This is Kristen Kasperek's avatar and link to their profile

Kristen Kasperek

Offering therapy in IL
License: MA,LPC
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepression
12 years of experience

Hi, my name is Kristen Kasperek and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Illinois and a National Certified Counselor. I have 8 years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults, families, and couples in individual and group settings. I worked as a Psycho Social Rehabilitation Therapist for quite some time where I became certified in OCD as well as PTSD. I have vast experience working with those who suffer from chronic mental illness including Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, depression, and anxiety. I also have a wealth of experience working with those struggling with self-esteem, self-worth, poor relationships, and grief. I enjoy providing support in a variety of ways to my clients to help remind them of how important they are. I currently work with undergraduate and graduate students helping them to discover their true selves through the help of MBTI and Strong Interest Inventory and putting that into play by aiding them in selecting individually appropriate degree programs. I have learned in my years as a Career Counselor that people often stay in ill fitting jobs because they don't see a way out. I love nothing more than to help someone recognize their passion and guide them towards making it a reality. I enjoy assisting my clients with self discovery, the job search process, as well as resume and cover letter development, interview preparation, and negotiation tactics. No matter where you are in your life, I believe you should be doing what you love and I want to help you get there. My approach is to develop a relaxed, non-threatening, and non-clinical professional relationship with my clients. I recognize that the first step to a better life is often the most difficult. I help my clients with that first step and the path that follows. Together, we develop individualized strategies that produce results and lead to a more fulfilling life. In terms of my education, I earned my Master's Degree in Community Counseling with a focus in Mental Illness as well as Career Counseling. My undergraduate degree is in Psychology with a minor in Sociology. If you are searching for direction, inner peace, or need help getting past an obstacle in your personal or professional life, I would welcome the opportunity to work with you.

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Judy Thomas

Offering therapy in IL
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementSelf esteemDepressionADHD
16 years of experience

I am an LCSW with 20 years experience working with a variety of age groups to manage mood disturbances, attention/focus/motivation issues, stress management, and all the functional difficulties that accompany these challenges. My style is direct, honest, and compassionate. I don’t believe in sugar-coated so it’s important that there's open communication and transparency throughout the process. I’ve worked with many different people and situations in my career, so this is a judgement-free-zone. I use Cognitive Behavioral, Dialectical Behavioral, Solution Focused, Reality, and Psychodynamic therapies. I believe in the power of each person to work through issues with appropriate support. I know personally what it means to struggle and experience loss. I have experience in encouraging the strength and abilities of individuals, and also in working with known limitations. To me therapy is a partnership; you guide the process and I will not only listen, but offer support and resources to help you overcome or mitigate what’s going on for you. Together we will break things down, determine common themes, and identify what is and is not working for you. Using your vision for what you want in your life, you’ll gain the skills to go after it and replace the parts which no longer serve you.

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Todd Nelson

Offering therapy in IL
License: LCPC
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepression
30 years of experience

Hello, my name is Todd Nelson. I grew up and currently live in Central Illinois. I began work in as a millwright/carpenter until the job market faltered in the early 80s. It was time to go back to school. With a wife and child, I opted to join the Air Force to help with those expenses. After Desert storm and 10 years of active duty, I left the military. While working on my Master's degree in counseling, I worked as an on-call therapist for an out-patient mental health clinic. I went on to become a full-time therapist with that clinic until I went on as a therapist at an in- patient facility for youth. After a few years there, I went back to my former clinic. In 2009, I took a full time position as Mental Health Professional within the Illinois Department of Corrections. In total, I have 29 years of experience in the mental health field. If I were to describe my counseling approach, I would have to say that everyone has their own "ship to sail throughout life and my purpose is to help the captain navigate". Within that description, I would say I use a person centered, solution focused approach. I am very laid back and I don't get caught up in citing any schools of psychology or therapy; what I call psychobabble. My other interests outside the field are motorcycling and wood working. Currently, I am accepting new clients, though there are no evening openings. If you are interested in setting an appointment, please let me know your preference for time to meet. Do not schedule appointments, as I do my own scheduling. Let's chat.

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Holly Ambrose

Offering therapy in IL
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
33 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois and Florida with over 30 years of professional social work experience. I have experience in helping clients to cope with stress, anxiety, grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, self-confidence, & depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion and 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 & empower you in that journey.

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Kinya M Lucas-Brown

Offering therapy in IL
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoaching
20 years of experience

I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety & depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Amy Allen

Offering therapy in IL
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsGriefParenting issuesSelf esteem
18 years of experience

I am a licensed professional counselor with over 18 years of hands-on experience. My clients come to me for help with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, coping with grief and loss, & parenting issues. I offer a unique perspective having worked in the school setting with individual students on a variety of topics that address personal and social/emotional issues along with executive functioning skills that directly drive increased success in the academic setting. In addition to counseling, I work with my clients to expand their horizons through career planning including tailored education and training for alternative work environments. Together with my clients, we create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings are shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life, and to take the first steps towards change. I am here to support & empower you on that journey.

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Mackensey Carter

Offering therapy in IL
LGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefCoping with life changes
7 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 7 years of experience providing psychotherapy to individuals. My work largely focuses on recovery & healing from past and present traumas as well as work around self-discovery, identity, and positive growth. I see my job as providing support, validation, & relational safety. You are an expert in your life and experience; therefore, my therapeutic approach is flexible so that each session can be client-centered and client-directed. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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This is Essence Lee's avatar and link to their profile

Essence Lee

Offering therapy in IL
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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This is Skylar Nagy's avatar and link to their profile

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 Siedah Mcneil's avatar and link to their profile

Siedah Mcneil

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 in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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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How to find counseling in Deer Creek

Finding the best therapist close by in Deer Creek 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 Deer Creek. 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 Deer Creek, 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 Deer Creek 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 Deer Creek 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 Deer Creek, elsewhere in Tazewell, 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 Deer Creek area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Deer Creek 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 Deer Creek 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 Deer Creek 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 Deer Creek, 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 Deer Creek 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 Deer Creek 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 Deer Creek 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 Deer Creek 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 Deer Creek 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 61733 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 Deer Creek 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 Deer Creek 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 Deer Creek, 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.

Deer Creek 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 Deer Creek.

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

61733

Popular cities near Deer Creek, IL

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