Relationship Counseling
- Anxiety counseling for every age, and EMDR with our EMDR-trained therapist
- In-person in New Lenox and telehealth across Illinois
- In-network with Aetna, BCBS, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare and UMR
- No waiting list, and we reply within 24 hours
Reviewed by Jessica Davis, LCPC, Practice Owner · Updated October 2026
Connecting with Confidence
Understanding Relationship Challenges in Children, Teens, and Young Adults
Forming relationships, whether friendships or romantic connections, can be challenging at any age. Children, teens, and young adults often express difficulty either connecting or socializing with others or navigating the complexities of dating. There is immense pressure to be in the “right crowd” or to be dating someone, regardless of whether it is a healthy relationship. Most young people do not realize how damaging one bad friendship or dating relationship can be on their self-esteem. These relationship struggles can lead to signs of depression, anxiety, and irritability. It is crucial to help young people learn how to form healthy relationships to set them up for success now and in the future. Counseling can help them feel better and learn how to have healthy relationships. Relationship counseling helps with trust, communication, setting boundaries and, for young adults, the emotional intimacy that healthy dating relationships need. Whatever your experience has been so far, these are skills anyone can build.
“The quality of your life is the quality of your relationships.”
– Tony Robbins
In-network with
- Aetna PPO
- Cigna / Evernorth
- BCBS PPO
- UnitedHealthcare
- UMR
- Initial assessment $200
- Ongoing sessions $150
Insurance and rates
Insurance Accepted
Davis-Smith Mental Health is in network with Aetna PPO, Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO, Cigna and Evernorth, UnitedHealthcare, and UMR. Not every therapist is in every network, so we check your plan with you before your first session. If you’d rather pay privately, we can give you a Superbill to use with your out-of-network benefits.
Recognizing the Challenges
Common Difficulties in Forming Relationships and Social Skills
Recognizing the challenges in forming relationships is the first step toward seeking help. If your child, teen, or young adult is experiencing any of the following, counseling may be beneficial:
Awkwardness Around Others
Feeling uncomfortable or self-conscious in social situations.
Difficulty Initiating a Conversation
Struggling to start conversations or keep them going.
Neglecting Responsibilities
Putting social relationships before important responsibilities.
Loneliness and Isolation
Experiencing feelings of loneliness and withdrawing from social interactions.
Worried Thoughts
Having persistent worries about social interactions or relationships.
Low Self-Esteem
Feeling inadequate or lacking confidence in social settings.
Avoidance
Deliberately avoiding social situations or relationships.
Anger or Irritability
Becoming easily upset over not seeing friends or partners.
Trouble Asserting Yourself
Finding it hard to express needs or stand up for oneself in relationships.
Empowering Connections
How Counseling Can Help Improve Relationships and Social Skills
Counseling provides a supportive environment where individuals can develop the skills needed to build healthy relationships. Here are some ways counseling can help:
Engaging in Conversations
Learning how to initiate and maintain meaningful conversations.
Removing Unhealthy Relationships
Identifying and ending relationships that are harmful or toxic.
Decreasing Family Tension
Reducing stress and conflict at home caused by social issues.
Becoming More Assertive
Empowering individuals to express their needs and desires confidently and respectfully.
Increasing Self-Esteem
Building a positive self-image and confidence in social situations.
Setting Healthy Boundaries
Understanding and establishing boundaries to protect personal well-being.
Improving Problem-Solving
Developing skills to navigate conflicts and find compromises.
Embracing Authenticity
Encouraging individuals to embrace who they are without trying to fit into others’ expectations.
Building Strong Foundations
Our Approach to Enhancing Relationships and Social Skills
At Davis-Smith Mental Health, we believe that the key to improving relationships starts with the therapeutic bond we form with our clients. This relationship helps us understand their strengths and areas for growth in communication, boundaries, and connection. By building a strong, supportive bond, we can better support our clients in their journey.
Once we establish a solid therapeutic relationship, we focus on enhancing communication skills and inner strength. We encourage clients to step outside their comfort zones and try new social interactions. Our goal is to help clients realize that they can have healthy friendships and romantic relationships without changing who they are to fit others’ expectations.
We emphasize the importance of finding and using one’s voice respectfully and confidently. Watching our clients grow into their own and develop healthier, more fulfilling relationships is incredibly rewarding. We are dedicated to helping each individual feel confident and empowered in their social interactions.
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 you have a good idea of your cost before your first visit.
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.
Take the First Step
Learn to Build Better Relationships Today
Personalized care
Licensed, caring therapists
Every therapist on our team works with anxiety. We will match you with the right therapist for you.
Anxiety at the center
Anxiety is the foundation of everything we do.
EMDR-trained care
EMDR helps clients process what talk therapy alone can’t reach.
Every age and stage
From children and teens to young adults and adults.
In-person and telehealth
Our New Lenox office or secure online therapy for clients in Illinois.
Relationship Counseling for Teens and Young Adults Near You
Building healthy relationships is a skill, and sometimes teens and young adults need a little guidance to get there. We work with individuals and families from New Lenox, Frankfort, Mokena, Tinley Park, Orland Park, Lockport, Homer Glen, Manhattan, and Joliet who are navigating friendships, family dynamics, and social confidence. Our practice is rooted in Will County and southern Cook County because we believe local families deserve a counselor who feels like part of the community.
Trouble seeing the form? Open it in a new window or call us at (815) 409-5940.
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
More ways we can help
Other Ways We Help
Anxiety Therapy
Anxiety is the most common reason families come to us, and it’s the foundation of everything we do. Whether your teen is avoiding school, your young adult can’t stop overthinking, or worry has taken over your daily life, we can help. Our therapists use CBT and EMDR to help clients understand what’s driving their anxiety and build real tools to manage it.
Teen Anxiety Counseling
The teen years are when anxiety tends to hit the hardest. School pressure, social stress, comparison, and the weight of figuring out who they are can leave teens feeling overwhelmed and stuck. We work with teens to understand what’s behind the anxiety and give them real skills they can actually use, at school, at home, and in the moments that feel like too much.
EMDR Therapy
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a well-researched approach for trauma, and it’s also used for anxiety. It works by helping the brain reprocess difficult memories and experiences that are keeping you stuck. Our EMDR-trained therapist works with teens, young adults, and adults.
Depression Therapy
Depression and anxiety often show up together. If your teen has lost interest in things they used to enjoy, is sleeping too much or too little, or seems hopeless about the future, therapy can help. We work with clients to find what’s underneath the depression and build a path forward that actually feels possible.
Trauma Counseling
Trauma is one of the most common drivers of anxiety in teenagers and young adults. It doesn’t always look like what you’d expect. It can show up as constant worry, anger, trouble concentrating, or emotional shutdown. Our therapists help clients work through trauma at their own pace, in a space where they feel safe.
Emotional Regulation
When anxiety runs high, emotions feel unmanageable. Some children, teens, and adults feel everything. Small frustrations become explosions. Sadness becomes despair. We help clients understand their patterns and develop strategies for handling intense feelings without shutting down or lashing out.
Life Transitions
Starting high school. Leaving for college. A new job, a divorce, a move. Life transitions can trigger anxiety, depression, and self-doubt, even when the change is something you wanted. We help clients work through the uncertainty and build confidence in who they’re becoming.
Young Adult Counseling
The years between 18 and 30 come with a unique kind of pressure. A lot of young adults are dealing with anxiety they’ve carried since their teenage years but never had the chance to address. We help them get unstuck and start building a life that feels like theirs.
Learn More About Relationships
Healthy Teen Relationships: The Real Signs to Look For
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Healthy teen relationships don't happen by accident. Many teens and young adults never stop to think about the expectations they have for a relationship when they…
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Dealing With Conflict: 10 Practical Tips to Talk It Out
Updated October 9, 2026
Dealing with conflict is hard, especially when the argument is with a friend or someone you see every day at school. Have you ever been in…
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Tension in the Home: 5 Caring Ways to Calm Things Down
Updated October 10, 2026
Tension in the home can make you dread walking through your own front door. Have you ever felt like you just don't want to go home?…
Read More about Tension in the Home: 5 Caring Ways to Calm Things Down
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 counseling for children, teens and adults
- Rated 5.0 on Google
- In-network with Aetna, BCBS, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare and UMR
- Telehealth for clients in Illinois
- In-person in New Lenox
- EMDR therapy for anxiety and trauma
- We truly care about every client
- There is courage in change