Aurora has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online sessions to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into trying it online, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change 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 treatment.
Aurora, IL, part of the Chicago metropolitan area, is known as the City of Lights. It was one of the first cities in the United States to use an all-electric public lighting system. It can be hard to figure out how to forge ahead in our lives without someone to help us shine a light on the path. If you need help with life's challenges, talk to a therapist in Aurora, IL.
A therapist can help people of all ages identify and learn to manage a variety of behaviors. Whether you attend your appointment in person or online, a compassionate therapist will help you build a trusting relationship in a friendly environment. Therapists, licensed professional counselors, and licensed clinical social workers can work with you in your recovery to help change problematic human behavior, learn how to stay focused on goals, and treat mental health conditions like anxiety or mood disorders.
If you want to find someone committed to helping you light up your life, connect with an Aurora-based therapist to get started.
Leah Pavela-Mullins
I am a licensed clinical social worker with over 15 years of experience in helping people find solutions to their problems. Over the years, I have been told by clients that they really feel that I am listening to them and trying to understand what is going on in their lives and how they feel. Clients have also told me that they do not feel any sense of judgment, but rather that I accept them for who they are and where they are in their life’s journey. My style is empathetic and solution focused. I will spend time asking you questions in order to get to know you and try to find out what is at the heart of your issue. Together, we will talk about possible avenues you may want to take, or changes you may want to consider. I may give you some “homework” assignments…things to write out or think about, worksheets to complete, or even techniques/exercises to practice in your own time so that some of what we discuss in our sessions is reinforced. Most of all, I will be an objective listener, helping you to gain insight into what is going on with you, so that you are able to make the choices and changes you want to, in your own time. I look forward to working with you!
Dr. Paula Alvarez
Greetings! I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in the states of California, Illinois, and Missouri, and I have a doctorate in Organizational Psychology. I have worked in locked and outpatient mental health facilities for the last 30 years. I facilitated group treatment of domestic violence perpetrators in Spanish and English for eight years. I specialize in treating trauma-related symptoms, anxiety and depression, anger management, geriatric well-being, mental health recovery, cultural diversity issues, and self-esteem issues. My doctorate degree (EdD) In Leadership and Learning with a specialization in Organizational Psychology was conferred on May 27, 2021. I use a client-centered approach (Carl Rogers), and I know that the client is the expert. I tailor my therapy sessions to what the client wants. I used cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) with those who like CBT interventions. I offer homework assignments and bibliotherapy for those clients who want those interventions. I also use Brief-Solution Focused Therapy, Trauma-Informed Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing techniques. I invite you to contact me to see if I am a good fit to help and empower you on your journey to better living.
Derek Bowers
I am someone who believes in hope. I believe that people who feel stuck can come to a place where they feel unstuck. I have experience in working with substance use disorders, trauma, depression, anxiety, couples work, grief, as well as with ages ranging from 4 to those in the last stages of life. We all have our own stuff, and it is a privilege to be able to work with someone who has a need/desire to increase their sense of self or well-being in whichever area they feel needs to be addressed and/or support someone through a difficult season of life. It's a honor to help others.
Carla Dumas
I am licensed in Illinois with 31 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief, coping with loss, & parenting issues. 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.
Marilyn Traynor
I am licensed in Illinois with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with grief, coping with loss, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & depression. I also have experience working with 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!
Richard Heller
It takes courage to take this first step in seeking help with an issue in your life that is troubling you and into looking into counseling. I admire you for this and welcome the opportunity to meet you and help you with the life concern you are facing. My approach is through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I will focus on your needs and we will learn together how best to help you. I will treat you with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I have been a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor since 1998 and am licensed in the state of Illinois. My vocation includes 38 years of pastoral ministry, being a Board Certified Chaplain since 1995, and continue to work as an on-call chaplain for over 21 years. Through my wide range of experiences, I have helped people with depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, and loss. I look forward in supporting and empowering you through your journey in life.
Kathryn Klein
Hello - I would first like to say I'm not a conventional therapist. I do have professional training and professional experience and degrees, but really, I consider myself a fellow human being here to help another fellow human being. I pull from my knowledge, professional and personal experiences to provide you with insights and guidance. I mostly like to listen, provide feedback and offer solutions in a conversational manner. I feel strongly that this is your healing journey so if you find that my style doesn't work for you, that's okay; but if you want to give me a chance, I'd love to hear your story. I am also currently am not offering any live sessions - just asynchronous messaging. Thank you for reading!
Wendy Gatewood
Greetings! I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois and Indiana. I have over 20 years of experience in my specialization. My work experience includes multiple settings such as, residential, foster care, treatment centers, schools, and private practice. For the first half of my career, I mostly worked with ages 2-22, and for at least the past four years I have helped others up to age 80. Areas I have expertise with are managing stress and anxiety, Autism Spectrum, ADHD, Conduct Disorder, self-worth, trauma and abuse, anger management, & Bipolar Disorder. 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.
Sherry Coleman
I am licensed in Illinois with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients coping with addictions, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence issues. I also have experience working with healthy boundaries and 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Daniaja Davis-Chambers
I am licensed in Illinois with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with transitions, anxiety, relationship issues, religious trauma, and postpartum mental health concerns. 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.
Dr. Teresa Moore
I am licensed in Rhode Island with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Jermaine Anthony
I am licensed as an LCSW, LASOP, CRADC and DOT-SAP with over 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma, abuse, anger management, motivation, & self esteem. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
Tiffany Gholson
I am a therapist who can cater to individuals of all ages, specializing with teenagers, young adults, those with criminal histories, and families navigating the challenges of caring for aging loved ones or loved ones who are paralyzed. With experience working with diverse individuals in both urban and rural settings, I offer therapy services in a clear and relatable language, free from clinical jargon. Let's work together to address your concerns and achieve personal growth and healing. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you! for getting started!
Shannon Almeida
Hi, I’m Shannon. I’m a licensed therapist with over a decade of experience supporting adults, with a primary focus on women and femmes mental health, through identity shifts, self-esteem challenges, trauma recovery, and the complexities of intergenerational family dynamics. As a queer, neurodivergent white woman from the U.S. living with chronic fatigue and pain, I approach therapy with lived empathy, cultural humility, and a feminist, systems-aware lens. I center gender-affirming care, the often-invisible labor of caregiving, navigating identity-based and system oppression stress, and holding everything together. I also recognize the ways my whiteness shapes my experiences both in and out of the therapy room, and I remain actively engaged in unlearning, accountability, and using my privilege to create more equitable spaces. I work best with those who feel stuck in roles like people-pleaser, perfectionist, caretaker, or “the strong one,” and are ready to explore the stories behind those roles. Many of my clients are navigating life transitions, burnout, relational stress, or the quiet grief of asking, “Who am I now?” Especially those who are single, solo parenting, or consciously breaking cycles from their family of origin. My style is laid-back, compassionate, and collaborative—with a bit of humor when it helps. I’ve been described as warm, direct, and grounding. I offer individual therapy for adults (18+) only (I do not work with couples, children, or families at this time). Clinically, I integrate narrative therapy, mindfulness and acceptance-based practices (like ACT and DBT), trauma-informed care, and Positive Discipline for parents wanting a non-punitive, values-based approach. You don’t have to figure it all out alone. Together, we can work to untangle what’s no longer serving you and move toward grounded self-trust, emotional clarity, and more aligned choices.
How to find a licensed therapist serving clients in Aurora, Illinois
Finding the best therapist close by in Aurora can feel challenging, but know that once you narrow your search for a counselor serving your area. You can get connected with a clinician 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 with therapists 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. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of support of this kind with BetterHelp therapists can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure, feel free to contact the provider via email to find out which methods they practice.
Licensed therapists & mental health professionals available through BetterHelp
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 for therapists. These include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinician or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, they are trained able to treat individuals and couples, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy in the Aurora 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 professional working through their own in-person therapy practice in Aurora or online may assist 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 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 Aurora area offering therapy for:
- CBT
 - DBT
 - Substance use
 - Couples
 
When you're ready to start your search keep in mind what support 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 Aurora, elsewhere in Kane, or in the greater state of Illinois. Get matched with one of the therapists working on the BetterHelp platform today.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about licensed therapists and mental health services
Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Aurora area can be found below:
How does the cost of an in-person therapist compare to BetterHelp?
The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US with most therapists is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Aurora due to a higher cost of living, and a limited number of therapists taking new clients. 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:
- With a psychiatrist: $150-$500
 - With therapists: $100-300
 - With a clinician: $100
 
While many psychologists in Aurora 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).
Read more about this cost related question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
How are therapists on a Aurora online therapy platform verified?
Therapists in 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. Therapists 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, therapists here 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.
Please note BetterHelp does not offer or provide care from Aurora psychiatrists to prescribe a drug or medication as treatment, or perform psychological assessments and other psychiatric services.
Read more about this license question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
How does BetterHelp online therapy 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 professional, including the therapists in Aurora 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 for in person sessions.
Through BetterHelp, 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 helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, marriage, and more. Get matched today.
Read more about this question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
What mental health issues can a therapist address?
BetterHelp's verified 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.
Aurora therapists' specialties available through the BetterHelp platform
- Cognitive behavioral
 - Behavior
 - EMDR
 - Talk therapy
 - Depression
 - Anxiety disorders counselor
 - Stress
 - Eating disorders
 - Grief
 - Attachment
 - Relationships
 - Children, adolescents, and teens
 - Addiction (substance abuse)
 - Divorce
 - Trauma or PTSD
 - Bipolar disorder
 - Psychodynamic treatment with a counselor
 - Career
 - Alcohol use disorders
 - OCD counselor
 - ADHD
 - Mood disorders
 - Sex addiction
 - Complex trauma
 - Life transition
 
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 provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain.us, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide with licensed therapists.
Read more about this psychotherapist question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
Is BetterHelp right for me?
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.
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 therapy in Aurora 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 therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of 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 60572 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site where you can schedule a session based on your and the therapist's schedule. No matter if you are seeking help from therapists around or in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.
Read more about this family question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Aurora therapist?
Before seeing your therapist near you, prep for your session by reading to understand the 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, you can let our therapists know if you have any concerns or feel unsure about what to talk about. therapists near you 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 how to best help and support you.
Read more about this first session question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
Should I find a Aurora 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 it might entail. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or specific condition. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback. A Aurora 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 with a 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.
Read more about this question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
Is therapy 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. An experienced clinician 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 licensed clinician in Aurora, 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.
Counseling with an online Aurora provider
Do therapists judge you in therapy?
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 BetterHelp, the leading therapist platform serving the population of 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 BetterHelp 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.
- Thehotline.org - National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
 - Suicidepreventionlifeline.org - National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
 - Crisistextline.org - Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
 - Veteranscrisisline.net - Veterans Crisis Line: Call 1-800-273-8255 (and press 1) or text 838255. For support for the deaf and hard of hearing community, please use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.
 - Thetrevorproject.org - Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQ Lifeline): (866)488-7386
 - Samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline - SAMHSA National Helpline (Substance Use): (800)662-4357
 - Nationaleatingdisorders.org/help-support/contact-helpline - National Eating Disorder Association Helpline :1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM-9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST)
 - Childhelphotline.org/resources-for-teens/ - Child Help Hotline: Call 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat feature
 - Fraternallaw.com/help-us-stop-hazing - National Anti-Hazing Hotline for young adults, adolescents, and adults: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
 - Physiciansupportline.com - Physician Crisis Support Line: Contact 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to Covid-19
 - Rainn.org - Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673
 
