geometry-shapes iconCoping Skills, Men’s Issues, Self Esteem, Addiction, Life Transition, Relationships, Anxiety, Depression, Stress / Mental Stress / Work Stress, Anger Management
In Person & Online in Woodridge, IL
30 years in practice
Ages served: 14-65+
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Accepted insurance & self-pay

James accepts 28 insurers
Aetna
Aetna Medicare Advantage
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Anthem
Cigna | Evernorth
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois BCBS | PPO
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois BCBS | PPO - Blue Choice
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois | BCBS Medicare Advantage (HMO | PPO)
Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)
Carelon
Cigna | Evernorth - Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Compsych
Devoted Health | Medicare Advantage
Firefly Health Plan | Cigna PPO Network
First Health Network
HealthSpring | Medicare Advantage
Humana Medicare Advantage
JP Farley Corporation
Medica
Medicare IL
Multi Plan PHCS
Optum Serve
Oscar Health
Poppins Health
Quest Behavioral Health
UMR
United Healthcare | Optum
United Healthcare | Optum - Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
United Healthcare | Optum Medicare Advantage
Uprise EAP
SELF-PAY COSTS
Out-of-pocket session costs for clients who don’t have insurance or aren’t covered by their insurance for mental health services.
$200
first session
$170
subsequent sessions
About Provider

About James

I’m Dr. James English, a Licensed Psychologist with 30 years of experience helping individuals, couples, and families navigate depression, anxiety, grief, relationship challenges, self-esteem concerns, social anxiety, performance pressure, parenting stress, and trauma growth. I offer a warm, collaborative space to identify patterns, build skills, and create lasting change.


I earned my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the Adler School of Professional Psychology in Chicago. My approach blends cognitive-behavioral, dialectical behavior, and acceptance and commitment therapies with Adlerian lifestyle analysis and practical, evidence-based care tailored to your goals and values.


I know taking the first step can feel daunting; I meet you with empathy, clarity, and steady guidance. If you’re ready to understand what’s driving your patterns and to practice tools that work in real life, I’m ready to help. Let’s talk and chart a path toward relief, confidence, and healthier relationships.

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"You don’t have to carry this alone, and I help transform trauma, social anxiety, grief, relationship conflict, performance pressure, and parenting stress into steady, sustainable growth."

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Get to know James

Why did you decide to become a counselor or psychiatric provider?

It may sound cliche to describe the fascination with human behavior as the initial motivation in studying psychology, but it is true. I decided to go into clinical work as I have personally found consultations quite helpful to me at certain stages in my life. The type of assistance I strive to provide to others is emotionally supportive but also measurable in terms of helping them meet their goals. I have been doing it for so long as the the gratification in helping people reach their goals is more rewarding than any other type of work I could imagine.

What types of clients do you work with best?

People in early stages of recovery or long term recovery as well as those dealing with anxiety, social phobia or shyness. I enjoyed providing support for those going through the grieving process as well as working with adolescents, couples and those interested in CBT and narrative therapies.

What type of clients are you most excited to work with?

All

What's one thing you wish all clients knew?

That the problems that tend to isolate can be dealt with by working with others and by developing understanding and skills. This will happen as the courage to reach out for help is often the first step.

Why did you choose to practice at Thriveworks?

Because I've heard good things from everybody affiliated with the organization thus far, and am very impressed with Dr Smith as well as the onboarding specialists that have helped me through this process so far. As well, the emphasis on ongoing education and collaboration characterizes an environment that I have wanted to be a part of for a very long time.

What inspires you?

I am inspired by my relationship with my Higher Power and the relationships I have in my life, and Bob Dylan.

What can clients expect in their first session with you?


I make the experience as comfortable as possible , as I know the challenge involved in sitting down with somebody and talking frankly about the issues bringing them in for consultation can be quite Stressful. From my perspective come the most important part of an initial consultation is to get as much information as necessary to help understand and conceptualize the issues that are bringing somebody in for consultation. We will go over things in detail at a place the person is comfortable with. An emphasis on understanding the issues bringing them in and their goals in pursuing treatment will be explored. I also described my approaches to therapy and answer any questions regarding their expectations and whether previous treatment has been useful to them in the past.

What do you want to accomplish with an individual in their first session?

In getting more information about their background and start the process of alignment of treatment goes, and letting them make an informed decision regarding whether or not they believe my approach will be helpful to them

What should clients know about you before scheduling a first session?

That I'm an easy person to talk to and my years of experience and education have enabled me to be helpful in the majority of situations and clients that I work with

What do you do for fun/on your time off?

I enjoyed time with my family, continuing education as well as music. I have developed an exercise and diet routine that is also part of my current focus as I enter into this stage of the lifespan.

What's one thing about you that defines you (non-professional)?

I believe my faith and service to others reflect my primary values.

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Other areas of focus

SpecialitiesCoping Skills, Men’s Issues, Self Esteem, Addiction, Life Transition, Relationships, Anxiety, Depression, Stress / Mental Stress / Work Stress, Anger Management, Alcohol Use, Family Conflict, Parenting, Grief, Behavioral Issues, Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
ApproachesHumanistic / Rogerian, Adlerian, Narrative, Relational, Existential Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), Person-Centered Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Art Therapy, Expressive Arts, Faith-Based Counseling, Psychological Testing and Evaluation, Schema Therapy
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Education and training

Years in practice
30 years
Graduating institute
Adler School of Professional Psychology
Graduating degree
Doctorate, Psychology
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Additional details

Languages spoken by this provider
English
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NPI number1821112897
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State of practiceIL
Practice location

Practice information

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James English

Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D)he/him