Donald Shawler
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.
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!
Yvette Medina
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.
April Balzhiser
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of Illinois as well as a Certified Domestic Violence Professional. I have over 15 years of experience in social services/mental health settings working with a variety of individuals, children, families and couples from various backgrounds. I have worked extensively with domestic violence, sexual assault, mental health, child welfare/foster care, alternative schooling, trauma/abuse, and family issues. I work with my clients to ensure that they feel comfortable to share in a safe and open environment. The key to a healthy therapeutic relationship is meeting the client where they are and then growing from there. I look forward to working with you!
Sabrina Rowe
I am a licensed clinical social worker, certified addictions counselor and domestic violence professional. I have over 20 years’ experience working with diverse populations in various environmental settings. I’ve work with some of the most courageous and insightful individuals, who in retrospect, has taught me some very valuable lessons in life. My combined education and experience have availed me the opportunity to work in the court system (DCFS), substance abuse facilities, state correctional and prison systems, domestic violence shelters, hospice, and hospitals. I provide supportive services, crisis intervention, counseling, and advocacy related to mental health, substance abuse, domestic violence, and other behavioral health related issues. I believe in a holistic approach to therapeutic interventions to include the mind, body, emotional and social factors. My goal is to assess the individual, understand the stressors while providing a strength-based interventions through a client-centered perspective. Therapeutic interventions include cognitive behavioral therapy, solution focused, humanistic, psychodynamic and rational-emotive therapy. We are unique individuals and it’s important to meet clients where they are to foster growth and insight. It is an honor to assist you and I look forward to meeting your specific needs.
Camille Sears
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Licensed Art Therapist with 10 years of professional work experience. Do you feel like everyone else received a set of instructions on how life operates that you are missing? Do you feel like you are always playing catch up just to meet normal expectations? I am here to translate the manual of life. We together will navigate every intersection in life while discovering your best self. I specialize in art therapy as a modality of counseling because it encourages processing emotions through creative expression. Art therapy accesses the right hemisphere of the brain where all emotional and traumatic memories are stored. Each session I create an individualized approach through combining traditional talk therapy techniques with specialized art therapy prompts in order to help individuals release life's emotional and mental blocks. I am excited to begin this journey with you.
Amy Eilers
I am licensed as a Clinical Social Worker in Illinois and Missouri, with 24 years of professional psychotherapy experience with adults, adolescents and children, in individual and group settings. I obtained my Masters in Social Work from Indiana University. I have expertise in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, depression, cancer/life threatening illness, and other major life changes in relationships and work. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I use a variety of therapeutic approaches, including psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal, and solution focused therapy. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Patricia Presley
I am licensed in Missouri with 3 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Nisha Paliwal
I am Nisha Agmata Paliwal, Clinically Licensed Psychotherapist & Healing Professional My deepest honor is to be able to authentically energize & utilize my heart, spirit, & global healing expertise in order to enhance your personal, unique, & transformative journey towards true & total mental wellness. If you feel like you are "not okay", tell me what you really need. I'm here for your pain, your goals, your amazing potential, & your GROWTH. I am a multicultural human, & it is important to me to practice cultural humility & provide unconditional positivity towards you, no matter what. I take respectful responsibility of your allowance of my presence in your personal wellness journey, & continue evolving myself specifically to serve our humanity. I honor & respect you as a whole; Your personal wisdom, various inner & outer experiences, & true Self finds home. If you’re on your mental wellness journey, I’d be honored to join you - to be by your side, supporting you with my expertise and authenticity. My approach is to keep you at the center of all we’re doing - this is YOUR space! We can journey forward towards your growth & healing, safely & honestly...
Dr. Wende Pannell
As a licensed therapist in Illinois, I bring over two decades of compassionate mental health experience supporting individuals through complex life challenges. My practice specializes in helping clients navigate depression, anxiety, relationship dynamics, trauma recovery, and self-esteem development. I focus on creating a supportive environment where individuals can explore personal growth, address communication barriers, and work through challenging emotional experiences. My approach centers on understanding each person's unique journey, whether they're struggling with social anxiety, workplace stress, life transitions, or deeper emotional wounds. My therapeutic work emphasizes holistic healing, helping clients develop self-compassion, rebuild connections, and rediscover their inner strength. I'm committed to walking alongside individuals as they develop healthier coping strategies, process difficult experiences, and create meaningful pathways toward personal transformation. I specialize in supporting older adults and individuals experiencing midlife transitions, chronic health challenges, and complex emotional landscapes. My goal is to provide empathetic, personalized guidance that honors each client's individual experience and potential for healing.
Carla Morris
I am licensed in Illinois with more than 40 years of professional work experience. My experience includes helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, depression, ADHD & 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!
Valorie James
My name is Valorie James, and I hold licenses to provide counseling services in Illinois, Michigan and Indiana. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief, coping with loss, motivation, self-esteem, & confidence and much more. I also have experience working with individuals coping with life changes. My counseling approach is both focused and professional but also relaxed. I am known for being supportive, attentive, and impartial. I focus on identifying your strengths and helping you maximize them to overcome obstacles and/or manage them effectively in your life. I am available to assist you in addressing current challenges and provide a safe space for honest communication. You have taken the first and most crucial step by reaching out for help. After your review of this message, should you choose to move forward, feel free to view my calendar and choose a day an time that fits you best. Cheers on taking steps to participate in counseling, regardless of whether this is your first go around or not. I recognize it takes courage and thank you for considering me to help you on this journey.
Allison Green
As a licensed therapist in Illinois, I bring nearly two decades of dedicated experience supporting individuals navigating life’s challenges . My clinical approach centers on helping clients work through stress, anxiety, and trauma with compassionate, evidence-based strategies. I take a strengths based approach and am committed to create a supportive, collaborative environment where clients can develop meaningful insights, build resilience, and cultivate sustainable emotional wellness. I approach each therapeutic relationship with deep respect for individual experiences and a genuine belief in personal growth and transformation. I aim to empower individuals to understand their inner experiences, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and move toward more fulfilling lives. Every person's journey is unique, and I'm honored to walk alongside my clients as they navigate their path to healing.
Andrea Reynolds
I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in Illinois with over six years of clinical experience. I work with clients who have experienced a wide array of symptoms and concerns, including major depression, mood disorders, anxiety, LGBT+ issues, substance abuse, psychosis and sexual addiction. In addition, I have worked with people of all ages, many who have experienced tragic loss and pain. Through work in therapy and increased connection with self and others, I have seen these same individuals gain strength, healing and confidence in order to live prosperous, healthy lives. My therapy style is open, relational and inviting, as I allow the client to tell me their story in a safe, nonjudgmental atmosphere. I have used cognitive behavioral therapy techniques as well as DBT techniques to help clients improve relational bonds and manage difficult emotional patterns. I have also used the 12-Step recovery method to aid people from addictive lifestyles to abstinence and sobriety. My passion lies in encouraging you to live out your goals and thrive in your current life. I also believe that fun and play are essential to experiencing a healthy life. I encourage humor and taking healthy risks with my clients. In coming to therapy you are taking a bold and positive step toward a healthy lifestyle. I am here to support you in your personal journey and I am excited to get to know you!
Find a Therapist Near You in Merrionette Park , 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 Merrionette Park.
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.