I am a licensed clinical social worker with an extensive and diverse experience working with adults, children, couples, and families. I earned my master’s degree from the University of Chicago in Illinois in 1997. I also hold a Bachelor’s degree from Roosevelt University in Illinois with a major in psychology. I enjoy the work I do and have worked in both the public and private sectors in the fields of social services and mental health. Having worked with children and families and the many challenges they face for more than 20 years, I know that the decision to seek professional help can often be a very difficult one. If you are trying to make that decision right now, it may help you to know that I am someone who is not here to judge you, and who really believes that there is a way out for you that together we can find. You have already taken the most important step by acknowledging that, for now, this is something you cannot handle alone. I have been in private practice for the past 12 years and currently specialize in marriage, couples and family therapy. I also have a background in child and adolescent mental health and have worked with families extensively around these issues. Other areas of expertise include Grief and Loss, Depression, Stress, and Anxiety, My approach to therapy is that it should be used as a tool to provide the knowledge, help, and support needed to understand problems and develop skills to cope with them. I use Cognitive Behavioral techniques to help clients develop insight and new skills.. Most importantly, I want to empower my clients so that they are able to gain a deeper understanding of their experiences, make informed choices about what actions they need to take, and develop skills that will help them handle difficult situations in the future. Working together, I believe we can accomplish those goals.

Hello! Janet Craig here. I come to Betterhelp with 30+ years of social work/advocacy/counseling experience. I am a licensed clinical social worker in the state of Illinois. I have worked in a variety of settings (child welfare, hospice, and the schools), and am comfortable helping people of all ages explore what makes them tick, what causes them pain, and how they can best take care of themselves. Being a human being is hard work no matter your age or life experience. I am especially skilled in helping parents with a variety of parenting issues, and have a passion for working with parents of teenagers. Raising a family is one of life's biggest and most important challenges. I'm here to help parents navigate new territory as their kids grow through adolescence. As a bereavement counselor, I have helped individuals and families cope with loss and it's resulting aftermath. Grief can feel very lonely and overwhelming at times. Sometimes it helps to sort out thoughts and feelings with someone outside the family. That's where I come in. My approach is one of compassion, careful listening, and guiding individuals toward meeting goals that they set for themselves. I firmly believe that people have the capacity to heal themselves, and that no one has to make that journey alone. My approach to my life and profession is that of acceptance, respect and kindness. The bumper sticker on my car says, “Human kind (be both).” My life's motto. EXPERTISE parenting grief/loss stress management relationship issues self-esteem anxiety coping skills

Welcome! My name is Yvette Medina and I am a bicultural Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of Illinois with a sense of humor and a love for helping people. I have over 17 years experience working in the mental health field. I am so happy that you are taking the first step in taking care of yourself. I applaud you as you enter this journey. I understand that it is not always easy meeting with a stranger and sharing your fears and vulnerabilities, however, after a few minutes of introductions and exchanged pleasantries we will no longer be strangers. Allow me to help you onto your journey as you discover your inner strength. I will be your biggest advocate, and your support, we will laugh and celebrate accomplishments that you will make in our sessions together, from the biggest to the smallest. I believe in meeting you where you are at while providing you a safe space. I currently work for a non for profit agency with the focus of addiction treatment, anger management, homelessness, family reunification, and mental health issues. My areas of expertise are major depressive disorder, personality disorders, bipolar disorders, family/relationship conflicts, life transitions, and complex trauma/abuse, prenatal and postpartum depression. I also have experience working with individuals that suffer from anxiety, intellectual/developmental disabilities, pervasive developmental disorders, and immigration/acculturation issues. I am also a proud advocate of individuals from the LGBTQ community. As a Latinex/bicultural counselor I am able to relate with you through many shared experiences. I am well versed in various theoretical orientations, such as, person-centered, motivational interviewing, brief solution-focused counseling, cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, dialectical behavioral therapy and life coach techniques. In addition, I can apply more classical approaches to counseling and adapt to your current needs. I look forward to meeting with you and assisting you to reach your true potential. My hobbies are reading, traveling, knitting, baking (eating bake goods), photography (I will send an occasional picture when its relatable and appropriate,) painting, and watching soap operas (novelas). Self care is important for you and I. I will remind you to engage regularly in self care for positive mental health purposes as this will be included as part of your goals. At this time, I am only open during the weekends.

I am trained in Marriage and Family Therapy and have served as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor for over 25 years. I have served in both public and private mental health agencies, primarily for those seeking help with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, addiction and domestic violence. Any client who has the courage to seek counseling is someone worth celebrating. With gentleness and warmth, I try to focus on each of my client's strengths to help them in the area they desire to change. My approach combines Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotional Focused Therapy, Systemic Therapy and Solution Focused Therapy as appropriate. I will tailor my dialog and treatment plan to meet the client's concerns. Each client's faith and moral values are recognized as a foundation for their desired growth. I look forward to meeting you.

I have been working at helping people since 1988. I received a Masters in counseling in 1995 and got the Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor certificate in Illinois in 2002. I'd like to begin by saying I feel very fortunate to be able to walk with people on their path to healing. I will try to engender trust with you by being genuine and respectful. I've had some success at helping people overcome trauma, depression, and anxiety. Mostly I start by helping people change their choices a little at a time. The hope is that these changes will lead to changes in thoughts; and eventually changes in feelings. Along the way, we often work through resolving issues of motivation and confidence. To accomplish all of this we will likely use a number of proven tools such as Mindfulness Practice, breathing meditation and thought regulation. My goal is to help you make changes as we go along working with you to guide the process and help you develop and accomplish your goals.

I am licensed in Illinois with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with trauma and abuse, parenting issues, anger management, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

I am licensed in Iowa and Illinois with 9 years of professional clinical work experience. I have a Masters of Science in Mental Health Counseling, a Masters of Divinity with 4 Units of Clinical Pastoral Education, and over 15 years of Ministerial/Pastoral Practice. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & dementia caregiver stress. 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 am here to support & empower you in that journey.

I am licensed in Illinois with 28 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, anger management, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. 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.

As a licensed therapist in Illinois with over three decades of experience, I specialize in supporting individuals through life's complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on helping clients navigate challenging transitions, heal from emotional wounds, address addictive behaviors, improve relationships and rediscover personal strength. I offer compassionate support for diverse concerns including depression, anxiety, life changes, relationship dynamics, and personal growth. My approach is particularly attuned to women's experiences, midlife transitions, family systems, and individual healing journeys. With a deep commitment to understanding each person's unique story, I create a supportive environment where clients can explore their challenges, develop resilience, and cultivate self-compassion. Whether you're struggling with mood disorders, relationship difficulties, or seeking greater personal insight, I'm dedicated to walking alongside you with empathy and professional expertise. My therapeutic approach is collaborative, respectful, and tailored to your individual needs and goals. Together, we'll work to transform challenges into opportunities for meaningful personal growth and emotional well-being.

As a licensed therapist in Illinois, I bring over two decades of compassionate mental health experience supporting individuals through complex life challenges. My practice specializes in helping clients navigate depression, anxiety, relationship dynamics, trauma recovery, and self-esteem development. I focus on creating a supportive environment where individuals can explore personal growth, address communication barriers, and work through challenging emotional experiences. My approach centers on understanding each person's unique journey, whether they're struggling with social anxiety, workplace stress, life transitions, or deeper emotional wounds. My therapeutic work emphasizes holistic healing, helping clients develop self-compassion, rebuild connections, and rediscover their inner strength. I'm committed to walking alongside individuals as they develop healthier coping strategies, process difficult experiences, and create meaningful pathways toward personal transformation. I specialize in supporting older adults and individuals experiencing midlife transitions, chronic health challenges, and complex emotional landscapes. My goal is to provide empathetic, personalized guidance that honors each client's individual experience and potential for healing.

As a licensed therapist in Illinois, I bring 30 years of dedicated experience supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My professional journey is rooted in compassionate, evidence-based care, with specialized expertise in addressing depression, anxiety, relationship dynamics, trauma recovery, and life transition challenges. I approach therapy as a collaborative partnership, believing that each person holds the innate capacity for healing and growth. My therapeutic style centers on creating a supportive, non-judgmental environment where clients can explore their experiences, develop resilient coping strategies, and rediscover their inner strengths. My commitment is to walk alongside you, offering empathetic guidance and professional insights tailored to your unique journey. Whether you're struggling with emotional challenges, seeking personal growth, or working through significant life transitions, I'm here to provide thoughtful, personalized support.

I am an Illinois licensed clinical social worker with over 12 years of experience helping individuals coping with grief and loss, trauma, relationship issues, family conflicts, improving motivation, self-esteem and confidence, and addictions. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am pleased you chose to place your trust in us. I take a person-centered approach when working with my clients. This means that our work is collaborative and based on your goals for the specific areas you'd like to focus on. I collaborate with clients to explore their entire person: your physical and mental health, your core beliefs and history, your living and working environments, and what gives your life meaning and purpose. I endeavor to meet my clients where they are. I do not view my clients as "having problems" or worse, "being a problem". Rather, we are just human beings having human experiences - and, because humans are social beings, we often need to turn to others for help. Healing is a process of discovery and change. The support and guidance of a therapist can help bring out the best in you. Together we embark on a path of exploration and discovery. We identify your strengths, and confront and learn to cope with challenges. Your best self emerges, and you'll discover that creating and maintaining meaningful relationships, and enhancing your enjoyment of life is not only possible, it is an adventure.

As a licensed therapist serving clients in Illinois, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on helping people develop self-love, improve communication, and overcome challenges related to social anxiety, attachment, and personal growth. Drawing from a trauma-informed and culturally responsive approach, I work collaboratively with clients to address stress, addiction, self-esteem concerns, and career difficulties. My therapeutic style emphasizes compassionate exploration and empowerment, creating a safe space where clients can authentically engage with their healing journey. My background as a therapist of color allows me to bring nuanced understanding and genuine connection to our work together. I'm committed to honoring each client's unique experiences and supporting their path toward holistic well-being and personal transformation.

Many people come to therapy feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or disconnected from themselves after years of carrying too much. You may be navigating chronic stress, past experiences that still live in your body, or the pressure of holding everything together while caring for others. Therapy with me is a space to slow down, breathe, and feel supported as you begin to make sense of what your nervous system has been responding to all along. My approach is trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and rooted in both clinical experience and real-world understanding. I work with adults who are managing anxiety, burnout, complex trauma, and life transitions, especially when stress feels constant or healing feels out of reach. Together, we focus on building safety, strengthening emotional regulation, and reconnecting you to your body’s natural capacity for resilience—at a pace that honors your lived experiences. I integrate talk therapy with somatic and mindfulness-based practices to help reduce overwhelm, increase clarity, and support sustainable change. Our work is collaborative and practical, centered on tools you can use in everyday life—not just in session. Whether you’re learning how to set boundaries, process long-held experiences, or simply feel more present in your own life, therapy is a space where you don’t have to carry it alone. Healing doesn’t mean pushing harder or “fixing” yourself. It means being met with care, understanding, and respect as you learn new ways to relate to stress, your body, and your story. My role is to walk alongside you, offering guidance, information, tools, structure, and compassion as you move toward greater ease, balance, and self-trust.