Just under 50 miles from Chicago you can find the City of Lakemoor, Illinois in the counties of both McHenry and Lake. In the mid-1800s, the earliest European settlers here were farmers looking for good soil and innkeepers attracted by the Fox River and Lily Lake recreational activities. In fact, much of the area is still beachfront locations.
Enjoying outdoor activities can be good for your physical as well as your mental health. However, if you are struggling with an emotional or mental health illness or concern, you should contact one of the Lakemoor area’s mental health experts for an appointment today.
Debbie Chirikos
I have been a career clinical social worker for 40 years. I have chosen to be a counselor my entire professional, adult life, because I love it! I have done this in multiple states across America, Hawaii and Canada. I am curious and driven to expand my skills and knowledge, and be a change agent for my clients. I want my skills to be fresh and relevant in a changing social landscape. To me, there no distractions when I am engaged with my clients. I am as fully attuned to my client as I can be and want nothing more than for my client's success and resolution of their problems, and the things in their life that are painful or self-defeating. I have a Bachelor's and Masters degree in Clinical Social Work. I attended universities in Colorado. I think I can best help clients who want to do the hard work, look at themselves and with my support and guidance, make real changes in their life that move them toward their authentic selves. Clients who embrace non-judgmental feedback will be comfortable with me. Clients who have repeated self-defeating behaviors will find me patient and tolerant of their struggles. Clients who understand that humor is a tool to heal will be comfortable with me. I think mental health is something that we groom. Finally, working with a motivated client and reaching those moments of confidence and calm together is a satisfaction like no other. I believe all people who are suffering have the seeds within them to solve their own problems. Sometimes we just need a partner in that journey . Sometimes, we just want to talk to someone who will listen to us!
Catherine Valentine
I am an IL Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am excited that you have decided to start improving your own mental health.
Regina Hughes
Life can be a challenge at times and everyone needs someone that they can talk to. Seeking out counseling is a wise choice and is the first step in becoming your best self. Let me tell you a little about my self. I am a licensed Clinical Counselor Professional Counselor (LCPC) and educator that has worked with adults, teens, and families. I have worked with both inpatient and outpatient psychiatric clients. My background includes working with clients that have multiple issues including depression, stress and anxiety, PTSD, anger and relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, OCD, and substance abuse. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. In addition, I have worked with clients that are receiving special education services and have academic and behavioral concerns, including autism and ADHD. My therapist style is one that is open, warm, nonjudgmental, and is client-centered and focused on providing a space where clients feel heard, valued, and respected. I believe this type of therapeutic environment is essential for healing and allows the client to adequately grow and have a successful positive experience. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic, hypnotherapy, and rational-emotive therapy. I will tailor a treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change and becoming your best self. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!
Erika Luhn
As a licensed therapist in Illinois with over two decades of experience, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My practice focuses on addressing challenges such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and relationship dynamics. I bring deep expertise in helping clients work through issues like isolation, guilt, shame, body image concerns, and interpersonal struggles. My approach is compassionate and tailored, with a particular commitment to supporting women, young adults, and individuals experiencing life transitions. I understand the intricate ways trauma, mood disorders, and family dynamics intersect, and I'm dedicated to creating a supportive environment where clients can explore their experiences and develop meaningful strategies for healing and growth. Drawing from extensive clinical experience, I offer a nuanced, empathetic approach that honors each person's unique journey. Whether you're dealing with relationship challenges, processing past experiences, or seeking to enhance personal resilience, I'm here to provide thoughtful, professional guidance.
William Edleman
I am licensed in Illinois with 32 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, career difficulties, depression, & coping with life changes. 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.
Dea Johnson
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.
Brenda Sullivan-Rice
Hello, my name is Brenda Rice. I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois with over three decades of experience. I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My practice focuses on helping clients work through challenges like depression, anxiety, trauma, and relationship difficulties. I offer a compassionate approach that addresses self-love, communication struggles, isolation, and healing from difficult life experiences. My therapeutic style is deeply attuned to individual needs, whether you're dealing with mood disorders, young adult transitions, or recovering from painful life events like divorce or sexual assault. I create a supportive environment where clients can explore their emotions, develop resilience, and work towards personal growth and understanding. I understand that healing is a deeply personal journey, and I'm committed to walking alongside you with empathy, respect, and professional expertise. My goal is to help you build stronger connections—with yourself and others—and find pathways to emotional wellness and inner peace.
Wayland Smith
I am licensed in Illinois with 38 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, family conflicts, & bipolar disorder. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Sarah Lamie
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.
Carrie Wallace-Onifade
I am licensed in Illinois with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & career difficulties. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Malissa Dieterle
I am licensed in Illinois with 26 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Adele Duba-Nagel
I am an Illinois licensed clinical social worker with over 12 years of experience helping individuals coping with grief and loss, trauma, relationship issues, family conflicts, improving motivation, self-esteem and confidence, and addictions. 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 pleased you chose to place your trust in us. I take a person-centered approach when working with my clients. This means that our work is collaborative and based on your goals for the specific areas you'd like to focus on. I collaborate with clients to explore their entire person: your physical and mental health, your core beliefs and history, your living and working environments, and what gives your life meaning and purpose. I endeavor to meet my clients where they are. I do not view my clients as "having problems" or worse, "being a problem". Rather, we are just human beings having human experiences - and, because humans are social beings, we often need to turn to others for help. Healing is a process of discovery and change. The support and guidance of a therapist can help bring out the best in you. Together we embark on a path of exploration and discovery. We identify your strengths, and confront and learn to cope with challenges. Your best self emerges, and you'll discover that creating and maintaining meaningful relationships, and enhancing your enjoyment of life is not only possible, it is an adventure.
Shelly Scamardo
Hi, I’m Shelly! I’m a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with a passion for helping clients build confidence, manage emotions, and reach their full potential. For over 20 years, I’ve supported individuals through challenges such as anxiety, depression, behavioral concerns, and life transitions—helping them find healthier ways to cope and connect. After earning my bachelor’s degree in psychology from Michigan State University, I moved to Chicago and attended the Illinois School of Professional Psychology, where I earned my master’s degree in 1999 and my doctorate in 2004. From the beginning, my work has focused on understanding the emotional world of the clients that I work with and helping strengthen communication and resilience. I believe every one of us has the inner strength to grow and thrive. My approach is warm, collaborative, and rooted in compassion and evidence-based practices like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I work closely with you to uncover what’s behind the emotional or behavioral struggles and to develop tools that foster understanding, balance, and confidence. My goal is to create a safe, supportive space where you feel heard and understood—and where you feel guided and empowered. Reaching out for therapy is a courageous step, and I’m honored to walk alongside you on this journey toward healing and growth.
Keisha Wilson
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Illinois, bringing over 9 years of experience to my work with individuals navigating a wide range of emotional and psychological challenges. My areas of expertise include depression, anxiety, trauma, intimate partner violence, emotional abuse, safety planning, advocacy, women’s issues, problem-solving, and fostering self-acceptance. Throughout my career, I have been deeply committed to creating a therapeutic space that is safe, supportive, and empowering. I believe in honoring each person’s unique story and treating every client with dignity, respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My goal is to ensure that you feel truly seen, heard, and valued. My therapeutic approach is integrative, drawing from cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic, narrative, and rational-emotive behavioral therapies. I tailor each session and treatment plan to align with your individual needs, goals, and strengths, working collaboratively to support your growth and healing. Taking the first step toward change requires courage, and I commend you for considering this journey. I am here to walk alongside you—offering guidance, encouragement, and unwavering support. I look forward to the opportunity to work together.
Find a Therapist Near You in Lakemoor , Illinois
Finding a licensed therapist near you in Illinois can be an important step toward improving your mental health and overall well-being. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, stress, or major life changes, working with a qualified mental health professional can offer meaningful support.
Illinois is home to people with diverse mental health needs across urban, suburban, and rural communities. Online therapy makes it easier to connect with a therapist near you without being limited to nearby offices. BetterHelp connects you with licensed therapists authorized to practice in Illinois, allowing you to attend sessions online from the comfort of your home.
Why work with a licensed therapist near you?
Working with a licensed therapist near you ensures that your provider meets state licensing requirements and professional standards in Illinois (IL). Licensed therapists use evidence-based approaches to help individuals manage emotional challenges, develop coping skills, and work toward personal goals.
People seek therapy for many reasons. Some are navigating ongoing mental health concerns, while others want guidance during stressful periods or major life transitions. You do not need a mental health diagnosis to work with a therapist. Many individuals seek therapy to improve communication, strengthen relationships, manage stress, or gain greater self-awareness.
Online therapy can be especially helpful for people living across Illinois, where access to in-person mental health care may vary by location.
What concerns can therapists help with?
Therapists on BetterHelp support adults across Illinois with a wide range of mental health concerns and life challenges, including:
- Anxiety and stress
- Depression and mood-related concerns
- Trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Grief and loss
- Relationship and family challenges
- Life transitions and adjustment concerns
- Self-esteem and confidence
- Job stress and burnout
- ADHD-related challenges
- Sleep concerns
- Parenting stress
- Eating disorder support
Therapists use approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and other evidence-based methods tailored to individual needs.
Online therapy vs. in-person therapy in Illinois
When searching for a therapist near me in Illinois, many people compare online therapy with traditional in-person care. Online therapy offers several potential advantages:
- Greater accessibility: Attend sessions from anywhere with an internet connection
- Reduced wait times: Many people are matched in as little as 24-48 hours, faster than typical in-person availability
- Flexible scheduling: Sessions that fit around work, family, or school commitments
- Expanded provider options: Access licensed therapists across Illinois, not just nearby offices
Research shows that online therapy can be effective for many mental health concerns. Online therapy may also reduce barriers such as transportation challenges, long commutes, or limited local availability, especially in larger or more rural counties across Illinois.
Finding a therapist near me that accepts insurance
Many people looking for a therapist near me in Illinois want to know whether insurance is an option.
Many providers on BetterHelp now accept major insurance carriers in select states. In many states, certain therapists on BetterHelp may be in-network with specific insurance plans. Coverage depends on your plan, provider, and therapist availability.
When sessions are covered, insured members typically pay an average copay of about $19 per session. Coverage varies by state and provider availability, so it’s important to check your in-network status directly on the BetterHelp site.
If insurance coverage is not available, BetterHelp’s flexible subscription model remains an option, with online therapy typically costing $70 to $100 per week, billed weekly or monthly. Additional discounts or financial aid may also be available for a lower price.
How BetterHelp helps you find the right therapist in Illinois
BetterHelp simplifies the process of finding a therapist near you in Illinois without requiring you to search through tons of profiles on your own.
Here’s how it works:
- Complete a brief questionnaire about your needs, preferences, and goals
- Get matched with a licensed therapist authorized to practice in Illinois (IL)
- Begin online therapy sessions through video, phone, or live chat
BetterHelp works with one of the world’s largest networks of licensed therapists, with over 30,000 qualified providers globally. Many members are matched in as little as 24 to 48 hours, and 93% of user preferences are met during the matching process.
You can request a new therapist at no additional cost if your needs or preferences change.
Therapists near you in Illinois
Below, you’ll find licensed therapists authorized to provide online therapy to adults across Illinois, including residents in Lakemoor.
Each provider meets state licensing requirements and has experience supporting clients with a wide range of mental health concerns using evidence-based therapeutic approaches.
Please note: Therapists on BetterHelp in Illinois do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses.
Frequently asked questions about finding a therapist near me
How much does therapy cost near me?
Therapy costs vary depending on provider and location. In-person therapy sessions may cost $100 to $200 or more per session. BetterHelp offers online therapy subscriptions that typically range from $70 to $100 per week, billed weekly or monthly, depending on factors such as location, source, preferences, and therapist availability. Additional discounts or financial aid may also be available for a lower price. BetterHelp now accepts major insurance plans in select states and members pay an average copay of $19 per session. Coverage varies by plan, provider, and therapist availability. You can check coverage on the BetterHelp site.
Does BetterHelp accept insurance?
Yes. Many providers on BetterHelp now accept major insurance carriers in select states. In many states, certain therapists on BetterHelp may be in-network with specific insurance plans. When sessions are covered, insured members typically pay an average copay of about $19 per session. Coverage varies by plan, provider, and therapist availability. You can check coverage on the BetterHelp site.
Is online therapy effective?
Yes. Research shows that online therapy can be effective for many mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, stress, and relationship challenges. Online therapy allows you to connect with a licensed therapist without commuting to an office.
Do I need a diagnosis to see a therapist?
No. You do not need a mental health diagnosis to seek therapy. Many people work with a therapist for stress management, relationship concerns, grief, life transitions, or personal growth.
How quickly can I start therapy?
Many people are matched with a licensed therapist in as little as 24 to 48 hours after completing the initial questionnaire. Match times may vary based on preferences and therapist availability.
Can I switch therapists if it’s not the right fit?
Yes. If you feel your therapist is not the right match, you can request to be matched with another licensed provider at no additional cost. You are able to do so through the BetterHelp user portal and select switch therapists if needed.
Is online therapy private and secure?
Online therapy through BetterHelp allows you to communicate with your therapist in a discreet setting through video, phone, or messaging tools.