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 professional experience - seven years as a therapist and two years as a substance abuse counselor. She has participated in a TF-CBT cohort and has received focused training in trauma-informed approaches, working extensively with clients who have experienced emotional and physical abuse.

Her clinical practice spans a wide range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, addiction, relationship and couples issues, parenting challenges, OCD, career stress, and other mental health disorders. She has supported people through grief, intimacy-related difficulties, coping with life changes, and complex family dynamics, and she brings experience addressing both trauma and substance use issues.

Tara’s counseling style is warm, interactive, and grounded in respect, sensitivity, and compassion. She avoids stigmatizing labels and tailors dialogue and treatment plans to each person’s unique needs. Her approach draws on cognitive-behavioral techniques, client-centered principles from humanistic therapy, psychodynamic ideas, and dialectical behavioral strategies to create practical, individualized care.

She encourages people who are ready to pursue a more fulfilling and balanced life and offers support and empowerment as they take initial steps toward change.

Therapeutic Approaches and Remote Care with Tara Hartley

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on empathy, respect, and collaboration, creating a supportive space where people explore their values, strengthen self-understanding, and navigate life transitions or self-esteem concerns. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) concentrates on identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, making it useful for anxiety, depression, stress, and many everyday challenges. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) teaches practical skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness, which can help people manage intense emotions, improve relationships, and reduce impulsive or harmful behaviors.

Tara approaches treatment as a collaborative process - she works with each person to identify goals, try different strategies, and determine which approaches fit best with their needs and preferences. As a licensed professional, she tailors the plan over time so the methods and pace align with the client’s circumstances and progress.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility by allowing work via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. These options can make it easier to fit sessions into busy schedules, maintain continuity of care during life changes, and engage in therapy from familiar surroundings while still receiving guidance from a licensed therapist.

Frequently asked questions

How much experience does Tara Hartley have?

Tara Hartley has nine years of professional experience, which includes seven years working as a therapist and two years serving as a substance abuse counselor.

Is Tara Hartley a licensed therapist?

Yes. Tara Hartley is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Her Illinois license is listed as 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?

Therapy with Tara Hartley can be conducted through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.

Does Tara Hartley work with international clients?

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

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