This is Josephine Martinez's avatar and link to their profile

Josephine Martinez

Offering therapy in IL
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCoping with life changes
30 years of experience

Hi! Thank you for taking the time to read a bit about me! Finding a good fit in a counselor, to share your ups and downs with, is an essential component of feeling positive about your counseling experience. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois with over 25 years of experience. I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Michigan and a Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work from Michigan State University. I have extensive experience working with clients, experiencing a wide range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting struggles and challenging life transitions. I also have experience working with people in areas of motivation, decision making, career changes and professional development and leadership. My counseling style is collaborative, direct and compassionate. I enjoy working with people, to provide a comfortable and safe space to talk, so that you can be authentic, feel heard, overcome challenges and discover your strengths. In my experience, the openness and trust built between counselor and client is the key to feeling like you can fully be yourself and share openly, without fear of judgement or negative impact on your personal relationships. I see the counselor/client relationship as a team, in which honest communication builds confidence and empowers you, to face difficult circumstances or feelings. There are no two people exactly alike. I believe everyone is unique, valuable and amazing, just by being you! Because of that, there is no “one size fits all” type of therapy. I apply an integrative therapy approach, utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) , Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Solution Focused Therapy to help clients work through their current rough spots. I am also well versed in other therapeutic styles and I am flexible to work together to meet your unique qualities and personality. Your preferred pace, comfort level and feed back will be respected. That is the best part about therapy. It is all about you! It’s a place where you can talk about you, your thoughts, your feelings, your fears, your accomplishments and whatever comes to mind and know that you will be listened to with respect and sensitivity. It takes courage to face tough things in life and to ask for help. Starting counseling can be a big leap into the unknown. I hope that you will give yourself a chance to experience the support and positive growth that you can gain from counseling. I would be honored to work together, as you take the next step!

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Suzanna Bagley

Offering therapy in IL
License: LCPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
11 years of experience

Hello. I commend you for making the decision to start or continue therapy. I know that at times it can be challenging but the hard work can be worth the effort if you achieve the results you seek. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in the state of Illinois with seven years of counseling experience. I have a bachelor's and master's degrees in clinical psychology. I also have a Telehealth Certification. I am here to support and listen to you. It’s always nice to know that someone cares and understands. Talking can be a great way to explore and process issues and feelings. I often utilize Cognitive Behavioral techniques if my client’s thoughts and belief patterns are causing them a lot of distress. I also focus on the therapeutic relationship to ensure the client feels engaged, comfortable, and validated. I meet the client where they’re at so we can work collaboratively on whatever is most important to them. I am a big proponent of helping clients create a repertoire of coping skills they can use to manage symptoms at any time. I also like to encourage clients to find time to engage in more self-care activities. I am compassionate and empathetic by nature. You will also find me to be accepting and nonjudgmental. It would be an honor to work with you and support you through your therapeutic journey.

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Charlotte Newsom

Offering therapy in IL
License: MA,LCPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsFamily conflictsAnger managementDepression
20 years of experience

Hello, my name is Charlotte D. Newsom. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC). I have thirty years of progressive experience in the field of mental health. Twenty of those years, I functioned as a psychotherapist working with individuals, specifically veterans who have chronic mental illnesses such as PTSD, Bipolar Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, Substance Use Disorder, and many other disorders. I have an extensive background working with clients with symptomatic issues such as suicidal ideation, homicidal ideation, and child abuse/neglect. Besides, interpersonal matters, couples relationship issues, parenting problems, child neglect/abuse, and emotional/physical abuse. My professional history includes having a Master's Degree in Clinical Professional Psychology, and as stated above, I am a Licensed Clinical Profession Counselor (LCPC). I have an honorary membership with Roosevelt University Psi Chi Honor Society. And most recently, and for many years that past was awarded an Outstanding Performance Appraisal from the Jesse Brown VA Hospital for my exceptional clinical skills, dedication to excellence, and having a professional and compassionate relationship with patients and staff. My counseling techniques consist of being a good listener and fully understanding your emotions and reasoning. I have a flair for counseling that requires flexibility and attentiveness to develop coping skills to strengthen your abilities to succeed. I approach therapy by combining short-term and long-term treatment planning to meet your specific need. Your treatment plan will include integrating evidence-based treatment using the best available data with clinical knowledge and expertise while considering your personal needs and preferences. For example, short-term therapy consists of cognitive-behavioral therapy, behavior therapy, reality therapy for problem-solving, motivational enhancement therapy for addiction-related issues, and psychoeducation to improve insight into multiple problems. At the same time, long-term treatment may combine client-centered treatment that focuses on empathy and positive regard, psychodynamic therapy, and free association techniques to engage the client to talk. It takes courage to attend therapy, and it takes dedication to see it through. Just remember each day brings about new opportunities for change. So, let's work together to explore your goals for therapy; thank you.

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Brian Wortel

Offering therapy in IL
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
15 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Illinois with over twenty years of experience working with people making changes in their life. I have worked with people challenged by depression, anxiety, trauma, abuse, intellectual disabilities, social/emotional, and life-changing situations. I am also an Army veteran with a passion for working with those with PTSD. My approach is solution-focused, client-centered, and strengths-based drawing heavily from Cognitive Behavioral Theory and Rational Emotive Therapy. When working with clients I strive to make the therapy experience genuine, positive, respectful, and safe. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in doing great things and 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 excited to meet you and work together to identify your goals and make plans to achieve them. I prefer the first session to be video chat and after that phone or messaging.

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Dr. Katherine Souza

Offering therapy in IL
License: PhD
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesDepression
26 years of experience

I bring 23 years of experience as a therapist and 16 of these years in behavioral health leadership. I have taught at several university and trained new therapists. I work with adults, adolescents, couples and families. I am energized by this profession and look forward to many more years. My treatment philosophy is holistic, systemic and client centered. I utilize a holistic picture including consideration of mind, body and spirit. I involve clients in their treatment planning. I am responsive to individual needs respecting preferences and life experience. Along with my client, I address the current issues and look at how to resolve these.

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This is Kinya M Lucas-Brown's avatar and link to their profile

Kinya M Lucas-Brown

Offering therapy in IL
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoaching
20 years of experience

I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety & depression. 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.

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Skylar Nagy

Offering therapy in IL
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemADHD
9 years of experience

I am Licensed Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Illinois with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, ADHD, family conflicts, parenting issues, postpartum issues, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I have worked in various settings throughout my career, including community mental health, behavioral health hospitals (including inpatient), and private practice. I feel that my varied experiences make me more well-rounded as a counselor so as to help work with a broader spectrum of client presenting concerns. My personal philosophy is that clients should feel understood and safe within the therapeutic space, as no effective counseling work can be accomplished without that. I will always meet clients with my authentic self so as to provide gentle but productive feedback. I utilize the following techniques to help clients address issues: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Internal Family Systems, and Somatic Therapy. In my work, I help clients identify their specific goals for therapy and then tailor the above techniques to ensure they are getting their needs met effectively. Reaching out for help isn't easy - I promise to do my best to make you feel welcome, safe, and productive in meeting your goals effectively. If my profile seems like a good fit for you, I look forward to working with you.

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Kristen Brundage

Offering therapy in IL
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesAnger managementCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, and anger management. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment and build on your already existing strengths to lead healthy whole lives. 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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This is Matthew Lehman's avatar and link to their profile

Matthew Lehman

Offering therapy in IL
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesAnger managementDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I am licensed in California and Illinois with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, anger management, & 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. 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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This is Carla Morris's avatar and link to their profile

Carla Morris

Offering therapy in IL
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changesADHD
40 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in 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!

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How to find counseling in North Pekin

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

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

Mental health professionals working through their own in- person therapy practice in North Pekin or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, or change in negative thinking patterns. They may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain. 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 Pekin area in different types of therapy, including:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

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

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed North Pekin 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 Pekin 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 Pekin 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 BetterHelp or clinicians 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).

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

Therapists in North Pekin, 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 psychiatrists to prescribe a drug as treatment, or perform psychological assessments.

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

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address?

BetterHelp's verified North Pekin 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:

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 Pekin 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?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a 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.

A psychologist 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 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 Pekin 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 lot of people in IL, providers 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 61554 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site. No matter if you are seeking help in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

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

Before seeing your 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. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn why you're attending therapy.

Should I find a therapist or psychologist 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. A North Pekin 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 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.

Is mental health care and therapy worth it? 

Therapy 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 professional 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 Pekin, 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 Pekin 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?

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

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 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 Pekin.

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

61554

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