Riley is a wonderful therapist and I’m glad that I was connected with her through BetterHelp. I think her approach prioritizes making therapy a safe place to share and process whatever I’m going through or feeling. While we maintain healthy boundaries between client and therapist, sessions feel like I’m talking to a friend. I appreciate her guidance and partnership and encouragement. Therapy has been an important outlet and support tool as I go through big life transitions (8 months) but I understand that I have agency and power to make changes that improve my life. Riley happened to be a great fit for me and I am better for it!
Riley Dean, LCSW
Experienced mental health professional
Provides online counseling through BetterHelp
At a glance
Riley is an experienced, licensed Mental Health Professional who specializes in affordable online therapy offered through our partner, BetterHelp.
- 5.0 stars
- Clients are very satisfied with Riley. View 3 reviews
- Speaks English
- Offers Telehealth visits
- Licensed in Illinois
Recent reviews
Pairing up with Riley has been extremely valuable for me. She is a wonderful listener, and very sincere. She gives me the space to explore my concerns and help further the conversation and thought.
More about Riley
- 3 years' experience
- Female
- LCSW
Hi there! Welcome to the BetterHelp community.
*I am only taking short term clients on Fridays currently.*
My name is Riley Dean and I am a practicing Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Illinois and Michigan. I have been trained in psychodynamic therapy, and I typically practice using an integrative psychodynamic framework combined with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. Prior to becoming a therapist, I have 5 years in crisis counseling with young adults and families, assisting with a large variety of issues such as depression, anxiety, LGBTQ issues, family dynamics, abuse, substance abuse, poverty, and more.
In my therapeutic relationships, I am person-centered and I meet folks where they are at, so how I work greatly varies with who I am talking to. I would describe myself as laid back, easy to talk to, and passionate about mental health issues. In both running my practice and in my personal life, I try to live through a transformational, anti-oppressive, feminist lens. I use they/she pronouns.
Whether you decide we are a good fit or you go with another excellent BetterHelp counselor, I truly hope you find the help you are looking for. You are not alone in this, and just this step of looking for a counselor is huge step in the right direction. I so look forward to the possibility of working with you!
Specialties
Stress
Anxiety
LGBT
Family conflicts
Trauma and abuse
Depression
Relationship issues
Intimacy-related issues
Eating disorders
Parenting issues
Self esteem
Career difficulties
Coping with life changes
Coaching
Compassion fatigue
Body image
Commitment issues
Communication problems
Domestic violence
Emptiness
Family problems
Gender dysphoria
Impulsivity
Life purpose
Midlife crisis
Mood disorders
Panic disorder and panic attacks
Post-traumatic stress
Self-harm
Self-love
Sex addiction
Sexual assault and abuse
Sexual dysfunction
Sexuality
Women's issues
Young adult issues
Treatment Approaches
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Attachment-Based Therapy
- Client-Centered Therapy
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Gottman Method
- Mindfulness Therapy
- Motivational Interviewing
- Psychodynamic Therapy
- Trauma-Focused Therapy
Licenses
Riley Dean's National Provider Identifier (NPI) is 1497368468.
- LCSW · Illinois · 149.021863 · 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 Riley Dean
All reviews have been submitted by clients after seeing the provider.
Overall rating:
Riley is a wonderful therapist and I’m glad that I was connected with her through BetterHelp. I think her approach prioritizes making therapy a safe place to share and process whatever I’m going through or feeling. While we maintain healthy boundaries between client and therapist, sessions feel like I’m talking to a friend. I appreciate her guidance and partnership and encouragement. Therapy has been an important outlet and support tool as I go through big life transitions (8 months) but I understand that I have agency and power to make changes that improve my life. Riley happened to be a great fit for me and I am better for it!
Pairing up with Riley has been extremely valuable for me. She is a wonderful listener, and very sincere. She gives me the space to explore my concerns and help further the conversation and thought.
I feel very comfortable and safe when talking with Riley Dean. She listens and offers me good advise and guidance. I'm very happy with my counsellor!
Frequently asked questions
Does Riley Dean offer telehealth visits?
Yes. Riley Dean 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 Riley Dean speak?
Riley Dean speaks English.
How many years of experience does Riley Dean have?
Riley Dean has 3 years of experience.
Where is Riley Dean licensed to practice?
Riley Dean is licensed to practice in Illinois.
Does Riley Dean accept clients outside of the United States?
Yes, Riley Dean accepts 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 Riley Dean offer?
Riley Dean offers clients Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Gottman Method, Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Psychodynamic Therapy, and Trauma-Focused Therapy.
How can I communicate with Riley Dean?
Riley Dean 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 Riley Dean?
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.
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.