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Shelly "Sheldon" Lewin, LCSW

Experienced mental health professional

Provides online counseling through BetterHelp

At a glance

Shelly is an experienced, licensed Mental Health Professional who specializes in affordable online therapy offered through our partner, BetterHelp.

FSA/HSA accepted
Offers Telehealth visits
Licensed in Illinois, Kentucky, and 4 more

More about Shelly

  • 30 years' experience
  • Male
  • LCSW, LICSW

After 30+ years in executive roles at leading hospitals and health systems—including Kaiser Permanente, Mount Sinai, and Northwestern Memorial—I’m thrilled to launch my private therapy practice. My career has always focused on helping people thrive, whether by supporting families and or individuals during tough times or developing talent. I grew up in Chicago’s Rogers Park, shaped by its culture and my father’s resilience as a Holocaust survivor. His stories taught me empathy and strength—values I bring to every client interaction. I hold an MSW from Loyola University, am licensed in AZ, FL, IL, KY, NM, and WV, and earned an MBA from North Park University plus an executive management certification from USC. Life has taken me across the U.S. and abroad, enriching my perspective. Outside work, I love traveling, hiking, reading, and exploring art. Married for 40+ years, I live in New Mexico with my British wife and our Yorkie, Kugel. My philosophy: positivity, confidence, and persistence—never give up on yourself.

In our first session together, here's what you can expect

Your first session is about creating a safe, supportive space and starting a strong therapeutic relationship.

I’ll explain how therapy works, review confidentiality, and answer your questions so you feel comfortable.

You’ll share what brought you to therapy—your challenges and goals—at your own pace. Together, we’ll set clear, realistic goals like reducing anxiety, managing stress, or improving relationships. I’ll ask about your history and strengths to create a personalized plan. Therapy is a partnership: I use evidence-based methods like CBT, psychodynamic and solution-focused approaches and welcome your input. Expect a judgment-free space where you can express yourself openly. My role is to listen, support, and guide you. Together, we will focus on building confidence and clarity at your own pace.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

As a therapist, I bring a compassionate, client-centered approach to every session. My greatest strengths include, empathy & understanding. I create a safe, nonjudgmental space where you feel heard and supported. I pay attention to both words and emotions to uncover deeper insights. I tailor strategies combining evidence-based techniques with personalized care

to meet your unique needs. My goal is to empower you to navigate life’s challenges with strength and self-compassion.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

I work best with individuals facing life transitions, anxiety, depression, burnout, financial stress, addiction recovery, relationship challenges, OCD, sexuality/ identity issues, and PTSD. My approach is holistic and tailored, using evidence-based methods like CBT, psychodynamic therapy, solution-focused strategies, and trauma-informed care. Together, we’ll explore thought patterns, past influences, and build healthy coping skills. I focus on creating solutions, fostering hope, and preventing re-traumatization—helping you choose how to think and behave while building meaningful connections.

Specialties

Relationship issues Trauma and abuse Career difficulties Depression Coping with life changes Addictions Grief Eating disorders Anger management Self-esteem Bipolar disorder Coaching Compassion fatigue Abandonment Aging and geriatric issues Attachment issues Cancer Caregiver issues and stress Chronic pain, illness, and disability Communication problems Control issues Divorce and separation Drug and alcohol addiction Eating and food-related issues Emptiness Family problems Forgiveness Guilt and shame Infidelity Isolation / loneliness Jealousy Life purpose Men's issues Midlife crisis Money and financial issues Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD Panic disorder and panic attacks Personality disorders Post-traumatic stress Prejudice and discrimination Self-love Sex addiction Sexuality Social anxiety and phobia Workplace issues

Insurance Accepted

  • Aetna
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Kentucky
  • AvMed
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois
  • Cigna
  • GEHA
  • Optum
  • Oscar Health
  • UMR
  • UnitedHealthcare

Treatment Approaches

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Psychodynamic Therapy
  • Solution-Focused Therapy
  • Trauma-Focused Therapy

Licenses

Shelly "Sheldon" Lewin's National Provider Identifier (NPI) is 1093551988.

  • LCSW · Illinois · 149007897 · Renews November 2027
  • LCSW · Kentucky · 259306 · Renews June 2027
  • LCSW · Florida · SW23279 · Renews March 2027
  • LCSW · New Mexico · SWB-2024-1008 · Renews July 2026
  • LICSW · West Virginia · DP00946931 · Renews August 2026
  • LCSW · Arizona · LCSW-23280 · Renews August 2027

About online counseling

Affordable.
Pay a low flat fee.
Convenient.
Do it at your own time and at your own pace. Communicate whenever you feel it's needed.
Available now.
There is no waiting list and no calls to make. Simply fill out a short questionnaire and send your first message.

Online counseling allows you to receive care from a mental health practitioner via phone, video chat, or instant messaging. It is convenient for those who may have trouble getting to or would prefer not to have in-person therapy appointments. Starting at $65 per week, online counseling is generally more affordable than in-person counseling. A study by researchers at University of California, Berkeley found that online counseling can be just as effective as face-to-face therapy while being more convenient, affordable, and accessible.

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Frequently asked questions

Does Shelly "Sheldon" Lewin offer telehealth visits?

Yes. Shelly "Sheldon" Lewin works with clients by exchanging messages, chatting live, speaking over the phone, or video conferencing based on what works for the client at that particular time.

What language(s) does Shelly "Sheldon" Lewin speak?

Shelly "Sheldon" Lewin speaks English.

How many years of experience does Shelly "Sheldon" Lewin have?

Shelly "Sheldon" Lewin has 30 years of experience.

Where is Shelly "Sheldon" Lewin licensed to practice?

Shelly "Sheldon" Lewin is licensed to practice in Illinois, Kentucky, Florida, New Mexico, West Virginia, and Arizona.

Does Shelly "Sheldon" Lewin accept FSA/HSA?

Yes, Shelly "Sheldon" Lewin accepts FSA/HSA meaning you can pay for sessions with your pre-tax healthcare dollars. Every year hundreds of thousands of people use their FSA/HSA to pay for therapy.

Does Shelly "Sheldon" Lewin accept insurance?

Yes, Shelly "Sheldon" Lewin accepts Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Kentucky, AvMed, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, Cigna, GEHA, Optum, Oscar Health, UMR, and UnitedHealthcare.

Does Shelly "Sheldon" Lewin accept clients outside of the United States?

No, Shelly "Sheldon" Lewin does not accept clients outside of the United States.

Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy?

Numerous studies support the effectiveness of online platforms in facilitating life changes. For instance, research published by JMIR Publications, conducted by teams from the University of Berkeley, UCSF, and SF General Hospital, found that "users of BetterHelp experienced significantly reduced depression symptom severity after engaging with the platform."

What treatment approaches does Shelly "Sheldon" Lewin offer?

Shelly "Sheldon" Lewin offers clients Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), Motivational Interviewing, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Trauma-Focused Therapy.

How can I communicate with Shelly "Sheldon" Lewin?

Shelly "Sheldon" Lewin can be engaged in any one of four ways: (1) Exchanging messages, (2) chatting live, (3) speaking over the phone, or (4) video conferencing. You can use different ways at different times as you wish, based on your needs, availability, and convenience.

How do I get started with Shelly "Sheldon" Lewin?

Just tap the BOOK NOW button or tap here: A new window will open and you'll be directed to a simple form that will help start the conversation.

Mental health conditions are real, common, and treatable.

And recovery is possible.

Messaging
Live Chat
Phone
Video

When you tap BOOK NOW a new window will open and you'll be directed to a simple form that will help start the conversation.

FSA/HSA eligible