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Dr. Steven Hurley

Offering therapy in IL
License: Psy.D., MA, BA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
17 years of experience

Steven Hurley, Psy. D. Specialties: Anxiety, Depression, & other Mood Disorders; PTSD; Anger & Stress Management; Coping Mechanisms; Drug & Alcohol Abuse; Non-Substance Addictions; Dual Diagnosis; Behavioral Management; Couples/Marriage Therapy - including Pre-Marital Screening and Divorce Mediation; Geriatric Disorders; Sports Psychology; Sexual Issues including: Dysfunction, Abuse, & Offender; LGBTQ concerns; Self-Esteem; Prisoner issues; Life Coaching; and Career Counseling Mindset: Inspiration for the process of therapy can be drawn from one of the best movie quotes of all time, "No! Try not! Do or Do Not, There is no try." These are very powerful words telling people, especially to those in therapy that you must either willingly make your own necessary and sometimes critical changes in your life or you don't. Therapy is about actively regaining control of your personal energy. Therapy is a collaborative approach to healing and well-being between a client and therapist. The therapist helps guide a person into making better life decisions, but the client must intuitively think of new ways of managing their life stressors that they are comfortable starting and maintaining. Clients not willing to make changes for themselves will continue to spin helplessly and hopelessly out of control. The mind is constantly changing; people in therapy must also learn to continually adjust and adapt to new situations while keeping a mindful-eye on their past. Education and Training: Dr. Hurley received his Master of Arts (MA) in General and Theoretical Psychology at Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU) in Teaneck, New Jersey. He graduated with a Doctoral Degree (Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology at Forest Institute of Professional Psychology (FIPP) in Springfield, Missouri. At FIPP, Dr. Hurley specialized in Marriage and Family Counseling. Other areas of training include neuro-psychology, anger management, bio-feedback, and pre-marital counseling. During his doctoral program he worked in a children's psychiatric hospital. His internship was in community mental health, and he participated in a national study on Schizophrenia. Dr. Hurley's post-doc residency was in substance abuse and rehabilitation. After his post-doc residency he spent two years in private practice in Libertyville, IL. Dr. Hurley then became the medical director for a Chicago based firm doing home health care delivering mental health therapy to Chicago's south-side geriatric African-American population who live in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Dr. Hurley has taught undergraduate students at Robert Morris College in Aurora, IL and graduate students at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. He finds teaching to be a change of pace and a way of leading a new generation of therapists into the Health Services Industry. His career path changed when he moved to Knoxville, TN. Dr. Hurley was the Clinical Director for Mental Health for Tennessee's main intake prison facility. He worked with various criminals making sure that they received the help they needed and to minimize suicide attempts. Dr. Hurley's stance on his education, training, and career is to always strive to learn more, to do more, and to be the best therapist possible. Dr. Hurley has since moved and changed careers. He has worked in private practice dealing with individuals and couples while supervising trainees. He has also gone back into working with the criminal population in the Illinois Department of Corrections. Dr. Hurley is always looking for ways to help people become the very best version of themselves. Therapeutic Stance: My approach to therapy with my clients is multi-faceted. There is no one therapy to fit all. I like to approach issues from a psycho-dynamic, family systems, CBT, Gestalt, existential, and medical stance. When dealing with mental health disorders you have to consider the mind as well as the body for the root of a problem. Therapy needs to be understandable by those who seek help and I have spent years refining my technique to help clients understand the issues they're facing and the theories on how to resolve said issues. People feel more comfortable and understood if you can talk to them in the various places they are currently. I love to see individuals, couples, and groups in a calm, peaceful, and most importantly neutral environment. I love to make presentations to groups for psycho-educational purposes as well. Personal: Other psychological interests include neuro-psychology and brain imaging, music and movie therapy, sexual dysfunction and addictions, sports psychology, and psychopharmacology. I hope to further my training in psychopharmacology in order to receive prescribing privileges in Illinois. I love to use humor, music, movies and TV in sessions because they are examples of life experiences people can relate too. I have a wonderful wife and family who make me happy, and who help me strive to be the best person I can be.

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Linda Gonzalez

Offering therapy in IL
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefAnger managementDepression
20 years of experience

Hello, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with extensive experience counseling individuals and groups in residential and community-based settings. If you are struggling to cope with addiction, anxiety, depression, grief, loneliness, stress, or new or worsening health issues - I can help. I will provide a safe space for you to express your needs and desires, work with you to examine, explore and expand your understanding of your situation and help you align your actions and intentions. My approach is collaborative and strength-based and my techniques are influenced by cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness. I believe that you have the power to make decisions and take actions that will lead to a more fulfilling life. Let's get started today!

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William "Bill" Blundell

Offering therapy in IL
License: Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
Stress, AnxietyGriefAnger managementDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

Hello! Thank you for looking at my profile and considering me for counseling services. A bit about me, I have been a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in the State of Illinois since 2010. Prior to that I was licensed as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) beginning in 2007. Along with counseling, I have been working as an Adjunct Professor for Bradley University (Peoria, IL), in their counseling program, teaching courses on substance abuse, grief and loss and human growth and development. I currently work in the field of Probation (since 2018) and keep my counseling skills sharp by teaching and consulting. I feel I have great skill in counseling and want to be able to continue to help people through the medium of counseling. So, that is why I am here, to continue to help those who are looking for an unbiased, non judgmental person to listen. I am a very opened minded person who is willing to help anyone in any position they are in. This is not to say I know how to manage every issue that may cross my path but I am willing to help others and listen. I have spent much of my counseling career helping people with depression, anxiety, stress, anger management, relationships and many other issues people face every day. I have also spent extra time learning, understanding and helping people with OCD. While it may be difficult to help clients with OCD on this type of platform, as exposure therapy is a key component, I am hopeful to continue to help those experiencing issues related to OCD. No matter where you are in life, who you are, what you believe, I am here to help you. Counseling is a difficult journey but a fruitful one for most that embark. I am a laid back counselor, with a good sense of humor (I am a firm believer that humor is therapeutic) and willing to meet you were you are emotionally and mentally. Counseling is not about me telling you how to live your life or the changes you have to make. My hope is for my clients to make the changes they would like to see happen and my role is to help them get there, not do everything for them to feel like they are there. You have taken the important first step of seeking help for whatever issue you are experiencing. Even if you do not choose me to help, I encourage you to keep looking and be willing to start the counseling journey. If you do choose me to start your counseling journey, I will do what is needed to help you feel heard and make changes to help you both short and long term. I look forward to working with you. :-)

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Beckie Fischer

Offering therapy in IL
License: Lcpc
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefParenting issues
16 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC) licensed in Illinois with over 16 years of experience. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, OCD and PTSD/trauma. I have a specialization in working with victims of crime (physical/sexual abuse and traumatic grief and loss) as well as law enforcement/military members and their significant others and children. My counseling style is direct, warm, and collaborative. I believe in treating anyone with dignity, respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral and solution focused therapies. I am trained in Gottman and EMDR. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs and believe therapy works best when we work together with you being the expert in your life. It takes courage to take the first step towards seeking help to make changes to lead a happier and more fulfilling life. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support, encourage, and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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Patricia Prendergast

Offering therapy in IL
License: LCSW
AddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefParenting issues
28 years of experience

Hello, I am an LCSW who has worked over twenty years with Individuals and familial Trauma , DCFS navigation issues , Parenting struggles and Addiction. I provide a warm approach to whatever it is you may be struggling with . I have over twenty years experience working with Individuals and families Be it the needs for simple talking about your issues and providing guidance on such things as Coping with anxiety, i am here to assist with whatever your treatment goals may be .

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Veronica Alexander

Offering therapy in IL
License: LCSW
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteem
3 years of experience

The central focus of my practice with adults, youth, and couples is the treatment of anxiety, depression, relationship issues, communication and social skills, distorted thought patterns, and maladaptive personality styles. For clients struggling to identify the root of the problem, therapeutic intervention to explore life purpose, self-love, attachment, and motivation can serve as an inspiring catalyst for change. Using a pragmatic and evidence based approach, we will work together to identify effective coping skills that will ultimately put you in charge of your mental health. Many of our mental health challenges arise from lack of self awareness or cognitive patterns that hinder us from effectively addressing problems. I provide insight driven psychodynamic therapy through open-minded exploration and reflective, nonjudgmental understanding. Together we will identify contributing factors and patterns of behavior that may be below conscious awareness and driving problematic behavior. We will do solution driven work to outline actionable steps toward client-directed goals. It can be difficult to break out of our routines and comfort zones, but we must accept that any path to growth will require some discomfort. Self improvement is not an easy journey to undertake but with guidance and perseverance, together we can accomplish the hard work needed to realize your dreams.

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Keith Hugh

Offering therapy in IL
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefBipolar disorderDepression
12 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Illinois with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & bipolar disorder. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I will structure our dialog to meet your unique and specific needs where you currently may be in healing journey. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. "We are all a mixture of strengths and weaknesses. No one has it all and no one lacks it all." - C. Peterson

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Steven Welton

Offering therapy in IL
Stress, AnxietyGriefCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

Hi, my name is Steve Welton. I'm a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, licensed in the State of Illinois, and I have been providing services in the Human Services community for 3 decades. As we travel through our adulthood, each of us experiences a unique path of twists and turns, losses and life changes. It may come in the form of a sudden loss of enthusiasm for our career, the departing of a dear friend or loved one, or the ending of a valued relationship. From these significant changes we are faced with the impact this life change has on us. These changes can have significant impact on us which is profoundly unique. I specialize in working with those adults experiencing anxiety, depression, overwhelming stress, or burnout related to these changes. Each session will be centered by creating a safe environment for you to feel heard, understood, and cared for through a humanistic and person-centered approach. As a guide, I will help you evolve toward a more empowered path for your life, while also focusing on short- and long-term goals. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Heather Friend

Offering therapy in IL
License: MSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefParenting issues
6 years of experience

Unlock the door to a brighter tomorrow—start your journey of transformation and healing with a guide who listens, understands, and walks beside you every step of the way. Let's start a journey together where you can heal and grow stronger. I'm here to listen and help people from all kinds of backgrounds deal with life's ups and downs. Since 2011, I've been helping kids, teens, adults, and families overcome challenges like trauma, stress, big life changes, anxiety, and more. Think of our therapy sessions as a safe place where you can share anything that's on your mind and start healing. Whether you're dealing with tough times or looking for a bit of hope and direction, I'm here to help you find your inner strength and move forward. We'll work together to make your life better, focusing on your unique story and finding positive ways to face any challenge. You're not alone on this path to feeling whole again. If you're ever in a crisis and need someone to talk to right away, there are hotlines and services ready to support you 24/7: ~*~ If you find yourself in a state of crisis, please contact your local crisis hotline or the following resources: Crisis Services: Call or text the numbers 988 1-844-493-TALK (8255) or text “TALK” to 38255 National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) National Sexual Assault Hotline (800) 656-4673 National Domestic Violence Hotline (800) 799-7233 Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline (800) 422-4453 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration National Helpline (800) 662-4357 Veterans Crisis Line (800) 273-8255, PRESS 1 Text 838255 CDC National HIV and AIDS Hotline (800) 232-4636

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Lily Shinn

Offering therapy in IL
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
25 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & coping with life changes. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

How to find counseling in Amboy

Finding the best therapist close by in Amboy 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 Amboy. 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 Amboy, 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 Amboy 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 Amboy 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 Amboy, elsewhere in Lee, 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 Amboy area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Amboy 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 Amboy 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 Amboy 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 Amboy, 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 Amboy 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 Amboy 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 Amboy 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 Amboy 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 Amboy 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 61310 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 Amboy 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 Amboy 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 Amboy, 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.

Amboy 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 Amboy.

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

61021, 61310

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