About

Shelly Flachs is a compassionate licensed clinical social worker based in Illinois with 12 years of experience supporting people through difficult transitions and mental health challenges. She works with individuals across Illinois, Iowa, Maine, and Missouri, bringing steadiness and practical guidance to each therapeutic relationship.

Her practice addresses a wide range of concerns including stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, bipolar disorder, depression, addictions, LGBT issues, relationship and family conflicts, intimacy-related matters, eating and sleeping disorders, parenting challenges, anger management, self-esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, coaching needs, compassion fatigue, and ADHD.

Shelly’s approach centers on empowerment and solution-focused work that honors each person’s unique strengths. She draws on cognitive-behavioral methods, emotional freedom technique (EFT), and the Safe and Sound Protocol while also using client-centered, mindfulness, solution-focused, and trauma-focused interventions as appropriate. Sessions are tailored to the individual, with an emphasis on building a respectful, positive, and supportive space to explore one’s story.

Beginning therapy can feel daunting, and Shelly acknowledges the courage it takes to start. She collaborates with clients to identify clear goals and develops personalized plans to reach them, guiding toward greater resilience and a more fulfilling life. She holds clinical social work licensure in Maine and an independent social work license in Iowa, and is based in Illinois.

Location:
Illinois, United States
Years Experience:
12
Gender:
Female
Languages Spoken:
English
Therapist of Color:
No
Communication Options:
Phone • Video • Live Chat • Messaging

Specialties

Primary area of focus:Bipolar, Depression, Grief, Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse
Other areas of experience: Abandonment, Addictions, ADHD, Aging and geriatric issues, Anger, Antisocial personality, Asperger syndrome, Attachment issues, Autism, Avoidant personality, Body image, Career, Caregiver issues and stress, Chronic illness, Chronic pain, Coaching, Codependency, Commitment issues, Communication problems, Compassion fatigue, Compulsion, Control issues, Coping with life changes, Dependent personality, Disability, Disaster relief therapy, Dissociation, Divorce, Domestic violence, Eating, Family, Family of origin issues, Fertility issues, Forgiveness, Guilt and shame, Hoarding, Intellectual disability, Intimacy-related issues, Isolation / loneliness, Jealousy, LGBT, Life purpose, Mood disorders, Obsession, OCD, Panic disorder and panic attacks, Paranoia, Parenting, Personality disorders, Phobias, Post-traumatic stress, Postpartum depression, Relationship, Relationship, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Self esteem, Self-harm, Self-love, Separation, Sexual trauma, Sleeping, Social anxiety and phobia, Women’s issues, Workplace issues
Therapeutic approach:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), Internal Family Systems, Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy

Credentials & Verification

  • Credentials: ME LCSW LC15258, IA LISW 114010
  • NPI Number: 1114288404
  • License: LCSW (Illinois) #149.017053 exp 2025-11-30 • LCSW (Maine) #LC15258 exp 2027-04-30 • LCSW (Missouri) #2015011135 exp 2026-09-30 • LISW (Iowa) #114010 exp 2026-12-31

Is Online Therapy the Right Step for Your Mental Health?

Many people wonder whether virtual counseling can bring real results. For common concerns such as stress, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, or navigating major life changes, online therapy has been shown to be comparable in effectiveness to traditional in-person sessions for most people. One key advantage is convenience - clients can connect in the way that suits them best, whether by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or in-app messaging. That flexibility makes it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules and life demands. All participating therapists are licensed professionals, and if a different fit is needed it is possible to switch therapists at any time. Online therapy can offer an accessible, adaptable option for many seeking support with everyday mental health concerns.

How much experience does Shelly Flachs have?

Shelly Flachs has 12 years of experience providing therapy services.

Is Shelly Flachs a licensed therapist?

Yes. Shelly Flachs holds social work licensure in Maine and in Iowa.

In which languages does Shelly Flachs provide therapy?

Shelly Flachs provides therapy in English.

Where is Shelly Flachs located?

Shelly Flachs is located in Illinois.

How can I work with Shelly Flachs as my therapist?

You can work with Shelly Flachs through Phone • Video • Live Chat • Messaging.

How much does therapy with Shelly Flachs cost?

The cost of working with Shelly Flachs can vary depending on your location and her availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current pricing and details, click the ‘Start Therapy’ button on this page.

How can I get started with therapy?

Getting started with Shelly Flachs is quick and straightforward. Click the ‘Start Therapy’ button and complete a brief questionnaire to help match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.