North Chicago is the home of the Great Lakes Naval Training Center and the Great Lakes Barracks Military housing. It is also on the banks of Lake Michigan and the Chicago River, which are both great places to have some fun in the sun with your family. 

If you are not into water sports such as boating, fishing, or just laying on the beach, there is plenty of other things to do in the heart of North Chicago. Sometimes, you just may not feel like doing anything and this can be a sign of depression or another mental health condition. You may need to talk to someone and luckily, North Chicago has plenty of devoted counselors who can help you right now. 

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Daryl Flink

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IL
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changes
4 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I have 10 years experience working in inpatient and outpatient mental health treatment centers, and I hold masters degrees in Social Service Administration and Public Policy with a concentration in Healthcare Administration. I dedicated my early career to mental health research and advocacy. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois, I have worked with clients from diverse backgrounds to address anxiety, depression, substance abuse, family and relationship conflicts, career stress, and low self-esteem. I always start with genuine empathy to create a safe, nonjudgemental space. I want my clients to feel comfortable being vulnerable and sharing their concerns. My eclectic treatment interventions pull primarily from behavioral, cognitive and motivational interviewing perspectives. I work together with my clients to find a strategy that specifically addresses their needs. Through developing coping skills, such as social functioning tools, healthy boundaries and positive self-talk, I want to help empower my clients to improve their quality of life.

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Kenita Perry-Bell

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IL
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW
Stress, AnxietyGriefAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
15 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years of experience working as a therapist and life coach. I have many years of experience working within the  experienced health field, including providing services to individuals dealing with substance abuse. My experience includes working with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, self esteem, anger management, and grief and loss. I am also a breast cancer survivor and welcome women/family members who are experiencing or have experienced breast cancer and need to talk. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with compassion, and respect. My therapeutic approach is eclectic and holistic using an integrative approaches such as mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral, and psychodynamic therapies. I am client centered and will tailor our sessions and treatment plan to address your specific needs. It takes a lot of courage to seek help and want to make a change. If you are ready, I am here to help, guide, assist, empower and support you. **Currently I am only accepting clients who are interested in utilizing the chat feature.** I look forward to working with you! Kenita Perry-Bell, MSW, LPHA, LCSW

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Dr. Lisa McClure

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IL
Counselor License Type(s): Psy.D.
Stress, AnxietySleeping disordersDepressionCoping with life changes
20 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am a clinical psychologist with 20 years experience working in a medical setting with a team of healthcare providers. My area of specialty is working with clients who experience emotional distress associated with ongoing health problems, such as chronic pain, sleep disturbance, diabetes and other medical conditions. It is understandable that the diagnosis of a medical condition or ongoing health problems is emotionally stressful, but often symptoms such as depression and anxiety can complicate symptom management and interfere with successful treatment. We are also aware of the long-term health risks associated with chronic stress. My focus, in partnership with my clients, is to identify behavioral strategies which lower stress, improve physical symptoms, reduce disease progression and enhance motivation and consistency to make healthy lifestyle changes. Changing unhealthy behaviors can be very difficult to do and it can often feel like a never ending 2 steps forward and 3 steps backward process. However, research has shown that clients achieve better outcomes and improved quality of life when there is a comprehensive approach to their treatment to address physical, emotional and spiritual needs as clients face health challenges. I would be honored to partner with you to improve your health, manage your stress and enhance your well-being and quality of life.

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Stephen Edwards

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IL
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepression
4 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, with experience in the social services field for over 10 years. My passion is working with people to help them grow, reach their potential, set healthy boundaries with others, and know their worth. I enjoy working with men and women. I believe that there are times in life when a little extra help and support can be tremendous, and a therapeutic relationship can truly make a difference in a person’s life during those times. In regard to scheduling, I tend to schedule my meetings with people directly as I have limited availability. Please reach out and schedule directly.

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Alisa Cates

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IL
Counselor License Type(s): LCPC
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
11 years of experience as a mental health therapist

Hello. Do you find yourself struggling with something you feel like no one else will understand, or perhaps there is no one you can confide in for fear of being judged? Keeping things bottled up creates interpersonal conflict, affects our relationships, and hinders the ability to change.  I believe that individuals want to be heard and understood, all the while respecting their unique differences.  My name is Alisa Cates, LCPC and I have been licensed in the State of Illinois since 2013.  I have worked in a variety of settings including community mental health agencies, inpatient hospitalization, intensive outpatient programming, corrections, and private practice treating a broad range of issues such as depression, anxiety, mood disorders, grief, life transitions, relationship and family issues, self-esteem, anger management, stress management, interpersonal conflict, and career planning.   I would appreciate the opportunity to assist you as you move forward in this ever- changing life and believe that building a strong rapport with my clients is the fundamental aspect which promotes growth and change.  I practice from a person-centered approach and integrate treatment modalities most beneficial to each client including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Dialectical-Behavior Therapy. I look forward to meeting you and discussing what's on your mind!

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Nichole Jeters

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IL
Counselor License Type(s): MSEd ,LCPC
Stress, AnxietyIntimacy-related issuesAnger managementDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience as a mental health therapist

Hi! My name is Nikki Jeters. I’m a wife and mother and love being active. I have my Master’s in Educational Psychology and graduated from Southern Illinois University. I have over 10 yrs of providing mental health and substance use therapy. I am client centered and also use other treatment modalities such as cognitive behavioral and solution focused therapies. I really enjoy helping my clients navigate through life and assist with problem solving and accomplishing goals. I believe you are the expert in your life and I am here to assist you in indentifying your needs and gaining confidence in executing tasks.

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Nicole Allen

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IL
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
10 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am an LCSW and I work with young-adult clients, aged 18-35 years old. This is a very unique period of life, when one is solidifying their identity and trying to forge a path into their future. Life goals often include establishing a meaningful relationship, career, friendships, passions, hobbies and overall wellness. I love to help young adult clients understand how their past can contribute to challenges, but also how they can move forward in their life and use their experiences to find purpose. I empower clients with skill-building, such as re-framing, gratitude and self-care so they can live a more vibrant and fulfilling life.

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Kevin Shepherd

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IL
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW
Stress, AnxietyLGBTCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
11 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I have always been a big fan of Dolly Parton's quote "If you don't like the road you're walking, start paving a new one." However, paving a new path for ourselves can be overwhelming and I feel that no one should have to do that alone. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over a decade of experience in the field of social services. I became a therapist to help people navigate life transitions and cope with anxiety disorders. I have worked in a variety of settings including social service agencies and private practice groups. The majority of my work has been assisting undergraduate and graduate students with navigating their challenging academic programs as well as assisting young professionals (especially new teachers and social workers) to navigate the anxiety and stress associated with starting their career which can present numerous challenges with anxiety and setting boundaries. I have also developed experience in assisting adult gay men in coming out by being an informed clinician in processing the challenges that have come with living with unaccepting family members and friend groups and providing support and coping strategies to deal with this difficult process. As a lifelong gamer myself, who has played on numerous video game competitive teams, I am informed and affirming about video games. This is an important quality for some client's to be aware of as I feel this quality about me allows a reduction in the propensity for introducing a negative bias toward video games in the therapy space. Therapy is a flexible space that looks different for every client. However, in general, you can expect a client-centered approach and I tend to also draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. As you begin to start paving that new road, I'll come along and help guide this process using these tools and provide support, help you build awareness, work toward a reduction in symptoms, and provide encouragement as you move through your experience.

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William Edleman

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IL
Stress, AnxietyCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changesCoaching
32 years of experience as a mental health therapist

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.

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Matthew Rome

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IL
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
13 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in Illinois with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, anger management, motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also have experience working with depression. I have worked with children, teens, and adults. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialogue 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.

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How to find a therapist for counseling in North Chicago

Finding the best therapist close by in North Chicago 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 in North Chicago that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing with a therapist.

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in North Chicago. 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 North Chicago, 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 in the North Chicago region and in the state of Illinois. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

A mental health counselor working through their own in-person therapy practice in North Chicago or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples counseling, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family therapy, or change in negative thinking patterns. A therapist may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. 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 North Chicago area in different types of therapy, including:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search and find North Chicago 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 North Chicago, elsewhere in Lake, or in the greater state of Illinois.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about therapists and mental health services

Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the North Chicago area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling with a therapist compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed North Chicago 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 North Chicago 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 North Chicago 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 a BetterHelp therapist 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). If you're looking for a therapist, Cincinnati offers a variety of professionals who can help with your mental health needs at a price you can afford.

How is a licensed therapist on this North Chicago online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in North Chicago, 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 North Chicago psychiatrists to prescribe a drug or medication as treatment, or perform psychological assessments and other psychiatric services.

How does working with a professional 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, post traumatic stress disorder, and more. An online mental health therapist, including the therapists in North Chicago 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 North Chicago helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. 

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address with the help of psychologists?

BetterHelp's verified North Chicago 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:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy - This type of therapy is provided by therapists who are professional counselors, helping clients identify and change negative thought patterns through structured sessions.
  • Behavior therapy - Therapists use behavior therapy techniques to help clients modify harmful behaviors and develop healthier habits, often through the guidance of a professional counselor.
  • EMDR therapy - EMDR therapists assist clients in processing traumatic memories to alleviate emotional distress and improve overall well-being, utilizing the expertise of a professional counselor.
  • Talk therapy - Therapists engage clients in talk therapy to explore their feelings and develop strategies for dealing with various mental health issues, often guided by a professional counselor.
  • Depression - Therapists offer counseling to help individuals manage symptoms of depression and improve their mood and functioning, often working closely with a professional counselor.
  • Anxiety disorders - Therapists specialize in anxiety disorders, offering strategies to manage and reduce anxiety symptoms effectively, often through counseling sessions with a professional counselor.
  • Stress - Therapists provide tools and techniques to help clients cope with stress and improve their mental resilience, frequently under the supervision of a professional counselor.
  • Eating disorders - Therapists experienced in eating disorders offer specialized counseling to address unhealthy eating patterns and body image issues, with the support of a professional counselor.
  • Grief - Therapists provide support and guidance to clients experiencing grief, helping them navigate the stages of loss, often in collaboration with a counselor.
  • Attachment therapy - Therapists use attachment therapy to help clients understand and improve their emotional bonds and relationships, often with the assistance of a counselor.
  • Relationships - Therapists work with clients to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen their connections with others, often using the skills of a counselor.
  • Children, adolescents, and teens - Therapists specializing in youth therapy address the unique mental health needs of children, adolescents, and teens, often involving a counselor in the process.
  • Addiction (substance abuse) - Therapists offer counseling for addiction, helping clients overcome substance abuse and maintain long-term recovery, often under the guidance of a counselor.
  • Divorce - Therapists support individuals through the emotional and practical challenges of ending a marriage, often working with a psychologist to provide comprehensive care.
  • Trauma or PTSD - Therapists specializing in trauma and PTSD help clients process traumatic experiences and reduce their symptoms, frequently collaborating with a psychologist.
  • Bipolar disorder - Therapists provide counseling to manage the mood swings and challenges associated with bipolar disorder, often in consultation with a psychologist.
  • Psychodynamic treatment - Therapists use psychodynamic treatment to explore unconscious processes and how they affect current behavior, often guided by psychologists.
  • Career counseling - Therapists assist clients in making informed decisions about their professional paths and resolving work-related issues, often with the help of psychologists.
  • Alcohol use disorders - Therapists offer specialized counseling to help clients manage and overcome alcohol use disorders, frequently under the supervision of psychologists.
  • OCD - Therapists provide strategies and support to manage obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms, often via psychotherapy.
  • ADHD - Therapists offer counseling to help clients with ADHD improve focus, organization, and overall functioning, often via psychotherapy.
  • Mood disorders - Therapists work with clients to stabilize and improve mood through various therapeutic approaches, frequently in psychotherapy.
  • Sex addiction
  • Complex trauma
  • Life transitions

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 North Chicago 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 in North Chicago?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a North Chicago 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.

North Chicago therapists 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 North Chicago 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 North Chicago 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 psychotherapist.

With a lot of people in IL, therapists 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 60088 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site. No matter if you are seeking help from therapists in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a North Chicago counselor?

Before seeing your North Chicago 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 while offering mental health services. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn why you're attending therapy in North Chicago.

Should I find a therapist or psychologist for therapy 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 from a therapist. A North Chicago 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 with a North Chicago counselor 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 that a counselor can help with.

Is mental health care and therapy with a therapist worth it?

Therapy with a licensed counselor 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 therapist 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 North Chicago, 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.

North Chicago 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 during telehealth appointments?

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 for North Chicago, Illinois

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 to customer service 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 North Chicago.

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

60064, 60086, 60088

Popular cities near North Chicago, IL

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