First Response Therapy PLLC
Therapy That Meets You Where You Are
For adults, teens, couples, and first responders who want things to feel different
First Response Therapy PLLC offers practical, personalized therapy for anxiety, trauma, OCD, relationship challenges, and life stress. Our team takes the time to understand you, find an approach that fits, and work around the realities of your life—including unpredictable schedules and shift work.
In Person in New Lenox & Frankfort, IL · Telehealth throughout Illinois
Find the Right Therapist for You
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![trauma-first-responder-therapist-frankfort]()
Jessica Galvan, LCPC, CFRC
Clinical Director & Practice Owner
First responders · Trauma · EMDR
Jessica works with those looking for trauma-focused support or a therapist who understands first-responder culture.
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![Caroline Schmaedeke, LCPC, adult therapist at First Response Therapy PLLC in New Lenox, Illinois]()
Caroline Schmaedeke, LCPC
OCD · First Responders · Trauma
Caroline works best for clients looking for specialized support with intrusive thoughts, anxiety or trauma.
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![Tracy Cunningham, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified First Responder Counselor at First Response Therapy PLLC]()
Tracy L. Cunningham, LCSW, CFRC
Anxiety · Frontline Workers · Depression
Tracy works best with adults and helping professionals managing stress, trauma or major life changes.
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![Michelle DeMato, LPC, therapist at First Response Therapy PLLC in New Lenox, Illinois, helping adults with anxiety, trauma, depression, and addiction recovery.]()
Michelle DeMato, LPC, CADC
Substance Use · Anxiety · Depression
Michelle works best for clients looking for support with recovery, behavioral patterns or emotional challenges.
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![First Response Therapy PLLC | Counseling for Adolescents & Adults – New Lenox, IL]()
Jacki Haworth, LPC
Teens · Couples · Grief
Jacki works best for teens, couples, and clients who want help navigating relationships, stress, or changes in life.
Getting Started Is Simple
1. Find your therapist
Browse our team or let us help you decide who may be the best fit.
2. Ask questions first
Schedule a free 15-minute consultation to discuss what you're looking for and get your questions answered.
3. Decide what works for you
We'll discuss next steps, scheduling, and insurance or payment options before you begin.
Insurance & Fees
We accept several major insurance plans, including BCBS PPO, Aetna PPO, and UHC/UMR PPO, along with private-pay options. Have questions about your coverage? We're happy to help you understand your options before getting started.
Why Clients Choose First Response Therapy
Founded by Jessica Galvan, LCPC, CFRC, First Response Therapy was built around the idea that therapy should feel helpful—not like another thing you have to figure out.
As the wife of a firefighter, Jessica understands that opening up isn't always easy, especially for first responders and people who are used to handling things on their own.
If you've tried therapy before and it wasn't your thing, or you're not entirely sold on the idea to begin with, we get it. You don't have to come in with everything figured out. Our goal is to meet you where you're at, keep things real, and find an approach that actually works for you.
What Makes Our Practice Different
No pressure, no judgment. You can show up as you are without having all the answers
A team with different areas of expertise. We'll help you find a therapist who fits your needs, personality, and goals
An understanding of real-life stress. From first-responder culture to everyday demands, we understand that life doesn't always slow down
Scheduling that works with your life. We work with shift rotations and unpredictable schedules to find appointment times that make sense for you
Who We Help
At First Response Therapy PLLC, we provide compassionate, evidence-based therapy for teens, adults, couples, and families navigating anxiety, trauma, OCD, depression, relationship challenges, burnout, and life transitions.
We serve clients throughout New Lenox, Frankfort, Mokena, Manhattan, Tinley Park, Orland Park, Joliet, Homer Glen, and across Illinois through secure telehealth.
Whether you're seeking support for yourself, your relationship, your teen, or the demands of a high-stress career, our therapists provide personalized care tailored to your unique goals.
First Responders & High-Stress Professionals
Therapy for firefighters, law enforcement, EMS, dispatchers, healthcare professionals, and their families. Support for job-related stress, trauma, burnout, anxiety, and the impact of demanding careers on life at home.
Anxiety, OCD & Trauma
Support for excessive worry, intrusive thoughts, depression, difficult experiences, and feeling overwhelmed. Treatment approaches include CBT, DBT, and EMDR when appropriate.
Relationships & Life Transitions
Therapy for couples, individuals, teens, and families navigating communication challenges, relationship stress, grief, and major life changes.
Our Specialties:
Whether you're dealing with a recent challenge or carrying stress that has built over time, therapy can provide the support, tools, and space to create meaningful change.
Find Us in New Lenox & Frankfort
Our two office locations offer welcoming, private spaces where you can step away from daily demands and focus on yourself. We serve clients from New Lenox, Frankfort, Mokena, Manhattan, Tinley Park, Orland Park, Joliet, Homer Glen, and nearby communities.
Prefer to meet virtually? We also offer secure telehealth therapy throughout Illinois.
Frankfort Office
8779 W Laraway Rd
Frankfort, IL 60423
New Lenox Office
1938 E Lincoln Hwy Suite 209C
New Lenox, IL 60451
Frequently Asked Questions
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We provide therapy for teens, adults, couples, and families. Our therapists work with different age groups and specialize in areas such as anxiety, trauma, OCD, relationships, first responder mental health, and life transitions.
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Getting started is simple. You can request an appointment through our website or reach out directly to schedule a free 15-minute consultation. During the consultation, we can briefly discuss what you’re looking for, answer any questions you may have, and determine which therapist may be the best fit for you. After you request an appointment online, our team will follow up to confirm your session and send next steps.
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We do not! While we specialize in supporting first responders—including police officers, firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, correctional officers, and dispatchers—we also provide therapy for individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, PTSD, OCD, codependency, and substance use. Our clinicians offer trauma-informed, individualized care to meet the needs of all clients, whether you are a first responder or not.
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Your first session is a chance for us to get to know each other. We’ll talk about what brought you to therapy, what you’re hoping to change, and your goals for treatment. We’ll answer any questions you have and explain how we’ll work together. Most clients find it comfortable and straightforward — you don’t need to have everything figured out before you show up
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Most clients begin therapy with weekly sessions. Meeting consistently helps build momentum and allows us to address concerns more effectively. As progress is made, clients transition to bi-weekly or less frequent sessions depending on their needs and goals.
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Yes. We are in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO, Aetna, and United Healthcare. We also offer private-pay options and are happy to help you verify your benefits before getting started.
You’ve spent your life showing up for others
Now it’s time to show up for youNot sure where to start? Schedule a free consultation and we'll help match you with the right therapist.
