drug and alcohol addiction, Emptiness, Family of origin issues, Fatherhood issues, Forgiveness, Guilt and shame, Isolation / loneliness, Life purpose, Men's issues, Midlife crisis, Narcissism, Post-traumatic stress, Sexuality
Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, Existential Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Jungian Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy
Services offered
Video
Phone
Messaging
License information
IL LCSW 149015862
LA LCSW 16951
IN LCSW 34006775A
Reviews
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for John Collins. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
John listens to my rants and raves and gives my ways to deal with life. I love that he is a Christian and can refer me passages in the Bible . We are well suited
Written on Nov 28, 2025 after therapy with John for 10 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and sleeping disorders
I think I answered at least one of the questions wrong and it wouldn’t let me go back. I am completely satisfied with John in every way!
Written on Nov 24, 2025 after therapy with John for 1 year and 10 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety
I cannot say enough about how much I appreciate John!!
Written on Nov 11, 2025 after therapy with John for 3 years and 3 months on issues concerning trauma and abuse
John helped me through the loss of my mother. I’m incredibly grateful.
Written on Nov 04, 2025 after therapy with John for 5 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, grief, and self esteem
I’ve worked with John twice in my growth journey in the last few years. He’s been stellar. Anyone getting sessions with him will see great improvement.
Written on Oct 23, 2025 after therapy with John for 3 years and 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, lgbt, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, self esteem, and anger management
John provides a great experience !
Written on Sep 24, 2025 after therapy with John for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, bipolar disorder, coping with life changes, and coaching
He rocks! Firm and attentive. He just doesn’t focus on the present, he digs deeper.
Written on Aug 25, 2025 after therapy with John for 7 months on issues concerning lgbt, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, anger management, and coping with life changes
John is attentive and insightful
Written on Aug 10, 2025 after therapy with John for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, parenting issues, career difficulties, and adhd
John is sincerely the most skilled therapist I've ever worked with! My life has improved dramatically since we started working together. I look forward to my weekly sessions and trust in John's expertise and ability to address my needs during each session.
Written on Aug 08, 2025 after therapy with John for 2 years and 10 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and adhd
My therapist is great. I don't feel judged and he clearly understands what I'm going through and has positive, helpful feedback. He is very gentle with his wording and also is interested to understand my history, thoughts and feelings.
Written on Jul 13, 2025 after therapy with John for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, lgbt, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, coping with life changes, and adhd
John gets me. More importantly he helps me get myself as I work though anxiety, compulsivity, and grief.
Written on Jul 08, 2025 after therapy with John for 2 years on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, and coping with life changes
John is incredible. Meeting him enriched my life. I couldn’t possibly imagine working with a better person.
Written on Jun 11, 2025 after therapy with John for 5 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, and intimacy-related issues
John is a great listener and has done amazing with helping me getting to some of the root causes of my of my issues.
Written on Jun 04, 2025 after therapy with John for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, parenting issues, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and adhd
John is thoughtful, a good listener, and also great at prompting discussion. He's super adept at transitioning conversations from the seemingly insignificant to the incredibly significant, so that the impact of the session ultimately is exactly what it needs to be.
Written on May 25, 2025 after therapy with John for 2 months on issues concerning relationship issues, and family conflicts
My therapy sessions with John have resulted in a profound transformation in my well being. I am very grateful for his guidance, compassion, and wisdom.
Written on Apr 15, 2025 after therapy with John for 2 years on issues concerning family conflicts
John has been a pleasure to work with. I am new to therapy, and he has made everything feel comfortable and helpful
Written on Mar 31, 2025 after therapy with John for 6 months on issues concerning depression, and self esteem
John is great - it's a totally different therpay experience, but I feel like I'm finally getting into a groove.
Written on Feb 26, 2025 after therapy with John for 2 months on issues concerning depression, grief, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, career difficulties, bipolar disorder, and adhd
listens good, likeable, intelligent, helpful.
Written on Feb 04, 2025 after therapy with John for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, anger management, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and adhd
John has been very helpful during a tough and unstable time in my life and I will always be thankful for his expertise
Written on Dec 05, 2024 after therapy with John for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, self esteem, anger management, and coping with life changes
John as been very helpful to me in identifying skills I need to focus on & “lean into” deeper.
Written on Dec 05, 2024 after therapy with John for 1 year and 6 months on issues concerning relationship issues, and family conflicts
Great therapist. Kind but challenges. Flexible schedule.
Written on Oct 01, 2024 after therapy with John for 9 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, and intimacy-related issues
I really love how unbiased he is and is able to offer a neutral perspective. When you talk to your loved ones they offer you support but sometimes you really need someone that can be neutral. I also like how his approach is that there isn’t necessarily a right or wrong answer. It feels like he is supporting my individuality; He’ll offer his opinion that one decision may have a more difficult outcome than the other, and reminds me that I have the freedom of choice.
Written on Sep 26, 2024 after therapy with John for 10 months on issues concerning relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, and self esteem
John is incredible! He has a range perspectives that he can understand in a remarkable manner. Providng clarity during conversations moves me closer to the person I have always seen and desired to become. A talent that distinguishes John beyond is the connection he forms with me. From our sessions I have become more understanding of my core values, more connected with my friends and family, and less unfeeling of my need to care for myself. Truly a great person and therapist!
Written on Aug 16, 2024 after therapy with John for 3 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, self esteem, career difficulties, coaching, compassion fatigue, and adhd
John is a wonderful listener and has a talent for asking the right questions to help me discover the answers I am looking for instead of telling me what and how I should fell/think. I'm very pleased with the therapy I've received so far.
Written on Aug 13, 2024 after therapy with John for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, self esteem, anger management, and coping with life changes
John is a great listener when all I need sometimes is just an ear. He talks me through issues to the point where just talking to him makes me realize my solution to issues without him ever verbally saying the solution. That's a good therapist!
Written on Aug 09, 2024 after therapy with John for 2 weeks on issues concerning relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and adhd
John is as in-tune with me as any therapist I've ever worked with. He is a keen listener and always offers well-considered and compelling feedback. John's superlative understanding of psychology, philosophy, theology, and the arts make him a formidable counter in conversation. A veritable homo universalis!
Written on Jul 28, 2024 after therapy with John for 5 months on issues concerning addictions
John is very good at what he does and cares deeply. He not only empathises well but is very knowledgeable and experienced. He's always made me feel comfortable to open up while also challenging me to work though heavy things I initially did not want to look at. He is an attentive listener and guides you skillfully through sorting out your thoughts and feelings. He asks good questions and gives useful insight but does not give canned advice. He is always present during sessions and respects your time. I've never felt judged by him. I am forever grateful.
Written on Jul 19, 2024 after therapy with John for 5 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, self esteem, and anger management
John has supported me through my childhood sexual abuse, substance abuse, and general life stress. He is currently helping me with the death of my Father & Mother and the grief that comes with that. With his help and the tools he’s given me, I can better be and cope with life’s challenges.
Written on Jul 03, 2024 after therapy with John for 1 year and 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, and adhd
John is very attentive to my words and I feel confident with the knowledge he share with me.
Written on May 06, 2024 after therapy with John for 3 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, lgbt, and intimacy-related issues
John is an absolute treasure to have as a therapist. I feel safe and validated when speaking with John. It's always a pleasure to have sessions with John.
Written on Feb 28, 2024 after therapy with John for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, and self esteem
I love his approach!! Great guy !!
Written on Jan 11, 2024 after therapy with John for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, and trauma and abuse
He is super understanding and flexible with his hours. He's always been super kind, and genuinely listens to me and encourages me to think about myself, both to solve my issues, and to look at myself in a better light. He was even able to read me like a book and identify something I didn't know about myself, showing that he has lots of experience. I definitely suggest him!
Written on Jan 02, 2024 after therapy with John for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, family conflicts, self esteem, and adhd
John is a fantastic therapist, I've been seeing him for years and I can confidently say that he understands my problems and has the skill to help me learn to deal with them
Written on Oct 11, 2023 after therapy with John for 1 year and 6 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, self esteem, career difficulties, and adhd
John listened and helped me identify self-issues I may not have discovered otherwise and h on me to look at things from alternate viewpoints.. He is very patient and worked to provide me with tools and skills to deal with various situations. Overall, I believe I’m on the road to becoming a better/healthier person with more self-value thanks to John.
Written on Sep 12, 2023 after therapy with John for 11 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, and self esteem
John really listens to me, and I feel as though we can relate to one another on a deep level. I can be pretty intense sometimes, and John is able to keep up with me while at the same time guiding me to where I need to be. I can’t recommend him enough!
Written on May 16, 2023 after therapy with John for 2 weeks on issues concerning relationship issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, and career difficulties
John is very informative and really listens to your responses he takes his time to really pay attention to your words
Written on May 04, 2023 after therapy with John for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, self esteem, and bipolar disorder
John came into my life at the right time. I was struggling to find purpose and meaning. John’s kindness and wit helped me through that dark time. I couldn’t recommend him more.
Written on Feb 28, 2023 after therapy with John for 1 year and 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, coping with life changes, trauma and abuse, anger management, and intimacy-related issues
Best there is!
Written on Feb 11, 2023 after therapy with John for 3 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, and adhd
Hopeful that one day he will move back to Midwest. But very thankful to be able to work with him thru Better Help. John is the type of person that I wish we could be platonic friends.
Written on Jan 17, 2023 after therapy with John for 4 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, grief, and coping with life changes
John is amazing.
Written on Nov 30, 2022 after therapy with John for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, self esteem, and coping with life changes
John is incredible. He is understanding of all situations and does an excellent job of giving a safe space to feel and uncover your emotions and what’s bothering you. He is very present and has a knack for feeling and understanding his patients even when I didn’t understand myself. John is a true professional and an incredible ability to connect with others. Thank you John
Written on Nov 28, 2022 after therapy with John for 3 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and self esteem
He is great!
Written on Nov 27, 2022 after therapy with John for 10 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, lgbt, trauma and abuse, self esteem, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Mr. Collins is my first therapy experience, and I was very nervous going in to talk about very deep and personal experiences. Mr. Collins is a great listener and communicator who is void of judgement. I honestly felt a true bond and friendship more than a professional relationship. Every single meeting there was something meaningful I took away from our discussions. I was also surprised that our meetings would be an hour, but felt like only minutes had passed. Highly recommend BetterHelp, but especially Mr. John Collins! Thank you, my friend.
Written on Oct 07, 2022 after therapy with John for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, sleeping disorders, self esteem, anger management, coping with life changes, and adhd
John is very helpful
Written on Oct 05, 2022 after therapy with John for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, self esteem, and career difficulties
John is a really good therapist because he takes the time to listen completely before chiming in. I really feel like he understands everything that I’m saying and asks questions whenever he needs clarification. I find that to be really important quality and a therapist.
Written on Sep 04, 2022 after therapy with John for 8 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
John is really easy to open up with and I tend to be reserved in general. So I think that speaks to his kind and inviting nature. I feel like he is really on my side and definitely appreciate how he never makes me feel judged.
Written on Aug 19, 2022 after therapy with John for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, and coping with life changes
John is a brilliant therapist. I signed up for Betterhelp not knowing what to expect and I'm shocked to see how many areas of my life have improved since talking with John. He is patient, understanding, and a wealth of knowledge and experience. I highly recommend him for anyone that is looking to find a meaningful and positive experience with therapy.
Written on May 21, 2022 after therapy with John for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and trauma and abuse
John is a great listener, provides valuable feedback, and poses interesting questions.
Written on Apr 22, 2022 after therapy with John for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, addictions, self esteem, and anger management
The most attentive and professional therapist I’ve ever worked with. He offers great support and new tools to help those with trauma, depression, and anxiety. I’d recommend him 100 times over.
Written on Mar 28, 2022 after therapy with John for 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, self esteem, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
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