About chronic illness
On this page you will find therapists who specialize in helping people manage the emotional and practical challenges of chronic illness. Browse profiles below to compare approaches, credentials, languages, and experience related to chronic health concerns.
Use the listings to explore clinicians who list chronic illness among their specialties and to plan the next step toward support that fits your needs.
What to compare in entries
| Credentials | A US state licence, or membership of a professional body such as BACP or NCPS. They are different kinds of thing; each profile shows what was supplied. |
|---|---|
| Focus | Whether chronic illness is listed as a main focus or among the wider list of areas. Entries show both. |
| Way of working | The approaches named on the entry. Two people working with the same concern can describe very different sessions. |
| Time in practice | Years in practice, as supplied. A fact to weigh, not a ranking. |
| Language | The languages sessions can be held in, where that matters to you. |
Common questions
How were these entries chosen?
Everyone listed on this page has chronic illness among the areas they told the platform they work with. They are not ranked, rated or endorsed by this directory, and the order is not a recommendation.
Do I need a referral to start?
No. You can contact a therapist through their entry directly. A GP referral is not required for independent online therapy.
What if the first therapist is not right?
Changing therapist is normal and expected, and can be done at any point. One session is a small sample of how someone works.
Entries for chronic illness
Angela Neary, BACP
Ref 109659
Experienced person-centred counsellor with practical support
Works with: Addictions, Relationship, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingSiyue Zhang, AASW
Ref 243585
Calm, practical therapy focused on real-life change
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Family Languages: English, Mandarin
View listingAnastasia Seale, BACP
Ref 173105
Compassionate integrative counsellor for everyday struggles
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Family Languages: English, Russian
View listingJennifer Hughes, NCPS
Ref 187476
Warm, practical therapy for stress and trauma
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingMalak Alsaidi, LCSW
Ref 203999
Supportive New York LCSW focused on healing
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingJanet Hardin, LCSW
Ref 55726
Practical, compassionate support for life challenges
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Self esteem, Bipolar Languages: English
View listingJulia Allen, BACP
Ref 193195
Practical support for stress and low mood
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingBianca Righetti, BACP
Ref 220095
Practical support for stress, anxiety and life change
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingBrittany Elledge, LPCC, LMHC
Ref 11729
Practical, client-centered support for life changes
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingBrandi Kelly, LA Psychologist
Ref 201932
Experienced Louisiana psychologist focused on practical change
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Parenting, Depression Languages: English
View listingCarol Broad, NCPS
Ref 128573
Calm, practical counselling for everyday challenges
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Grief Languages: English
View listingShannon Mott, LCSW
Ref 108724
Compassionate, practical therapy for life transitions
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Family Languages: English
View listingMelissa Rollins, LPC
Ref 340542
Practical support for stress and life changes
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingAnnie Taylor, NCPS
Ref 153305
Experienced client-centred counsellor
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Anger Languages: English
View listingLisa McCormack, BACP
Ref 256148
Practical, compassionate therapy for anxiety and life change
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Grief, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingEthel-Caroline Miman, AASW
Ref 259803
Gentle, practical therapy for life’s big challenges
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Grief Languages: English
View listingKavitha Devarajan, AASW
Ref 345247
Supporting stress, anxiety and life goals
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Self esteem Languages: English, Hindi, Kannada
View listingKeith Chilton, LMFT
Ref 106189
Experienced marriage and family therapist
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Relationship Languages: English
View listingJill Malcolm, BACP
Ref 231136
Gentle practical support for everyday struggles
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Family Languages: English
View listingJennifer Mcpherson (Norman), BACP
Ref 161239
Experienced relationship and trauma counsellor
Works with: Relationship, Family, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingLucy Warner, BACP
Ref 200588
Support for grief and long-term illness
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Grief, Anger Languages: English
View listingLouis Blea, LPC
Ref 277410
Practical, strengths-focused counseling for common struggles
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingDale Thompson, LCSW, CSW
Ref 341301
Practical, experienced help for stress and trauma
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingDarla McAdams, LPC
Ref 58935
Practical, person-focused counseling in Missouri
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, LGBT Languages: English
View listingFaith Beaulieu, LCMHC
Ref 23986
Somatic-minded counselor for focused change
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, LGBT, Relationship Languages: English
View listingFarah Southwell, LPC
Ref 203059
Practical, experienced therapist for life’s hard moments
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Family Languages: English, Haitian Creole
View listingSally Smith, LPC
Ref 338970
Practical therapy for stress and relationships
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingKerrie McCabe, BACP
Ref 128546
Compassionate counsellor blending listening with practical tools
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingStella Sacarello, BACP
Ref 261216
Person-centred counsellor for life transitions
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, LGBT, Grief Languages: English
View listingJosephine Sultana, AASW
Ref 309775
Compassionate social worker blending therapy and lifestyle care
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Sleeping Languages: English
View listingLoire Bennett, LMHC
Ref 25344
Experienced Florida LMHC focused on practical growth
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Grief Languages: English
View listingTeneka Gerido, LPC
Ref 203172
Practical support for stress and life changes
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingSidonia Stiles, BACP
Ref 101572
Experienced counsellor for relationships and grief
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Grief Languages: English, Portuguese
View listingConnie Seth, LISW
Ref 206834
Seasoned Iowa LISW focused on practical coping
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Grief Languages: English
View listingKalpna Kerai, BACP
Ref 165701
Calm, practical counselling for everyday struggles
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingMaria "Patti" Lorenzo, LCPC
Ref 26902
A practical, compassionate approach to emotional change
Works with: Trauma and abuse, Self esteem, Coping with life changes Languages: English
View listingEdward Mcguinness, BACP
Ref 263954
Practical, respectful support for everyday struggles
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingJoyce Voltaire Huertas, LCSW
Ref 94229
Practical, relationship-focused therapy for life transitions
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingDebby Sawyer, LIMHP
Ref 236392
Experienced, practical help for everyday struggles
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingDaniel Windemer, NCPS
Ref 173238
Calm, practical counselling to help you move forward
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Grief Languages: English
View listingRobert Marshall, BACP
Ref 116379
Person-centred counsellor with practical focus
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Relationship Languages: English
View listingCatherine Kearns, BACP
Ref 183397
Practical, person-focused therapy for everyday struggles
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Relationship Languages: English
View listingSoraya Hind, BACP
Ref 115815
Support for trauma, identity and ongoing stress
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Depression Languages: English
View listingBeth VanKeuren Maldonado, LCSW
Ref 101474
Experienced Connecticut LCSW offering practical support
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingJoanne Shipp, BACP
Ref 291844
Practical, person-focused counselling for everyday life
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Family Languages: English
View listingJoanne Fabrick, LPC
Ref 148298
Experienced Texas counselor focused on practical growth
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Anger, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingDonald Henderson, LMHC
Ref 68596
Practical support for trauma and life change
Works with: Trauma and abuse, Grief, Anger Languages: English
View listingSophia Mas, LMHC
Ref 91155
Compassionate counselor with practical tools
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Family Languages: English, Spanish
View listingMore about chronic illness
Understanding Chronic Illness and How It Affects You
When you hear the term chronic illness it refers to health conditions that last for months or years and often require ongoing care or lifestyle adjustments. These conditions can affect your energy, mobility, cognition, mood, and daily routines. Living with persistent symptoms may mean repeated medical visits, changes to work and relationships, and ongoing uncertainty about the future. The emotional toll can be as substantial as the physical, and many people find that managing a long-term condition reshapes their sense of identity and what they imagine for their life.
The impact of chronic illness is seldom only physical. You may experience grief over losses - of previous abilities, roles, or plans. You might face frustration when symptoms limit activities you once enjoyed. Financial stress, disrupted sleep, and social isolation are common threads that can deepen emotional strain. Understanding that these responses are common does not minimize their difficulty, but knowing they are shared by others can help you feel less alone as you seek support.
Common emotional responses
Many people report fluctuating emotions such as anger, sadness, anxiety, and hopelessness. These feelings can come and go with changes in symptoms or treatment, and they can be compounded by the practical challenges of coordinating care, managing medications, and advocating for your needs. Therapy can help you name these experiences, develop strategies to cope, and identify what matters most to you as you live with illness.
Signs You Might Benefit from Therapy for Chronic Illness
You may be considering therapy if you find day-to-day life is harder to manage than it used to be, or if emotional distress is interfering with relationships, work, or self-care. If worry about symptoms keeps you from sleeping or pursuing enjoyable activities, therapy can provide tools to reduce that interference. When feelings of helplessness, persistent sadness, or heightened anxiety persist for weeks or months, a therapeutic relationship can help you explore those patterns and develop practical coping strategies.
Therapy can also support you in the practical transitions that often accompany chronic illness. You may need help communicating with medical teams, navigating disability systems, or adjusting career plans. Emotional support for partners, family dynamics, and caregiving roles is another common reason people seek therapy. If you notice patterns such as withdrawing from social contact, relying heavily on unhelpful coping behaviors, or struggling to maintain daily routines, these are indications that targeted therapeutic work could improve your quality of life.
When to look for additional support
If you experience thoughts of harming yourself or others, or if symptoms escalate rapidly, it is important to contact local emergency services or your healthcare provider. Therapy is one component of a broader support system. You might coordinate care between therapists, primary doctors, and specialists to ensure you have comprehensive help for both emotional and physical needs.
What to Expect in Therapy Sessions Focused on Chronic Illness
Therapy for chronic illness typically blends emotional processing with practical problem solving. In early sessions you and your therapist will likely discuss your history with the illness, the ways it affects your daily life, and the goals you want to work on. Those goals can be concrete - for example, improving sleep habits or planning energy-conserving routines - or they can be about emotional shifts, such as reducing anxiety or rebuilding social connections.
Sessions often include learning specific skills you can use between meetings, like stress management techniques, pacing strategies to manage fatigue, and communication skills for conversations with loved ones and health professionals. Therapy may also provide a space to grieve losses, restructure unhelpful thinking patterns, and cultivate acceptance where appropriate. The balance between emotional exploration and practical tools depends on your needs and preferences, and you and your therapist can adapt the approach over time as circumstances change.
Working with your broader care team
You might find it helpful to coordinate what you do in therapy with medical care. While therapists do not replace medical advice, they can help you prepare for appointments, interpret emotional reactions to test results, and practice advocating for your needs. When this coordination is helpful, you can discuss boundaries and communication preferences with your therapist to make sure the collaboration supports your overall well-being.
Common Therapeutic Approaches for Chronic Illness
There is no single approach that fits everyone, and many therapists draw from multiple methods to address the complex needs that chronic illness presents. Cognitive-behavioral approaches are often used to help you identify and shift patterns of thought that increase emotional suffering and to develop practical strategies for symptom management. Acceptance-based approaches can help you find clarity about what is within your control and how to live meaningfully despite limitations.
Some therapists list mindfulness and stress-reduction techniques among their approaches, which can be useful for managing pain, improving sleep, and reducing reactivity to symptoms. Others describe a focus on health-related behavior change that helps you build routines for medication management, pacing, and energy conservation. If trauma plays a role in your history, there are therapists who list trauma-informed care among their approaches, offering ways to address past experiences that may affect your current health journey.
How to interpret approach descriptions
When reading therapist profiles you will see a range of approaches listed. Keep in mind that a therapist listing an approach does not mean they hold a specific certification in it. Think of these descriptors as signals of orientation - the types of strategies you might encounter in sessions. Consider which frameworks resonate with you and how they might align with your goals for therapy.
How Online Therapy Works for Chronic Illness and Tips for Choosing a Therapist
Online therapy can be especially useful if you have mobility limitations, fatigue, or fluctuating symptoms that make in-person visits difficult. Sessions typically occur over video or phone, allowing you to meet from your home or another setting that feels comfortable. Online formats also make it easier to fit appointments around medical treatments and to include partners or family members in sessions when that is helpful.
To choose a therapist for chronic illness work, start by clarifying what you need most. Are you seeking help with symptom-related anxiety, with adapting daily routines, or with relationship strains that have emerged since diagnosis? Look for therapists who explicitly list chronic illness, health psychology, or related themes among their specialties. Pay attention to stated approaches, languages spoken, and notes about work with caregivers or specific populations, because these details can help you find someone whose way of working aligns with your priorities.
Practical considerations when reviewing profiles
Read therapist profiles for information about clinical orientations and the kinds of challenges they commonly address. Look for descriptions that reflect respect for your experience and a collaborative approach to setting goals. If you rely on assistive devices or require particular accommodations, check profile details about accessibility or mention your needs when you reach out. You may also find it helpful to seek therapists who list experience working with conditions similar to yours, while keeping in mind that many clinicians work across a wide range of health concerns.
Choosing a therapist is a personal process. Trust your instincts about who feels like a good fit for you. It is reasonable to try a few conversations to get a sense of whether the therapist’s communication style and approach match your expectations. A productive therapeutic relationship often includes clear goals, realistic steps, and a mutual sense of respect as you work toward meaningful changes in how you live with chronic illness.