Your personal journey is one of the hardest learning experiences you will ever go through. There is no instruction book or classroom lecture to guide you. Each new day, there are new tests, with each question seeming to have no right answer. Talk to a therapist for help.
With two universities within its city limits, River Forest is a place where learning is highly valued.

Learning life’s lessons may be difficult, but it’s never a lost cause. When you don’t know the answers, don’t give up. Wise teachers can guide you through your course. Talk to a counselor in the River Forest area.

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Sara Barrientos

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

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and have been practicing in the Social Work field since 2007. My experience in the field of Social Work has given me the opportunity to work with children and families, at-risk homeless youth, adolescent/adult behavioral health, and senior citizens. For the past 10 years, I have been working in an intensive outpatient group therapy program designed for senior citizens struggling with depression and anxiety, however I also have experience working with individuals facing marital/relationship issues, parenting issues, and loss. As a therapist, I will work to uplift, encourage, and motivate you to find the best solutions for yourself. I strive to be a compassionate, caring, and understanding individual who will respect you for who you are, right where you are in your journey. My goal in this profession is to help you achieve the goals you create for yourself and provide you with the accountability you need to succeed. I am so glad we matched and I look forward to what's in store for you!

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Kimberly Kolak

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IL
Counselor License Type(s): MSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changesADHD
12 years of experience as a mental health therapist

My name is Kimberly and I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) therapist. With over a decade of experience, I began working in the clinical mental health field counseling individuals in a residential mental health facility. Since then, I have also gained experience in outpatient therapy and hospital social work settings. I have assisted individuals presenting with concerns related to anxiety, depression, and life changes. Individuals who seek therapy deserve to work with someone who is empathetic, objective, and supportive. I provide a safe environment for clients to openly share feelings and concerns without judgement as we begin the collaboration process, where we will work together to identify solutions for positive change. I believe that the client is the expert on their own life and that they possess the internal resources to make the desired change. My holistic focus includes assisting clients in identifying their strengths, inner resources, and values that will serve as a roadmap to creating and making progress toward personal goals in several domains, which may include self-growth, relationships, work, spirituality, and more. My modalities include cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical strategies, and acceptance and commitment therapy.

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Thomas Buckner

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IL
Trauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteemBipolar disorderDepression
10 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in Illinois with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with trauma and abuse, anger management, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & bipolar disorder. My practice style is interactive with a strength-focused that involves active participation. 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. “My practice hours are 6am - 6:30pm Monday - Thursday, Friday 6am-12pm and 2pm - 5pm Sunday. I generally can respond at least once per morning and once per evening, sometimes more! You can also book a live session with me ahead of time. Please remember that Better Help (or specialty site!) is not appropriate if you are in crisis or in immediate need of support. In crisis situations, please call 911 or local emergency services. You can also call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to talk to someone right away! I will check my messages several times a day Monday thru Sunday and I will reach to you within 24 hours. 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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Rachel Duhamell

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IL
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsSelf esteemCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
25 years of experience as a mental health therapist

Welcome to Better Help! My name is Rachel Duhamell and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 20+ years experience. I work with individual, families and couples. I have learned that every journey is unique. Within the therapeutic relationship, we will work to develop goals to support your individual needs and move towards change. Through self-reflection, therapy can develop your capacity to be more self-aware, challenge negative thoughts and build towards a more safe and healthy life I have been trained in dialectal behavior therapy(DBT) and I am a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor(CADC). I have worked as a substance abuse counselor and have knowledge of the 12 steps and other recovery based programs. My style is person centered and easy going. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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Holly Caruso

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IL
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseCoping with life changes
20 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in Florida & Illinois with 15 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. 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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Dr. Lisa Page

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IL
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSleeping disordersSelf esteemDepression
15 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am a Health Psychologist who approaches clients with empathy. I primarily use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with an influence of Adlerian theory, to be goal-oriented and positive-focused in treating depression, anxiety, physical illnesses, sleep problems, weight management, recovery from substance use and other lifestyle conditions. Currently, I am working toward becoming a Diplomate with The American College of Lifestyle Medicine and the Board of Behavioral Sleep Medicine. This will further my expertise in treating the six pillars of ‘Lifestyle Medicine’. Lifestyle Medicine covers the following areas which contribute to a healthy lifestyle and improved quality of life: (1) Healthy sleep, (2) Nutritious eating, (3) Stress management, (4) Balanced Social Life, (5) Reducing Negative Behaviors, and (6) achieving adequate activity on a regular basis. I help people overcome their fears and resistance to change through the use of Motivational Interviewing (MI). This helps remove barriers to achieving goals and achieving them successfully. My purpose in my work is to help each client become the best version of their 'self'. In order to make this happen, I strive to create an individual and exceptional experience for every client. I am a ‘straight-shooter’ as necessary to help people overcome barriers to achieving their goals. My doctorate degree was earned through the Colorado School of Professional Psychology which is now the University of the Rockies in Colorado Springs. In addition to practice, I have 10 years of experience as an adjunct professor at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. I support local organizations fighting for social justice reform. Most recently, I co-authored an Audiobook on Burnout (available on Amazon).

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Christina Meads

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IL
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
8 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois with 8 years of professional work experience. I have professional experience working in a variety of settings and am experienced in working with children, teens, and adults. I obtained my Master's degree in Clinical/Community Mental Health from Western Illinois University. I have worked with a variety of issues including (but not limited to) stress and anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, divorce, coparenting, family issues, codependency, self esteem, and life transitions. I strive to create a safe, trauma informed, collaborative, and supportive environment in which you can process and address your concerns and goals.

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Clarice 'Clare' Jonela

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IL
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesCoping with life changes
10 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in Illinois with 10 years of professional work experience. I enjoy working with adult clients to achieve a more effective balance in their life. I feel strongly that we must prioritize ourselves first before we can help others, and self care is a topic I frequently discuss and encourage. Throughout talk therapy we will be discussing a variety of coping skills and how to apply them into your everyday life.I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & parenting issues. 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!

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Charlotte Kauffman

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IL
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
12 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, coping with grief and loss, life transitions and motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also have experience in career counseling, counseling persons experiencing divorce and working with persons experiencing mental illness and their families. I have had the personal experience of dealing with mental illness in two family members, divorce and grief in the loss of one of my children. 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 qualified to incorporate spirituality into the counseling if the client desires. 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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Lily Shinn

Clinical therapist offering therapy in IL
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
25 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in Illinois with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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. 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 a therapist for counseling in River Forest

Finding the best therapist close by in River Forest 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 River Forest 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 River Forest. 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 River Forest, 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 River Forest 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 River Forest 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 River Forest area in different types of therapy, including:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search and find River Forest 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 River Forest, elsewhere in Cook, 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 River Forest 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 River Forest 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 River Forest 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 River Forest 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 River Forest online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in River Forest, 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 River Forest 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 River Forest 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 River Forest 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 River Forest 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 River Forest 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 River Forest?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a River Forest 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.

River Forest 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 River Forest 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 River Forest 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 60305 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 River Forest counselor?

Before seeing your River Forest 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 River Forest.

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 River Forest 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 River Forest 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 River Forest, 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.

River Forest 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 River Forest, 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 River Forest.

Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in River Forest:

60305

Popular cities near River Forest, IL

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