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Grief counselors and therapists in Aurora, IL

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People with insurance pay as low as $0 per session through Headway

Top grief and loss counseling therapists in Aurora, IL

Whether you're coping with the loss of a loved one or anticipatory grief, Headway provides accessible mental health support throughout Aurora. Our providers use evidence-based approaches like Complicated Grief Treatment and CBT to help you navigate bereavement, with many appointments available virtually and covered by insurance.

Ana Vasquez Gomez

Ana Vasquez Gomez

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“What makes my practice unique is the way I hold space for your full self—helping you see and embrace even the parts that feel difficult or shadowed, while discovering new and healthier ways of relating to yourself and others.”
Grief or loss, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues, End of life care
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. James Hishmeh

Dr. James Hishmeh

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“Recovery is not just about stopping harmful behaviors. It is about building a life that feels meaningful, balanced, and sustainable.”
Grief or loss, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Men's issues
Affirming, Direct, Humorous
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Julianna Sliger

Julianna Sliger

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I specialize in helping adults just like you reclaim their well-being, build lasting self-esteem, manage anxiety and depression, and process all forms of grief.”
Grief or loss, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Naji Al-Najjar

Naji Al-Najjar

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I use an integrated approach to see the person in front of me as an individual who has their own experiences, all of which help to answer the question, "What happened to you?" versus "What's wrong with you?"”
Grief or loss, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Energetic, Holistic, Humorous
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Rotunda Gorman

Rotunda Gorman

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I am a licensed mental health therapist with 17+ years of experience specializing in substance use disorders, mental health, anxiety, depression, and co-occurring conditions.”
Grief or loss, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Schuyler Czech

Schuyler Czech

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I have a professional background providing therapy for individuals recovering from human trafficking.”
Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Eshana Watson-Gholar

Eshana Watson-Gholar

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My therapeutic style is grounded in empathy and empowering clients to explore their strengths and embrace personal growth.”
Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Challenging, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Martin Beck

Martin Beck

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I believe you are the expert on your own life, and my role is to help you discover the strengths and tools needed to move forward.”
Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Ephraim Tokar

Ephraim Tokar

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


Hi there, my name’s Ephraim and I'm a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 20+ years of experience. My specialties consist of relationships, men’s issues, career counseling, and psychosomatic illnesses.

Whether it's individuals or couples, I'm happy to get to work with whomever comes my way. I do my best to facilitate a warm, trusting environment. I received my Bachelors degree in Child Psychology, working initially with the adolescent population before transitioning over to adults. I then received my Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. Looking forward to meeting with you soon!

Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Eric Forster

Eric Forster

Therapist

Virtual • Chicago, IL


“My goal is to provide a thoughtful, supportive environment where clients feel comfortable exploring what's beneath the surface while developing greater self-awareness, emotional balance, and confidence moving forward.”
Grief or loss, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Energetic, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
Michelle Cruz

Michelle Cruz

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


I am a licensed clinical social worker with 28 years of experience partnering with adolescents, adults of all ages and families. I am bilingual so I offer therapy in english and spanish.

Grief or loss, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 14 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Motunrayo Olooto

Motunrayo Olooto

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Illinois


“I believe effective care starts with creating a safe, judgment-free environment where you can openly share your experiences, concerns, and goals.”
Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Rachel Obafemi

Rachel Obafemi

Therapist

Virtual • Fox Lake, IL


“I specialize in supporting individuals navigating the heavy intersections of chronic medical conditions, grief, and significant trauma.”
Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Energetic, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Tracy Deal

Tracy Deal

Therapist

Virtual • Springfield, IL


“I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience working with youth, families, and vulnerable populations.”
Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Shengmei Spigelmyre

Shengmei Spigelmyre

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I deeply understand the challenges of major life transitions, identity struggles, and relationship dynamics.”
Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Cheryl Joseph-Lukz

Cheryl Joseph-Lukz

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I value a therapeutic relationship built on mutual trust, warmth, and respect, and I believe in educating you so you can take an active role in your mental health and relational well-being.”
Grief or loss, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Dr. Cheryl Pugh

Dr. Cheryl Pugh

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I help you better understand your emotions while building practical tools you can use in everyday life.”
Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Shamim Sufi

Shamim Sufi

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


Hi, I'm Shamim! With 28 years of experience as a therapist, I've had the privilege of helping people from many different backgrounds navigate life's challenges and find their way forward. I work with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, relationship difficulties, grief, trauma, and major life changes. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed by responsibilities, struggling in your relationships, or carrying the weight of difficult experiences, my goal is to help you feel understood, supported, and more confident in yourself.

Having grown up in India and continued my education in both the United Kingdom and the United States, I understand how deeply our culture, family, and life experiences can shape who we are. I bring that perspective into my work, creating a warm, welcoming space where you can comfortably share your story without judgment. I also offer therapy in English, Hindi, Gujarati, and Urdu, helping clients express themselves in the language that feels most comfortable and natural to them.

Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
EC Kissner

EC Kissner

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


Hi, I’m E.C. Kissner Art Therapist | Creative Consultant + Career Coach for Arts + Innovation Entrepreneurs — If you’re someone who feels accomplished on the outside but stretched thin on the inside, you’re in the right place. Many of the people I work with are navigating burnout, transitions, stress, uncertainty about next steps, or a sense that life’s moving faster (or slower) than they can keep up with. You might want clarity, balance, and a way to turn insight into real-world change .... I specialize in creating a judgmental space that allows for both professional development & general life as well as mental health questions to unfold. — respectful of your identity, personal cultural context and lived experiences, while supporting you in moving from contemplating goals to moving them forward. Life imitates art so the trajectory to present will always be fully customized & right sized for your needs, working style and personal preferences.

Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Creative, Holistic, Participatory
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Dr. Shantrell Sutton-McKenzie

Dr. Shantrell Sutton-McKenzie

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


True wellness is a commitment to your best self. But what do you do if you don’t know what that looks like? When is the last time you had the space to reflect on your life and goals? Do you find yourself unbalanced due to life’s changes and in need of a reset? Meet with me! Let’s develop a plan for you to see yourself clearly. I utilize client-centered approaches with science-supported interventions. I won’t leave your wellness up to chance, let’s work together to make a change.

Grief or loss, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Katherine Cooper

Katherine Cooper

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My style is practical, collaborative, and grounded in helping you understand both your thoughts and your nervous system.”
Grief or loss, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, End of life care
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Jennis Stopka

Jennis Stopka

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My approach to therapy is to be a guiding light, supportive anchor, and a non-judgemental and encouraging presence.”
Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Larry Johnson

Larry Johnson

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I believe meaningful change begins with acceptance. When we accept reality, we gain the clarity about what we can control.”
Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Humorous, Solution-oriented
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Jeffery Grumley

Jeffery Grumley

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I use thoughtful questions and attentive listening to understand the needs and strengths underlying each identified challenge.”
Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Inquisitive, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Aaliyah McNair

Aaliyah McNair

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My approach to therapy is collaborative, compassionate, and goal oriented. I believe therapy works best when it feels like a partnership...”
Grief or loss, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Challenging, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Laura Jansen

Laura Jansen

Therapist

Virtual • Burr Ridge, IL


“I take a warm, collaborative, and strengths-based approach to therapy, helping clients build resilience, develop practical coping skills, and create meaningful, lasting change.”
Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Challenging, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Pascale Davis

Pascale Davis

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Illinois


“As a survivor of Complex PTSD myself, I have a special understanding and passion about helping others heal with patience and grace.”
Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Victor Epperson

Victor Epperson

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“In our first meeting, you can expect a relaxed, conversational environment where I take time to get to know you, understand your challenges, and learn what you are hoping to gain from counseling.”
Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Creative, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Dr. Christina Lipe

Dr. Christina Lipe

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Mount Vernon, IL


“My approach to therapy is warm, collaborative, and down-to-earth. I believe therapy can be meaningful and challenging without feeling cold or clinical.”
Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Inquisitive
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Jamie Smith

Jamie Smith

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I'm sex-positive and kink-aware, you won't have to start from scratch with me or justify your lifestyle.”
Grief or loss, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 19 insurance carriers
Jennifer Shook

Jennifer Shook

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I create a space where children and teens can be themselves, feel heard, and work through what's going on at their own pace.”
Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Direct, Empowering
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Grace Mandujano

Grace Mandujano

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


Life comes with challenges—whether it's day-to-day anxiety, work stress, seasonal changes in mood, grief, or major life transitions. Having a strong support system can make all the difference, and sometimes an unbiased, compassionate person to talk to is exactly what you need. Starting therapy can feel overwhelming, and while we haven't met yet, I'm glad you're taking this step.


I've been a healthcare social worker for nearly 10 years, supporting children, teens, adults, and families through life transitions, grief, serious illness, and challenging hospital experiences. These experiences have reinforced my belief that everyone deserves a space where they feel heard, understood, and supported.


Growing up, my family didn't talk much about emotions or healthy ways to cope. That experience sparked my passion for helping others build self-awareness, resilience, and confidence in navigating life's ups and downs.


My goal is to create a welcoming, nonjudgmental space where you can be yourself, explore what's bringing you to therapy, and work toward meaningful, lasting change—at your own pace.

Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 13 insurance carriers
Stephanie Avinger

Stephanie Avinger

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I like a person-centered approach meaning you are in charge, we go at your speed and things should always be comfortable for you during therapy.”
Grief or loss, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Holistic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Jennifer Ruggeri

Jennifer Ruggeri

Therapist

Virtual • Chicago, IL


“My therapeutic approach is rooted in empathy and evidence-based techniques, allowing me to create a safe and nurturing environment for my clients.”
Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 13 insurance carriers
Rebecca Scandell

Rebecca Scandell

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


I have 26 years of experience dealing with individuals, couples, families in therapy. We will work together to develop plans that are unique and right for you.

Grief or loss, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Marcellous Pollards

Marcellous Pollards

Therapist

Virtual • Rockford, IL


Hello, I'm Marcellous Pollards, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who is passionate about helping children, adolescents, and adults overcome life's challenges. I have experience supporting clients with anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, life transitions, and behavioral concerns in both community and outpatient settings. My goal is to provide a safe, supportive, and judgment-free space where you feel heard and empowered to grow. I believe everyone has the ability to heal and create meaningful change.

Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Challenging, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Emily Corson

Emily Corson

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I believe in understanding the whole person and take a thorough approach in assessing childhood, biological, and systemic factors that effect ones overall wellbeing.”
Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Elizabeth Kazlauski

Elizabeth Kazlauski

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My goal is to provide a safe, grounded, and supportive space where you feel heard, understood, and equipped to begin creating meaningful change.”
Grief or loss, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions, Depression
Empowering, Energetic, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Giselle Navarro

Giselle Navarro

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


I know how important it is to feel safe, understood, and not rushed when you’re talking about difficult or painful experiences. I’m a thoughtful, down-to-earth therapist who values authenticity, trust, and genuine connection. My strengths-based approach is grounded in compassion and respect, and I aim to meet each person exactly where they are without judgment.

Starting counseling can feel like a big step, especially if you’re used to handling things on your own. My hope is that you leave sessions feeling understood, challenged in a caring way, and equipped with practical tools you can use in your daily life.

Grief or loss, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Identity issues
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 15 insurance carriers
Donna Ferraro

Donna Ferraro

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


I offer a kind, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where you can show up exactly as you are. Many people come to therapy feeling overwhelmed, stuck, anxious, emotionally drained, or unsure how to move forward. You may be dealing with anxiety, depression, stress, life transitions, relationship issues, or simply the weight of trying to hold everything together on your own. My goal is to help you feel safe, heard, and supported as we work through what is weighing on you. Therapy with me is about creating a space where you do not have to have all the answers right away - just a willingness to begin.

Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

About our therapists located within 20 miles of Aurora, IL who help people navigate grief and loss

Number of therapists within 20 miles of Aurora, IL
There are over 40 therapists in Aurora, IL accepting new patients.
40+
Average years in practice
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11 years
Top specialties offered
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  • 100%Anxiety
  • 100%Grief or loss
  • 93%Depression
  • 88%Stress management
  • 85%Relationship issues
Insurances accepted
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  • 100%Aetna
  • 98%Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois
  • 93%Carelon Behavioral Health
  • 88%Cigna
  • 83%Ascension Health Plan
Languages spoken
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  • 95%English
  • 8%Spanish
  • 3%Hindi
  • 3%Yoruba
How they see their clients
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  • 100%In-person or online
Provider gender
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  • 73%Woman
  • 28%Man
License types
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  • 45%Licensed Clinical Social Worker
  • 30%Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
  • 10%Clinical Psychologist
  • 8%Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
  • 5%Full Practice Authority Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
Treatment approaches
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  • 98%Individual therapy
  • 53%Family therapy
  • 35%Couples therapy
  • 25%Child or adolescent therapy

Frequently asked questions

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Find the right grief counselor for you

Headway makes it easy to find a therapist who can support you through loss — from finding the right provider, to understanding costs, to scheduling with ease.

1 Cost may vary based on your location, age, and insurance coverage.