Life can feel like a skating rink. Sometimes, you're skating around carefree, making the ice yours. Other times, you struggle to stay up and crash more times than you can count. Who can help you be the best skater possible when anxiety, depression, and other mental health woes make you slip and fall? A counselor based in Bloomington can. 

Bloomington is known for its ice skating rink. The ice you skate on can be thin, or you can make it yours. The person who can help you learn how to skate on your own ice is a counselor based in Bloomington. 

This is Alondra Anderson's avatar and link to their profile

Alondra Anderson

Offering therapy in IL
License: LCPC
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
7 years of experience

Hello! I am Alondra Anderson, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. As your counselor, my mission is to help you learn how to Trust the Process and Evolve to your best purposeful self. Life is full of transitions, and can require a lot of trust in moments that feel uncertain. These moments require us to learn how to identify where we are and explore the next step on our journey. I have worked with clients with a range of concerns including depression, anxiety, stress, self esteem, motivation, and coping with life changes. As your counselor, my goal is to help you explore the relationship between how you think, how you feel, and how you act. Through our time together, utilizing complimentary therapeutic techniques, we can discover how these areas impact the goals that you have set for your life and process together the necessary next steps towards successfully reaching your desired goals. It takes courage to seek support and to take a step towards change. If you are ready to take that step I would be honored to walk alongside you and support you through this process. I look forward to working with you to achieve your goals.

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Meredith Alger

Offering therapy in IL
License: LCSW,MA
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changes
4 years of experience

I'm so glad you're here! I'm a licensed therapist. I received my MA from the University of Chicago, SSA in 2008. Since then, I have worked with a diverse population of clients, from students and parents (as a certified school social worker) to people involved in the court system, to those with a mental health condition or comorbidity. People with whom I work have a variety of personal and situational difficulties that impact how they feel and/or function. Together, my clients and I identify and address negative feelings, harmful thoughts, distressing events and problematic behaviors in order to effect change and find relief. You've come to the right place to start to feel better! You are the expert in your life; thus, you guide our time together. My goal is to create a safe place for us to focus on whatever it is that brought you here, and anything that comes up as we work together. You - your thoughts, ideas, experiences and insight - will be listened to without judgement, as I work to gain understanding and insight into who you are, your actions, and your situation. We will recognize and effectively utilize your unique strengths, resources and supports as we make strides towards growth and healing. My hope is that you will take away new tools and perspectives to draw from that transcend our time together.

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Douglas DeRhodes

Offering therapy in IL
License: MSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
14 years of experience

Hello, and thank you for viewing my profile! I provide individually tailored treatment in a safe and supportive environment that draws and builds upon each person's strengths, resources, wisdom and goals. My style is collaborative, warm and interactive. I enjoy working with a range of clients from children to adults. I specialize in the treatment of anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, healing from trauma, major life transitions, grief & loss, identity development, self-esteem difficulties, coping with medical health issues and illnesses, dual diagnosis (substance abuse and co-occurring psychiatric disorders), mindful living, and cultivating self-compassion. Using a strength-based approach, I help clients realize their inner strength to make desired life changes. I believe strongly that people can make those changes and create the life they want. I believe it's important in the therapeutic process to establish a relationship of trust, acceptance and empathy. In keeping with the belief that mental and emotional health is as vital as physical health to overall well being, I am committed to making services available in a convenient and comfortable manner. Appointments can be scheduled seven days a week with early morning and late evening availability.

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Sheila Funk-Jansen

Offering therapy in IL
License: LISW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemDepression
25 years of experience

Hello, my name is Sheila Funk-Jansen. I am a licensed clinical therapist in Iowa and Illinois. I graduated with my MSW in social work in 2003 from University of Missouri-Columbia. I have worked with a variety of courageous people in my journey to help them be more vulnerable, brave, and resilient. For the last 25+ years, I I have worked with people experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, addiction, family conflicts, and many other areas of life. I believe people have the resiliency to move the barriers that life presents to us. Life is all about learning. Learning about ourselves and giving up our comforts in life are scary even if they are unhealthy. Each person is unique and I am here to start where you are at in your journey. I utilize therapy approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution Focus Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing along with utilizing other modalities. The client and therapist's alliance is crucial in providing a safe, non judgmental space to be open and vulnerable to see their potential and resiliency to grow when experiencing hurt and pain. I see people through the week along with some weekends. I work with schedules as much as I can to help get people in sooner when needed. I look forward in working with you. Sheila

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Chrissy Skrip

Offering therapy in IL
License: LCPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
6 years of experience

Hi there! I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of IL with 10 years+ of experience in the mental health field. I have worked in a variety of settings including hospitals, residential treatment facilities, nonprofit organizations and in crisis centers. I specialize in mood and anxiety disorders in adults and adolescents, and have additional experience working as a sexual assault and domestic violence advocate, as well as a case manager within the foster care system. Currently I am one of the directors at a behavioral health hospital and conduct thorough mental health assessments on adults and adolescents who are struggling with a variety of issues including: suicidal ideations, self-harming behaviors, severe anxiety, dysfunctional family dynamics, trauma and mood dysregulation. I strongly value the therapeutic relationship and strive to build a trustworthy bond between myself and all of my clients. I come from a person-centered and solution-focused approach, allowing my clients to navigate their therapeutic experience while remaining supportive. My goal is to make you look forward to coming to therapy each week. I want your experience to be fun, cathartic and, most importantly, beneficial to improving your quality of life.

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Holly Caruso

Offering therapy in IL
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida & Illinois with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbt-related issues, relationship issues, & trauma and abuse. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. 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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Wendy Gatewood

Offering therapy in IL
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementBipolar disorderADHD
19 years of experience

Greetings! I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois, and have my 19 years of experience in my specialization. My work experience includes multiple settings such as, residential, foster care, treatment centers, schools, and clinical. Most of my clients over the years have ranged in ages from as young as 2 until 21 years-old. I have experience with helping others manage stress and anxiety, Autism Spectrum, ADHD, Conduct Disorder, trauma and abuse, anger management, & bipolar disorder. 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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John Shustitzky

Offering therapy in IL
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCoaching
40 years of experience

I am licensed in California, Illinois and Pennsylvania with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, career difficulties, & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Kayce Bragg

Offering therapy in IL
License: LPCS,LAC,NCC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
14 years of experience

I look forward to the opportunity to walk this journey together! Let me tell you about myself: I’m a wife, mother to four, and a dog mom! I live in SC but love to travel to see new places and try new things. My favorite place is anywhere with a beach as I love anything involving sunshine and water! Professionally, I am a Board-Certified Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor, and a Licensed Addiction Counselor in the state of South Carolina and have been practicing in the mental health field since 2011. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of Kansas, a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Georgia, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Washington, a Licensed Professional Counselor in Oregon, and a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois . I am currently working on my Doctorate of Psychology and was EMDR trained in 2021. I am very person-centered in my work with clients as I believe that you know you better than I know you! My practice is solution-focused as I believe in focusing more heavily on the problems you’re experiencing right now and working together to develop effective strategies for improving not only your current symptoms, but also your overall life satisfaction. I often incorporate Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy at times to help identify problematic thinking and retrain your brain to be more positive! Some other theories I believe in are Positive Psychology and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. I have significant expertise in dealing with adults (18+) who are experiencing the following: various mental illnesses (including but not limited to Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, other Psychotic Disorders, Depression, Anxiety); difficulty adapting to life situations; relationship issues; stress caused by pressure at work or home; grief and loss; self-esteem issues; other difficulties maintaining life balance. I also have experience with addictions issues and am able to help in those areas. I am skilled in aiding others in developing coping skills, interpersonal skills, independent living skills, stress management, personal empowerment and advocacy, healthy leisure habits, and other important life skills. It is important to understand that therapy is about you and what you need, so the process is really driven by the client! My role is to facilitate discussion and prompt new ways of thinking in order to inspire fresh perspectives. :)

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This is Aleksander Casas's avatar and link to their profile

Aleksander Casas

Offering therapy in IL
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteem
7 years of experience

Life stressors can become overbearing at times. It is helpful to be able to verbally process and take the deep dive into the self. It is beneficial when we have a designated time to devote to this process via a guided telehealth setting. We are our biggest project, lets explore the unknown and get to the root of what you are feeling and thinking.

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How to find counseling in Bloomington

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Bloomington 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 Bloomington 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 Bloomington 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 Bloomington, 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 Bloomington 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 Bloomington 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 Bloomington 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 Bloomington 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 Bloomington 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 61799 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 Bloomington 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 Bloomington 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 Bloomington, 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.

Bloomington 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 Bloomington.

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

61701, 61702, 61704, 61705, 61709, 61710, 61791, 61799

Popular cities near Bloomington, IL

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