CBT Therapist Directory

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Alisa Cates, LCPC

Illinois LCPC specializing in anxiety and relationships
  • Client-centered approach
  • CBT and motivational techniques
  • Experience across care settings

About Alisa Cates

Alisa Cates, LCPC, is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois with 13 years of experience helping people manage stress, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, and a wide range of life transitions. She practices from a person-centered perspective that emphasizes being heard and respected as an individual, and she blends that foundation with evidence-informed techniques to tailor care to each person's needs.

Her clinical background spans community mental health agencies, inpatient hospitalization, intensive outpatient programming, corrections, and private practice, giving her experience with diverse populations and treatment settings. She has worked with issues including mood disorders, grief, parenting and family concerns, addiction, anger and impulse control, self-esteem, career questions, and challenges such as compassion fatigue and ADHD.

Alisa integrates multiple therapeutic methods when appropriate, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing, to address thought patterns, behavior change, and motivation, and she draws on solution-focused and dialectical strategies when they fit a client's goals. She emphasizes building strong rapport as the foundation for growth and change, and she approaches each case with respect for the client's values, context, and pace of progress. As a licensed professional based in Illinois, she offers services in English and applies a collaborative, individualized approach to treatment.

Areas of Expertise

Primary Focus

Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemDepression

Also Specializes In

AddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCompassion fatigueADHD

Additional Focus Areas

Aging and geriatric issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesEmptinessForgivenessImpulsivityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMidlife crisisMoney and financial issuesMood disordersPostpartum depressionPregnancy and childbirthSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-loveWomen's issuesWorkplace issues

Therapeutic Approach

Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) Motivational Interviewing Narrative Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy Systemic Therapy

Frequently Asked Questions

How much experience does Alisa Cates have?

Alisa Cates has 13 years of experience.

Is Alisa Cates a licensed therapist?

Yes. She holds the credential LCPC, which stands for Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. License details: IL LCPC 180.012524.

In which languages does Alisa Cates provide therapy?

Alisa Cates provides therapy in English.

Where is Alisa Cates located?

She is located in Illinois.

How can I work with Alisa Cates as my therapist?

You can work with Alisa Cates through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.

Does Alisa Cates work with international clients?

Alisa Cates does not currently work with international clients.

How much does therapy with Alisa Cates cost?

The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.

How can I get started with therapy?

Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.

Therapeutic approaches adapted for online care

Alisa Cates draws from client-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and motivational interviewing to guide online work. Client-centered therapy focuses on empathy, active listening, and respect for the individual, helping clients explore feelings and values in a supportive way. Cognitive behavioral therapy offers practical strategies to identify and shift unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, which can be useful for anxiety, depression, and stress management. Motivational interviewing helps uncover and strengthen a person’s own reasons for change, particularly when motivation feels uncertain or ambivalent.

Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Alisa collaborates with each person to assess needs, preferences, and goals, and she adapts methods over time so the treatment matches what is most helpful. This collaborative stance helps clients feel involved in planning and committed to change.

Online sessions by video, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging increase flexibility and make it easier to fit therapy into daily life. These options allow therapy to continue across locations and schedules, support different communication styles, and provide alternative formats for people who prefer shorter check-ins or written reflections between sessions.

Ready to start therapy with Alisa Cates?

Take the first step toward a better you.