The village of Gurnee is the location of Six Flags Great America as well as Gurnee Mills, which draw more than 26 million visitors every year. The Mills is a huge shopping mall and Six Flags is, of course, a giant amusement park so they are both fun places to spend an afternoon or evening. 

However, having fun may seem hard to do when you are having trouble in your marriage, experiencing family issues, or emotional or mental problems. Sometimes, you need someone to talk to who knows how you feel and can help you with your feelings. In Gurnee, there are many professional counselors and therapists who can help you right now. 

This is Jill Early's avatar and link to their profile

Jill Early

Offering therapy in IL
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesDepression
14 years of experience

Welcome! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years of counseling experience. I have counseled hundreds of clients who are in need of assistance coping through a life crisis or change, as well as clients who suffer from Major Depression, Anxiety Disorders, Personality Disorders or Addictions. I have experience working in multiple settings, including hospital emergency rooms as a crisis worker, and as a psychotherapist in a private practice. I have also had the opportunity to provide clinical supervision and leadership to other clinicians, as well. We all have times where we struggle with change, decision making, relationship, family or career issues. I feel that it is a privilege to be invited into someone's life during some of their most difficult times. You are an expert on you, but we don't always have the best tools for coping through a new situation and this can be frustrating. Sometimes we need someone objective to listen and offer guidance. I offer a safe, accepting environment for my clients, balanced with identifying opportunities for growth, change and skill building. I have extensive training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. I am excited to collaborate with you on your mental health journey.

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Andrea Coulter

Offering therapy in IL
License: M.Ed.,LCPC
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseSelf esteem
12 years of experience

Thank you for taking time to learn more about me as a therapist, as you contemplate taking this important step toward attending to your own wellbeing. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of Illinois with 10 years of experience as a therapist. I would describe my approach as warm and compassionate, but I will also challenge you when needed. My ultimate goal is to help you gain the tools and insight to live the life you want. I meet my clients where they are and work collaboratively with them to develop a plan for getting them where they want to be. I believe establishing a strong working relationship and attending to the therapeutic alliance is a key aspect of successful therapy. That is to say, we will work together to get you where you want to be and will have an open dialogue to be sure your therapeutic needs are met. I offer counseling for individuals with trauma/abuse, personality disorders, mood disorders, LGBTQ related concerns, addictions, and anxiety disorders. My approach is rooted in psychodynamic theory; however, I pull from Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, CBT, and Mindfulness to help my clients gain the tools needed to face whatever challenges arise. I look forward to working with you and want to commend you for taking this step toward personal growth. Best, Andrea

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Meghan Howie-Timmel

Offering therapy in IL
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyGriefParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

Greetings. Congratulations on taking this first step. I believe that counseling is one of the greatest gifts you can give to yourself. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois who has worked in healthcare settings for 20 years. I have experience working with persons with chronic illness, grief and loss, as well as anxiety, depression, high risk pregnancy, reproductive issues, parenting, issues of self-worth, life transitions, and compassion fatigue. I am also a certified Nia dance teacher. Nia is a practice that incorporates the healing arts, the martial arts and the dance arts. I like to work from a strengths-based approach utilizing elements of humanistic and positive psychology. I incorporate mindfulness techniques and elements of gentle healing movement as I believe that through movement we find health. I also utilize elements from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to re-pattern habitual behaviors that may no longer serve the individual. Collaboratively, we will explore what emotions come up, begin to access and investigate feelings and learn to nurture self. The work will allow those who are vulnerable to find meaning, purpose, and joy leading to a more harmonious well-balanced daily life. I look forward to going on this journey with you.

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Debra Schwarze

Offering therapy in IL
License: MS, MA, LCPC
Stress, AnxietyGriefDepressionCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
30 years of experience

My name is Debra Schwarze and I am licensed counselor in Illinois and Wisconsin. I have over 25 years of experience in mental health settings including community mental health, school, faith-based, health system and private practice settings. I hold master's degrees in counseling and art therapy. I utilize an eclectic approach in counseling, primarily utilizing cognitive behavioral (CBT), DBT informed, client-centered and expressive therapy modalities. If an individual is open to it, I use art making in order to provide a voice to issues that may not have words. I have experience working with individuals with a diagnosis of major depression, bipolar disorder, all type of anxiety disorders, ADHD, life changing events, end of life issues, and cancer. I know that is challenging to ask for help with the issues that impact your life. Congratulations on taking that important first step. It is natural and normal to feel anxious and fearful to begin counseling. It is my job as the counselor to provide a safe and comfortable environment for you to be able to talk about the issues that led you to seek help. It is your job to be as open and honest as possible in order to better facilitate the growth and healing process. I cannot solve the problems that you face in life, but I commit to helping you make the changes that you would like to make. I look forward to meeting you and joining you in your journey toward improved mental well being.

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Dr. Valerie Dixon

Offering therapy in IL
License: PhD, LMHC, LCPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changes
25 years of experience

Greetings, I am Dr. Valerie E. Dixon, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and a Qualified Supervisor in the State of Florida, and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in the state of Illinois. I am also a National Certified Counselor and a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor. I have over 20 years of experience working in the counseling field in several capacities with clients from diverse socio-economic strata and a variety of presenting concerns. I earned my graduate degree in mental health and rehabilitation counseling from University of South Florida. I subsequently earned an Educational Specialist (Ed. S) from The Florida State University and a Ph.D. from Southern Illinois University @ Carbondale. I have developed and facilitated county-wide training for healthcare professionals, statewide and region-wide staff development/training initiatives for counselors. I have extensive experience working with underrepresented populations and advanced training in CBT, Trauma-Focused Resolution, Solution-Focused and Existential modalities. My life passion is helping others reach desired goals by providing them the proper tools to unlock their fullest potential. Are you ready to put in the work?

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Bradley Wolcott

Offering therapy in IL
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changesADHD
25 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has over 30 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in a variety of settings. My experience working with adults includes individual therapy in an outpatient setting, as well as working in a medical setting and on an in-patient psychiatric unit. I work with adults who are facing issues related to personal growth, life transitions, relationships, sexuality, gender, and family issues. My clients have had a wide range of issues they have needed help with; from young adults transitioning from high school or college on to the next step of their lives, to clients' who have lost of a loved one, to older adults transitioning to retirement. I have significant experience working with clients who have diagnoses of Depression, Anxiety, Autism Spectrum Disorder, PTSD and ADHD. Change of career concerns, and stress from school, work or family issues, are some of the additional issues that I have helped clients with. I enjoy working with first responders, veterans, and members of the clergy by helping them with some of the specific issues they face. I use a relaxed approach to connect with my clients and then work together to help them build upon their strengths, and achieve their goals. Developing a strong therapeutic relationship is a key to my clients' success. My clinical approach is primarily psychodynamic, but I will also draw from family systems, cognitive behavioral therapy, and dialectical behavior therapy as well.

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Rachel Salazar

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

I am currently licensed in Illinois with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, motivation, self esteem, confidence, coping with life changes & depression. I also have experience working with diverse populations and specialized in the military and veteran communities while in school. My clinical style can best be described as eclectic as I pull from several different modalities while working with clients. I also believe in treating everyone with dignity, 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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Wendy Gatewood

Offering therapy in IL
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementBipolar disorderADHD
19 years of experience

Greetings! I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois, and have my 19 years of experience in my specialization. My work experience includes multiple settings such as, residential, foster care, treatment centers, schools, and clinical. Most of my clients over the years have ranged in ages from as young as 2 until 21 years-old. I have experience with helping others manage stress and anxiety, Autism Spectrum, ADHD, Conduct Disorder, trauma and abuse, anger management, & 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. 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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Deanna Childers

Offering therapy in IL
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteemADHD
10 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with nearly 10 years of professional work experience. This experience includes internship, post graduate training, and licensure. I have experience in helping clients with Autism, ADHD, stress and anxiety, family conflicts, parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, depression and confidence. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Michael Athans

Offering therapy in IL
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteem
39 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 39 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients of all ages with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, & motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. 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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How to find counseling in Gurnee

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Gurnee 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 Gurnee 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 Gurnee 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 Gurnee, 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 Gurnee 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 Gurnee 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 Gurnee 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 Gurnee 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 Gurnee 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 60031 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 Gurnee 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 Gurnee 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 Gurnee, 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.

Gurnee 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 Gurnee.

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

60031

Popular cities near Gurnee, IL

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