About Thomas

Dr. Thomas Kadela is an experienced licensed clinical social worker who helps people manage stress, anxiety, depression, sleep problems, anger, addiction concerns, and ADHD. He approaches each person as an equal partner and focuses on practical steps people can use between sessions.

He works in Illinois and brings three decades of experience to his practice as an LCSW. Dr. Kadela balances structured therapies with a flexible, person-led style.

He often uses cognitive behavioral tools to target sleep, mood, and pain problems, and draws on acceptance and mindfulness strategies to reduce distress.

Background and approach

Sessions can include coaching-style check-ins, skills practice, or problem-solving work depending on a person’s goals. His background includes long-term clinical work, teaching at college level, publishing, and administrative roles in behavioral health. He has worked across inpatient, outpatient, and residential settings and holds experience with trauma-related care.

He also serves as a Behavioral Health Officer in the Army National Guard and works with the Department of Veterans Affairs in a separate capacity. People who want a collaborative process will find conversations geared toward clear goals, homework when helpful, and options tailored to everyday life. He describes treatment as a partnership where the person’s choices shape the work.

Practical concerns such as communication skills, sleep routines, coping strategies for grief or change, and managing ADHD-related challenges are commonly addressed through short-term and ongoing approaches. The focus is on skills people can try between sessions to make steady progress.

Online approaches that focus on skills and acceptance

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice difficult thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them, then choose actions that match their values. It can be useful for anxiety, stress, and life changes where people want clearer direction. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thinking and changing behavior patterns through structured steps and homework; it is often used for depression, insomnia, and anxiety. Mindfulness Therapy teaches simple attention and breathing practices to reduce reactivity and improve focus, which can help with stress and some ADHD-related difficulties.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will discuss options and tailor the plan to the person’s goals, needs, and preferences. Decisions about whether to use ACT, CBT, mindfulness, or a mix of methods are made collaboratively, and can be adjusted over time.

Online therapy offers flexible ways to meet using video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. Video is useful for in-depth conversations and skills coaching, while phone calls can fit shorter check-ins or lower bandwidth situations. Live chat and text messaging are helpful for quick reflections, brief coaching, or when writing feels easier than talking. These formats make it simpler to fit sessions into work, family life, or other routines.

Questions people ask

What kinds of concerns does he help with?
He works with a wide range of issues including stress, anxiety, depression, sleep problems, anger, addictions, grief, relationship and intimacy concerns, career stress, compassion fatigue, and ADHD-related challenges.
How would sessions feel or flow?
Sessions are collaborative and person-led. They can include coaching-style conversations, skills practice, problem solving, or homework depending on what the person wants to focus on.
What is his clinical experience?
He has about 30 years of clinical experience, plus roles in teaching, program leadership, and publishing within behavioral health settings.
What credentials and location are listed?
He holds an LCSW (licensed clinical social worker) and practices in Illinois.
Which languages are supported and can he see international clients?
Sessions are offered in English. International clients are not currently accepted.
What session formats does he offer?
He works with video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to fit different needs and schedules.
How does cost and billing work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to therapist availability.

What this therapist works with

Most often

Experience
30 years
Licensed
Illinois
Languages
English

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