How to Choose the Right Therapist for You

Before you compare therapists, it helps to name what's bringing you in, even in a sentence. Anxiety, depression, grief, a relationship, a parenting challenge, burnout, or a big life change are all good reasons to look for support. You can browse our therapy specialties to see the areas our clinicians focus on.

You don't need a diagnosis or the perfect words. A rough idea is enough to point you toward clinicians whose training fits.

Therapists list their degrees, licenses, and certifications after their names. Here are some you'll see on our team:

• LCSW: Licensed Clinical Social Worker
• LSW: Licensed Social Worker
• LMSW: Licensed Master Social Worker
• LPC: Licensed Professional Counselor
• NCC: National Certified Counselor
• CCATP: Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional
• MSW: Master of Social Work
• MA: Master of Arts

Our team is licensed to serve clients in Illinois, Georgia, and Florida, and services are provided only where our clinicians are licensed.

Different therapists use different methods. On our team, you'll see approaches like these:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and actions
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills for intense emotions and distress
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which helps you move toward what matters even when feelings are hard
• Solution-focused therapy, which builds on what's already working
• Psychodynamic therapy, which explores how past experiences shape the present
• Narrative therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Family Systems approaches
• Play and art therapy techniques for children

You don't need to pick a method yourself. A good therapist will match the approach to you, not the other way around.

Credentials matter, and so does feeling understood. Ask yourself what would help you feel safe enough to be honest. That might be a therapist who understands your culture or faith, someone who speaks your first language, someone who works with your age group, or a particular style of conversation.

At Growth & Guidance, our clinicians are strengths-based and culturally affirming, spiritual perspectives are welcome when you want them, and services are available in Spanish.

• Location: in person, telehealth, or both
• Schedule: evening or weekend availability
• Cost: insurance, private pay, sliding scale, or payment plans
• Format: individual, couple, family, or group sessions

Our offices are in Oak Lawn, Illinois and Marietta, Georgia, and telehealth is available anywhere in Illinois, Georgia, and Florida. Office hours run until 8:00 PM Monday through Thursday, with Saturday hours from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. You'll find accepted plans, session rates, and sliding-scale options on our Rates & Insurance page.

A short consultation is a good way to check fit before you commit. Consider asking:

• What experience do you have with what I'm dealing with?
• What approaches do you use, and what might a session look like?
• Do you offer in-person sessions, telehealth, or both?
• Do you take my insurance, or offer a sliding scale?
• How do you handle confidentiality?
• What happens if it doesn't feel like the right fit?

At Growth & Guidance, that call is free and takes 10 minutes. We'll ask a few questions about what you're navigating and match you with the clinician most likely to work well for you. You can meet our clinicians first, then book your free consult.

Fit is real, and it's okay if the first match isn't right. If it isn't a fit after a session or two, tell us, and we'll help you switch, with no awkwardness. Being honest about what's working is one of the most useful things you can do for your own care.