What patients are saying
Overall rating
4.94
Average wait time
5.00
Bedside manner
4.97
“Highly recommend! Her steady support helped me break old cycles and build real, lasting emotional resilience.”
IRLess than 3 months ago
“Navigating grief is the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. Crystal has a remarkably tender and compassionate approach that instantly made me feel safe and supported. She helped me process difficult emotions at my own pace. I cannot recommend her enough to anyone walking through loss.”
CPLess than 3 months ago
About Crystal Bernard
Focus areas
Anxiety
Depression
Stress
Bereavement / Grief Counseling
Life Transition
Women's Mental Health Issues
Childhood Trauma
Relationship Struggles
Clientele seen
Young adults (18-24)
Adults (25-64)
Individuals
Treatment approaches
Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)
Compassion Focused
Attachment-based
Culturally Sensitive
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Dialectical (DBT)
Identity
Gender
FemaleSexuality
StraightEthnicity
Black or African American, Hispanic or Latinx
Languages spoken
English
Getting to know Crystal Bernard
You spend so much time managing responsibilities, supporting others, and keeping everything together. But who is taking care of you?
Perhaps anxiety has become a constant presence, you're feeling overwhelmed by life's demands, or you're navigating grief, relationship challenges, or a significant life transition. You may appear to have everything under control while privately feeling exhausted, disconnected, or unsure of how to move forward. Whatever brings you here, you deserve a space where your needs matter, your experiences are understood, and you can focus on yourself.
I'm a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) with a specialized focus on women's mental health and wellness. I hold a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a Bachelor's degree in Applied Psychology, with clinical experience spanning inpatient psychiatry, outpatient care, university counseling, and private practice.
These diverse experiences have shaped my approach to providing thoughtful, individualized care that balances clinical expertise with genuine warmth. I'm passionate about helping individuals better understand themselves, navigate life's complexities, and cultivate meaningful, lasting improvements in their emotional well-being.
What should a new client know about working with you?
Therapy with me is a collaborative experience that balances meaningful self-exploration with practical, evidence-based strategies. I believe lasting change comes not only from addressing symptoms but also from understanding the deeper patterns, experiences, and emotions that shape your well-being.
My approach is integrative and individualized, drawing from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), psychodynamic therapy, and trauma-informed, culturally responsive practices. Together, we'll explore your concerns, build upon your strengths, and develop strategies that support meaningful progress in your everyday life.
Above all, I strive to create a therapeutic relationship where you feel genuinely heard, respected, and comfortable being yourself. You can expect a thoughtful balance of warmth, clinical insight, and personalized guidance, with care that honors your individuality.
What is your typical process for working with clients?
Beginning therapy can feel unfamiliar, and there's no expectation to have everything figured out before we meet. Our first session is an opportunity to get acquainted, discuss what brings you in, and explore what you hope to gain from therapy.
From there, we'll collaboratively establish goals and develop a personalized approach that reflects your needs, experiences, and priorities. As our work progresses, we'll focus on deepening self-awareness, strengthening coping skills, and creating meaningful changes that extend beyond our sessions.
I offer confidential telehealth appointments throughout Illinois, allowing you to prioritize your mental health from the comfort of your own space.
I look forward to partnering with you in creating a path toward greater clarity, confidence, and emotional well-being.
Is this doctor in your insurance network?
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In-network insurances
Aetna
BlueCross BlueShield
Cigna
UnitedHealthcare
Don’t see your insurance?
It’s common for mental health providers to be out-of-network. Many insurance plans offer out-of-network coverage, so you may get partially reimbursed. Learn more
Out-of-pocket fees and assistance
Initial session: $200 for 60 minutes
Ongoing session: $185 for 55 minutes
More information on payments and coverage
I am in-network with the following health insurance carriers:
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois | United Healthcare | Aetna | Cigna | (PPO & EPO plans)
Education and background
Practice names
Board certifications
- National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC)
Education and training
- Northeastern Illinois University, Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- University of Illinois Chicago (Bachelor's)
Professional memberships
- American Counseling Association (ACA)
- Illinois Counseling Association (ICA)
- Chi Sigma Iota (CSI) - Counseling Academic and Professional Honor Society International
Awards and publications
- Multi-Year Scholarly Delegate at The University of Oxford. I completed consecutive years of advanced synthesis training covering neuroscience, clinical trauma-informed frameworks, and somatic healing alongside global industry authorities.
NPI number
1659125060
Patient reviews
All reviews have been submitted by patients after interacting with the practice.
Overall rating
4.94
Wait time
5.00
Bedside manner
4.97
Your trust is our top concern, so providers can't pay to alter or remove reviews. We also don't publish reviews that contain any private patient health information. Learn more here
32 reviews
Most relevant
Highly recommend! Her steady support helped me break old cycles and build real, lasting emotional resilience.
Less than 3 months agoIR
Crystal truly listens and offers thoughtful, practical insights. Working with her has been a life-changing experience.
More than 1 year agoAK
From our very first session, Crystal created a safe and welcoming space where I felt truly seen and understood.
More than 1 year agoTC
Crystal’s empathetic approach made it so easy to open up. I felt confident and supported every step of the way!
More than 1 year agoMB
Crystal was kind and really listened to me. If you are looking for a compassionate therapist, look no further.
More than 1 year agoSF
Therapy felt daunting at first, but Crystal’s caring demeanor quickly put me at ease. I’m so glad I found her!
More than 1 year agoDG
I appreciated Crystal's solution-focused approach. My goals were prioritized and so much progress was made!
More than 1 year agoAS
Such a great experience. 10/10, totally recommend!
More than 1 year agoNP
Navigating grief is the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. Crystal has a remarkably tender and compassionate approach that instantly made me feel safe and supported. She helped me process difficult emotions at my own pace. I cannot recommend her enough to anyone walking through loss.
Less than 3 months agoCP
What I appreciate most is Crystal's holistic view and the way she actively calls out my strengths, rather than only focusing on what is wrong. Her reassurance and genuine belief in my abilities have given me the newfound confidence I needed to move forward in my life.
Less than 3 months agoKD
With all the instability in my life, therapy has been grounding force for me. Crystal has been so patient, informative, and compassionate throughout my healing journey. My relationship with people and myself has dramatically improved over time and I've learned effective emotional regulation skills that I'm able to apply when needed.
Less than 3 months agoRS
Managing high stress used to feel completely overwhelming, but Crystal has changed that for me. Her gentle, supportive approach makes it easy to open up, and I always feel truly heard in our sessions. What I value most is that she doesn't just listen—she provides practical, everyday tools that have drastically helped me handle stress and find my footing again. I am incredibly grateful for her guidance.
Less than 3 months agoAV
Overall, she had a very calm demeanor, which made me comfortable opening up. Her approach to therapy is integrative, holistic, and person-centered, which I appreciate.
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
Crystal's support throughout my healing journey has been incredibly helpful. I am able to apply new skills that have changed my life.
More than 1 year agoKL
It’s clear Crystal genuinely cares about her clients. I always leave our sessions feeling heard, supported, and ready to tackle challenges.
More than 1 year agoDL
Crystal has a gift for making therapy approachable and even enjoyable! I’ve never felt so supported while working through tough emotions.
More than 1 year agoKA
Crystal has been an incredible guide on my journey to better mental health. Her professionalism and compassion shine through in every session.
More than 1 year agoEP
Highly recommend!
More than 1 year agoZP
10/10 would recommend. Crystal is amazing!
More than 1 year agoPB
I was scared to start therapy, but Crystal made the experience fun while also making me feel supported. Setting up a session was super easy and I am excited to go back. If you want an awesome therapist, I highly recommend Crystal.
More than 1 year agoSE
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How soon can I make an appointment with Crystal Bernard?
Generally, Crystal Bernard has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Crystal Bernard's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Crystal Bernard accepting new patients?
Crystal Bernard generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Crystal Bernard's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Crystal Bernard accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if Crystal Bernard is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with Crystal Bernard online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Crystal Bernard using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
What practice does Crystal Bernard work with?
Crystal Bernard works with Crystal Bernard Psychotherapy PLLC.
Which board certifications does Crystal Bernard have?
Crystal Bernard is certified by National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC).
What are common reasons for patients to see Crystal Bernard?
Crystal Bernard frequently sees patients for Depression, New Patient Visit, Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit, and Sleep Problems. You can see other visit reasons for Crystal Bernard on their profile.
What languages does Crystal Bernard speak?
Crystal Bernard speaks English.
How do patients rate Crystal Bernard in reviews?
32 patients have reviewed Crystal Bernard. The overall rating for this doctor is 4.94/5. They have a 4.97/5 rating for bedside manner and a 5/5 rating for wait time. You can read individual reviews and ratings on their profile.