Tara Hartley , LCSW

Tara Hartley is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in Illinois with nine years of combined experience, including two years specializing as a substance abuse counselor. She has completed extensive training in a TF-CBT cohort - trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy - and has supported people recovering from physical trauma and emotional abuse.

Her clinical work has addressed a broad range of concerns, such as depression, anxiety, addiction, relationship struggles, parenting difficulties, career stress, obsessive-compulsive patterns, and couples therapy, among other mental health challenges. She approaches each case with attention to the whole person and tailors the process to individual needs.

Tara's counseling style is described as warm and interactive. She emphasizes respect, sensitivity, and compassion while avoiding stigmatizing labels. Her treatment draws from cognitive behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic, and dialectical behavioral therapies, and she collaborates with clients to shape conversations and treatment plans that reflect their specific goals and circumstances.

Tara views the decision to pursue therapy as a courageous step toward a more fulfilling life and aims to support and empower clients as they make changes. She looks forward to partnering with those ready to begin that work.

Could Remote Therapy Be a Good Fit?

Many people wonder whether remote therapy can truly help. For common concerns such as stress, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, or navigating life transitions, online therapy has been shown to be just as effective as traditional in-person sessions.

One key benefit is flexibility - clients can connect in the way that fits their life best, whether by video call, phone, live chat, or in-app messaging. This makes it easier to maintain continuity of care amid busy schedules, caregiving responsibilities, or mobility limitations.

Therapists offering remote services are licensed professionals, and clients may choose to change therapists if they seek a different fit. For many people, virtual therapy provides an accessible option to pursue personal growth, manage symptoms, and work toward meaningful goals with professional support.