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Lauren Oestmann, LCSW

Experienced mental health professional

Provides online counseling through BetterHelp

At a glance

Lauren is an experienced, licensed Mental Health Professional who specializes in affordable online therapy offered through our partner, BetterHelp.

4.5 stars
Clients are very satisfied with Lauren. View 42 reviews
Speaks English
Offers Telehealth visits
Licensed in Illinois

Recent reviews

Working with Lauren has been extremely helpful.

Reviewed November 2024

I like that she’s very blunt about things. As someone who overthinks I enjoy someone who is straightforward. She’s also there when there’s something you need to talk about. She actually reads your journal entry’s and responds about them.

Reviewed November 2024

More about Lauren

  • 14 years' experience
  • Female
  • LCSW

Welcome! First I would like to commend you on reaching out for help, as I know this can be the most challenging part. It takes a lot of courage to share your story and struggles.

My name is Lauren and I am a licensed clinical social worker in the state of Illinois. I have over 13 years of experience working in a wide range of settings. I have worked with families, children and teens, residential substance abuse, private practice, adoption preservation and corrections.

My style can be described as client centered, strength based and solution focused. I use cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, motivational interviewing, trauma focused therapy, mindfulness and solution - focused therapy.

If you have any questions feel free to reach out by message through Better Help. I look forward to working with you soon.

Specialties

Stress Anxiety Addictions Trauma and abuse Anger management Depression Relationship issues Family conflicts Grief Intimacy-related issues Sleeping disorders Parenting issues Self esteem Career difficulties Bipolar disorder Coping with life changes Compassion fatigue ADHD

Treatment Approaches

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Solution-Focused Therapy
  • Trauma-Focused Therapy

Licenses

Lauren Oestmann's National Provider Identifier (NPI) is 1174196455.

  • LCSW · Illinois · 149.014605 · Expires November 2025

About online counseling

Affordable.
Pay a low flat fee.
Convenient.
Do it at your own time and at your own pace. Communicate whenever you feel it's needed.
Available now.
There is no waiting list and no calls to make. Simply fill out a short questionnaire and send your first message.

Online counseling allows you to receive care from a mental health practitioner via phone, video chat, or instant messaging. It is convenient for those who may have trouble getting to or would prefer not to have in-person therapy appointments. Starting at $65 per week, online counseling is generally more affordable than in-person counseling. A study by researchers at University of California, Berkeley found that online counseling can be just as effective as face-to-face therapy while being more convenient, affordable, and accessible.

Reviews for Lauren Oestmann

All reviews have been submitted by clients after seeing the provider.

Overall rating:

4.5

42 reviews

5
4
3
2
1

Clients mention: Great Listens Amazing Recommend Support Understand Attentive Easy Helpful Understanding

Working with Lauren has been extremely helpful.

Reviewed November 2024

I like that she’s very blunt about things. As someone who overthinks I enjoy someone who is straightforward. She’s also there when there’s something you need to talk about. She actually reads your journal entry’s and responds about them.

Reviewed November 2024

Lauren is great, creating an open and safe environment.

Reviewed September 2024

Lauren is a wonderful therapist that balances challenging me to grow as well as supporting me where I am at.

Reviewed July 2024

Lauren has been a wonderful support to me. Her knowledge, expertise, and experience in this field have assured me I can trust her with my difficult trauma. She’s educated me on so much and it has allowed me to heal. She checks in on all my aspects of life every session. I never feel rushed during sessions but we always seem to hit all the major areas of my life.

Reviewed July 2024

Lauren is patient, competent, and wise.

Reviewed May 2024

Lauren has helped me navigate multiple difficult situations (even my wedding!) and relationships calmly with patience, kindness, and great advice! She is able to help me see other perspectives, and find tools that work for me that I can apply to the current and future situations. She has a great attitude and calming presence. I am lucky to have gotten such a great match! I know she has my well being in mind 100% of the time!

Reviewed April 2024

Lauren is a great therapist who lets you talk as much as you want but also challenges you about your belief system. At the end of session she gives you work to do and things to think about. I’ve noticed the improvements already even after just a few sessions. I highly recommend her to improve yourself.

Reviewed April 2024

Lauren is perfect at exploring my past and traumas, she's excellent at guiding our conversations where I would never think of going; discovering stuff about my past and even myself that I never knew or would think of. She's very understanding and caring, she's never gone anywhere I don't want to and always asks if I want to talk about whatever sensitive topic might arise. Lauren is my first ever therapist, and I couldn't be more pleased.

Reviewed March 2024

I’ve always been able to reach Lauren in between our sessions. She remembers details and I never have to retell a story. Her knowledge from her previous career experiences has allowed her to provide me with comforting insight. I was worried about disliking virtual but with Lauren it feels the same as in person. She pays great attention and remembers all the crazy pieces of my life. She allows time for us to talk about each topic in a session. She’s validated my feelings while also telling me how to work on parts of myself. I feel like I’m in great hands.

Reviewed February 2024

Lauren is a fantastic listener and provides good advice that makes me consider my behavior and actions, but I never feel like she shames or judges me. Overall, a great experience.

Reviewed January 2024

She’s truly amazing. So happy we found her. The best therapist I’ve worked with.

Reviewed January 2024

I’ve only had one session, but Lauren listened to everything I said and can’t wait to have more sessions in the future!

Reviewed December 2023

Soooo understanding. You can spell out all your shortcomings and she’ll show you how to still love yourself despite it all. She’s the best.

Reviewed November 2023

I’ve been to therapy a few different times now and I’ve never felt so comfortable and heard as I have in my sessions with Lauren. She is so sweet and easy to talk to, but will also point out unhealthy behavior and thoughts when she hears them (and after you’ve settled in). I feel like I’ve grown so much since I’ve started therapy with her. If you’re looking for someone that’s easy to talk to and someone that you can actually talk with and not talk at, then I highly recommend Lauren!

Reviewed November 2023

Lauren really listens abd is willing to challenge your thought patterns and behaviors.

Reviewed September 2023

Lauren is very good at what she does! She listens and does give good feedback and support. I want to give her a special thanks for being kind and attentive in every one of my sessions. Thank you!!!

Reviewed March 2023

Lauren always made me feel validated and I could always tell she was truly listening to what I was saying. I'm so thankful to have gotten to talk with her.

Reviewed April 2023

Lauren had been so supportive. Listens to my concerns, never passes judgement but gives me great perspective and encouragements. She’s the best. Love her.

Reviewed April 2023

Lauren has been nothing short of helpful whenever I need her. My life has drastically changed since we’ve started talking and my only regret about it is not talking to her sooner.

Reviewed February 2023

Good listener, very kind. Responsive to messages.

Reviewed February 2023

Lauren listens first, offers advice, and follows up. She is great.

Reviewed January 2023

She’s amazing as well as very patient & helpful. Very thankful for her time.

Reviewed December 2022

Amazing therapist!

Reviewed November 2022

Lauren is absolutely amazing. I was unsure about starting therapy as a male but after my first session with Lauren I was so happy I did. She listens, is attentive, provides great feedback, and has provided me with tools to help with my anxiety. She deserves a raise.

Reviewed November 2022

Lauren is the absolute best. She always listens to my concerns and is always the sweetest and nicest person to me. I always feel amazing after I’m done talking to her. I would recommend her to everyone!

Reviewed September 2022

I have appreciated her thoughtfulness during this process. She listens to my concerns and helps me problem solve . Her therapeutic approach was much needed for me. I highly recommend her!

Reviewed September 2022

Such a great therapist.

Reviewed July 2022

She is honestly very good at her job. I don’t know what else to say without making it sound disingenuous

Reviewed May 2022

Lauren is great!

Reviewed May 2022

Lauren really takes the time to understand how you feel, and makes you feel better after each session.

Reviewed May 2022

Lauren is a great therapist! Her way of going about therapy really suites my needs and it’s been helping me through difficult times! It’s like texting a diary friend!

Reviewed April 2022

Lauren so far is great, I’m comfortable with her which takes a lot for me to get that way. She also works around my schedule to make sure I get my session in. I look forward to my progress with her.

Reviewed February 2022

Have been seeing Lauren for around 6 months and she is has been wonderful and truly has been a breath of fresh air. This was my first time ever seeking counselling and was very hesitant and nervous, but that quickly faded away the more I spoke with Lauren. She is incredible with what she does, is an amazing listener, and her techniques work in a way that naturally lets you bring topics out without feeling uncomfortable. I feel like I could tell her anything. She is highly skilled in what she does and truly can’t imagine seeing anybody else. Hope to continue counselling with her as she has already been such a huge help. I highly recommend Lauren to anybody out there who needs help.

Reviewed January 2022

Lauren has made my experience with therapy a very positive and enjoyable one. That is not something I thought I would ever say about therapy, but here I am saying it. Lauren is an amazing listener and guide during our sessions and even when I don't have the words to express something or answer a question, she still seems to understand what I try to or want to say, which is a testament of her qualification as a therapist. I would be quick to recommend her to someone struggling mentally. She will not disappoint and help you find your way to where you want to be.

Reviewed January 2022

Lauren the REAL MVP!!!

Reviewed January 2022

Lauren is exactly what I have been looking for in a therapist - someone who is available, listens to my struggles, asks thoughtful questions, and challenges me to better understand why I am feeling a certain way. I didn't have great luck with the two previous therapists I was assigned when I first signed up for Betterhelp but Lauren has been excellent thus far.

Reviewed January 2022

She’s so understanding and often responds fast. She listens and helps guide you toward a better life!

Reviewed November 2021

Lauren has been an exceptional support during an incredibly challenging period over the last few weeks. She was curious to understand my circumstances fully, and then supportive by providing thoughtful responses and perspective to help guide my feelings and thoughts. She was also honest, direct and challenged me appropriately and professionally. I absolutely welcome the opportunity to work with her again when the time is right for me to re-engage.

Reviewed November 2021

Lauren is an exception listener, she is attentive, and patient. She provides a great balance between being in the moment and providing perspective, while also offering materials and practical tools for dealing with your mental health practice. Working with her is also so uncomplicated. She is there for every meeting, responsive on chat and generally conveys a sense of professionalism alongside her easy going personality that puts you at ease during your sessions. Lauren is an exceptional help and comes highly recommended- thank you!

Reviewed November 2021

I’ve only had one session and can already tell she is very good in her field. She doesn’t seem like just another counselor.

Reviewed August 2021

Lauren is kind, has a human approach and offers support in the least judgemental way I’ve ever experienced. I highly recommend her to anyone who needs someone to talk to without feeling like they’re being overly analyzed. I’m sure she tailors the approach based on client preferences, but she genuinely makes me feel like I’m being seen and heard and not pathologized which can be hard to find in therapy

Reviewed August 2021

How was your experience with Lauren?

Frequently asked questions

Does Lauren Oestmann offer telehealth visits?

Yes. Lauren Oestmann works with clients by exchanging messages, chatting live, speaking over the phone, or video conferencing based on what works for the client at that particular time.

What language(s) does Lauren Oestmann speak?

Lauren Oestmann speaks English.

How many years of experience does Lauren Oestmann have?

Lauren Oestmann has 14 years of experience.

Where is Lauren Oestmann licensed to practice?

Lauren Oestmann is licensed to practice in Illinois.

Does Lauren Oestmann accept clients outside of the United States?

No, Lauren Oestmann does not accept clients outside of the United States.

Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy?

Numerous studies support the effectiveness of online platforms in facilitating life changes. For instance, research published by JMIR Publications, conducted by teams from the University of Berkeley, UCSF, and SF General Hospital, found that "users of BetterHelp experienced significantly reduced depression symptom severity after engaging with the platform."

What treatment approaches does Lauren Oestmann offer?

Lauren Oestmann offers clients Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Trauma-Focused Therapy.

How can I communicate with Lauren Oestmann?

Lauren Oestmann can be engaged in any one of four ways: (1) Exchanging messages, (2) chatting live, (3) speaking over the phone, or (4) video conferencing. You can use different ways at different times as you wish, based on your needs, availability, and convenience.

How do I get started with Lauren Oestmann?

Just tap the CHAT NOW button or tap here: A new window will open and you'll be directed to a simple form that will help start the conversation. Please note: It can take up to a few days to be matched to a therapist.

Mental health conditions are real, common, and treatable.

And recovery is possible.

Messaging
Live Chat
Phone
Video

When you tap CHAT NOW a new window will open and you'll be directed to a simple form that will help start the conversation. Please note: It can take up to a few days to be matched to a therapist.