• B.A. in Human Services from National-Louis University • MSW from Loyola University Chicago School of Social Work • Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” – Arthur Ashe Throughout our lives we are challenged by obstacles that can be difficult to manage on our own. Reaching out for help in those times can be incredibly difficult. Working with a therapist during those struggles in life can help find the insight into some of the most rewarding and positive changes we make; leading to a more fulfilling and peaceful life. The first step in making changes in your life begins now. I have been working the mental health field for over 16 years with clients struggling with depression, anxiety, grief & loss, addiction & co-dependency issues, and relationship or family dynamics. I have provided services in outpatient, inpatient, residential, as well as rehabilitation long-term care settings to clients ranging in age from adolescent to geriatric, both in individual and group sessions. My professional philosophy stems from the belief that every person deserves to live fully; with hope for the future and the self-respect to believe you are worthy of it. I believe every individual is capable of change and possesses the resiliency within ourselves to improve our lives. We will work together to identify the aspects of yourself that are not working for you and discover a healthier direction for your life.

Hello! My name is Dr. Rachel Kinison. You can call me Rachel or Dr. Rach, as my friends lovingly call me. I have my doctorate degree in Pastoral Community Counseling. I have a masters degree in Counseling. I have been counseling for 20 years. I have a few disabilities that I don't let get me down. I have Cerebral Palsy (mild), Dystonia (a movement disorder that is related to Parkinson's), and I suffer from migraines. All of this is managed well with Botox treatments every three months. I live in Illinois and I plan of moving to Florida, where the winters are a lot more milder for me. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Illinois. I am also just recently licensed in the state of Florida as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC). I am very excited about that. I am a fan of classic rock. I love to spend time with my friends. I also enjoy a nice quiet evening at home with my Beagle. I also like to travel, cook, and enjoy a great rock concert. I have worked with children and adults at a community counseling agent. I have also worked in a behavioral health unit at a local hospital. I also have experience in being a counselor in adult probation programs. I have done individual therapy, group therapy, and have training in PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and I usually use Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, but not everyone fits just one mold. So, I am a fan of an eclectic form of therapy techniques. I am well rehearsed in relaxation techniques that I am excited about. I am excited to be a part of BetterHealth. I think that I can bring a lot of functioning skills to the table. I believe that how we think, behave, and feel can be improved by just changing one thing to the positive. The rest tends to fall in line. You are the problem solver. I am your compass.

Hello and Welcome to my page. Thank you for stopping by to take a look at what services I can provide that might be of a benefit to you. Taking that first step to start therapy can sometimes be a scary thing. Things like trust, a level of comfort, and honesty are key to having a successful therapy experience. You will find my style to be open and honest while providing a compassionate, respectful and non-judgmental soft place to fall. We will work together, with you as the lead, to develop a treatment plan of action. We will explore what you want to take away from therapy in order to empower yourself to be the best you possible. There will be occasions where we might have to tackle some difficult things, but you won't be going it alone. My approach is an eclectic one. I don't believe in a one-size-fits-all; therapy should be individually tailored to meet the person's needs. I use a medley of treatment modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral, trauma focused care, person centered care to name just a few. I am also certified to provide therapy to the Military and Their Families. I have a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice and a master's degree in Education, focusing on Community Counseling. I have been a practicing clinician since receiving my license in 1999. I grew up in the Midwest, but I have lived all over the United States. I enjoy reading and golf and I am kept busy at home with two fur babies. I hope I have given you some useful information and if you like what you have read I look forward to meeting you.

I have over 20 years of clinical experience helping individuals, couples, and families seeking help to resolve some of their problems with conflict, adjusting to life event stressors, recovering from trauma to become survivors and not victims. Furthermore, I like to help others with addictions of practically every kind to change their habits with replacement thoughts, behaviors, and actions that improve their sense of purpose in life and handling their emotions rather than avoiding them with their maladaptive behaviors. A majority of my training and experience has been on helping clients incorporate positive communication skills, conflict resolution skills, and improve upon their ability to stop negative thinking habits that tend to interfere with change.

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.

I have 35 years of professional experience and am licensed in Illinois. My expertise includes helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, and parenting challenges to name a few. I work with clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings are shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy is courageous. I am proud of you for getting started! I began by specializing in domestic violence, child welfare and crisis intervention . I have extensive experience with trauma. During my career, my skills have expanded to include many varied modalities and specialties. As a psychotherapist , I have acquired a body of knowledge that I daily integrate into my professional practice. My approach is distinct with each client depending on their individual issues and circumstances. I provide a fresh approach on life’s challenges. A new perspective often brings relief to clients and allows them to be open to a new direction with new behaviors. I have overcome various experiences in life with the help of psychotherapy. This led me into the profession; helping people to heal. I received my undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point and earned my master's degree from Smith College. I welcome new clients with open arms. I am with them throughout each phase of their journey of healing and self-discovery.

I am licensed in Illinois with 18 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 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 proud of you for getting started!

Hello, I am Heather Friend, a licensed clinical therapist, and I am glad you have come in for support. Reaching out takes courage, and a big part of my job is working to promote a safe and accepting space for you. My approach to therapy is warm, supportive, and open-minded, with a strong focus on helping you recognize your strengths and build a sense of confidence and emotional clarity. I strive to create a space where you feel respected, and free to be yourself, without judgment or pressure. Therapy with me is collaborative, thoughtful, and paced to meet your needs, because this is your healing space. I believe therapy works best when you feel understood and empowered. Whether you are feeling overwhelmed, stuck, anxious, or simply needing a place to process what you are carrying, we will work together to help you feel more grounded and capable in your day-to-day life. If you feel nervous about starting therapy, that is completely normal. We can take things step by step, at a pace that feels right for you, and focus on building comfort and trust along the way. I offer daily and evening sessions. I also offer sessions on the weekend. In addition to sessions, you are welcome to message me anytime for additional support. I typically respond within 24 hours. Live sessions are 45 minutes and can be scheduled easily through my calendar at times that work best for you. My goal is to make therapy feel accessible, supportive, and flexible. Please let me know if you have questions and looking forward to working with you!

I am a Licensed Mental health Counselor within the state of New York. I have over 10 years of experience working with populations of all kinds providing vocational, spiritual, CBT/DBT, and motivational interviewing counseling. I have a person-centered approach guiding clients to their goals. We cannot solve problems using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them. - Albert Einstein.

As a military spouse of 23 years, I’ve had the unique opportunity to work in various therapy settings with both military and civilian communities. With 10+ years of professional counseling experience, 4 years in private practice, I’ve helped adults, teens, and children navigate challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, substance use, relationship struggles, parenting, and anger management. ​I believe everyone’s journey is unique, which is why I tailor my approach to meet your specific needs. While my foundation is in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), I also incorporate techniques from other methods, like Solution-Focused Therapy, Reality Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, to help you reach your goals. What makes my approach different from others? It’s the attention and care taken to ensure a genuinely client-centered therapeutic experience. I aim to provide a safe, supportive space where we can work together to create positive changes in your life.

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!

As a licensed therapist, I bring two decades of compassionate, culturally responsive counseling experience. My practice centers on supporting individuals through life's complex challenges, with a deep commitment to holistic healing and personal growth. I specialize in addressing stress, anxiety, grief, career transitions, and multicultural concerns, offering a warm and affirming therapeutic space. My approach honors each client's unique journey, focusing on areas like self-love, communication, social connections, life purpose, and personal empowerment. I understand the intricate ways personal experiences intersect with broader social dynamics, particularly for individuals navigating identity, workplace, and systemic challenges. Drawing from extensive clinical expertise, I provide supportive guidance for diverse concerns including relationship dynamics, workplace stress, midlife transitions, family systems, and individual emotional wellness. My goal is to create a collaborative, respectful environment where clients can explore their experiences, develop resilience, and cultivate meaningful personal transformation. I look forward to working together in helping you become a better you each day.

I am licensed in Rhode Island with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

As a licensed therapist with three decades of experience, I specialize in supporting individuals through complex life transitions and emotional challenges. My practice centers on creating a compassionate, affirming space for clients navigating diverse experiences—from relationship dynamics and identity exploration to managing stress, anxiety, and personal growth. I bring deep expertise in supporting the LGBTQ+ community, addressing workplace challenges, and helping individuals work through issues related to self-esteem, communication, and personal purpose. My approach is holistic and person-centered, focusing on understanding each client's unique journey and strengths. My therapeutic work spans a wide range of focus areas, including supporting young adults, addressing midlife transitions, managing mood disorders, and helping individuals cope with significant life changes. I'm committed to providing empathetic, culturally responsive care that honors each person's individual experience and supports their path toward healing and self-discovery.