As a child, you may have developed fears of certain things that may have caused you trauma in your early years. Having a traumatic experience at any age can cause a condition called post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. This condition may be caused by abuse, a natural disaster like tornado or flood, terrorism, or being in the war. There are many counselors based in Oak Forest who are trained to treat PTSD.
Oak Forest is named as such because of the oak trees that blanket the city. Being alone in the forest can be traumatic to someone with PTSD as can many other situations that would not bother most people. Treatment for PTSD is available by one of our devoted counselors in Oak Forest.

Edilberto (Bert) Bibat
Hello and welcome! My name is Bert Bibat. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and National Certified Counselor. I have been working in the field of counseling and psychotherapy for over 25 years and continue to find my work personally rewarding. I currently maintain a private practice in DesPlaines, Illinois where I provide Individual, Couples, Family and Group therapy for those suffering with chemical and behavioral addictions, anxiety, depression, grief/loss, relationship and family issues, anger management, and parenting skills therapy/training. Although my professional education and training have provided me with the intellectual skills and theoretical constructs which guide me in my work, I see myself as a therapist who counsels from the heart. I draw inspiration from my own life experiences and my own spiritual journey; both positive and negative. In providing a safe, supportive, and genuinely caring environment, you are free to openly express your concerns without fear of judgement. When trust is nurtured and established in the client/therapist relationship, insight and change happen. It is then that true emotional and spiritual healing can begin. I hope to gain your trust! I look forward to hearing from you.

Jody Yeh-Shinbrood
I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) based in North Dakota and licensed in both North Dakota and Illinois. I have over 18 years experience working with individuals and families facing many challenges including depression, stress and anxiety, adjustment to life changes, loss and grief, family conflict, anger management, parenting issues, problem solving and decision making. I also have extensive experience working with families of children with special needs as well as experience in medical settings working with individuals and families facing major medical crises and issues. I believe that you already have the strength and ability to overcome the obstacles standing in the way of experiencing the joy and quality of life you deserve. My goal is to provide you with a warm, supportive, and respectful environment where you can safely explore the tools which can help you reach your potential. I believe the therapy experience should be positive, attentive, and validating. I will help you express your thoughts, feelings, emotions and needs and use research based approaches to help you meet your life goals. I believe that the therapeutic process is one in which you will choose your own goals and uncover what you truly value. Together we work on solutions and developing your strengths through motivational interviewing, symptom targeted intervention (STI) and solution focused (brief) therapy which gives you, the client, the power to fix your own problems instead of relying on therapy in the future. I look forward to working with you!

Dr. Nicole Ford
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with over 15 years of experience working in both private and public sectors . Life changes happen and I work with clients to build coping and resiliency skills. I help clients manage stress, anxiety, trauma, racial identity, self-esteem, and confidence Respect, empathy, and listening provide the foundation for any dialog and treatment plan. Your unique and specific needs are addressed in a collaborative manner whereby you are the expert. Think about it this way, you're in the driver seat and I'm the GPS system that provide directions based on the information you provide. You decide what goals to work on and your amount of effort as demonstrated by actionable steps. Occasionally, we may have to re-route when the interventions are not providing the desired outcome. We discuss the best way to get to your destination with regular check-ins to gauge if the sessions are effective for you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Ranisah Brown
I am licensed in Illinois with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, trauma, & abuse. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Marcellus Rose
I am licensed in Illinois and California with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbt-related issues, relationship issues, & trauma and abuse. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Glen Ensinger
I am licensed in Illinois , Colorado and Georgia with 21 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & anger management. 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.

Christopher Perkins
Thank you for sharing information about yourself. It takes courage to reach out for help and I’m glad you did. I am Chris Perkins, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Illinois. You can read more about my background, education, experience, and counseling approach. I am so glad that you’ve taken the steps to reach out for help with whatever situation in your life has become unmanageable right now. I hope that my areas of expertise will be good fit to address those parts of your life and help you reach your goals. Your well-being is my number one priority. BetterHelp does not provide me with your personal or billing information that you provided when you signed up for your subscription. In order for me to maintain compliance with my licensing board and ethical code and to ensure your safety and well-being, I am required to gather some basic personal information. Please COPY/PASTE the following questions into a message back to me: Full Name: Date of Birth: Home Address: Phone Number: Emergency Contact Name: Emergency Contact Relation to You: Emergency Contact Phone Number: Have You Had Prior Mental Health Treatment? If So, where? For What Condition? Are you Prescribed Any Medication? Who is the Prescribing Physician? Have you Ever Been Hospitalized for Mental Health Treatment? If So, Where and When? Which Substances do you use if any? (ex. Alcohol, Marijuana, Cocaine/Stimulants, >Heroin/Opiates, Xanax/Benzodiazepines, Inhalants/Paint/Glue/Gas/Huffing) How often do you use substances? Have you ever experienced psychosis (hallucinations - seeing or hearing things that others do not see or hear)? How often does that occur? Have you ever wished that you were dead or would not wake up? Have you ever had thoughts of harming or killing yourself? Have you ever considered or researched methods of suicide or self-harm? Have you ever had these thoughts and had some intentions of acting on them (as opposed to thinking about suicide but knowing you would never intend to do so)? Have you ever made a plan to harm or kill yourself? If so, when and what was the plan? Do you agree to contact 911 or go to your local emergency room if you should feel urges to harm or kill yourself? Once you have sent this information back to me we can discuss next steps. I look forward to working with you! My Member Information Form Template says: I have read, understand, and agree to the Client Terms of Service at Our Client Terms & Conditions | BetterHelp . It is my sole responsibility to review these terms of service and understand how they affect my use of this platform. I understand that upon assessment and evaluation, Chris Perkins, LCPC, will determine whether he is able to provide the level or type of care that I require. In the instance that his areas of expertise do not align with the type or level of care I require, he will provide me with assistance and referrals to connect to an appropriate treatment provider. Chris Perkins, LCPC, endeavors to provide a Good Faith Estimate of costs of care. I understand that due to the nature of mental health treatment it is not possible to determine an exact length of treatment. However, Chris Perkins, LCPC, will review progress with me periodically and together we will determine ongoing treatment plans. All pricing, rates and billing questions should be directed to customer service at contact@betterhelp.com. I understand that the BetterHelp Platform is intended for INDIVIDUAL ADULTS aged 18+ who are consenting to treatment via telehealth services. I understand that should I be seeking services for my adolescent child (aged 13-17), that I will utilize BetterHelp’s partner platform, TeenCounseling. I understand that should I be seeking Couple’s Counseling, I will utilize BetterHelp’s partner platform ReGain. I understand that the service provided through BetterHelp is NOT INTENDED FOR CRISIS SITUATIONS OR URGENT NEEDS. In a crisis situation, I agree to call 911 or local emergency services, or visit the nearest emergency room. I understand that at the beginning of our treatment relationship, Chris Perkins, LCPC will request my contact information and the contact information of an emergency contact individual whom I can designate. This designation does NOT allow Chris Perkins, LCPC to release information to the individual, excepting in instances of emergent and imminent danger to myself or someone else (i.e. active suicidal ideation/actions, active plan to harm someone else). I also understand that should there be an instance of emergent or imminent danger to myself or someone else as described, Chris Perkins, LCPC is mandated by the State of Illinois licensing regulations to report this to the local authorities in order for them to intervene for my safety or the safety of others. I understand that information shared with Chris Perkins, LCPC is confidential except in the following circumstances: If I present as a danger to myself or others, mandated reporting of abuse of children or elders, or if I sign a release of information. I understand that Chris Perkins, LCPC offers the following types of sessions: texting (which are important for some as stand-alone sessions or with “live” sessions); and “live” sessions. I understand that Chris Perkins, LCPC offers the following types of live sessions: live video (video call where client and therapist can see each other in real time), live phone (phone call through the BetterHelp app where only audio is used), or live chat (a “real time” chat window where client and therapist have dedicated time to have discussion via typing). I understand that Chris Perkins, LCPC offers sessions Monday through Friday during from the hours of 9:00am to 4pm (last session begins at 3:15) and offers messaging in between sessions should I need additional support. I understand that Chris Perkins, LCPC offers sessions of 45-minute duration. I understand that Chris Perkins, LCPC can offer multiple sessions per week should this level of care be clinically necessary for my treatment. I understand that to have more than one session in a week may result in my incurring additional charges on my BetterHelp subscription. Any questions regarding these fees or other billing related matters should be directed to contact@betterhelp.com I understand that Chris Perkins, LCPC. is not “on-call” and may take up to 24 business hours (1 business day) to reply to my messages. This means that if I message Chris Perkins, LCPC on a Friday evening, I may not receive a response until Monday morning. I understand that Chris Perkins, LCPC encourages at least 24-hour notice of appointment cancellation. Should I need to cancel an appointment, I will inform Chris Perkins, LCPC at my earliest convenience. Should I need to cancel with fewer than 24 hours left before my appointment, the cancellation will be reported as a “no-show/late cancellation” and I will receive an auto generated alert email from BetterHelp indicating this. I understand that Chris Perkins, LCPC will wait 15 minutes after my scheduled appointment start time to start; however, if I have not come online by that time, Chris Perkins, LCPC will consider me a no-show and the session will need to be rescheduled. I understand that should I have 2 late cancellations/no-shows within a month, Chris Perkins, LCPC may not be able to continue to accommodate my preferred session times and dates. Should I have 3 late cancellations/no-shows within a 6 week span, Chris Perkins, LCPC may recommend that I seek in person treatment and/or switch therapists on the BetterHelp Platform. I understand that my sessions should be conducted in a place where I have privacy, am away from all distractions, am NOT DRIVING or engaging in other activities that require my attention and focus. Chris Perkins, LCPC is understanding of the occasional “pet appearance” during session. I understand that I can invite others to be a part of my treatment (and am encouraged to do so) as support people. However, should I invite a support person to be involved in a session, Chris Perkins, LCPC will require me to sign a release of Information for that individual. I understand that the BetterHelp platform is not intended for Couples Counseling, and if that is the service I am seeking, I will utilize BetterHelp’s partner site ReGain. I understand that the BetterHelp Platform is not intended for the purposes of diagnosing, prescribing medication, or other services that would, by state licensing regulations, require an in-person evaluation. This means that any documentation such as court paperwork, ESA Letters, FMLA Paperwork, Insurance Paperwork, etc. may not be able to be accommodated as these frequently require diagnostic information. I agree to discuss these things with Chris Perkins, LCPC, should the need arise and acknowledge that these situations will be handled on a case-by-case basis dependent on the circumstances. I understand that if I am in crisis where I am feeling like hurting myself or hurting someone else, BetterHelp is truly not the best venue or platform to address these crisis feelings. I understand that Better help recommends that if I am in immediate crisis that I call 911 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to speak to someone right away.

Sarah Leahy
I am licensed in Illinois with 21 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, parenting issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also have experience working with concentration, memory and focus (adhd). I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. I am here to support clients as they explore their own thoughts and feelings and develop solutions and coping tools to manage daily life. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

James Michael Mannion
I am licensed in Illinois with 8 years of professional counseling experience. I have experience in helping clients with psychological crisis, stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, coping with loss/grief, and career & executive professional development. I offer a multicultural, accepting, respectful, compassionate approach for all, and 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 your journey.

Ellen Petacque
I am licensed in Illinois with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. 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.
Find a therapist serving clients in Illinois
What types of therapists are available to clients in Oak Forest?
Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist. Be sure to narrow your search for therapists in Oak Forest that can offer psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), therapeutic talk therapy, group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy depending on your needs.
Licensed therapists & mental health professionals available through BetterHelp's online platform
Mental health therapists in Oak Forest available through BetterHelp are accredited as psychologists to help individuals and couples. Oak Forest therapists' credentials can include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinician or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, Oak Forest therapists are trained in any type of therapy in the Oak Forest region and in the state of Illinois.
How can a therapist help you destress, manage your emotions, and guide you towards the life you want?
Therapists in Oak Forest can help clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples challenges, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family life, or change in negative thinking patterns. A therapist in Oak Forest may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment.
Is it better to find a mental health counselor or therapist in Oak Forest offering online therapy or in person?
Studies show online therapy can be just as effective as in-person counseling. Online therapy with licensed counselors is often more affordable, with BetterHelp pricing ranging from $65-$100 weekly, while in person therapy can cost up to $200 per session.