I am Dr. Cassandra April, licensed clinical professional counselor, adjunct professor, and author, located in the Chicago area. I am an African-American female and have been in the field of counseling for over 30 years. I have helped people from all walks of life, of all ages, representing various cultural backgrounds and socioeconomic statuses. I look forward to working with you!

Hello! Janet Craig here. I come to Betterhelp with 30+ years of social work/advocacy/counseling experience. I am a licensed clinical social worker in the state of Illinois. I have worked in a variety of settings (child welfare, hospice, and the schools), and am comfortable helping people of all ages explore what makes them tick, what causes them pain, and how they can best take care of themselves. Being a human being is hard work no matter your age or life experience. I am especially skilled in helping parents with a variety of parenting issues, and have a passion for working with parents of teenagers. Raising a family is one of life's biggest and most important challenges. I'm here to help parents navigate new territory as their kids grow through adolescence. As a bereavement counselor, I have helped individuals and families cope with loss and it's resulting aftermath. Grief can feel very lonely and overwhelming at times. Sometimes it helps to sort out thoughts and feelings with someone outside the family. That's where I come in. My approach is one of compassion, careful listening, and guiding individuals toward meeting goals that they set for themselves. I firmly believe that people have the capacity to heal themselves, and that no one has to make that journey alone. My approach to my life and profession is that of acceptance, respect and kindness. The bumper sticker on my car says, “Human kind (be both).” My life's motto. EXPERTISE parenting grief/loss stress management relationship issues self-esteem anxiety coping skills

I am an IL Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am excited that you have decided to start improving your own mental health.

Catholic Christian providing pastoral counseling, in love with the LORD, and looking forward to walking pathways drenched in grace with you!

Hello there! I am a licensed clinical counselor and have been providing therapy for adults, children, and families for more than 20 years. I feel truly privileged to have been able to share in the journey of all my clients. Let's face it folks, life can be so painful at times. It may feel as if peace, joy, and satisfying relationships have become foreign experiences. We all need and deserve a dependable hand to partner with us in getting through our journey. Whatever you're facing, whatever you're experiencing, and no matter the struggle- you don't have to do it alone. I think one of my favorite quotes exemplifies the foundation of who I am as a therapist: "The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen." Copyright: Elisabeth Kubler-Ross Family Limited Partnership. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross I have extensive training and experience post licensure that have honed my skills as a well rounded therapist. My toolbox of interventions can be tailored to meet the unique needs of my clients. We can work together to design strategies that will assist you in meeting your goals and living a more satisfying life. I am a trauma informed therapist, but this does not limit my work to only trauma related clients. I believe it enhances my work with all clients as I can utilize a variety a frameworks to meet the needs of my clients including and not limited to; CBT, DBT, Mindfulness Based, ACT, and Somatic Based. I also have experience working with all ages, genders, and diagnoses which has greatly added to my knowledge base.

I am licensed in California and Illinois with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients cope with addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialogue and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to ask for and seek help is a courageous one, and I recognize and acknowledge you for this. I am an ally to the LGBTQ+ community.

I am licensed in Illinois with 38 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, family conflicts, & 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Hi there!! My name is Katie, and I'm a licensed Clinical Social Worker. I specialize in child, teen (13-19y), & young adult (20-25y) therapy, and disability advocacy. My counseling style is pretty laid back. I have been described as supportive, thoughtful, and empathetic, with a pretty good sense of humor. I like to focus on identifying your strengths and helping you to maximize them to overcome your obstacles. I recognize that during these earlier stages of life where you are transitioning through school and into the "real world" can be intimidating! I'm here to help you sort through the things that are difficult right now, and offer you a safe place to be open and honest without fear of judgment. I am also a certified Animal Assisted Therapist, and my Therapy Dog Trekk is available to accompany our sessions on request! You have taken the first and most important step by reaching out for help. I'm sorry you are having a tough time right now, but I'm really glad you are reaching out. I'd like to help you work on the struggles you are facing; and offer you a safe place to explore your thoughts and feelings. I offer all services, but contact me prior to schedule video sessions please. Once you respond to this message, I will send you some additional general information about how this online counseling process works, and then we can get started. Please feel free to ask questions at any time! Should you feel in need of urgent help or that you are in crisis at any time during our work together; please call 1-800-273-TALK 24 hours a day; or 911. This forum does not provide any type of emergency services, so I want to be sure you know who to contact if you need immediate help. You are not alone. Things can and will get better. I'm really looking forward to working with you! Take care, Katie

Ben grew up in Montana, where he took full advantage of the fresh air, mountains, and outdoor activities. He loved school and sports, and he played high school basketball, as well as American Legion and college baseball as a starting pitcher. Ben moved to Illinois to pursue his graduate degree at Northern Illinois University. It was during his training at NIU that he first discovered his passion for working with people struggling with OCD and Anxiety-related disorders. He subsequently devoted his career to becoming an expert in the application of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Exposure and Response Prevention as means for helping individuals get their lives back from these debilitating problem areas. Ben also treats co-occurring conditions such as depression, and tics/Tourette's. Ben is a member of the International OCD Foundation, and The TLC Foundation for Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors. He has completed advanced training through both the General and Pediatric installments of the IOCDF’s Behavioral Therapy Training Institute, and TLC’s Professional Training Institute. Ben places high value on making sure he is providing the most up-to-date treatments available. He is skilled in adapting his treatment methods to each individual who seeks help from him. Ben's attention to detail, creativity, and sense of humor help ensure that his patients are engaged in treatment and experience the results they are seeking.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, (LCSW), in the state of Illinois, with 24+ years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma, abuse and parenting issues. Additionally, I work with both women and men and have an understanding of their unique issues. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and your treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs, focusing on actionable problem-solving and support toward goal achievement. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy takes courage...and I am proud of you for getting started!

My name is Valorie James, and I hold licenses to provide counseling services in Illinois, Michigan and Indiana. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief, coping with loss, motivation, self-esteem, & confidence and much more. I also have experience working with individuals coping with life changes. My counseling approach is both focused and professional but also relaxed. I am known for being supportive, attentive, and impartial. I focus on identifying your strengths and helping you maximize them to overcome obstacles and/or manage them effectively in your life. I am available to assist you in addressing current challenges and provide a safe space for honest communication. You have taken the first and most crucial step by reaching out for help. After your review of this message, should you choose to move forward, feel free to view my calendar and choose a day an time that fits you best. Cheers on taking steps to participate in counseling, regardless of whether this is your first go around or not. I recognize it takes courage and thank you for considering me to help you on this journey.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, licensed in Illinois, with 4 years of professional therapy experience and 14 total years in the mental health field. I have experience helping clients with stress, depression, anxiety, & anger management. 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!

As a licensed therapist in Illinois, I have worked as a school social worker for 12 years. My approach centers on helping individuals cultivate self-love, discover their life purpose, and develop healthy coping strategies for stress, anxiety, and self-esteem concerns. With a faith-informed perspective, I create a compassionate space where clients can explore personal growth, work through anger management, and build resilience. My therapeutic style emphasizes empowering individuals to embrace their inherent worth. Drawing from over a decade of experience as a social worker, I'm committed to walking alongside you as you navigate personal transformation, develop stronger self-compassion, and create meaningful change in your life. Together, we'll work to uncover your strengths and develop practical tools for emotional wellness.

As a licensed therapist in Illinois, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My approach centers on helping clients develop self-compassion, meaningful connections, and resilient coping strategies. I have extensive experience addressing challenges like depression, anxiety, relationship dynamics, and life transitions. My therapeutic work focuses on empowering teens and adults through transformative healing experiences. I create a supportive, non-judgmental space where clients can explore personal growth, overcome anxieties, and rediscover their inner strength. Whether you're struggling with self-esteem, feeling isolated, or seeking clarity about life purpose, I'm committed to walking alongside you with genuine understanding and professional guidance. Drawing from evidence-based practices, I help clients develop practical tools for managing stress, processing difficult emotions, and building healthier relationships. My practice honors each individual's unique journey, offering compassionate support tailored to your specific needs and goals.