Taking care of a loved one with autism can be very stressful. Just going to the grocery store can cause a major meltdown. How can you get anything done when your child hates going anywhere? Luckily, there are many mental health care providers in Freeport trained to treat autism, as well as other mental health issues. 

Freeport is known as Pretzel City, USA because The Billerbeck Bakery Pretzel Company has been making pretzels there since the 1850s. Children with autism are picky about what kinds of foods they eat so pretzels may be a no-no for your child. Talk to one of the therapists in Freeport right away to find out the best way to help make things easier on you and your child. 

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David Galarza

Offering therapy in IL
License: MA, LCPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepression
18 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with over 18 years of experience working in private practice and as a school counselor. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, OCD and ADHD. I also have helped many people who desire to integrate their faith during the counseling process. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic and solution-focused counseling. I believe in a collaborative process when designing a treatment plan in order to meet your specific needs. I commend you on taking the first step to healing. It takes courage to do so and you should be proud of yourself. I look forward to walking this road of healing with you.

This is Dr. Carnell Colebrook-Claude PhD Clinical, Health, Forensic, & Neuropsyc  NCC, BCTMH, LPCC, LIMHP. LSOE, LSOTP, Certified Nutritionist's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Carnell Colebrook-Claude PhD Clinical, Health, Forensic, & Neuropsyc NCC, BCTMH, LPCC, LIMHP. LSOE, LSOTP, Certified Nutritionist

Offering therapy in IL
License: Ph.D. Clinical, Health, Forensic & Neuro; LCPC, LIMHP, LPCC, LPC, NCC, BCTMH, & Nutritionist
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseBipolar disorderDepression
30 years of experience

With over 25 years of extensive mental health experience, I hold a Ph.D. (APA accredited) in Clinical, Health, Forensic, & Neuropsychology. I am also a Certified Nutritionist, a Board-Certified TeleMental Health Provider (BC-TMH); a Board-Certified Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Texas, Illinois, and New Jersey; a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in Kentucky; a Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner (LIMHP) in Nebraska; a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Montana and Illinois; a Licensed Sex Offender Treatment Provider (LSOTP) and Licensed Sex Offender Evaluator (LSOE) in Illinois and Montana; , Telehealth Provider #TPMC864 (Florida) Licensed Professional Counselor #37PC00852500 (New Jersey) Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor #LCPC03319 (Kansas) Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor #CP5260-R (Nevada) and a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in The Bahamas. I have three master’s degrees (Professional Counseling, Clinical Psychology, and Christian Counseling). I have been inducted into the Psi Chi international honor society in psychology and the Pi Lambda Theta honor society in education. I have worked successfully with individuals, couples, groups, and families with a broad range of concerns, including but not limited to parenting problems, addiction, career challenges, depression, divorce, domestic abuse, and eating disorders. I have also worked with persons coping with illness, grief, loss, family conflict, pre-marital concerns, anxiety, infidelity, OCD, men’s issues, sexual abuse, spirituality, suicidal ideation, PTSD, weight loss, women’s issues, relationships issues, panic attacks, etc. I have also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma and, or emotional abuse. Throughout the years, I have developed a comprehensive multidisciplinary background that has allowed me to recognize, diagnose, and successfully help and treat hundreds of individuals of all ages and ethnicities. My treatment style is warm, interactive, and solution-based. My psychotherapy approach is integrative and eclectic, combining cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic, motivational, rational emotive counseling, smart recovery, positive psychology, and other proven techniques. I show empathy and honestly believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I do not believe in stigmatizing labels, so I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I will do my best to assist you in achieving your desired results. It is commendable and takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and take the first steps toward change and enhancement. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to assist you in achieving your purpose and goals for being here, in addition to encouraging, supporting, and empowering you. I look forward to working with you!

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Beverly Smith

Offering therapy in IL
License: MA,MSW, LCSW
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
20 years of experience

Beverly (Ann) Smith Bio In addition to being a therapist, I am a licensed clinical social worker (MSW, LCSW), certified dementia practitioner and former Baccalaureate trained nurse. This unique background enables me to empower others in multiple ways. My over 20 years of experience includes working in hospitals, clinics, adoption/foster care agencies, assisted living facilities, and teaching as an adjunct professor at local junior colleges. I have counseled children, teens, foster parents, grandparents, young parents, members of the LGBTQ community, and cisgender adults using cognitive behavioral therapy, narrative therapy, and mindfulness-based therapy. I believe that good outcomes with therapy are significantly linked to being matched with the therapist best suited for you. My goal is to be caring, honest, compassionate, committed and effective.

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David Crager

Offering therapy in IL
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
26 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 26 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, 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. 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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Margaret Owens

Offering therapy in IL
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
5 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Illinois with over 5 years experience providing therapeutic services to diverse populations of individuals, groups, and families. I have worked with clients with a wide variety of presenting concerns including depression, stress and anxiety, ADHD, family conflicts, relationship issues, anger management, and self-esteem. I have also helped many clients work through trauma, abuse, grief and loss. My therapy style is genuine and integrative. I do not tie myself to a singular therapeutic method, but rather work to blend elements from different approaches in order to tailor each client’s treatment based on specific needs. Using various talk therapy methods such as motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, psychoanalysis, and mindfulness techniques, I strive to help each individual feel comfortable and understood. If you are ready to make some positive changes in your life, I am here to support you along the way. Look forward to working with you!

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Holly Anderson

Offering therapy in IL
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
13 years of experience

With over 13 years of clinical experience I understand that successful treatment outcomes occur when the foundation of one’s therapeutic approach is holistic. We now know that our feelings, beliefs, attitudes, spiritual life and physical well-being are all intrinsically intertwined and thus essential to address all of these areas together and not separately like once believed. I practice with a variety of evidence based therapeutic methods some of these included: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT); Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT); Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT); Family Systems among additional long-standing effective interventions. From our initial session you will find I work collaboratively with each of my clients. We work together to address pressing stressors; identify treatment goals and objectives; develop a treatment plan that is tailored specifically for the individual; explore any underlying/contributing factors; work together to identify new healthy coping skills that fit the individuals' certain coping style. It is my belief that a sound therapeutic alliance is a critical part of effective treatment outcomes. I have found successful clients are actively involved in this joint effort, stick with it even when it is not always easy to do so and who are committed to their individualized plan of care. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state Illinois with over 13 years of clinical work. I have worked with number of populations with various disorders including: Anxiety Disorders (with and without trauma histories); Mood Disorders; Behavioral Disorders; Personality Disorders; Substance Abuse/Co-Occuroing Disorders; Grief/Loss; Internal Family Systems. My Bachelor's degree is in Psychology from the University of Massachusetts. I was also a Research Assistant at the University of Massachusetts for 2 years researching mindfulness skills and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques applied to Anxiety Disorders. I obtained my Master’s degree in Social Work at the University of Iowa.

This is Arielle Valentine's avatar and link to their profile

Arielle Valentine

Offering therapy in IL
Stress, AnxietyDepression
3 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 & 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. 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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Dr. Rosita "Rose" Fernandez

Offering therapy in IL
License: PsyD
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseBipolar disorderDepressionCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

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.

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Alyson Hu

Offering therapy in IL
Self esteemCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
3 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical social worker in Illinois. Since entering the social work profession 17 years ago, I have worked in the areas of healthcare, schools, and early childhood programs. For the past 3 years, I have focused on behavioral health. I have experience in helping clients who are coping with stress, life changes, chronic disease & compassion fatigue. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

This is Branka Kojic's avatar and link to their profile

Branka Kojic

Offering therapy in IL
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
14 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

How to find counseling in Freeport

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Freeport 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 Freeport 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 Freeport 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 Freeport, 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 Freeport 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 Freeport 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 Freeport 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 Freeport 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 Freeport 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 61032 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 Freeport 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 Freeport 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 Freeport, 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.

Freeport 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 Freeport.

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

61032

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