Diane McClain, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker for life transitions
- Grief and loss
- Stress and anxiety
- Relationship support
About Diane McClain
Diane McClain is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 46 years of experience working across inpatient and outpatient settings, family service agencies, and private practice. She combines a client-centered stance with a strong emphasis on solution-oriented, short-term work, guiding people to make decisions that align with their values and priorities. Diane is a direct communicator who often uses humor to clarify issues and create memorable interventions that support change.
Her clinical interests include grief and loss, anxiety, depression, caregiving stress, and support for families facing new medical challenges or end-of-life decisions. She also provides coaching for people navigating job loss and other emotionally difficult transitions, bringing practical, goal-focused strategies to those moments. Diane has experience counseling cross-cultural and interfaith couples at both premarital and later stages of marriage, and she works as an ally with LGBT individuals and families around coming out, disclosure, and relationship concerns.
Across a wide range of concerns - including stress, relationships, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, addiction, self-esteem, career questions, and compassion fatigue - Diane draws on a broad set of therapeutic tools. Her approach integrates client-centered therapy with methods such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), emotionally-focused therapy (EFT), mindfulness, motivational interviewing, narrative and psychodynamic perspectives, solution-focused techniques, and somatic therapy. She frames therapy as active work aimed at preparing clients to move forward rather than providing indefinite support.
Diane emphasizes honest self-examination and practical decision making, helping individuals and families consider the consequences of their choices and act in ways that reflect their true interests. Her style balances directness with empathy, and she tailors interventions to the needs of each person or family.
Her clinical interests include grief and loss, anxiety, depression, caregiving stress, and support for families facing new medical challenges or end-of-life decisions. She also provides coaching for people navigating job loss and other emotionally difficult transitions, bringing practical, goal-focused strategies to those moments. Diane has experience counseling cross-cultural and interfaith couples at both premarital and later stages of marriage, and she works as an ally with LGBT individuals and families around coming out, disclosure, and relationship concerns.
Across a wide range of concerns - including stress, relationships, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, addiction, self-esteem, career questions, and compassion fatigue - Diane draws on a broad set of therapeutic tools. Her approach integrates client-centered therapy with methods such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), emotionally-focused therapy (EFT), mindfulness, motivational interviewing, narrative and psychodynamic perspectives, solution-focused techniques, and somatic therapy. She frames therapy as active work aimed at preparing clients to move forward rather than providing indefinite support.
Diane emphasizes honest self-examination and practical decision making, helping individuals and families consider the consequences of their choices and act in ways that reflect their true interests. Her style balances directness with empathy, and she tailors interventions to the needs of each person or family.
Areas of Expertise
Also Specializes In
Additional Focus Areas
AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAttachment issuesBlended family issuesCancerCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesDependent personalityDivorce and separationEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFertility issuesGuilt and shameHIV / AIDSHospice and end-of-life counselingInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisMood disordersMulticultural concernsPanic disorder and panic attacksPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPostpartum depressionPregnancy and childbirthSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-loveSocial anxiety and phobiaSomatizationWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic Approach
Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing Narrative Therapy Psychodynamic Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy Somatic Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Diane McClain have?
Diane McClain has 46 years of experience providing therapy in a variety of clinical and community settings.
Is Diane McClain a licensed therapist?
Yes. She holds the credential LCSW, which stands for Licensed Clinical Social Worker. License details: IL LCSW 149.013411.
In which languages does Diane McClain provide therapy?
Diane McClain provides therapy in English.
Where is Diane McClain located?
Diane McClain is located in Illinois.
How can I work with Diane McClain as my therapist?
You can work with Diane McClain through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Diane McClain work with international clients?
Yes, Diane McClain works with international clients.
How much does therapy with Diane McClain cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Could Virtual Sessions Fit Your Life?
Many people wonder whether online therapy can help with everyday challenges. For common concerns such as stress, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, or navigating life transitions, online therapy is widely used and many people find it produces meaningful benefits similar to in-person care.One key advantage is flexibility - clients can choose the communication style that fits them best, whether that is video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or in-app messaging. That flexibility makes it easier to integrate therapy into a busy schedule or to access support when travel or mobility is limited.
Therapists who provide remote care are licensed professionals, and clients may switch to a different therapist if they would like a new fit. Online therapy can be a practical option for people seeking consistent, goal-focused support while maintaining the convenience of remote sessions.