I seek to empower my clients to engage the world through their unique strengths. I work with individuals and couples who are struggling with emotional well being, life transitions, and relationships. In working together, I utilize a person-centered, integrative and collaborative approach to therapy, with the understanding that each person is distinctive and individual. I have experience with many issues ranging from mild to severe. I have worked in private practice, community mental health, and residential settings. My goal is to meet clients where they are and to create a comfortable, safe space for growth, exploration and self-healing. My education includes a Bachelor’s from DePaul University, a Masters from Loyola University Graduate School of Business in Human Resource Management, and a Masters from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in Counseling Psychology. I hold a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) licensure in the State of Illinois and have over 10 years of clinical experience. I am very compassionate, kind and open to working with any one that has interest in helping themselves.

Hello and welcome! My name is Bert Bibat. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and National Certified Counselor. I have been working in the field of counseling and psychotherapy for over 25 years and continue to find my work personally rewarding. I currently maintain a private practice in DesPlaines, Illinois where I provide Individual, Couples, Family and Group therapy for those suffering with chemical and behavioral addictions, anxiety, depression, grief/loss, relationship and family issues, anger management, and parenting skills therapy/training. Although my professional education and training have provided me with the intellectual skills and theoretical constructs which guide me in my work, I see myself as a therapist who counsels from the heart. I draw inspiration from my own life experiences and my own spiritual journey; both positive and negative. In providing a safe, supportive, and genuinely caring environment, you are free to openly express your concerns without fear of judgement. When trust is nurtured and established in the client/therapist relationship, insight and change happen. It is then that true emotional and spiritual healing can begin. I hope to gain your trust! I look forward to hearing from you.

Hello my name is Pat Granada I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 25 years of experience. I am licensed in Illinois. I earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Truman State University and a Master’s Degree from The University of Illinois School of Social Work. I have worked in many disciplines and populations of Social Work working with children, the physically disabled, the chronically and severe mentally ill, and people with medically induced life changes such as dialysis, and people in hospice. When working with my clients, I provide a warm, supportive and welcoming space that is free from judgement or rejection. I am often told that I am easy to talk with. I enjoy helping individuals meet their desired outcome and I would be delighted to help you reach yours. I have trained social workers to work in the clinical field as well and emphasize the importance of client self change with therapeutic assistance. My therapeutic approaches include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Behavioral Modification, and Mindfulness. These modalities have proven to be highly effective throughout my years of helping others. "This first message may seem very formal, but it is absolutely necessary that I share with you your legal rights for self-care should you experience a crisis or need a higher LOC (level of care). It includes my availability to you to support you along your counseling journey; and, discusses your HIPPA rights which ensure and protect your right to privacy and confidentiality. These therapeutic requirements for Informed Consent and Duty to Warn are a part of the development of the therapeutic relationship; and, although it may not necessarily apply to you I am required to share this information immediately (Informed Consent) in the event the steps outlined below become necessary so that you understand your rights, feel validated, and know what steps to take: -I am committed to responding to you within 24 hours–I do check my messages at least twice a day, but cannot provide sessions until the evening— with the exception of weekends and holidays; as I am committed during the AM hours to work in my other job working as a medical social worker. I will respect your personal time with not interrupting you after 9pm CST daily. If you decide to schedule a live phone session with me, you are able to schedule your appointments based on my availability schedule from your dashboard as well under the “SCHEDULE’ tab; I will receive a notice anytime that you schedule an appointment ;It is strongly encouraged that we discuss a time to meet. I cannot guarantee that I can make an appt if not agreed upon by us together. -The platform or dashboard where we communicate for services is open 24 hours a day/7 days a week, with asynchronous messaging where you can chat-in at any time. Please keep in mind that I will respond to you within 24 hours, in the evening at the latest., except on weekends and/or holidays, however, you can respond or initiate contact for when it is convenient to you; -Sharing ‘Duty to Warn’ with you is part of your Informed Consent as it is an ‘ exception’ to your rights to privacy and confidentiality. This means that I am required to inform you that you should call 911 to report an emergency if you are having or begin to have thoughts of suicide or if you are planning suicide. Suicidal Ideation or Planning is an emergency for us both because it involves preservation of your life; my professional and therapeutic duty is to first preserve life. You should inform your love ones and your Emergency Contacts so that they can support you in accessing the help you may need to engage level of care within your community for crises of any nature. “Duty to Warn” also includes thoughts or plans of Homicide (killing or hurting someone else); and, the Abuse or Neglect of the Elderly or Children including indecency or other sexual acts; -If you share any information with me (verbally or written) that falls under the guidelines of “Duty to Warn,” I am required, by Law, to inform the legal authorities and possibly your Emergency Contact immediately if you have not communicated intent to do so or have not already done so. In some cases, if you do have experiences which fall under the “Duty to Warn’ guidelines, you may be required to submit your follow-up evaluation of receiving adequate care within your community to BetterHelp for continued counseling via LOC Tele-therapy; **-Finally, because we are not a crisis center, we can’t provide the counseling services/support that are required in a crisis situation. You can dial 911, 211, or 411; and/or, also call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). The following website can be accessed, as well, to help you if you are in need of immediate support: http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ ***This is the end of your Informed Consent and Duty to Warn for me as your Therapist; please let me know if you have any questions as we prepare to move forward in your counseling journey…" I applaud you for taking the first step on your path to improving your emotional well being. I look forward to working with you along the way.

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

Welcome! My name is Yvette Medina and I am a bicultural Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of Illinois with a sense of humor and a love for helping people. I have over 17 years experience working in the mental health field. I am so happy that you are taking the first step in taking care of yourself. I applaud you as you enter this journey. I understand that it is not always easy meeting with a stranger and sharing your fears and vulnerabilities, however, after a few minutes of introductions and exchanged pleasantries we will no longer be strangers. Allow me to help you onto your journey as you discover your inner strength. I will be your biggest advocate, and your support, we will laugh and celebrate accomplishments that you will make in our sessions together, from the biggest to the smallest. I believe in meeting you where you are at while providing you a safe space. I currently work for a non for profit agency with the focus of addiction treatment, anger management, homelessness, family reunification, and mental health issues. My areas of expertise are major depressive disorder, personality disorders, bipolar disorders, family/relationship conflicts, life transitions, and complex trauma/abuse, prenatal and postpartum depression. I also have experience working with individuals that suffer from anxiety, intellectual/developmental disabilities, pervasive developmental disorders, and immigration/acculturation issues. I am also a proud advocate of individuals from the LGBTQ community. As a Latinex/bicultural counselor I am able to relate with you through many shared experiences. I am well versed in various theoretical orientations, such as, person-centered, motivational interviewing, brief solution-focused counseling, cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, dialectical behavioral therapy and life coach techniques. In addition, I can apply more classical approaches to counseling and adapt to your current needs. I look forward to meeting with you and assisting you to reach your true potential. My hobbies are reading, traveling, knitting, baking (eating bake goods), photography (I will send an occasional picture when its relatable and appropriate,) painting, and watching soap operas (novelas). Self care is important for you and I. I will remind you to engage regularly in self care for positive mental health purposes as this will be included as part of your goals. At this time, I am only open during the weekends.

I am a passionate yet pragmatic individual who brings a person-center, trauma-informed approach to the therapeutic relationship with each person I encounter. In my 22 years of practice as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker I have worked with persons struggling with anxiety, depression, inter-personal relationship struggles, life challenges including grief, addictions and complex trauma. I believe in unconditional positive regard for each person I encounter and support their journey to discovering their strengths using a solution focused approach, as well as journaling and coloring. Additionally I am a certified, advanced addictions counselor with over 25 years of experience. I look forward to working with you.

Hello! I am Sara Rivera. I am a clinically licensed bilingual (English/Spanish) social worker licensed in the state of Illinois and Wisconsin. I received my Master's Degree in Social Work from Fordham University Graduate School of Social Service in New York City, where I am from. I have over 14 years experience in various parts of the field of social work: Child welfare advocacy, substance use disorders, crisis intervention, psychotherapy, sexual assault response advocacy and hospice/grief counseling. I have worked within a variety of settings with diverse individuals from various socio-economic, cultural, ethnic, educational and other diversified backgrounds, including LGBTQ. In my work as a clinician, I ensure my clients are free from judgement in a safe environment in which they can safely process their feelings while I help to guide them on their journey to healing and/or helping them reach their goals. My focal point is ALWAYS meeting my clients where they are at in life and not where I would like them to be as this is their journey not mine. I utilize a variety of combine clinical approaches that are individualized to each client's needs, all treatment plans are developed together and with the approval of the clients I work. If you are ready to take the next step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to beginning our work together soon! With care and attention to all that matters to you, Sara

I am licensed in Illinois with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, coping with grief and loss, & 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

I am licensed in Illinois with 16 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 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.

As a licensed therapist in Illinois, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating life's complex emotional landscapes. My approach is deeply compassionate and tailored to each person's unique journey, with expertise in addressing stress, anxiety, grief, and self-esteem challenges. I focus on helping clients work through diverse experiences, including workplace dynamics, relationship transitions, caregiver stress, and personal growth. My practice centers on creating a supportive environment where individuals can explore their emotions, develop resilience, and rediscover their inner strength. Drawing from years of clinical experience, I'm committed to walking alongside my clients as they confront challenging life moments—whether dealing with midlife transitions, young adult uncertainties, or personal healing. My therapeutic style emphasizes empowerment, self-compassion, and meaningful personal transformation. I understand that seeking support takes courage, and I'm dedicated to providing a warm, non-judgmental space where you can explore your experiences and develop powerful strategies for emotional well-being.

As a licensed therapist in Illinois, I bring 30 years of dedicated experience supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My professional journey is rooted in compassionate, evidence-based care, with specialized expertise in addressing depression, anxiety, relationship dynamics, trauma recovery, and life transition challenges. I approach therapy as a collaborative partnership, believing that each person holds the innate capacity for healing and growth. My therapeutic style centers on creating a supportive, non-judgmental environment where clients can explore their experiences, develop resilient coping strategies, and rediscover their inner strengths. My commitment is to walk alongside you, offering empathetic guidance and professional insights tailored to your unique journey. Whether you're struggling with emotional challenges, seeking personal growth, or working through significant life transitions, I'm here to provide thoughtful, personalized support.

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!

I am a licensed clinical social worker with a doctorate degree in social work. I specialize in trauma, family, couples, and individual counseling. I can help those with anxiety, depression, PTSD, DID, and attachment issues. I am qualified to perform EMDR and TFCBT. I have used DBT and been trained and that. I use CBT.

As a licensed therapist in Illinois, I specialize in supporting individuals through complex life transitions and personal growth. My practice centers on empowering women navigating challenging experiences, including relationship dynamics, career shifts, and personal healing. I bring expertise in addressing addiction, family conflicts, and workplace challenges with a compassionate, strength-based approach. My therapeutic work focuses on helping clients develop self-love, explore life purpose, and heal from experiences like divorce, abandonment, and domestic challenges. I'm particularly passionate about supporting women through significant life stages, including pregnancy, fertility journeys, and family transformations. Drawing from a trauma-informed perspective, I create a supportive environment where clients can explore their experiences, develop resilience, and cultivate meaningful personal growth. My approach honors each individual's unique journey, providing culturally responsive and affirming care.