Everyone has their own history, and one should not feel tied down to it. However, regret, depression, and anxiety should say otherwise. You feel like you should move on, but your conscience just doesn’t seem to allow it. In a situation like this, what can you do?

One thing you can do is speak to a counselor based in Cicero. A counselor can help you learn how to accept your past and move on. Cicero is a town with one interesting past, but it lives in the present day, which is something we all should do. Speak to a counselor today and see how you can live in the present.

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Lisa Herman

Offering therapy in IL
License: MSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
19 years of experience

"Hope is the feeling you have that the feeling you have isn't permanent." This quote by Jean Kerr is the reason I do what I do. Hope is a powerful feeling that is unfortunately all too easy to lose sight of. Let's work together to restore hopefulness and make the life changes that best serve you. I strive to help clients learn to cope with difficulty and live productively. I believe that to lead a fulfilling life, people need to feel supported and know that stress and conflict can be managed. It is empowering to explore thoughts and understand the impact they have on our feelings and behaviors. The benefit of this process is learning how to shift our thinking so that even if the situation cannot change, our response to it can! I provide a supportive and non-judgmental environment. I am a licensed clinical social worker in the Chicago area. working as an individual, couples and family therapist. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, life transitions, career challenges, OCD and ADHD. Life presents challenges that can cause us to become stuck in certain moments because of fear or just not knowing what direction to go. I offer empathetic and supportive services to help clients manage through those times. By working collaboratively to identify and acknowledge the current issues, a trusting and safe environment is created. That environment provides the opportunity for self reflection, challenging and changing of negative thought patterns, bringing about positive change and moving forward.

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Patricia Breshears

Offering therapy in IL
License: LCPC,CAADC,CIP
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
32 years of experience

Pat is so kind and understanding. I feel heard and also received really helpful advice. She is so caring. With many years of experience she is very on track with her therapy skills and recommendations for each client she sees. Her treatment approach is set on the foundation of building a therapeutic relationship by establishing trust and rapport. She is eclectic in the theories and uses some of the therapeutic approaches including theory's such as solution focused therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, narrative therapy, mindfulness, ,and client centered approaches. She will focus on your strengths, abilities and skills to help you achieve your individualized goals.

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Michael Biederman

Offering therapy in IL
License: MA,LCPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepression
14 years of experience

Hi there! I’m Mike (he/him/his) and I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and educator practicing in Chicago, IL. I have 12+ years of experience working with adults and adolescents in a variety of mental health settings--including, clinical, residential, and urban education. My experience has allowed me the privilege of working with clients from diverse backgrounds and all walks of life dealing with issues such as chronic stress, mood disorders, trauma, relationship issues, life transitions, family struggles, and more. In recognizing that no 2 people experience the same obstacle in the same way, I take a person-centered eclectic approach to working with clients. This means that I strive to provide a safe, inclusive, and confidential space that encourages vulnerability and openness, where I can meet people where they are and understand what they want to get out of therapy. In supporting clients, I draw from a variety of therapeutic frameworks, including (but not limited to) Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectic-Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Solutions-Focused Therapy, while basing my practice on a trauma-informed foundation of Multicultural Counseling. Whether a client is looking for healing, growth, and/or change, I believe forming an authentic, collaborative, and trusting client/counselor relationship is the cornerstone to therapeutic success, and the first step in helping clients acquire the skills they need to help themselves.

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Nicholas Smith

Offering therapy in IL
License: MA, LCPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
11 years of experience

If you’re feeling stuck, unmotivated, frustrated, hopeless, lost or ready for a life pivot; you’ve come to the right place. I can help you find a way to live in accordance to your values and goals, by helping manage your emotions more effectively. Sessions will provide insight into how your own thought processes work and identification of where some of your thought processes begin, and how to challenge them for growth. From practicing in the student counseling center at Moody Bible Institute, hospital inpatient psychiatric unit, private practice, and a drug & alcohol addiction treatment center, I bring dedication alongside my strong and varied experiences to help you or your loved one. Being a counselor means more to me than a job, it is an interest in the psychology and philosophy, but most of all, helping my clients. Whether life seems difficult right now or you are noticing an area that needs addressed or explored, my goal is to walk alongside in your journey with compassion and professional insight. I use a variety of theories and approaches to fit each individual, and look forward to working with you as you start your pivoting journey.

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Sarah Hairston

Offering therapy in IL
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseGriefCompassion fatigue
3 years of experience

As someone who has spent more than half their life in therapy and now as a therapeutic professional, I recognize and honor that therapists come in all shapes, sizes, mind-frames and approaches. As a practitioner, I approach the therapeutic relationship with an open mind and welcoming spirit. I show up as a human first, inviting you to do the same. Our time spent together is a place for you to express yourself and feel things as they come to you. Then, we can work together to process them. This is your space and your time and I am honored that you are willing to share it with me. MY FOCUS AREAS Religious Trauma Syndrome | This area of specialty is primarily focused on helping anyone who has left a damaging religious practice. We can work to find hope, instill belief in self and reframe locus of control. Grief | Loss is an unfortunate guarantee in our lives. Together, we can work to remember and honor who you have lost and make way for a path towards healing. Trauma Support and Recovery | Re-centering understanding of trauma throughout the lifespan is our goal. We will work together toward your recovery so you can thrive post-trauma. I am particularly excited to work with individuals who deal with housing injustice, financial trauma and disordered relationships. Co-occurring disorders | While not certified as a CADC, I have professional experience with folx who have a mental health diagnosis and a substance use disorder. My role is to support you with the interaction between the two and wherever you are in the recovery spectrum. MY IDEAL CLIENT My ideal client is any person who is willing to show up and share their struggles. Recognizing the need for support and actually asking for it are huge accomplishments. I enjoy working with folx who want to explore themselves, are open to the therapeutic process and want to work with someone who is not as stoic as therapists are portrayed in the media. If you enjoy honest communication, gentle feedback and have a desire to care for yourself, we would be a good match. GOAL As a LGBTQ+ and queer-identified therapist, I seek to create a confidential space for clients from diverse identities and backgrounds where truths can be shared, sorrows can be honored and joy can be found. I am affirming and celebratory of all who fall in the LGBTQ+ community. Sessions with me take place in a “come as you are” setting. Fear and shame are not practiced here. As a practitioner focused in cultural humility, please know I will seek to educate myself on any topics in which I am not well-informed--leaving room for you to be able to speak about and process any and all identities, sexualities and rituals. APPROACH As a therapist, I believe you are the expert in your own life. I will work with you to identify your strengths and abilities when it comes to any issues you face, both past and present. My approach is strengths-based, in order to assist you with identifying and working towards your goals. Additionally, I tend to operate from a queer, feminist, trauma-informed approach, but I feel it is important to always be learning and growing as a therapist, to bring the highest level of care to you and all the people who work with me. Professionally, I feel called to work and support work toward ending all forms of systemic oppression, including racism, classism, sexism, transphobia, fatphobia, body shaming and heterosexism. Our journey together is inextricably linked to the world in which we live and the communities where we love and learn. When it comes to sessions, I strive to be an active listener and work in a kind, direct manner to help you use your strengths and address any weaknesses in order to replace tired practices with invigorating and restoring ones. By utilizing engaging, open questions, I seek to help you more clearly understand what things fall into and out of our range of responsibility. This makes way for more present thinking, greater ownership of feelings and often can help increase identifications of self-worth and dignity.

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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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Yvonne Petito

Offering therapy in IL
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefParenting issuesDepression
10 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & parenting issues. 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!

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Donna Kasper

Offering therapy in IL
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteem
15 years of experience

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!

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Angela Gervacio

Offering therapy in IL
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
13 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, & depression. 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!

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Susan Rick

Offering therapy in IL
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience with clients that are involved in the Criminal Justice System and in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence, & depression. 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.

How to find counseling in Cicero

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Cicero 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 Cicero 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 Cicero 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 Cicero, 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 Cicero 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 Cicero 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 Cicero 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 Cicero 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 Cicero 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 60804 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 Cicero 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 Cicero 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 Cicero, 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.

Cicero 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 Cicero.

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

60804

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