James Clifton
As a licensed therapist in multiple states with more three decades of experience, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My approach centers on understanding each person's unique journey, with particular expertise in addressing depression, anxiety, stress management, and life transitions. I offer compassionate support for individuals struggling with various emotions, communication challenges, isolation, and distorted thinking. My practice focuses on helping clients develop worth, worth, value, and dignity while discovering meaningful life purpose. I have experience supporting veterans, individuals facing discrimination, and those working through many of life's challenges. My therapeutic style is collaborative and adaptive, drawing from years of professional experience to create a supportive environment where clients can explore their emotions, develop healthy coping strategies, and move towards personal healing and empowerment. I welcome individuals from all backgrounds and belief systems, committed to providing respectful, personalized care.
Leah Pavela-Mullins
I am a licensed clinical social worker with over 15 years of experience in helping people find solutions to their problems. Over the years, I have been told by clients that they really feel that I am listening to them and trying to understand what is going on in their lives and how they feel. Clients have also told me that they do not feel any sense of judgment, but rather that I accept them for who they are and where they are in their life’s journey. My style is empathetic and solution focused. I will spend time asking you questions in order to get to know you and try to find out what is at the heart of your issue. Together, we will talk about possible avenues you may want to take, or changes you may want to consider. I may give you some “homework” assignments…things to write out or think about, worksheets to complete, or even techniques/exercises to practice in your own time so that some of what we discuss in our sessions is reinforced. Most of all, I will be an objective listener, helping you to gain insight into what is going on with you, so that you are able to make the choices and changes you want to, in your own time. I look forward to working with you!
Troy Gibson
I hope this finds you well. I am a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC) in IL with many years of experience working in mental health counseling. I have worked with a diverse range of clients dealing with a variety of concerns including trauma, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, self-esteem, as well as relationship concerns. I have also helped many clients experiencing minority stress and or minority trauma. I approach therapy with a sensitivity and predilection for multicultural factors. I have varied experience in multiple settings, including providing individual and group therapy at an inpatient hospital unit and an outpatient hospital unit; as well as providing individual and couples therapy at a private practice. I would describe my style as conversational, strengths based, insight-oriented, and fun. I am dedicated to creating a safe space for us to explore and gain insight while promoting self empowerment. My clinical approach draws from Gestalt therapy and also incorporates Solution-Focused and mindfulness interventions. With me you can expect to be challenged to explore the origin of your problems, develop new awareness, identify pattern behaviors, work through unfinished business and create new strategies for change. Overall, I want to meet you where you’re at and collaborate to make sure our time together works best for you and your needs. I value your courage in taking the next steps on your path to wellness. When you are ready, I am here to support and empower you along your journey. "When we talk about our feelings, they become less overwhelming, less upsetting, and less scary. " - Fred Rogers
Dr. Shelia Williamson Collins
Hello, I am Dr. Shelia Williamson Collins, PhD, NCC, LCMHC, CCMHC, LCAS, CCS, SAP, MAC. I am a board certified clinical mental health counselor and addiction counselor with nearly 20 years of experience in behavioral health. I am licensed as a clinical counselor in the states of North Carolina, Illinois, and Alaska. I have a PhD in General Psychology from Northcentral University. I also have a master's degree in Community Counseling and a bachelor's degree in psychology from Chicago State University. I have worked in an adult inpatient psychiatric unit, outpatient behavioral clinic, community-based mental health services, and residential substance abuse treatment programs. My counseling style is person-centered. I have a diverse therapeutic approach to counseling. However, my primary approach includes cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy. I specialize in mood disorders, anger management, addictions education, and relapse prevention. I believe that everyone has a story to tell; and I am here to listen. Giving voice to your concerns and issues is the first step to healing. We can accomplish this together. It would be my honor to work with you to assist you in reaching your healthy goals. Please let me know if you would prefer weekly sessions, and I will do my best to accommodate.
Dr. James English
Hello my name is Jim. I am a licensed clinical psychologist who has been working in the counseling field for the past thirty years. I have been privileged to provide counseling and therapy services to individual, couples and families and use an approach that empathizes collaboration and measurable results. My counseling style creates a warm and accepting environment in which people learn to identify and express their feelings so that we can work together to deepen your understanding of feelings and the thoughts that typically accompany them. Once we learn more about our feelings and the thoughts them behind them, we can do more to make changes in thoughts and behaviors that enhance our growth and and help us meet goals. I use various techniques such as those derived from cognitive-behavioral, dialectical behavioral therapy and Adlerian Life-Style analysis . These help to make situational changes and to gain awareness of how many of our automatic thoughts, reactions, feelings can be facilitate change once they are understood. This can increase our range of choice and better feelings once we understand more about our personal automatic reactions. My technique and style is helpful for Depression Anxiety Relationship issues Self-Esteem Trauma Growth Shyness/Social Anxiety I am very happy that you are taking these steps to better understand yourself an d work towards more fulfilling relationships in your work, love and friendships and most importantly for your self-care, self-esteem and your relationship to yourself! I look forward to working with you!
Dr. Rosita "Rose" Fernandez
Hello! I am Dr. Rose. I am a psychologist with 15 years of experience providing therapy services. I completed my pre-doctoral internship at the Cincinnati VA Medical Hospital and obtained my graduate education from Indiana State University. I am dually licensed in Wisconsin and Indiana. While residing in Indiana, I worked in a very rural and low income area. I am currently based in Wisconsin, where I have the opportunity to work with individuals from both the more populated areas, as well as the rural areas. Additionally, I am based along the I94 corridor, so I have an interest in providing treatment to individuals who are victims of sex trafficking. Other populations I have a strong interest in working with are the LGBTQ+ population, specifically transgender individuals. I also work with individuals with depression, Bipolar, anxiety, ADHD, anger, trauma, self-esteem, and relationship problems. In my work with individuals, I find that it can often be helpful to explore the impact that the childhood upbringing and nuclear family has on present problems and relationships. I typically use an eclectic approach in sessions, adopting a variety of techniques. Some techniques I typically use are Psychodynamic, mindfulness, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Solution Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Person-centered Therapy. However, I most often use Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy. My therapeutic approach is first, and foremost, to be real. You can always expect that I will give you honest and direct answers. I am a caring provider and I want you to succeed in being the best person you can be. I will work closely with you as a team to help you accomplish your treatment goals. I do hold the national Psychologist license, which gives you some flexibility in where you have your therapy sessions. However, not every state participates in the national license. If you plan to travel and want to have a therapy session during your travels, please check with me to ensure you will be located in a participating state.
Brenda Sullivan-Rice
Hello, my name is Brenda Rice. I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois with over three decades of experience. I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My practice focuses on helping clients work through challenges like depression, anxiety, trauma, and relationship difficulties. I offer a compassionate approach that addresses self-love, communication struggles, isolation, and healing from difficult life experiences. My therapeutic style is deeply attuned to individual needs, whether you're dealing with mood disorders, young adult transitions, or recovering from painful life events like divorce or sexual assault. I create a supportive environment where clients can explore their emotions, develop resilience, and work towards personal growth and understanding. I understand that healing is a deeply personal journey, and I'm committed to walking alongside you with empathy, respect, and professional expertise. My goal is to help you build stronger connections—with yourself and others—and find pathways to emotional wellness and inner peace.
Lisa Lucchese
I am licensed in Illinois with 19 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, career difficulties, & coping with life changes. 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. 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 you in discovering inner resources and techniques that can provide a sense of relief and inspire self-empowerment. If you also wish to explore and integrate the Creative Arts Therapy avenue, we can integrate art/music/movement materials. These modalities can aid in self-expression, promote deep relaxation, mood elevation, and visualization of inner strengths and goals.
Dr. Wende Pannell
As a licensed therapist in Illinois, I bring over two decades of compassionate mental health experience supporting individuals through complex life challenges. My practice specializes in helping clients navigate depression, anxiety, relationship dynamics, trauma recovery, and self-esteem development. I focus on creating a supportive environment where individuals can explore personal growth, address communication barriers, and work through challenging emotional experiences. My approach centers on understanding each person's unique journey, whether they're struggling with social anxiety, workplace stress, life transitions, or deeper emotional wounds. My therapeutic work emphasizes holistic healing, helping clients develop self-compassion, rebuild connections, and rediscover their inner strength. I'm committed to walking alongside individuals as they develop healthier coping strategies, process difficult experiences, and create meaningful pathways toward personal transformation. I specialize in supporting older adults and individuals experiencing midlife transitions, chronic health challenges, and complex emotional landscapes. My goal is to provide empathetic, personalized guidance that honors each client's individual experience and potential for healing.
Dr. Bianca Clark
As a licensed therapist in Illinois, I bring over 15 years of dedicated experience supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My clinical approach centers on helping clients develop deeper self-understanding and resilience while addressing challenges like depression, anxiety, relationship dynamics, and personal growth. I specialize in supporting individuals working through social anxiety, trauma recovery, attachment issues, and mood disorders. My therapeutic style emphasizes compassionate exploration, helping clients build self-love, improve communication skills, and overcome feelings of isolation or shame. My work is deeply rooted in creating a supportive environment where clients can explore their experiences, heal from past wounds, and develop meaningful strategies for personal transformation. I believe each person has inherent strength and wisdom, and my role is to help you reconnect with your inner resources and move toward a more fulfilling life. Through evidence-based practices and a trauma-informed lens, I collaborate with clients to develop personalized approaches that honor their unique journey and support sustainable emotional well-being.
Barbara Benn
I am licensed in Illinois with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, abuse, anger management, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. 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. I am trained in motivational interviewing, Person Centered Therapy and have experience using grounding techniques as well as other relaxation techniques, I have helped people overcome social anxiety and take steps to help them reach their goals. Everyone is an individual and I believe that therapy should be tailored to each person. I also have experience working with people who have different needs.
Paula Savarese
As a licensed therapist in Illinois, I bring 30 years of dedicated experience supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My professional journey is rooted in compassionate, evidence-based care, with specialized expertise in addressing depression, anxiety, relationship dynamics, trauma recovery, and life transition challenges. I approach therapy as a collaborative partnership, believing that each person holds the innate capacity for healing and growth. My therapeutic style centers on creating a supportive, non-judgmental environment where clients can explore their experiences, develop resilient coping strategies, and rediscover their inner strengths. My commitment is to walk alongside you, offering empathetic guidance and professional insights tailored to your unique journey. Whether you're struggling with emotional challenges, seeking personal growth, or working through significant life transitions, I'm here to provide thoughtful, personalized support.
Lindsey Khan
As a licensed therapist in Illinois, I bring over two decades of dedicated experience supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on helping clients explore life purpose, manage social anxiety, address workplace challenges, and develop healthier coping strategies. I specialize in supporting individuals struggling with depression, stress, anxiety, and self-esteem concerns. My approach is particularly attuned to those experiencing life transitions, workplace dynamics, and challenges related to ADHD and impulsivity. My therapeutic style is compassionate and collaborative, designed to create a welcoming space where clients can authentically explore their experiences. I'm committed to understanding each person's unique journey and supporting their growth with empathy, respect, and evidence-based strategies. I'm passionate about working with diverse communities, particularly those seeking an affirming, progressive therapeutic environment. My goal is to empower clients to develop meaningful insights, build resilience, and create positive change in their lives.
Dr. Rachel Dawkins
I am a licensed clinical social worker with a doctorate degree in social work. I specialize in trauma, family, couples, and individual counseling. I can help those with anxiety, depression, PTSD, DID, and attachment issues. I am qualified to perform EMDR and TFCBT. I have used DBT and been trained and that. I use CBT.
Find a Therapist Near You in Clifton , Illinois
Finding a licensed therapist near you in Illinois can be an important step toward improving your mental health and overall well-being. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, stress, or major life changes, working with a qualified mental health professional can offer meaningful support.
Illinois is home to people with diverse mental health needs across urban, suburban, and rural communities. Online therapy makes it easier to connect with a therapist near you without being limited to nearby offices. BetterHelp connects you with licensed therapists authorized to practice in Illinois, allowing you to attend sessions online from the comfort of your home.
Why work with a licensed therapist near you?
Working with a licensed therapist near you ensures that your provider meets state licensing requirements and professional standards in Illinois (IL). Licensed therapists use evidence-based approaches to help individuals manage emotional challenges, develop coping skills, and work toward personal goals.
People seek therapy for many reasons. Some are navigating ongoing mental health concerns, while others want guidance during stressful periods or major life transitions. You do not need a mental health diagnosis to work with a therapist. Many individuals seek therapy to improve communication, strengthen relationships, manage stress, or gain greater self-awareness.
Online therapy can be especially helpful for people living across Illinois, where access to in-person mental health care may vary by location.
What concerns can therapists help with?
Therapists on BetterHelp support adults across Illinois with a wide range of mental health concerns and life challenges, including:
- Anxiety and stress
- Depression and mood-related concerns
- Trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Grief and loss
- Relationship and family challenges
- Life transitions and adjustment concerns
- Self-esteem and confidence
- Job stress and burnout
- ADHD-related challenges
- Sleep concerns
- Parenting stress
- Eating disorder support
Therapists use approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and other evidence-based methods tailored to individual needs.
Online therapy vs. in-person therapy in Illinois
When searching for a therapist near me in Illinois, many people compare online therapy with traditional in-person care. Online therapy offers several potential advantages:
- Greater accessibility: Attend sessions from anywhere with an internet connection
- Reduced wait times: Many people are matched in as little as 24-48 hours, faster than typical in-person availability
- Flexible scheduling: Sessions that fit around work, family, or school commitments
- Expanded provider options: Access licensed therapists across Illinois, not just nearby offices
Research shows that online therapy can be effective for many mental health concerns. Online therapy may also reduce barriers such as transportation challenges, long commutes, or limited local availability, especially in larger or more rural counties across Illinois.
Finding a therapist near me that accepts insurance
Many people looking for a therapist near me in Illinois want to know whether insurance is an option.
Many providers on BetterHelp now accept major insurance carriers in select states. In many states, certain therapists on BetterHelp may be in-network with specific insurance plans. Coverage depends on your plan, provider, and therapist availability.
When sessions are covered, insured members typically pay an average copay of about $19 per session. Coverage varies by state and provider availability, so it’s important to check your in-network status directly on the BetterHelp site.
If insurance coverage is not available, BetterHelp’s flexible subscription model remains an option, with online therapy typically costing $70 to $100 per week, billed weekly or monthly. Additional discounts or financial aid may also be available for a lower price.
How BetterHelp helps you find the right therapist in Illinois
BetterHelp simplifies the process of finding a therapist near you in Illinois without requiring you to search through tons of profiles on your own.
Here’s how it works:
- Complete a brief questionnaire about your needs, preferences, and goals
- Get matched with a licensed therapist authorized to practice in Illinois (IL)
- Begin online therapy sessions through video, phone, or live chat
BetterHelp works with one of the world’s largest networks of licensed therapists, with over 30,000 qualified providers globally. Many members are matched in as little as 24 to 48 hours, and 93% of user preferences are met during the matching process.
You can request a new therapist at no additional cost if your needs or preferences change.
Therapists near you in Illinois
Below, you’ll find licensed therapists authorized to provide online therapy to adults across Illinois, including residents in Clifton.
Each provider meets state licensing requirements and has experience supporting clients with a wide range of mental health concerns using evidence-based therapeutic approaches.
Please note: Therapists on BetterHelp in Illinois do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses.
Frequently asked questions about finding a therapist near me
How much does therapy cost near me?
Therapy costs vary depending on provider and location. In-person therapy sessions may cost $100 to $200 or more per session. BetterHelp offers online therapy subscriptions that typically range from $70 to $100 per week, billed weekly or monthly, depending on factors such as location, source, preferences, and therapist availability. Additional discounts or financial aid may also be available for a lower price. BetterHelp now accepts major insurance plans in select states and members pay an average copay of $19 per session. Coverage varies by plan, provider, and therapist availability. You can check coverage on the BetterHelp site.
Does BetterHelp accept insurance?
Yes. Many providers on BetterHelp now accept major insurance carriers in select states. In many states, certain therapists on BetterHelp may be in-network with specific insurance plans. When sessions are covered, insured members typically pay an average copay of about $19 per session. Coverage varies by plan, provider, and therapist availability. You can check coverage on the BetterHelp site.
Is online therapy effective?
Yes. Research shows that online therapy can be effective for many mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, stress, and relationship challenges. Online therapy allows you to connect with a licensed therapist without commuting to an office.
Do I need a diagnosis to see a therapist?
No. You do not need a mental health diagnosis to seek therapy. Many people work with a therapist for stress management, relationship concerns, grief, life transitions, or personal growth.
How quickly can I start therapy?
Many people are matched with a licensed therapist in as little as 24 to 48 hours after completing the initial questionnaire. Match times may vary based on preferences and therapist availability.
Can I switch therapists if it’s not the right fit?
Yes. If you feel your therapist is not the right match, you can request to be matched with another licensed provider at no additional cost. You are able to do so through the BetterHelp user portal and select switch therapists if needed.
Is online therapy private and secure?
Online therapy through BetterHelp allows you to communicate with your therapist in a discreet setting through video, phone, or messaging tools.