LCSW

Tara Hartley , LCSW

Therapist in Illinois

Online therapy - get matched and start messaging.

About Tara

Tara Hartley is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in Illinois with nine years of experience in behavioral health. Her background includes two years as a substance abuse counselor and specialized training in trauma-focused cognitive behavioral methods through participation in a TF-CBT cohort, equipping her to work with people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse.

Tara has supported clients facing a broad range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, addiction, relationship and parenting difficulties, career challenges, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, and couples issues, along with other mental health conditions. Her practice emphasizes practical strategies alongside deeper exploration of patterns and meaning, adapting interventions to each person’s situation.

Her counseling style is warm and interactive, grounded in respect, sensitivity, and compassion while avoiding stigmatizing labels. She integrates cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic, and dialectical behavioral approaches and tailors dialogue and treatment planning to meet unique needs. Tara focuses on empowering people to pursue more fulfilling and sustainable ways of coping and relating, working collaboratively to identify goals and steps toward meaningful change.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Tara Hartley draws on client-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) to guide her online work. Client-centered therapy emphasizes empathy and collaboration, helping people feel heard while exploring their values and goals; it is useful for relationship concerns, self-esteem, and life transitions. CBT focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns, and it is often effective for anxiety, depression, and OCD-related challenges. DBT teaches practical skills for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness, which can help with intense emotions, impulsivity, and relationship struggles.

Finding the right approach is part of the process, and Tara works collaboratively with clients to determine which methods best fit their needs, goals, and preferences. Sessions may combine elements from different approaches to create a tailored plan.

Offering services by video, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging makes therapy more flexible and accessible for varied schedules and life circumstances. These options allow clients to engage in consistent care from different locations while working with licensed professionals and therapists who adapt techniques to work effectively in each format.

Frequently asked questions

How much experience does Tara Hartley have?

Tara Hartley has nine years of professional experience in behavioral health, including two years working specifically as a substance abuse counselor.

Is Tara Hartley a licensed therapist?

Yes. Tara Hartley is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker - LCSW. Her license details are IL LCSW 149.021785.

In which languages does Tara Hartley provide therapy?

Tara Hartley provides therapy in English.

Where is Tara Hartley located?

Tara Hartley is located in Illinois.

How can I work with Tara Hartley as my therapist?

Tara Hartley can provide therapy through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. Please note that she is not currently accepting new clients.

Does Tara Hartley work with international clients?

No. Tara Hartley does not currently work with international clients.

How much does therapy with Tara Hartley 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.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes

Also works with

AddictionsLGBTFamily conflictsGriefIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemBipolar disorderCoachingCompassion fatigue

Additional focus areas

Aging and geriatric issuesAttachment issuesBlended family issuesCancerCaregiver issues and stressCommitment issuesCommunication problemsCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEmptinessFamily problemsFatherhood issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameHospice and end-of-life counselingIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMood disordersObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthSelf-loveSexual assault and abuseSexual dysfunctionSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Existential TherapyMindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapyPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

9+ years

Licensed

Illinois

Languages

English

Ready to work with Tara?

Begin with a short quiz to get matched and start messaging.

Start with Tara →