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Anne Douglas

Offering therapy in IL
License: MS,Psychoanalysis,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefCoaching
22 years of experience

I am a psychotherapist who is licensed in Marriage and Family Therapy, as well as individual psychotherapy. I am a graduate of Northwestern University (Evanston, Illinois), The Family Institute at Northwestern University, and The Institute for Psychoanalysis (Chicago). I have been mentored personally by several of the top Family Therapy theorists in the United States. While obtaining my graduate degrees and certifications at Northwestern, I was awarded with an Honorarium to lecture and teach a 300 student 11 week psychology course at Northwestern because of my expertise in counseling. In addition, I have served as a faculty member at Lake Forest College, where I have counseled, taught, and supervised students. I have been a Clinical Fellow at the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy for over 20 years. I have been associated with Betterhelp since 2014. Tele-Medicine Psychotherapy allows my clients/patients more access to me through their virtual visits and unlimited email, which is far more helpful, convenient, and safe then weekly or bi-weekly office visits, as well as, less expensive in cost. My clinical experience includes, but is not limited to, individual, couple, and family therapy. The patients that I have successfully treated include people who present with issues relating to Life Transitions, Relationship and Marital Counseling, Child and Adolescent Issues and Concerns, PTSD & Trauma Resolution, Anxiety and Stress Disorders, Depression, Bipolar, Grief and Loss, Personality Disorders, Military-Veterans, Career Challenges, Weight Loss/Maintenance, Family Therapy, Family of Origin Healing, and Personal Growth & Self Awareness. I also work with clients who need assistance in life coaching. I am licensed to advise clients on issues and matters that come up as they navigate parenthood. My goals for each patient are individually thought-out according to a collaboration between patient and therapist. I can teach you how to become your own best advocate. My objective as your counselor is to assist in making you the best that you can be. I am extremely prompt in responding to all of the Betterhelp subscribers who are assigned to me. If you want my assistance on a daily basis, I am available to work with you. I am here for you as often as you'd like me to be. My objectives are to help you to exist in the environment in which you live and to assist you in getting to the next place in your life. For those of you who are in relationships that have ended, I will assist you with survival skills which focus on THE WHY, THE HOPE, THE WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN, and THE LETTING GO, a system that I have developed that has helped hundreds of my clients. The modalities that I use in my counseling approach are Psychodynamic, Family of Origin, Internal Family Systems, Humanistic, Behavioral, Cognitive, CBT, Systemic, Solution Focused, Trauma Focused, as well as others. I set up a compassion-focused alliance with my clients. I offer Live Camera Sessions, Live Phone Sessions, and Email Chat Sessions, as well as continuous email communication, to my clients. The choice is yours. People start to heal the moment they feel heard. I look forward to joining with you as your counselor.

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Angela Colville

Offering therapy in IL
License: LCSW,LMSW
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
12 years of experience

Welcome! I am glad you are here. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois and Michigan. I have helped and supported people to cope with and effectively manage anxiety, depression, stress, life changes, aging and grief - improving and maintaining quality of life throughout the life spectrum. My professional experience has been in assisting individuals and families dealing with chronic and terminal illnesses – issues directly related to these situations – and separate issues altogether. I am warm, empathic with a sense of humor. I am an attentive, non-judgmental and compassionate listener. I believe in a collaborative approach as you move toward achieving your life goals and improving your emotional well-being - in your professional and personal life. I utilize psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral and humanistic counseling with a strengths-based perspective. I am so glad you are here. Life is a journey and I am here to support and empower you on the path. I look forward to working with you!

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Donald Shawler

Offering therapy in IL
License: MA,LCPC
Stress, AnxietyLGBTAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
20 years of experience

Donald (Don) Shawler ia a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) who uses an integrative approach to working with adults dealing with depression, anxiety and other mental health problems. This integrative approach involves a person centered technique to help clients identify and address issues in an accepting, non-judgmental and safe environment. Using Cognitive based techniques, clients are taught to re-frame thoughts that hold them back and impact emotional and mental well being. Mr. Shawler also helps clients address anger issues by teaching anger management skills. With over 20 years of experience, Mr. Shawler has been successful working with many individuals dealing with a wide range of issues.

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Jessica Ellefritz

Offering therapy in IL
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
15 years of experience

At one point in our lives, each of us will need someone who is willing to hear and hold our pain. I count it as a privilege when I am invited in to another's life at a time of hurt, crisis, or crossroads. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 15 years of experience. I know that every person I meet has a story to be told, and not one story is the same. As a result, I know that there is not one single counseling approach that is the right fit for all. Through the use of a client and strengths based approach, as well as motivational interviewing, I will work to create an environment that is customized for your healing. Together we will travel this journey to a more peaceful, healthier, and safer way of life. My educational background includes a Bachelor of Social Work from Western Illinois University and a Master of Social Work from Michigan State University. Social work has afforded me the opportunity to work with several populations in a variety of settings. I have held the titles of Outpatient therapist, Counselor, Hospice Social Worker, and School Social Worker. Regardless of the setting, it is always an honor to witness healing and transformation in another's life.

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Dr. Cassandra April

Offering therapy in IL
License: Ed.D, LCPC
Family conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
30 years of experience

I am an African American female located in the Chicago land area. I have been a licensed clinical professional counselor in the state of Illinois for over 25 years. I also have many years of experience teaching counseling and psychology as an adjunct professor at six different colleges and universities. As a therapist who is also a Christian, I assist people in the areas of faith and spiritual matters, if requested. I am the author of the new book "Tending to Broken Hearts: Reflections from Three Decades in the Counselor's Chair" available on Amazon. I do not operate according to the medical model and don't work with issues pertaining to psychotropic medications or imbalanced brain chemistry. I operate from the perspective that we all have choices, and need to make healthy ones in order to live mentally, emotionally, and spiritually healthy lives.

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Kathryn Douglas

Offering therapy in IL
License: LCPC
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepression
3 years of experience

I have worked in mental health since 2004. I have been employed in a variety of settings and worked with individuals struggling with addiction, chronic mental health issues, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, postpartum depression and anxiety. I work from a behavior context, largely utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and other behavioral techniques. I completed my Bachelor's degree in Psychology in 2004 from Quincy University, my Master's degree in Education in Counseling in 2007 from Quincy University, a Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis from Penn State in 2013, and a Master's degree in Sociology from Arizona State University in Spring of 2022.

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Dr. Jerome Anderson

Offering therapy in IL
License: DSW,LCSW,BCD
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCoaching
24 years of experience

I am Dr. Jerome Anderson, an advanced-practice clinical professional offering a wide range of clinical services. I am licensed as a clinical social worker (LCSW), nationally board certified as an advanced practice clinical social worker (BCD), certified as a clinical forensic social worker/psychotherapist (CCFC), and certified as a correctional health care professional (CCHP). As such, I provide services focused on severe and persistent mental health concerns as well as mild mental health conditions, such as professional counseling, psychotherapy, and consulting services for clinical assistance in mental health symptom management, behavioral redirection, life-style adjustment, and crisis abatement. All therapeutic approaches are scientific & evidence based. The treatment modalities utilized but not limited to are cognitive-behavioral principles and strengths-based theory. I am licensed to provide these services in the states of Missouri and Illinois. Most recently, I worked as a clinical psychotherapist, Behavioral Health Consultant, and Flight Commander of Behavioral Health Services for the United States Department of the Air Force. I also have a history of working as a criminal justice clinician and director of the mental health departments within large metropolitan jails and correctional facilities. I have also worked in maximum-security prisons as a forensic clinician. In all capacities, I have experience evaluating, diagnosing, and developing appropriate treatment goals. I also have experiences working with the judicial systems where I have developed and implemented recommendations based on patient competency levels as well as led the therapeutic treatment process. Along with this experience, I have worked as a full-time law enforcement officer. Lastly, I am an Active Duty Commissioned Officer (Lieutenant Commander) in the United States Public Health Services Commissioned Corp (USPHS-CC) where I operate as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) and Coordinator for Employee Relations/Officer Advocacy for USPHS. I look forward to working with you!!

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Jamie Benson

Offering therapy in IL
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
8 years of experience

I'm so glad your here and that you are ready to start this journey with me. My name is Jamie Benson. I am licensed Marriage and Family therapist in Illinois. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse. My interventions utilize cognitive behavioral therapy/trauma -focused CBT, EMDR, Dialectic Behavioral Therapy, and various couples models. Being trained in Marriage and Family Therapy, I look at each case through a systemic lens. I understand that relationships can be complex and I approach each relationship I work with based on the individuals and couples needs and consider them within their environments. I work with couples to repair trust, improve communication, and strengthen their emotional intimacy with each other. My background has allowed me to support divorcing couples, or parents looking to receive co-parenting therapy to improve their family dynamics. I love working with kiddos and have a back ground in ABA therapy, and play therapy interventions. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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This is Valerie Roland's avatar and link to their profile

Valerie Roland

Offering therapy in IL
Family conflictsGriefDepressionCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue

I am licensed in Illinois with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with family conflicts, coping with grief and loss, depression, & coping with life changes. 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.

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This is Bryan Hinman's avatar and link to their profile

Bryan Hinman

Offering therapy in IL
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTTrauma and abuseCompassion fatigue
13 years of experience

In my clinical experience, I have worked with many client populations but I specialize in working with LGBTQ+ issues, anxiety, depression, stress management, trauma-related issues, and behavioral and substance use addictions.. As far as my therapeutic orientation, I would describe myself my core approaches as trauma-informed, person-centered, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), That said, I am always willing to weave in other approaches to match a client's given need as every therapeutic orientation has its different strengths. Beyond a given theoretical framework, I firmly believe at the heart of any real change is the therapeutic relationship. To that end, I value constructive feedback, informed consent, safety, and above all making sure that the client knows that they have an input and voice on how we use our time together. In that sense, I adapt my approach to the client. I bring authenticity and genuine empathy to each person I serve, pairing these qualities with effective and approachable therapeutic interventions that research supports. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the core of my personal and professional values. As a gay man, I have had my own experiences of not being affirmed, especially when it came to my healthcare. It is my hope to not only create a welcoming space for people of all identities, but a space where folks are able to safely reflect on difficult subjects without fear of being shamed or not affirmed for all aspects of who they are. I hold a Master's in Clinical Psychology from Eastern Illinois University and have been doing clinical work for over 13 years. Thank you for taking the time to read my bio and please don't hesitate to reach out if you have questions. I genuinely look forward to working with you.

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How to find counseling in Golden Gate

Finding the best therapist close by in Golden Gate 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 Golden Gate. 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 Golden Gate, 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 Golden Gate 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 Golden Gate 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 Golden Gate, elsewhere in Wayne, 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 Golden Gate area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Golden Gate 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 Golden Gate 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 Golden Gate 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 Golden Gate, 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 Golden Gate 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 Golden Gate 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 Golden Gate 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 Golden Gate 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 Golden Gate 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 62843 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 Golden Gate 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 Golden Gate 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 Golden Gate, 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.

Golden Gate 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 Golden Gate.

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

62843

Popular cities near Golden Gate, IL

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