First Response Therapy PLLC
Therapy for Anxiety, Trauma, & Life Transitions in New Lenox & Frankfort, IL
FOR THE PEOPLE WHO SHOW UP FOR EVERYONE ELSE
At First Response Therapy PLLC, we help teens, adults, couples, and first responders navigate anxiety, OCD, trauma, relationship challenges, and burnout. Our therapists provide practical, personalized support in a judgment-free environment, with in-person appointments in New Lenox and Frankfort and secure telehealth throughout Illinois.
Find the Right Therapist for You
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![trauma-first-responder-therapist-frankfort]()
Jessica Galvan
Clinical Director, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor/Certified First Responder Counselor, & Practice Owner
Jessica works with first responders, trauma, EMDR, anxiety and relationship concerns. She is best for clients seeking trauma-focused care or a therapist familiar with first-responder culture.
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![Caroline Schmaedeke, LCPC, adult therapist at First Response Therapy PLLC in New Lenox, Illinois]()
Caroline Schmaedeke
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
Caroline works with OCD, trauma and support for first responders and law enforcement. She is 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
Licensed Clinical Social Worker & Certified First Responder Counselor (CFRC)
Tracy provides therapy for adults with anxiety, depression, burnout and processing critical incidents. She 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
Licensed Professional Counselor & Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor (CADC)
Michelle works with substance use, coping, anxiety, and depression. She is 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
Licensed Professional Counselor
Jacki works with teens, couples, relationships, communication, grief and life transitions. She works best for teens and clients who want help navigating relationships, stress or changes in life.
Why Clients Choose First Response Therapy
Founded by Jessica Galvan, LCPC, CFRC, First Response Therapy PLLC 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're used to handling things on your own, sitting down with a therapist might not exactly sound appealing. And if you've tried therapy before, you might not be sold on the idea of starting again. We get it. Therapy doesn't have to look or feel a certain way, and you don't have to come in with everything figured out. Our goal is to meet you where you're at and find an approach that actually works for you.
What Makes Our Practice Different
✓ Therapy that meets you where you're at — No pressure, no judgment, and no expectation that you have it all figured out
✓ A team with different areas of expertise — Helping you find a therapist who's a good fit for your needs, personality, and goals
✓ An understanding of high-stress careers and everyday life — Especially for first responders and those who are used to being the person everyone else relies on
✓ Flexible scheduling that works for you — We understand shift work and unpredictable schedules, so we work with your availability instead of requiring the same standing appointment every week
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.
Our New Lenox & Frankfort offices were 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 have office locations in New Lenox, IL & Frankfort, IL with easy access from: Joliet, 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.
Two Spaces Designed for Comfort, Privacy & Connection
New Lenox Office
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.
