Michelle Conrad, LCPC at Personal Balance Counseling
Feeling anxious is a normal human experience. However, when anxiety starts to interfere with daily life, work, or relationships, it may be time to seek professional support. If you live in or near Orland Park, Illinois, you have several options for finding a qualified therapist who specializes in anxiety treatment.
This guide will help you understand what to look for in a therapist, how to begin your search, and what to expect from the process.
Understanding When to Seek Help
Anxiety can show up in many different ways. Some people experience physical symptoms like a racing heart, sweating, or trouble sleeping. Others might notice persistent worrying, difficulty concentrating, or avoiding situations that make them uncomfortable [3].
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health conditions in the United States [3]. These conditions are also highly treatable with the right support.
You might consider reaching out to a therapist if:
- Your worry feels out of proportion to the situation
- Anxiety prevents you from doing things you need or want to do
- Physical symptoms are affecting your quality of life
- You’re using unhealthy coping strategies to manage anxious feelings
- Your relationships are suffering because of anxiety
Remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Just as you would see a doctor for a physical health concern, mental health deserves the same attention and care.
Types of Therapists Who Treat Anxiety
Several types of licensed professionals can provide therapy for anxiety. Understanding the differences can help you make an informed choice.
Licensed Clinical Psychologists hold doctoral degrees (PhD or PsyD) and provide therapy based on psychological research and testing. They cannot prescribe medication in most states, including Illinois.
Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW) have master’s degrees in social work and training in therapy. They often take a whole-person approach that considers life circumstances, relationships, and community resources.
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors (LCPC) also hold master’s degrees and provide various types of counseling and therapy services.
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can diagnose mental health conditions and prescribe medication. Some also provide therapy, though many focus primarily on medication management.
All of these professionals can be qualified to help with anxiety. The best choice depends on your specific needs and preferences.
Evidence-Based Treatments for Anxiety
When looking for a therapist, it helps to understand which treatments have strong research support for anxiety conditions.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most well-researched approaches for anxiety [1]. CBT helps you identify thought patterns that contribute to anxiety and develop new ways of thinking and responding. This approach is typically short-term and focused on specific goals.
Exposure Therapy is particularly helpful for specific phobias and some anxiety disorders [2]. This treatment involves gradually facing feared situations in a safe, controlled way. The process is always done at a pace that feels manageable.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) teaches skills for accepting uncomfortable thoughts and feelings rather than fighting them. It focuses on living according to your values even when anxiety is present [5].
Mindfulness-Based Approaches incorporate meditation and awareness practices. Research shows these techniques can reduce anxiety symptoms for many people [6].
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) focuses on building practical skills in mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. Research shows DBT is effective in reducing emotional dysregulation, self-harm behaviors, and symptoms of anxiety and depression, particularly for individuals who experience intense emotions [7].
Many therapists use a combination of these methods tailored to each person’s needs.
Where to Start Your Search in Orland Park
Finding the right therapist takes some effort, but several resources can help streamline your search.
Insurance Provider Directories
If you have health insurance, your insurance company’s website typically has a directory of in-network providers. You can usually filter by location, specialty, and type of provider. Call the number on your insurance card if you need help navigating the directory.
Keep in mind that in-network providers have agreed to specific rates with your insurance company, which usually means lower out-of-pocket costs for you.
Psychology Today Therapist Finder
Psychology Today maintains a large online directory where therapists create profiles describing their approach, specialties, and background. You can search by location and filter for therapists who specialize in anxiety. Many profiles include photos and detailed information about treatment approaches.
Local Medical Centers and Hospital Systems
Orland Park is served by several healthcare systems that offer mental health services. These organizations often have multiple providers and can help match you with someone appropriate for your needs.
Your Primary Care Doctor
Your family doctor can be an excellent resource for referrals. They may know your medical history and can recommend therapists they trust in the community. Some primary care offices also have behavioral health professionals on staff.
Employee Assistance Programs
If you have access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through work, this benefit often includes free short-term counseling sessions. Your EAP can also provide referrals to local therapists.
Questions to Ask When Contacting a Therapist
Most therapists offer a brief phone consultation before scheduling your first appointment. This conversation helps you both determine if it’s a good fit.
Consider asking:
- What is your experience treating anxiety?
- What approaches or methods do you typically use?
- How long are sessions, and how often would we meet?
- What are your fees, and do you accept my insurance?
- What is your availability for new clients?
- Do you offer in-person sessions, video sessions, or both?
Pay attention not just to the answers, but also to how comfortable you feel talking with the person. The therapeutic relationship matters significantly for successful outcomes [1].
What to Expect from Therapy
Starting therapy can feel uncertain, especially if it’s your first time. Knowing what typically happens can ease some anxiety about the process itself.
Your first session is usually an assessment. The therapist will ask about your current concerns, symptoms, personal history, and goals for treatment. This information helps create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
In following sessions, you’ll work together on strategies and skills. Between sessions, you might practice techniques or complete exercises. Progress isn’t always linear—some weeks feel easier than others, and that’s normal [4].
The length of treatment varies. Some people feel significantly better after a few months, while others benefit from longer-term support. Your therapist should regularly check in with you about progress and adjust the approach as needed.
Considerations for Accessibility and Comfort
Finding the right match involves more than credentials and availability. Personal factors matter too.
Some people prefer working with a therapist who shares their cultural background or understands specific life experiences. Others prioritize certain treatment approaches or session formats.
Many therapists now offer telehealth sessions through secure video platforms. This option can be convenient if you have transportation challenges, a busy schedule, or simply prefer meeting from home. Research shows that online therapy can be just as effective as in-person sessions for many anxiety conditions [2].
If cost is a concern, ask about sliding scale fees. Some therapists adjust their rates based on income. Community mental health centers also typically offer services at reduced costs.
Taking the First Step
Reaching out for help with anxiety is an important act of self-care. While the process of finding a therapist takes effort, it’s an investment in your wellbeing.
You don’t have to have everything figured out before making contact. Therapists are trained to help people who are unsure where to start. If the first therapist you try doesn’t feel like the right fit, it’s okay to keep looking.
Anxiety is treatable, and many people experience significant improvement with appropriate support [3]. The therapists and mental health professionals in the Orland Park area are equipped to provide evidence-based care in a compassionate setting.
Your mental health deserves attention and support. Taking steps to find a therapist is moving toward a life with more ease, confidence, and wellbeing.
References
[1] American Psychological Association. Available at: https://www.apa.org/
[2] Anxiety and Depression Association of America. Available at: https://adaa.org/
[3] National Institute of Mental Health. Available at: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/
[4] Mayo Clinic. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/
[5] APA PsycNet. Available at: https://psycnet.apa.org/
[6] Cochrane Library. Available at: https://www.cochranelibrary.com/
[7]Valentine, S. E., Bankoff, S. M., Poulin, R. M., Reidler, E. B., & Pantalone, D. W. (2015). The use of dialectical behavior therapy skills training as stand-alone treatment: A systematic review of the treatment outcome literature. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 71(1), 1–20.
This blog was developed with support from AI-assisted research tools. All clinical content was reviewed and approved by the Clinical Director, who retains full responsibility for accuracy and clinical appropriateness.