Maria "Patti" Lorenzo
Hello, and welcome. I’m Patti Lorenzo, a licensed therapist who specializes in helping people develop a healthier inner dialogue and a more compassionate relationship with themselves. Many of my clients struggle with anxiety, overthinking, self-criticism, emotional exhaustion, people-pleasing, or feeling “stuck” in old patterns that no longer serve them. Often, the way we speak to ourselves becomes our emotional environment—and therapy can help change that. My approach is supportive, practical, and focused on helping you create meaningful shifts in your everyday life. I believe therapy works best as a collaborative process, where we build awareness, identify patterns, and develop healthier ways of thinking, responding, and caring for yourself emotionally. I work especially well with women navigating life transitions, burnout, identity changes, menopause-related emotional shifts, relationship stress, and the pressure of always having to “hold it together” for others. In our work together, you can expect warmth, honesty, reflection, and gentle accountability. My goal is not only to help you feel heard, but to help you better understand yourself and move toward lasting emotional growth.
Deborah Beard
My name is Deborah Beard. I am trained in Marriage & Family Therapy and have served as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor for over 25 years. I graduated in 1996 with a Masters degree in Science: Family Therapy from Friends University in Wichita, Kansas. My previous work experience as a Human Resource Manager and a Professor of Education bring relatable life skill experiences into each of my sessions. I have served as a counselor in both public and private mental health agencies, primarily for those seeking help with depression, anxiety, mood disorders, trauma and abuse recovery, relationships, and parenting skills. Any client who has the courage to seek counseling is someone worth celebrating. With gentleness and warmth, I try to focus on each of my clients' strengths to help them in the areas they desire to change. I utilize counseling tools from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Rational Emotive Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Systemic Therapy as appropriate. Each client's faith and moral values are recognized as a wonderful foundation for their desired growth. I look forward to meeting you!
Debbie Chirikos
I have been a career clinical social worker for 40 years. I have chosen to be a counselor my entire professional, adult life, because I love it! I have done this in multiple states across America, Hawaii and Canada. I am curious and driven to expand my skills and knowledge, and be a change agent for my clients. I want my skills to be fresh and relevant in a changing social landscape. To me, there no distractions when I am engaged with my clients. I am as fully attuned to my client as I can be and want nothing more than for my client's success and resolution of their problems, and the things in their life that are painful or self-defeating. I have a Bachelor's and Masters degree in Clinical Social Work. I attended universities in Colorado. I think I can best help clients who want to do the hard work, look at themselves and with my support and guidance, make real changes in their life that move them toward their authentic selves. Clients who embrace non-judgmental feedback will be comfortable with me. Clients who have repeated self-defeating behaviors will find me patient and tolerant of their struggles. Clients who understand that humor is a tool to heal will be comfortable with me. I think mental health is something that we groom. Finally, working with a motivated client and reaching those moments of confidence and calm together is a satisfaction like no other. I believe all people who are suffering have the seeds within them to solve their own problems. Sometimes we just need a partner in that journey . Sometimes, we just want to talk to someone who will listen to us!
Beverly Smith
Beverly (Ann) Smith Bio In addition to being a therapist, I am a licensed clinical social worker (MSW, LCSW), certified dementia practitioner and former Baccalaureate trained nurse. This unique background enables me to empower others in multiple ways. My over 20 years of experience includes working in hospitals, clinics, adoption/foster care agencies, assisted living facilities, and teaching as an adjunct professor at local junior colleges. I have counseled children, teens, foster parents, grandparents, young parents, members of the LGBTQ community, and cisgender adults using cognitive behavioral therapy, narrative therapy, and mindfulness-based therapy. I believe that good outcomes with therapy are significantly linked to being matched with the therapist best suited for you. My goal is to be caring, honest, compassionate, committed and effective.
Sebastion Williams
Greetings! My name is Sebastion and I have been a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor for over twenty years, a Certified Case Manager (CCM) for five years and a newly minted Certified Telemental Health Provider (CTMH). In addition to private practice work, I have spent many years as a frontline clinician and crisis supervisor. I also have several years experience in leading teams of care managers in government programs. I have formal training in several modalities but prefer Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Solution-Focused Brief Counseling (SFBC) in general. I am a lifelong student of interactive media and see therapeutic benefits in performance arts, analog and video gaming. The world is a broken place. Each of us are born as shards – one piece a friend, one piece a student, another a sibling and so forth. As we absorb the world around us, we sense, we perceive, we feel and we act and splinter further into workers, lovers, parents, enemies, dreamers, victims, abusers, leaders and followers to name a few. The universe taps us on the shoulder throughout our lives as a prompt to integrate – show one face, live one life and love who you are becoming. Therapy can help us recognize those shoulder taps and extract meaning from those cues. If we miss those cues, the shattered world that we live in then lives in us – unless we act. As a neurodiverse mental health professional, I am acutely aware of the puppet shows required for us to be seen as OK. I want to help others find areas of control and influence that can bring contentment, purpose and insight into the chaos that surrounds us.
Krystal Kemp
As a licensed therapist in Kansas, I bring 17 years of dedicated experience supporting individuals through complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on empowering clients to cultivate self-love, navigate interpersonal challenges, and develop resilient coping strategies. I specialize in addressing a wide range of concerns including anxiety, depression, life transitions, workplace stress, and multicultural experiences. My approach honors each person's unique journey, with particular sensitivity to women's issues, young adult challenges, and the nuanced experiences of marginalized communities. Drawing from evidence-based practices, I create a compassionate, affirming therapeutic space where clients can explore their deepest struggles and strengths. Whether you're managing social anxiety, processing grief, or seeking greater self-understanding, I'm committed to walking alongside you with genuine empathy and professional expertise. My background reflects a deep understanding of diverse human experiences, and I'm passionate about supporting individuals as they rediscover their inherent worth and potential for growth.
Charles Beard
I am trained in Marriage and Family Therapy and have served as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor for over 25 years. I have served in both public and private mental health agencies, primarily for those seeking help with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, addiction and domestic violence. Any client who has the courage to seek counseling is someone worth celebrating. With gentleness and warmth, I try to focus on each of my client's strengths to help them in the area they desire to change. My approach combines Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotional Focused Therapy, Systemic Therapy and Solution Focused Therapy as appropriate. I will tailor my dialog and treatment plan to meet the client's concerns. Each client's faith and moral values are recognized as a foundation for their desired growth. I look forward to meeting you.
Heather Friend
Hello, I am Heather Friend, a licensed clinical therapist, and I am glad you have come in for support. Reaching out takes courage, and a big part of my job is working to promote a safe and accepting space for you. My approach to therapy is warm, supportive, and open-minded, with a strong focus on helping you recognize your strengths and build a sense of confidence and emotional clarity. I strive to create a space where you feel respected, and free to be yourself, without judgment or pressure. Therapy with me is collaborative, thoughtful, and paced to meet your needs, because this is your healing space. I believe therapy works best when you feel understood and empowered. Whether you are feeling overwhelmed, stuck, anxious, or simply needing a place to process what you are carrying, we will work together to help you feel more grounded and capable in your day-to-day life. If you feel nervous about starting therapy, that is completely normal. We can take things step by step, at a pace that feels right for you, and focus on building comfort and trust along the way. I offer daily and evening sessions. I also offer sessions on the weekend. In addition to sessions, you are welcome to message me anytime for additional support. I typically respond within 24 hours. Live sessions are 45 minutes and can be scheduled easily through my calendar at times that work best for you. My goal is to make therapy feel accessible, supportive, and flexible. Please let me know if you have questions and looking forward to working with you!
Tamela Polanin
Hello, Thank you for taking the first step in better living. Our mental health is very important. My name is Tamela, I would love to be your therapist. I look forward to working with you. Just a little about me to help break the ice, I am a mom of 3 boys, one is grown and has a son of his own, the other 2 are 16 and 15. I am married to my second husband now for 17 years. We live in the country and raise registered pygmy goats. I have worked in mental health for 20 years. We all want to live our best life. I know trauma on a personal level and treating trauma has become my passion. I use a client centered approach where you are the master of your own life; I am merely here to walk beside you as a guide. My hope is to empower you to work through your trauma and life’s challenges. I provide trauma-focused, client-centered therapy to all ages and all backgrounds. I am well versed in EMDR, TF-CBT, and Reproductive loss Counseling. I believe that trauma is a journey and not one person’s journey will be the same as the next. You are not alone. I will traverse this journey beside you.
Sujata De
I am licensed in Illinois with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started! I am looking forward to our work together.
Julie Diaz
I am licensed in Illinois and Missouri with 23 years of professional counseling experience. I have assisted individuals with relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss and so much more. I facilitate an open and safe environment where you can share your thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment. It takes courage and determination 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.
Juanita Dunn
I am licensed in Illinois with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, & depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Leonard Tedesco
I am licensed in New York with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief, coping with loss, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Vincent Dhan
I am licensed in Illinois with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma, abuse, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
*BetterHelp insurance availability, coverage, and cost may vary by state, plan, provider network, therapist availability, and deductible status.
Find a therapist near you in Streamwood, Illinois
Finding a therapist near you in Streamwood, Illinois starts with matching to a licensed professional who fits your needs, schedule, and goals. Illinois is home to people with diverse mental health needs across urban, suburban, and rural communities, which can make it challenging to find care. BetterHelp connects you with a licensed therapist through tailored matching, so you can begin care from home or wherever works for you.
The network includes over 30,000 licensed therapists globally, and over 4 million people have used BetterHelp to find support through online therapy. During matching, 93% of user preferences are met, which helps you connect with a therapist suited to what you are looking for. Whether you are searching for help with anxiety, trauma, affordable or insurance covered therapy, weekend or flexible scheduling, or virtual sessions, you can find a therapist and get started when you are ready.
Why work with a licensed therapist near you?
Working with a licensed therapist near you gives you access to professional mental health support from someone trained to help you understand and manage what you are going through. A licensed therapist can offer evidence-based approaches, a steady space to talk, and guidance tailored to your situation. In Illinois, online therapy can make that care more accessible, since sessions happen from home or wherever you are, without the need to travel to an office. This can help if your schedule is full, if travel is difficult, or if you simply prefer a more discreet setting. You can learn more about what a therapist does on the therapist role page.
Online therapy can be especially helpful for people living across Illinois, where access to in-person mental health care may vary by location.
What concerns can therapists help with?
Therapists can help with a wide range of concerns, including anxiety and stress, depression, trauma and PTSD, self-esteem and identity, people-pleasing and fear of rejection, insomnia and racing thoughts, workplace stress and burnout, substance use, parenting and co-parenting stress, grief and loss, and relationship and family challenges. Therapists on BetterHelp may draw on approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), depending on your needs and goals. You can explore support for specific concerns on pages such as generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and eating disorders.
Please note that therapists on BetterHelp do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses.
Online therapy vs. in-person therapy in Illinois
Online therapy and in-person therapy both connect you with a licensed professional, and the main difference is how you meet. In Illinois, online therapy through BetterHelp lets you have sessions by phone, video, or in-app messaging, so you can meet from home or on a schedule that fits your life. In-person therapy takes place at an office and may involve travel and set appointment windows. Online therapy may be more accessible for people with busy schedules, limited transportation, or a preference for a more discreet setting. Both formats can support meaningful progress, so the right choice often comes down to what fits your life.
Finding a therapist that accepts insurance in Illinois
BetterHelp accepts insurance through many major insurance plans. Insurance availability and coverage may vary by state, plan, provider network, and therapist availability, and deductible status. Eligible members' copay is as low as $15, some pay $0.
You can check your in-network status on the BetterHelp site through the sign up flow. If you prefer to pay without insurance, BetterHelp subscriptions range from $70 to $100 per week, billed as an alternative way to access the same care, and you can use HSA and FSA funds toward the cost. For a full breakdown of how BetterHelp works with insurance plans, see BetterHelp insurance coverage.
How BetterHelp helps you find the right therapist in Illinois
BetterHelp helps you find the right therapist in Illinois through personalized matching that considers your needs, preferences, and goals. After you answer a few questions during the sign up flow, you can be matched with a licensed therapist from a network of over 30,000 professionals, and 93% of user preferences are met during matching. The search and location matching cover common near-me needs, including anxiety, trauma, affordable or sliding-scale support, weekend or flexible scheduling, and virtual sessions. If your first match is not the right fit, you can switch therapists at no extra cost. When you are ready, you can get started and begin the process.
Therapists near you in Illinois
Below, you’ll find licensed therapists authorized to provide online therapy to adults across Illinois, including residents in Streamwood.
Each provider meets state licensing requirements and has experience supporting clients with a wide range of mental health concerns using evidence-based therapeutic approaches.
Please note: Therapists on BetterHelp in Illinois do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses.
Frequently asked questions about finding a therapist near me
How much does therapy cost near me?
Therapy costs near you can vary by provider, format, and payment method. With BetterHelp, subscriptions range from $70 to $100 per week, and you can use HSA and FSA funds toward the cost. BetterHelp also accepts insurance through many major insurance plans, and eligible members' copay is as low as $15 per session. Insurance availability and coverage may vary by state, plan, provider network, and therapist availability, and deductible status.
Does BetterHelp accept insurance?
Yes. BetterHelp accepts insurance through many major insurance plans. Insurance availability and coverage may vary by state, plan, provider network, and therapist availability. Eligible members' copay is as low as $15 per session. Check your in-network status on the BetterHelp site through the sign up flow. For a full breakdown of how BetterHelp works with insurance plans, see BetterHelp insurance coverage.
Is online therapy effective?
Online therapy can be an effective way to receive licensed mental health care for many common concerns. Research suggests that online therapy may support progress in ways comparable to in-person care for concerns such as anxiety and depression. On BetterHelp, you connect with a licensed therapist who can use evidence-based approaches such as CBT and DBT, and you can meet by phone, video, or in-app messaging.
Do I need a diagnosis to see a therapist?
No, you do not need a diagnosis to see a therapist. Many people begin therapy to work through stress, life changes, relationships, or personal growth without any diagnosis. Please note that therapists on BetterHelp do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses. If you are looking for a starting point, personalized matching can connect you with a licensed therapist suited to your goals.
How quickly can I start therapy?
You can often start therapy within 24 to 48 hours of signing up with BetterHelp. After you answer a few questions during the sign up flow, personalized matching connects you with a licensed therapist, and you can schedule your first session once you are matched. This process is designed to help you begin care at your own pace, without a long wait.
Can I switch therapists if it’s not the right fit?
Yes. If you feel your therapist is not the right match, you can request to be matched with another licensed provider at no additional cost. You are able to do so through the BetterHelp user portal and select switch therapists if needed.
Is online therapy discreet?
Online therapy with BetterHelp offers a discreet setting where you can connect with a licensed therapist from the comfort of your home. Sessions take place by phone, video, or in-app messaging, so you can meet without going into an office. Your account and sessions are protected with strong safeguards, and you choose how and where you attend. This can make therapy feel more comfortable for people who prefer a discreet way to get support.
Find a Therapist in Streamwood, Illinois
Ready to begin? BetterHelp can match you with a licensed therapist serving Streamwood and the surrounding IL area. When you are ready to take the next step, get started.