Andrew Mercer
I'm so happy you're here and so happy that you're taking an important step towards positive change in your life. Nothing brings me more joy than to be able to be a part of your journey while we work towards your goals. I've been partnering with adults for the past 8 years in private practice as a licensed therapist and 3 years as a life coach working with college-aged adults. Former and current clients appreciate my honest straightforward approach to counseling as well as my ability to patiently and compassionately hold space for answers to emerge. The struggles of life are not meant to be all-consuming or overwhelming and as self-sufficient as most of us are, we all need help at some point. I know I've benefitted from being able to talk through my worries and concerns with the help of a trained therapist and know what the experience is like in either seat. I was trained in pastoral counseling and at Loyola University in Chicago and can assist if your concerns are more spiritual in nature and when they are not take a more traditional approach. I draw from relational schools of thought- psychodynamic, humanistic and Adlerian but apply them in a straightforward pragmatic fashion to keep the process brief and effective. Having been trained and educated in diverse settings, I have experience working with many different types of people with many different concerns. In particular, spiritual and religious questions, LGBT issues, anxiety and coping with grief and loss are areas that I can support you the most. I look forward to working with you as we take the next steps in your journey together.
Andrea Coulter
Thank you for taking time to learn more about me as a therapist, as you contemplate taking this important step toward attending to your own wellbeing. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of Illinois with 10 years of experience as a therapist. I would describe my approach as warm and compassionate, but I will also challenge you when needed. My ultimate goal is to help you gain the tools and insight to live the life you want. I meet my clients where they are and work collaboratively with them to develop a plan for getting them where they want to be. I believe establishing a strong working relationship and attending to the therapeutic alliance is a key aspect of successful therapy. That is to say, we will work together to get you where you want to be and will have an open dialogue to be sure your therapeutic needs are met. I offer counseling for individuals with trauma/abuse, personality disorders, mood disorders, LGBTQ related concerns, addictions, and anxiety disorders. My approach is rooted in psychodynamic theory; however, I pull from Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, CBT, and Mindfulness to help my clients gain the tools needed to face whatever challenges arise. I look forward to working with you and want to commend you for taking this step toward personal growth. Best, Andrea
Aquantonette Slaughter
Hello and Welcome, WELCOME!! My name is Aquantonette Slaughter, and I've been practicing therapy for the past six years. I truly enjoy working with and assisting people with making the changes they desire to see and attain in their lives. I received my Master's degree from Argosy University, Chicago in 2013, and my credentials include being a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC). I have a history of working with individuals with Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, Major Depressive Disorder, and Substance Abuse. I have also worked with individuals who have opted to be a part of the Assisted Out-patient Treatment program to reduce recidivism related to mental health issues. My treatment approach includes Adlerian, CBT, and Person Centered. However, I understand that each person is different, therefore, I would tailor my treatment approach to meet the individual need of each client in order to support and encourage positive change. I believe that I can assist and be the most effective by providing a nonjudgmental environment and being my authentic self. I pride myself on being an active listener and effective communicator, and I am passionate about what I do. Although I am a counselor, I believe in customer service and take it as an honor when given the opportunity to assist with changing lives.
Amy Cabbage
Hi there! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois with nearly 20 years of experience working as a individual and family counselor. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, mood disorders, parenting problems, and ADHD just to name a few. I also have helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I am passionate about my work and I work with clients without judgment or biases. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, client-centered, psychodynamic, and empathic counseling techniques. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. My goal is to work together to identify and work towards specific treatment goals and objectives in order to help you become more empowered no matter your current situation. I look forward to working with you!
Dr. Cindy Cook
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience working with children, teens and families. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, OCD and ADHD. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and starting where they are at. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic and rational-emotive counseling. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!
Jane Rhea
I am a self-advocate and activist with over ten years personal and professional experience working with adults and children in the Disability Community. I am trained in Social Work and Disability Studies and have an interdiciplinary practice orientation. I call New Orleans home again after a three years in Chicago, and am dedicated to involvement in local and global Disability communities. As a Coach and Counselor in Queer and Disability communities I understands the specific structural barriers people with diverse identities face. I bring a Neurodiversity and Disability pride perspective to coaching and counseling by sharing knowledge of history, theory, and social models. I believe employment or occupation seeking is a great place to begin exploring any change you want to make in your life. Employment counseling can bring up issues related to anxiety, depression, Autism, ADHD, chronic pain, and other Neurodiversities and Disabilities. I am Queer, Trans, and Non-Binary allied.
Dea Johnson
I am a passionate yet pragmatic individual who brings a person-center, trauma-informed approach to the therapeutic relationship with each person I encounter. In my 22 years of practice as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker I have worked with persons struggling with anxiety, depression, inter-personal relationship struggles, life challenges including grief, addictions and complex trauma. I believe in unconditional positive regard for each person I encounter and support their journey to discovering their strengths using a solution focused approach, as well as journaling and coloring. Additionally I am a certified, advanced addictions counselor with over 25 years of experience. I look forward to working with you.
Kinya M Lucas-Brown
I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety & depression. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Donna Kasper
I am licensed in Illinois with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Susan Broderick
I am an Illinois Licensed Clinician Social Worker (LCSW) with 20 years of professional work experience. Throughout those years, my clients have ranged from age 5 to adulthood. I have worked with clients with a wide variety of concerns including stress , anxiety, depression, trauma/abuse, parenting issues and grief. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. My therapy style is warm, encouraging and focused on personal growth. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started! I look forward to meeting you and embarking on the journey of a healthy, happier you.
How to find counseling in Andover
Finding the best therapist close by in Andover 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 Andover. 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 Andover, 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 Andover 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 Andover 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 Andover, elsewhere in Henry, 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 Andover area can be found below:
How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Andover 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 Andover 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 Andover 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 Andover, 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 Andover 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 Andover 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 Andover 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:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Behavior therapy
- EMDR therapy
- Talk therapy
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders
- Stress
- Eating disorders
- Grief
- Attachment therapy
- Relationships
- Children, adolescents, and teens
- Addiction (substance abuse)
- Divorce
- Trauma or PTSD
- Bipolar disorder
- Psychodynamic treatment
- Career counseling
- Alcohol use disorders
- OCD
- ADHD
- Mood disorders
- Sex addiction
- Complex trauma
- Life transitions
You may also be struggling with relationship problems that could be addressed in couples therapy or with a sex therapist. In that case, you may choose to work with one of BetterHelp's experienced cognitive-behavioral therapists or licensed marriage family therapists (LMFT) who work with clients in relationships. You can also try a Andover 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 Andover 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 61233 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 Andover 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 Andover 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 Andover, 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.
Andover 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 Pinterest, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, 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:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- Veterans Crisis Line: Call 1-800-273-8255 (and press 1) or text 838255. For support for the deaf and hard of hearing community, please use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.
- Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQ Lifeline): (866)488-7386
- SAMHSA National Helpline (Substance Use): (800)662-4357
- National Eating Disorder Association Helpline:1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM-9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST)
- Child Help Hotline: Call 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat feature
- National Anti-Hazing Hotline for young adults, adolescents, and adults: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Physician Crisis Support Line: Contact 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to Covid-19
- Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673
Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Andover:
61233, 61238, 61262