Teen Anxiety Therapy Near Manhattan, IL
Small-town roots, big-school pressure and a private place to talk
In a close-knit town like Manhattan, it can feel like everyone knows everyone. That’s part of the charm, and part of why some teens keep their worries to themselves. We offer a private, caring place to work through anxiety, just up the road in New Lenox.
- Support for the move from Manhattan Junior High to Lincoln-Way West
- Private, confidential counseling for teens
- In person in New Lenox or by telehealth from home
- In-network with Aetna, BCBS, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare and UMR
- No waiting list, and we reply within 24 hours
Starting high school
From Manhattan Junior High to Lincoln-Way West
Manhattan School District 114 students head to Lincoln-Way West for high school, which is right here in New Lenox. For many teens, it’s their first time in a school that size, with new faces in every class.
Some teens love the fresh start. Others feel lost, anxious or quietly lonely, especially if their friends ended up in different classes or activities. It can show up as stomachaches on Sunday nights, trouble sleeping, irritability or a sudden drop in grades.
With Lincoln-Way West in New Lenox, our office is in the same town where your teen already spends the school day.
Starting before freshman year? That’s a great time to build skills and confidence.
Privacy matters
When Everyone Knows Everyone
In a town that turns out for Irish Fest every March, it can feel like nothing stays private for long. Some teens worry that asking for help means people will find out. Here is how we protect their privacy.
Confidential Sessions
For teens 12 and older, what they share stays private, with a few safety exceptions your therapist explains at the first visit.
Telehealth From Home
Teens can meet with their therapist online from home, anywhere in Illinois, without anyone seeing them walk into an office.
A Self-Pay Option
When you pay cash without using insurance, there is no formal diagnosis or set number of sessions on file. Sessions are $150 after a $200 first assessment.
A different kind of session
Therapy Doesn’t Have to Mean Sitting Still
Not every teen wants to sit on a couch and talk. Michelle’s sessions may include games, crafts or a walk outdoors, and with younger clients, our sessions often include games, drawing or role-play.
The skills teens learn can go right back home with them, whether that’s a few calm breaths before a test or a walk on the Wauponsee Glacial Trail after a hard day.
Your team
Therapists Manhattan Teens Can Count On
Every therapist on our team works with anxiety. Here are three to get to know first, and we will help you find the right fit.
Danielle Moon, LSW
Brings more than 10 years of experience in behavioral health and child welfare. She helps teens and adults work through trauma, anxiety and low self-esteem at a pace that feels safe.
In-network: Aetna, BCBS and Cigna
Sidra Shoaib, LPC
Works with kids and teens ages 5 to 17. She started college as a biology major before switching to psychology, and she loves showing teens it’s never too late to choose the path that fits.
In-network: Aetna, BCBS and Cigna
Michelle Verheyen, LCPC
Became a counselor after a first career in business and raising her own family. She helps teens move into young adulthood with insight and real coping skills.
In-network: Aetna, BCBS and Cigna
For parents
Helping Your Teen Through the First Year of High School
A few simple habits can make freshman year feel more manageable for the whole family.
Keep the Door Open
Short, low-pressure check-ins in the car or at dinner often work better than big talks.
Notice Patterns, Not Moments
One bad day is normal. Weeks of dread, poor sleep or pulling away from friends are worth a closer look.
Encourage One Connection
A club, team or activity at Lincoln-Way West can help a teen find their people. Start with just one.
Reach Out Early
You don’t have to wait for a crisis. A few sessions early on can make the whole year feel lighter. Read how to know if your teen needs counseling.
New Client
How getting started works
It can be overwhelming coming to counseling. Here’s every step, from your first call to the sessions that follow.
Step 1
Reach out
Request a session online or call (815) 409-5940 to schedule your first appointment.
Step 2
Fill out your intake forms
Your welcome email has everything. Finish the forms at least 48 hours before your appointment, on a phone, tablet or computer, and share your preferred times and therapist.
Step 3
We check your benefits
If you’re using insurance, we check your benefits before confirming your appointment, so there are no surprises.
Step 4
Your first session
Check in on the iPad in our waiting room. Your therapist walks you through confidentiality, answers your questions, and gets to know you and your goals.
Step 5
Plan next steps together
Most people start with weekly sessions, at least three to build a connection, then adjust together as things improve.
In-network with
- Aetna PPO
- Cigna / Evernorth
- BCBS PPO
- UnitedHealthcare
- UMR
- Initial assessment $200
- Ongoing sessions $150
Insurance and rates
Insurance Accepted
We work with most major insurance plans and offer self-pay options. We believe quality mental health care should be accessible. Davis-Smith Mental Health is in-network with the following insurance providers.
We also offer self-pay options and can provide a Superbill for out-of-network benefits.
Manhattan questions
Common Questions From Manhattan Families
Talk to Someone Who Gets It
Tell us a little about your teen and what’s been going on. We’ll match you with the right therapist and reach out within 24 hours.
What People Are Saying About Us
5.0 Based on 5 Google reviews
“Davis-Smith Mental Health truly cares about their clients. The therapists are compassionate, skilled, and genuinely committed to helping you grow and heal. It’s clear that Jessica has built a team that shares her values and dedication. Highly recommend to anyone looking for meaningful support and real results.”
Kasia Budyn · Posted on Google
“Jessica provides a safe and welcoming environment for all the teens she sees. She tailors treatment to each teen and is incredibly patient and open to their needs. I have seen first hand the work she does and the connection she has with kids. I cannot recommend her enough as someone who will care for your teen and your family!”
Google User · Posted on Google
“Davis-Smith Mental Health is a trusted resource for providing compassionate, high-quality therapy for teens and emerging adults. I know confidently that clients are supported with empathy, professionalism, and respect. Jessica leads her team with integrity and intention. She clearly prioritizes the well-being of her staff, which allows them to show up fully for the clients they serve. Their commitment to the healing journey is evident in every interaction. I’m grateful to have them as a referral partner and deeply value their work in the mental health community.”
Sherri Wick · Posted on Google
“Jessica is a dedicated therapist and absolutely loves working with teens. You are able to feel the love from the moment you walk through the door. She and her staff will provide a safe and private environment for that one on one attention you deserve.”
Melanie K. Hall · Posted on Google
“Jessica and her team are so passionate and helpful! I would recommend this practice to anyone looking!”
Biljana Krzywinski · Posted on Google
You don’t have to figure this out alone
If something told you to keep reading this far, trust that feeling. Whether it’s for yourself, your teen, or your young adult, the hardest part is deciding to start. We are here when you are ready.
there is courage in change ♥
- Anxiety specialists for children, teens, and adults
- Rated 5.0 on Google
- In-network with Aetna, BCBS, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare and UMR
- Telehealth anywhere in Illinois
- In-person in New Lenox
- EMDR therapy for anxiety and trauma
- A small team, by design
- There is courage in change
