Having poor mental health can feel like being trapped in a forest late at night. Everyone feels like they’re out to get you. It feels as though you’ll never find the way out. There is no light anywhere you go. A counselor based in Rockford can help you. 

Rockford is known as the Forest City. Forests can be beautiful and be a great place to spend your time in, but when you can’t figure your way around the forest, it can be a challenge. Luckily, a counselor can help. Speak to a counselor based in Rockford today. 

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Pyol Thompson

Offering therapy in IL
License: MA,LCPC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
4 years of experience

I am a non-binary pansexual fem presenting queer multiracial therapist. I am driven to work with and am familiar with populations that have been marginalized in our society and culture. This includes but is not limited to LGBTQ, Polyamory, and Kink communities as well as individuals that are living in a multiracial home and existence. Living on what feels like the border of society is stressful, even more if your close family and loved ones don’t accept who you are. I want to provide a safe space to address the unique and regular concerns of individuals that are unheard. I provide motivational talk therapy, CBT, and I am certified in basic EMDR therapy to treat trauma, anxiety, depression, and grief. My goal will be to empower you so that eventually you reach the point of coping without intervention from myself. This doesn't happen overnight; it is a process that takes investment from both of us to make small changes that will create a long-standing difference. I became a therapist due to a desire to help those who have survived trauma, to demonstrate compassion and provide a non-judgmental space. Showing individuals that they have value and are valued. We all deserve a space to be safe, express our concerns and be validated. I look forward to seeing if we are a good fit for each other.

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Eunice Miller Muhammad

Offering therapy in IL
License: MSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoaching
32 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical social worker who is passionate about helping others remove internal distress so they can achieve mental wellness. I have over 20 years of experience working in the states of Illinois and Michigan as a therapist. I help you apply tools that empower you and use evidence-based, practice informed interventions to bring your quick relief. I have worked with clients who have presented concerns about depression, anxiety, improving relationships, negative self-image, lack of confidence, post-traumatic stress, grief/loss, abandonment, being bullied, sexually abused, emotionally abused, object or discrimination/prejudicial practices and workplace distress. When you work with me, I want you to feel safe and understood. This is the first goal. Understanding your perception of the problem, what areas of your life is it negatively affecting and what has been beneficial to help you cope is the next direction I take. I am then able to share key information about your treatment process. Follow up sessions address thoughts, feelings and beliefs that create barriers to improving and we develop strategies to remove those barriers. My approach combines cognitive behavioral, emotion focused, acceptance and commitment, solution-focused, trauma focused and attachment-based interventions. I move at a pace that is comfortable for you and that supports your ability to make meaningful change. If you want to work with a therapist whose priority is to understand your experience in a struggle, does not come across as the expert of "you", is patient with your change process and who can create a safe space for you to explore concerns, I would be honored to work with you.

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Janet Craig

Offering therapy in IL
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsGriefParenting issuesSelf esteem
35 years of experience

Hello! Janet Craig here. I come to Betterhelp with 30+ years of social work/advocacy/counseling experience. I am a licensed clinical social worker in the state of Illinois. I have worked in a variety of settings (child welfare, hospice, and the schools), and am comfortable helping people of all ages explore what makes them tick, what causes them pain, and how they can best take care of themselves. Being a human being is hard work no matter your age or life experience. I am especially skilled in helping parents with a variety of parenting issues, and have a passion for working with parents of teenagers. Raising a family is one of life's biggest and most important challenges. I'm here to help parents navigate new territory as their kids grow through adolescence. As a bereavement counselor, I have helped individuals and families cope with loss and it's resulting aftermath. Grief can feel very lonely and overwhelming at times. Sometimes it helps to sort out thoughts and feelings with someone outside the family. That's where I come in. My approach is one of compassion, careful listening, and guiding individuals toward meeting goals that they set for themselves. I firmly believe that people have the capacity to heal themselves, and that no one has to make that journey alone. My approach to my life and profession is that of acceptance, respect and kindness. The bumper sticker on my car says, “Human kind (be both).” My life's motto. EXPERTISE parenting grief/loss stress management relationship issues self-esteem anxiety coping skills

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Emily Cassidy

Offering therapy in IL
License: LCPC,CCM,CCTP
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois. I am also a Certified Case Manager and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. I have over 10 years of experience working with people with a wide array of mental health challenges. The most important thing to me is meeting the client where they are at. I am here for you to provide support and guidance toward meeting your treatment goals. My clinical approach is generally based in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), but I like to incorporate techniques from various treatment theories, based on the needs of my client. I have found the most success in working with clients looking for a "here and now" approach and who are willing to put in some time and "homework" outside of the counseling session in order to meet treatment goals. I enjoy working with people from diverse populations, including the LGBTQ+ community.I am looking forward to getting started in supporting you to be your best self! **Currently I have limited availability, exclusively in the mornings (CST), please check my schedule to make sure it will align with yours. If you are in the EU, my availability will line up well **

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Holly Ambrose

Offering therapy in IL
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
33 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois and Florida with over 30 years of professional social work experience. I have experience in helping clients to cope with stress, anxiety, grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, self-confidence, & depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion and 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.

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Aimee Byrne

Offering therapy in IL
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepression
25 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & parenting issues. 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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Erica Gilmore

Offering therapy in IL
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
7 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 15 years of professional work experience. I have had my license for 7 years. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, 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!

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Tiffany Edwards

Offering therapy in IL
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
15 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 15 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. 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. John Jones

Offering therapy in IL
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepression
20 years of experience

I am a licensed psychologist in Illinois with over 20 years of experience. My clinical work focuses on clients with a wide range of concerns related to depression and anxiety; trauma and grief; relationship conflicts and concerns; alcohol and drug use; anger management; and job and career stress. I also work with individuals with behavioral addiction concerns (e.g., gambling, gaming, shopping, etc.). Both my therapy and coaching styles are person-centered, values-based, and solution-focused. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and unconditional positive regard. My multimodal approach to therapy combines focused acceptance and commitment (FACT), cognitive-behavioral, humanistic-existential, harm reduction, and self-help facilitation therapies. Facilitating a member's participation in self-help/mutual aid groups is especially relevant when working with clients and their families on recovery issues. I tailor all therapy sessions and treatment plans to meet clients' unique and specific needs. With solution-focused therapy, it takes openness, awareness, and committed action to increase psychological flexibility and to achieve a more fulfilling life. I look forward to working with you to support and facilitate such change efforts. Respectfully, John Jones, Ph.D. Licensure & Certifications: • Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Illinois (#072002712) • Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (NBCC) • Certified Professional Counselor (NBCC) • Certified Clinical Telemental Health Provider (Evergreen) • Diplomate in Organizational and Consulting Psychology (ABPP) Received PSYPACT Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology in 40 States (APIT #16582; https://psypact.org/mpage/psypactmap).

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This is Veesser Aminpour's avatar and link to their profile

Veesser Aminpour

Offering therapy in IL
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesDepressionCoping with life changesADHD
8 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, parenting issues, depression, & 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. 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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How to find counseling in Rockford

Finding the best therapist close by in Rockford can feel challenging, but know that once you narrow your search for a counselor serving your area, you can find a therapist in your city that is accepting new clients and fits your goals. Whether you're struggling with depression, anxiety, marriage, family issues, or other emotional challenges, feel proud that you have begun your search to find the mental health care services that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing.

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Rockford. 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 Rockford, feel free to contact the provider via email to find out which methods they practice.

It is also important to understand that mental health professionals in the United States are accredited to provide care, helping individuals and couples, with a variety of licenses. These include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinical psychologist or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, they are trained to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

Mental health professionals working through their own in- person therapy practice in Rockford or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, or change in negative thinking patterns. They may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain. Verified providers can provide licensed marriage and couples therapy, tailor to individual needs, and create a therapeutic relationship as a National Certified Counselor.

There are all kinds of therapists working with clients today across the United States and in the greater Rockford area in different types of therapy, including:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search and find therapists, have in mind what type of therapy you'd like your provider to be most experienced with and choose an experienced provider with a practice located near you in the city of Rockford, elsewhere in Winnebago, or in the greater state of Illinois.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Rockford 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 Rockford 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 Rockford may not take health insurance, some in the state of Illinois may work on a sliding scale, meaning they'll factor in your income and charge what you can afford per session. With BetterHelp or clinicians throughout the state of Illinois you can expect significantly more affordable options, with sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks).

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

Therapists in Rockford, Illinois working on BetterHelp are licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited as a doctor of psychology (PhD / PsyD), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW / LICSW), or licensed professional counselors (LPC). All of these psychology clinicians have a Masters Degree or a Doctorate Degree in their field of psychology sciences, and follow the APA Code of Ethics. They have been qualified and certified by their state's professional board after successfully completing the necessary education, exams, training and practice with a patient, and extensive experience in a healthcare clinic or treatment centers, in order to become a mental health provider. While their lived experience, expertise, careers, and background vary, they all possess at least 3 years and 1,000 hours of hands-on experience with adult and sometimes teen patients, and have the necessary therapist credentials to provide a safe space for long lasting emotional healing in therapy. 

Please note BetterHelp does not offer or provide care from psychiatrists to prescribe a drug as treatment, or perform psychological assessments.

How does working with a counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?

BetterHelp clinicians treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in Rockford 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 Rockford helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety or depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. 

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address?

BetterHelp's verified Rockford therapists specialize and have clinical experience in a wide range of mental health issues and modalities, helping clients to feel better and improve their lives every day. See below for examples.

Specialties on BetterHelp include:

You may also be struggling with relationship problems that could be addressed in couples therapy or with a sex therapist. In that case, you may choose to work with one of BetterHelp's experienced cognitive-behavioral therapists or licensed marriage family therapists (LMFT) who work with clients in relationships. You can also try a Rockford therapy provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide. 

How do I know if online counseling is right for my family?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a therapist is the validation and active listening they can provide. Your friends and loved ones may also be available to listen, but you may feel that they may lack the skills to provide objective guidance. Counselors are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.

A psychologist in your city can support you toward a healthier emotional state, regardless of your mental health, life concerns, or healing needs. While supporting individuals in developing healthier habits, another good benefit of therapy is having an understanding, safe space with a non-judgmental party who can support you through challenging experiences.

Many people have sensitive topics that they may feel ashamed to discuss with their friends or partner. A Rockford therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of therapy, such as art therapy, where you may find you can express yourself through creativity instead of words.

With a lot of people in IL, providers may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles above and others within BetterHelp's team, you may be able to find a psychologist within 24 to 48 hours. If you're searching to find a a nearby psychotherapist close to 61109 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site. No matter if you are seeking help in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

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

Before seeing your therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the therapy process. You might write a list of questions you want to ask your psychotherapist, any emotional pain you may feel, and the ways in which you hope to improve. When you attend your session, let them know if you have any concerns about therapy or feel unsure about what to talk about. They may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn why you're attending therapy.

Should I find a therapist or psychologist if I feel fine? 

Some simply don't feel the need to see a psychologist. However, some people may avoid attending therapy due to stigma or preconceived notions of what therapy entails. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or condition to attend therapy. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback and advice. A Rockford licensed clinical social worker may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.

Gaining a new perspective on yourself through various therapies might allow you to improve your self-esteem, work through relationships, and gain a better sense of your mental health goals. The success you may find through therapy can be dependent on your process.

People may also attend therapy for specific motives, such as bullying, an autism diagnosis, a desire to learn mindfulness meditation, personality concerns, trouble with office workers, specific phobias, and many other principles.

Is mental health care and therapy worth it? 

Therapy is effective and has the power to change individuals' lives. Each client is at a different stage of their emotional healing journey in life, as each human can be unique in their personality, expression, skills, and goals. A psychologist can target various symptoms, experiences, and personalities to help you feel your best and put you on the path to healing. Unlike advice from a friend, family, or non-professional, a mental health professional has an understanding of various disorders like ADHD and depression with many hours of experience in treating adults in their practice. For this reason, seeing an evidence based psychologist in Rockford, 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.

Rockford has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online therapy to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into online therapy, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change therapists easily at any time. Many people struggling with anxiety and depression, substance abuse, body image issues, and more find therapists that are a good fit for them, feel supported, and gain further insight into their lives through internet-based therapy.

Do therapists judge you in therapy sessions?

The boundaries between you and a therapist are in place to help you and them regarding ethical concerns. Mental health professionals are held by ethical standards through the American Psychological Association (APA) and are not allowed to judge or harm their clients. If you are concerned about sharing details about yourself, feel free to withhold personal information. Their job in the therapeutic relationship is to create a safe place, help you gain a deeper understanding of your mental health, and support you. You might consider changing counselors if you don't feel safe or respected.

Stay up to date with the leading online counseling platform

To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on Pinterest, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.

Take some time today to learn more about the team of therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to therapy or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.

If you’re ready to sign up for online therapy, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched within 24 to 48 hours.

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:

A woman meets with a therapist online in her home city of Rockford.

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

61101, 61102, 61103, 61104, 61105, 61106, 61107, 61108, 61109, 61110, 61114, 61125, 61126

Popular cities near Rockford, IL

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