First Response Therapy PLLC

Therapy for Anxiety, Trauma, OCD & Life Transitions in New Lenox, Illinois

Compassionate, evidence-based therapy for teens, adults, couples, and first responders navigating anxiety, OCD, trauma, relationship challenges, burnout, and life transitions

First Response Therapy PLLC logo representing trauma-informed therapy for first responders
Schedule a Free Consultation

Find the Right Therapist for You

  • trauma-first-responder-therapist-new-lenox

    Jessica Galvan

    Clinical Director, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, & Practice Owner

    Jessica specializes in anxiety, trauma, EMDR, relationship concerns, and the unique challenges faced by first responders and their families. She provides compassionate, practical therapy to help clients heal, build resilience, and move forward.

  • Caroline Schmaedeke, LPC, adult therapist at First Response Therapy PLLC in New Lenox, Illinois

    Caroline Schmaedeke

    Licensed Professional Counselor

    Caroline provides a supportive, understanding space for clients navigating anxiety, OCD, and life’s challenges. She has a special interest in working with first responders and helping clients develop practical tools to manage intrusive thoughts, reduce anxiety, and build confidence. Her approach is compassionate, collaborative, and focused on helping clients create meaningful change.

  • Michelle DeMato, LPC, therapist at First Response Therapy PLLC in New Lenox, Illinois, helping adults with anxiety, trauma, depression, and addiction recovery.

    Michelle DeMato

    Licensed Professional Counselor & Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor (CADC)

    Michelle works with adults experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use concerns, and major life transitions. Her collaborative approach helps clients build practical skills while working toward lasting change.

  • First Response Therapy PLLC | Counseling for Adolescents & Adults – New Lenox, IL

    Jacki Haworth

    Licensed Professional Counselor

    Jacki provides a warm, supportive environment where teens, couples, and adults can navigate life's challenges with confidence. She enjoys helping clients work through anxiety, depression, grief, relationship concerns, stress, communication difficulties, peer relationships, and life transitions while building healthier coping skills and stronger connections.

Meet the Team

Why Clients Choose First Response Therapy

Headshot of therapist Jessica Galvan

Founded by Jessica Galvan, LCPC, CFRC, First Response Therapy PLLC was created with a unique understanding of the demands faced by first responders, high-stress professionals, and their families. As the wife of a firefighter, Jessica recognized the importance of therapy that feels practical, supportive, and tailored to the realities of demanding careers and everyday life.

What Makes Our Practice Different

✓ A team of therapists with specialized areas of expertise


✓ Trauma-informed, evidence-based care tailored to your goals


✓ A supportive environment where you can feel understood and respected


✓ Flexible options designed around busy lives and schedules

Schedule a Free Consultation
First Response Therapy PLLC sign, a mental health therapy practice in Illinois
Therapy office décor in Illinois designed for a relaxing and supportive mental health environment

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 Responder & High-Stress Professional Mental Health

We Work With:

  • Firefighters, police officers, EMS, dispatchers, and emergency personnel

  • Healthcare professionals and other high-stress careers

  • First responder spouses and family members

Anxiety, OCD & Trauma Support

Support for:

  • Anxiety and excessive worry

  • Depression and low mood

  • OCD and intrusive thoughts

  • Trauma and difficult life experiences

  • Burnout and emotional exhaustion

Relationships & Connection

Therapy for:

  • Couples wanting to improve communication and strengthen connection

  • Individuals navigating relationship challenges

  • Learning healthier coping and communication skills

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.

Schedule a Free Consultation
Private therapy office with comfortable seating in a calm and welcoming environment

Starting therapy can feel like a big step. Our New Lenox office was thoughtfully designed to provide a welcoming, private space where you can step away from the demands of daily life, feel at ease, and focus on your well-being.

We are located in New Lenox, Illinois with easy access from: New Lenox, Joliet, Frankfort, Mokena, Manhattan, Orland Park, Tinley Park, Homer Glen, and surrounding Chicago areas.

We also offer secure telehealth therapy throughout Illinois for clients who prefer the flexibility of virtual sessions.

A Space Designed for Comfort, Privacy & Connection

Frequently Asked Questions

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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 you

Not sure where to start? Schedule a free consultation and we'll help match you with the right therapist.

Schedule a Free Consultation
Jessica Galvan in a therapy session setting, demonstrating a counseling environment

Recent Blogs

Firefighter Mental Health: When "I'm Fine" Stops Working