This is LaShara Shaw's avatar and link to their profile

LaShara Shaw

Offering therapy in IL
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemBipolar disorderDepression
10 years of experience

Hello. My name is LaShara, and I am a licensed clinical professional counselor and certified rehabilitation counselor. I am also a Doctoral candidate for Pastoral and Christian Counseling. It has been my pleasure working with consumers of varied ages, from children to senior citizens. My aim is to discover areas of difficulties and build strengths to foster a flourishing and meaningful life. I endorse an integrative perspective of treatment to acknowledge the contexts of the body, mind, environment, and spirituality within treatment settings. I work in secular and Christian settings, and I respond to the goals of the consumers. I embrace compassion, empathy, and recognition that life has moments of suffering, but through value-driven committed action, there can be beautiful outcomes. It will be wonderful to hear from you soon. Thank you.

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Paul Pedersen

Offering therapy in IL
License: MSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

At several points in my life, mental health professionals have helped me find recovery and move forward toward health and wholeness. In my current work as a therapist, I welcome opportunities to accompany others on the journey to recovery, whether that means surviving trauma, overcoming addictions, improving relationships, career transitions, or learning to manage and live beyond symptoms of anxiety or depression. It would be an honor to help you clarify a future you imagine to be better, and to help you find the resilience to live into that future. That process can include discovering meanings for our experiences that don’t shackle us, but rather help us live more freely and fully. It can include cultivating mindfulness that keeps us grounded in the present. It can include practicing changes in our thinking and behavior that will increase the chances that we realize our better future.

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Gloria Wright

Offering therapy in IL
License: LCPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
25 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical therapist in Illinois with 25 years of experience as a clinician. My experience includes helping clients with depression, anxiety, substance abuse, stress management, anger management and increasing self-esteem. My approach to therapy focuses on improving your quality of life and helping you to achieve your goals. We would work together to develop a treatment plan specifically tailored to your treatment needs. My approach in establishing a therapeutic relationship is to be compassionate and non- judgmental. It is my sincere desire for you to leave each session feeling more optimistic and hopeful about your future.

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Wendy Schultz

Offering therapy in IL
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepression
11 years of experience

Everyone has periods in their life when they need professional help and I view therapy as an aspect of maintaining good health. Through my personal experience and in my practice, I focus on integration, skills training, and a strengths-based approach toward healthy living. When clients enter therapy, many are ambivalent about their goals, feel uninspired, unfulfilled or are facing a life crisis. I provide therapeutic support and creative processes to promote overall health and wellbeing, helping clients resolve their concerns and learn meaningful, easy to implement skills toward creating lasting happiness in their lives. This is an invitation for support as you deeply commit to yourself toward living your dreams. I offer challenging exercises, motivation and support as you discover a more fulfilling, engaged, joyful purpose in life. I am licensed in Illinois with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. 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 takes courage and you should feel proud for getting started!

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Michelle Curry

Offering therapy in IL
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
17 years of experience

Thank you for reaching out. It takes a ton of courage and strength to make that first step for additional supports. I am a licensed clinical social worker and have assisted others through their therapeutic journey for approximately 17 years. I am compassionate about others emotional well-being and strive to provide a safe place without discrimination or judgement. Everyone has a voice and their own story to share. I have worked with families and children with varying ages, abilities, disabilities, while conceptualizing mental health struggles that people experience on a daily basis. As a therapist, my role is to listen, provide empathy, support and the necessary tools to reach your goals. In time, you will gain a better understanding of yourself and the dynamics that impact your life. Remember that this journey takes time but I hope to have the opportunity to work with you.

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Dr. George Savarese

Offering therapy in IL
Relationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
40 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, trauma and abuse, 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.

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Shobana Shanmugavelayutham

Offering therapy in IL
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
5 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & 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. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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Skylar Nagy

Offering therapy in IL
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemADHD
9 years of experience

I am Licensed Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Illinois with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, ADHD, family conflicts, parenting issues, postpartum issues, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I have worked in various settings throughout my career, including community mental health, behavioral health hospitals (including inpatient), and private practice. I feel that my varied experiences make me more well-rounded as a counselor so as to help work with a broader spectrum of client presenting concerns. My personal philosophy is that clients should feel understood and safe within the therapeutic space, as no effective counseling work can be accomplished without that. I will always meet clients with my authentic self so as to provide gentle but productive feedback. I utilize the following techniques to help clients address issues: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Internal Family Systems, and Somatic Therapy. In my work, I help clients identify their specific goals for therapy and then tailor the above techniques to ensure they are getting their needs met effectively. Reaching out for help isn't easy - I promise to do my best to make you feel welcome, safe, and productive in meeting your goals effectively. If my profile seems like a good fit for you, I look forward to working with you.

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This is Andrea Bercos's avatar and link to their profile

Andrea Bercos

Offering therapy in IL
License: LCSW,CADC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTTrauma and abuseDepression
21 years of experience

I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker as well as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor in Illinois with over 20 years of professional work experience. I have a depth of experience working in community mental health, substance abuse treatment centers, domestic violence and sexual assault centers, the public school system and private practice. I have extensive experience working with issues related to childhood trauma and abuse, addictions, low self-esteem, depression, anxiety and LGBTQIA issues, including supporting individuals through the gender transition process. I strive to create an open, safe, and supportive environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared openly without fear of judgment. My clients have described me as safe, free of judgment, empathic, affirming empowering and warm. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy takes courage and I am proud of you for getting started! I look forward to working with you!

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This is Charlotte Kauffman's avatar and link to their profile

Charlotte Kauffman

Offering therapy in IL
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
12 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 32 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, life transitions and motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also have experience in career counseling, counseling persons experiencing divorce and working with persons experiencing mental illness and their families. I have had the personal experience of dealing with mental illness in two family members, divorce and grief in the loss of one of my children. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. I am qualified to incorporate spirituality into the counseling if the client desires. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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How to find counseling in Apple River

Finding the best therapist close by in Apple River 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 Apple River. 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 Apple River, 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 Apple River 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 Apple River 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 Apple River, elsewhere in Jo Daviess, 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 Apple River area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Apple River 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 Apple River 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 Apple River 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 Apple River, 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 Apple River 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 Apple River 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 Apple River 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 Apple River 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 Apple River 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 61001 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 Apple River 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 Apple River 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 Apple River, 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.

Apple River 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:

A woman meets with a therapist online in her home city of Apple River.

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

61001

Popular cities near Apple River, IL

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