Find a therapist in Aurora, IL — covered by insurance


Top therapists in Aurora, IL accepting new patients
Mental health support is available throughout Aurora, from Downtown to East Aurora and West Aurora neighborhoods. Headway's network of 2,677 licensed providers offers talk therapy and medication management with flexible scheduling. Join thousands benefiting from affordable, insured care with providers available within two weeks.
Hey there! I’m Briana Kesterson, LCSW.
I’m a licensed therapist offering individual and family therapy in Illinois, supporting people who feel overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected from themselves. I have a Bachelor's in Clinical Psychology from the University of Illinois and a Master's in Social Work from Aurora University.
I work with children, teens, adults, and families navigating anxiety, emotional overwhelm, life transitions, relationship challenges, and self worth struggles. Many of my clients come in feeling “too much” or “not enough” and together, we begin to understand how to better support the parts of you that learned to cope and protect just to survive.
Welcome! As a board-certified physician dual-trained in Psychiatry and Neurology (MD), I offer a comprehensive approach to brain health and emotional well-being by bridging the connection between the mind and the nervous system.
Education & Background
- Doctor of Medicine (MD): Completed rigorous residency training spanning both psychiatry and neurology.
- Integrated Care: Combining psychopharmacology, neurological evaluation, and evidence-based therapies for precise, whole-person care.
Key Specializations
- Neuropsychiatry: Mood, behavior, or cognitive changes linked to neurological conditions (stroke, TBI, Parkinson's, MS).
- Memory & Cognitive Disorders: Evaluation and care for memory loss, mild cognitive impairment, and dementias.
- Treatment-Resistant Conditions: Tailored medical strategies for severe depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder.
- Overlapping Symptoms: Managing complex conditions like chronic migraines with mood symptoms or functional neurological disorders (FND).
- Executive Dysfunction & ADHD: Comprehensive assessment and treatment for focus and attention challenges.
My Approach I prioritize thorough evaluations and collaborative, evidence-based care tailored to your unique goals and quality of life.
Hi there, I’m Shelia
Do you feel like the weight of the world is weighing you down? Life’s struggles are becoming unmanageable? Managing family, relationships and job is getting too hard?
I help clients find a healthy perception of themselves and strengthen their relationships. We can partner to identify what works and what doesn’t to create a new path that works better. I have experience with individual, family, and group modalities and will use an integrative approach based on your needs. This may include: client-centered, mindfulness, solution focused, and trauma-informed techniques.
About our therapists located within 20 miles of Aurora, IL



- 99%Anxiety
- 91%Depression
- 86%Stress management
- 78%Relationship issues
- 78%Family issues

- 100%Aetna
- 99%Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois
- 91%Cigna
- 89%Carelon Behavioral Health
- 73%Ascension

- 97%English
- 7%Spanish
- 1%Greek
- 1%Hindi
- 1%Portuguese

- 99%In-person or online
- 1%In-person only

- 80%Woman
- 20%Man

- 43%Licensed Clinical Social Worker
- 41%Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
- 9%Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
- 5%Clinical Psychologist
- 1%Full Practice Authority Advanced Practice Registered Nurse

- 100%Individual therapy
- 47%Family therapy
- 35%Child or adolescent therapy
- 31%Couples therapy
Frequently asked questions


Find the right therapist for you
Headway makes it easy to find support for your mental health — from finding the right provider, to understanding costs, to scheduling with ease.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Therapist in Aurora
Searching for therapists in Aurora starts with knowing what kind of support you want. You may be looking for help with anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, grief, life transitions, or work stress. As you compare Aurora therapists, look for someone whose listed specialties and approach match your needs. A therapist’s bio can help you understand their style, experience, and what sessions may look like before you book.
In a smaller city like Aurora, the right fit may be nearby, or it may be easier to find through virtual therapy with a therapist licensed in Illinois. In-person care may work well if you prefer a local office, while virtual appointments can add more options when your schedule or location limits what is available nearby. As you narrow your search, consider appointment times, whether the therapist is accepting new patients, and whether they offer a free phone consultation. Reading profiles closely can also help you compare communication style, session structure, and areas of focus.
Therapy in Aurora can be a significant investment without insurance. Using in-network insurance is one of the most reliable ways to reduce session costs and make ongoing care more affordable. Headway helps you search for therapists who accept a wide range of insurance plans, see estimated out-of-pocket costs before booking, and book directly when you’re ready.
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