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Michelle Dothager, LCSW

Experienced mental health professional

Provides online counseling through BetterHelp

At a glance

Michelle 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 Michelle. View 3 reviews
Speaks English
Offers Telehealth visits
Licensed in Illinois

Recent reviews

Michelle is an amazing therapist! In my experience, she does a great job helping me understand root causes for many of my challenges and helps me navigate stressful (and often overwhelming situations). I really appreciate how prepared and focused she is for our sessions. In the time we’ve worked together, she’s understood how I work and has tailored our sessions in a way I can understand better. I’m a data driven person and because of this she uses examples of how and why this plays a key contributor of my emotional decision-making skills. I’ve had many eye opening sessions thanks to Michelle!

Reviewed November 2022

Michelle listens and offers resources to further strengthen the work we do in each session

Reviewed July 2022

More about Michelle

  • 15 years' experience
  • Female
  • LCSW

You will find that I love pairing creativity with intuition and a good pragmatic approach. I have over 15 years of experience in the field of behavioral health and addictions treatment. My experience with children, adolescents and adults has taught me that as humans, we share many common threads and themes. Yet, each person and family has their own distinct story. As such, I endeavor to respect those differences, acknowledge individuality and hold space based on your unique needs and expectations.

By simply reading this bio and considering therapy you are moving with intention. For whatever purpose you are here. Do not miss an opportunity to recognize this step as progress. These self-directed moves are the combination of actions that ultimately propel you toward the direction you seek.

We have been taught to expect that when we employ certain linear, orderly, step-wise or karmic principles that life will reward you. Although this may serve us well under certain conditions. As time unravels, the flaw in this theory becomes evident.

Many of us come to find that maintaining wellness is complicated by factors that we may or may not have control over. We are deeply impacted by things like personal history, biology, traumatic experiences, relationships, and losses. Many of which we may not be equipped for. Therefore, we have to work to develop resilience, gain insight, and find relief.

I’m reminded of the classic song, Tom Sawyer by Rush, “Always hopeful, yet discontent, they know changes aren't permanent, but change is”. Our foundation of hope is this. Although changes may be unpredictable. They are not always permanent and never have to be unmanageable. Even though, at times, may feel that way.

I value all questions, so please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Specialties

Stress Anxiety Addictions Anger management Depression ADHD Trauma and abuse Grief Parenting issues Self esteem Bipolar disorder Coping with life changes Compassion fatigue Abandonment Attachment issues Autism and Asperger Syndrome Caregiver issues and stress Codependency Commitment issues Communication problems Control issues Coping with natural or human-caused disaster Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD) Divorce and separation Domestic violence Drug and alcohol addiction Emptiness Family problems Forgiveness Guilt and shame Impulsivity Infidelity Intellectual disability Isolation / loneliness Jealousy Life purpose Mood disorders Panic disorder and panic attacks Paranoia Post-traumatic stress Self-love Social anxiety and phobia Somatization Traumatic brain injury Women's issues Workplace issues Young adult issues

Treatment Approaches

  • Client-Centered Therapy
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
  • Existential Therapy
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Solution-Focused Therapy

Licenses

Michelle Dothager's National Provider Identifier (NPI) is 1437893781.

  • LCSW · Illinois · 149020495 · 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, also known as teletherapy, is a method of delivering mental health services through digital means such as video conferencing, phone calls, or messaging platforms. It can be an ideal option for individuals who have difficulty accessing traditional therapy due to geographical distance, time constraints, or personal preferences like privacy and comfort. Many people find it easier to open up from the familiarity of their own space.

Teletherapy has been found to be highly effective, with studies showing that it can produce similar outcomes to in-person therapy, particularly for issues like anxiety, depression, and PTSD. The flexibility and accessibility it offers make it a valuable alternative to conventional therapy settings.

Reviews for Michelle Dothager

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

Overall rating:

4.5

3 reviews

5
4
3
2
1

Clients mention: Great Understand Amazing Helping Listens An amazing therapist

Michelle is an amazing therapist! In my experience, she does a great job helping me understand root causes for many of my challenges and helps me navigate stressful (and often overwhelming situations). I really appreciate how prepared and focused she is for our sessions. In the time we’ve worked together, she’s understood how I work and has tailored our sessions in a way I can understand better. I’m a data driven person and because of this she uses examples of how and why this plays a key contributor of my emotional decision-making skills. I’ve had many eye opening sessions thanks to Michelle!

Reviewed November 2022

Michelle listens and offers resources to further strengthen the work we do in each session

Reviewed July 2022

Great

Reviewed June 2022

How was your experience with Michelle?

Frequently asked questions

Does Michelle Dothager offer telehealth visits?

Yes. Michelle Dothager 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 Michelle Dothager speak?

Michelle Dothager speaks English.

How many years of experience does Michelle Dothager have?

Michelle Dothager has 15 years of experience.

Where is Michelle Dothager licensed to practice?

Michelle Dothager is licensed to practice in Illinois.

Does Michelle Dothager accept clients outside of the United States?

No, Michelle Dothager 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 Michelle Dothager offer?

Michelle Dothager offers clients Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Existential Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution-Focused Therapy.

How can I communicate with Michelle Dothager?

Michelle Dothager 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 Michelle Dothager?

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.