Therapist listings are provided by BetterHelp. We will earn a commission at no extra cost to you if you use our links to buy.

Kathleen Carter

Therapist · Illinois

Kathleen Carter, LCSW

Practical, compassionate support for everyday struggles

Continue with Kathleen

Review online therapy options on BetterHelp.

  • 20 years experience
  • Caregiver stress focus
  • Practical skills approach

About Kathleen

Kathleen Carter is a licensed clinical social worker with 20 years of experience helping people manage stress, anxiety, grief, and depression. She works with adults who are tired of feeling stuck and want practical ways to move forward. Kathleen speaks plainly and offers steady support as people begin the work of change.

Her approach centers on helping people build skills they can use day to day. She uses evidence-based methods to address low self-esteem, social anxiety, and trouble with motivation. Kathleen also helps people handle life changes and the particular strains that come with caregiving.

She pays close attention to how guilt, shame, and isolation show up in a person’s life. Conversations often focus on realistic steps to reduce overwhelm and on restoring a sense of purpose. Kathleen guides people through grief and through repairing communication patterns that cause conflict.

Sessions aim to be straightforward and collaborative. Kathleen listens first, then offers tools from approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy to test what works. She also draws on acceptance and commitment ideas and solution-focused strategies to keep work practical and goal oriented.

People who choose her can expect a respectful, gentle style with an emphasis on real-world change. She encourages gradual progress and checks in about what’s helping and what needs adjusting.

Areas of expertise

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Solution-Focused Therapy

Experience

20+ years

Credentials

Illinois

Languages

English

Therapeutic approaches and how they work online

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT, helps people notice unhelpful thoughts and reconnect with their values. It is useful for anxiety, stress, and making changes that matter. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, CBT, focuses on identifying patterns of thinking and behavior that keep problems going and practicing small changes. It often helps with depression, social anxiety, and low self-esteem.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will talk with the client about goals, preferences, and what has helped or not helped before. Together they decide which methods to try and adjust the plan as progress is made.

If you are considering online therapy, confirm the current session options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule, skip travel time, or have shorter check-ins when needed. They can also allow for comfortable pacing when working through grief, caregiver stress, or ongoing anxiety. Ask about session length and scheduling during the matching process so arrangements fit your daily life.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does she commonly address?

She helps people with stress, anxiety, grief, self-esteem, depression, and coping with life changes, plus caregiver issues and social anxiety.

What is her therapeutic style like?

Her style is collaborative and straightforward. She listens first, then offers practical tools tailored to each person's needs.

How much experience does she have?

She has 20 years of professional experience working with people on a range of emotional and life challenges.

What are her credentials and where is she based?

She is an Illinois LCSW, which stands for Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and practices in Illinois.

Which languages are supported for sessions?

Sessions are offered in English.

Can people outside the United States work with her?

She is not currently accepting international clients.

How are sessions billed or priced?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin working with her?

Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.

Back to all therapists

Kathleen CarterReview online therapy options on BetterHelp.

Continue with Kathleen