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Peter Agostino

Offering therapy in IL
License: MA, LCPC
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesCompassion fatigueADHD
10 years of experience

I believe that each and every individuals has the tools to make their life better and it is my job as a therapist to help my clients learn how to use those tools and so each client can help themselves. I have worked with a very diverse population and pride myself in being truly understanding of all people and all lifestyles. I like focusing on a client's strength's and and getting to know a client fully. I have experience working with depression, anxiety, the LGBTQ community, relationship issues, multicultural issues, religious and anti-religious issues, issues of race and feminist issues. I am a very open therapist that believes each client deserves a positive ear to talk to. I also believe in reality therapy. If something in your life is not working for you we are going to talk about it and try and figure out how we can develop new and better reactions to different situations.

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Edilberto (Bert) Bibat

Offering therapy in IL
License: MA, LCPC, NCC
AddictionsRelationship issuesParenting issuesAnger managementCoping with life changes
25 years of experience

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

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Neal Harris

Offering therapy in IL
License: MA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
36 years of experience

Neal Harris is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, with a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology. He has practiced the art of psychotherapy for the past 36 years. He is also the managing director of a holistic education and services center and has been a workshop leader in the holistic health and self-enrichment fields since 1985. Neal’s experience stems from training in the United States, China and India. In 1986, he was a member of the first bodywork team invited to China to study Tuina, a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine and massage. In 1991, he traveled to India to study with the meditation master and sage, H.W.L. Poonja (Papaji). Neal has been teaching traditional Usui, Japanese, and Tibetan Reiki for over 20 years and been providing Reiki therapy for over 30 years. He is also a certified Karuna® Reiki instructor and Usui Holy Fire Karuna® Master instructor. As a certified Quantum-Touch® practitioner for 21 years and instructor for 18 years, he provides both classes and individual sessions. He is the author of the book, Pocket Stress Manager & Labyrinth Guide, as well as the relaxation CD, Exit The Storm. Neal as well as his work at the education center has been featured on national television including WTTW, Fox, NBC, Discovery Channel and more. He has also been featured in several national magazines including Better Homes & Gardens, Spa Finder, New Age Magazine, Utne Reader and others. In 1997, Neal was the originator of the Earth-Wisdom Labyrinth; Illinois’ first permanent outdoor labyrinth located in Elgin. He has been a consultant on, and the creator of other public labyrinths, fabric traveling labyrinths, wood and plastic finger labyrinths (including his patented brain balancing, communication enhancing double finger labyrinth design known as the Intuipath®) and manuals for creating outdoor labyrinths. Neal leads labyrinth workshops around the country and is both a founding member of The Labyrinth Society and has been a Certified Veriditas Facilitator since 1999. In his private therapy practice, Neal assists those individuals who are experiencing a variety of concerns including life-affirming conditions such as Diabetes, Cancer, Heart Disease as well as anxiety and more general concerns. To promote healing on many levels, he uses relaxation and meditation training, EFT, Reiki, Quantum-Touch® as well as his own modality “labyrinth counseling” (using his patented Intuipath® double finger labyrinth design). This work explores integrative medical options, as well as the psychology and spirituality of illness and recovery. Neal also headed up a 4-year national research study to determine the behavioral effects of his Intuipath® design on children and adolescents with ADHD.

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Kolleen Blume

Offering therapy in IL
License: LCPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseParenting issuesCoping with life changes
12 years of experience

I am an individual, family and marriage counselor licensed in Illinois with 13 years experience working as a psychological counselor. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, grief, domestic violence, divorce, co-parenting and trauma based issues. My counseling style is empathic and interactive. I believe that therapy can sometimes work when it involves the family dynamics and history of childhood. My clients are usually motivated to make the necessary changes to move forward in their lives with regards to being productive, building relationship and feeling right with themselves. At times a client will need a few sessions to reassure themselves in making a decision with career and or other life changes. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic and rational-emotive counseling. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Sometimes a person may be intimidated to process some of the personal challenges and events they are experiencing. This is why my approach is based on the client's ability to understand their comfort level with processing issues and not be forced or prompted by the therapist. An individualized treatment plan will be discussed during the initial intake to meet the needs of the client's reasons for participating in therapy. I look forward to working with you!

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LaToya Bragg-Finch

Offering therapy in IL
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
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, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. 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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Julie Bailey

Offering therapy in IL
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
13 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. 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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Marilyn Verbiscer

Offering therapy in IL
License: MS,LMFT,BC-TMH
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefIntimacy-related issuesDepression
24 years of experience

I have been a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) since 1999. I have successfully worked with a variety of individual, couple and family issues such as healing from the trauma of infidelity, ineffective communication, conflict management issues, premarital counseling, relationship dissatisfaction, sexual issues, divorce, depression, anxiety, anger, grief, sleep issues, poor self-esteem, sexual issues, etc. I received my Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Master of Science degree in Child Development and Family Studies from Purdue University. I am a Clinical Fellow of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), an AAMFT Approved Supervisor, a Certified Gottman Seven Principles Leader and a Board Certified TeleMental Health Professional (BC-TMH). I have published and presented on the topics of infidelity, tele-mental health, clinical supervision, tele-supervision and clinical documentation. I have also taught psychology courses at Purdue University and Illinois Institute of Technology. I generally check my messages each day, Monday through Friday, during standard business hours and respond as quickly as I can. My goal is to respond within 24 hours during the weekdays. I do appreciate your patience when it takes a bit longer at times, as I may be tending to other clients or other professional responsibilities. I prefer to do therapy via weekly live video sessions as therapy progresses much more quickly with this modality which means you will feel relief much faster. Live video sessions are usually 30 to 45 minutes long. Currently, all of my evening appointments are full. Most of my availability is between 11:00AM Central and 3:00PM Central, Monday through Thursday. Regarding scheduling, I do not use my BetterHelp calendar as I prefer to make appointments directly with you. I am looking forward to working with you!

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Ozell Adams

Offering therapy in IL
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementBipolar disorderDepression
6 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, anger management, & bipolar disorder. 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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Kyle Brand Padilla

Offering therapy in IL
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteem
4 years of experience

I have been practicing social work since 2017, and I have been clinically licensed in Illinois since 2019. I offer support surrounding stress and anxiety, LGBTQ+/queer related issues, relationships, and trauma. I treat all individuals with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. Signing up for therapy can come with uncertainty and ambiguity. So, I am here to create a safe space with you and together map the way you wish to receive services, and I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific goals.

This is Maximillian E Stocchero's avatar and link to their profile

Maximillian E Stocchero

Offering therapy in IL
Stress, AnxietyADHD
3 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety & concentration, memory and focus (adhd). 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!

How to find counseling in Peoria

Finding the best therapist close by in Peoria 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 Peoria. 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 Peoria, 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 Peoria 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 Peoria 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 Peoria, elsewhere in Peoria, 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 Peoria area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Peoria 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 Peoria 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 Peoria 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 Peoria, 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 Peoria 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 Peoria 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 Peoria 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 Peoria 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 Peoria 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 61614 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 Peoria 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 Peoria 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 Peoria, 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.

Peoria 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 PinterestLinkedInInstagramTwitter, 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 Peoria.

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

61601, 61602, 61603, 61604, 61605, 61606, 61612, 61613, 61614, 61615, 61625, 61629, 61630, 61633, 61634, 61635, 61636, 61637, 61638, 61639, 61641, 61643, 61650, 61651, 61652, 61653, 61654, 61655, 61656

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