Dr. Thomas Kadela, LCSW
Experienced LCSW specializing in trauma and life changes
- Trauma and abuse
- Sleep difficulties
- Anxiety and depression
About Dr. Thomas Kadela
Dr. Thomas Kadela, LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker), brings three decades of assessment and treatment experience to his work. He balances full-time responsibilities with the Department of Veterans Affairs and service as a United States Army National Guard Behavioral Health Officer while maintaining a small, selective online practice. Earlier in his career he specialized in children and families, and that foundation continues to inform his broad clinical perspective.
He approaches therapy as a collaborative partnership in which the client is an expert on their own life and the clinician contributes clinical knowledge and structure. He offers a range of options from executive coaching and supportive consultative work to targeted evidence-based psychotherapies for concerns such as depression, trauma, anxiety, sleep problems, communication, and anger. His training includes Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), cognitive behavioral therapies for depression, insomnia, and chronic pain (CBT-D, CBT-I, CBT-CP), Social Skills Therapy, Anger Management, Solution-Focused Brief Psychotherapy, and structured problem-solving techniques. He also draws on broader approaches such as client-centered therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, mindfulness-based methods, motivational interviewing, psychodynamic ideas, and trauma-focused practices.
Dr. Kadela describes his work as holistic, attending to body, mind, and spirit as interconnected domains that influence well-being. Over his career he has taught at both undergraduate and graduate university levels, published in professional journals, earned board certification in his discipline, and held leadership and supervisory roles including chief clinical officer of national programs, state director, chief administrative officer, training director, and supervisor of specialty programs. He has experience with inpatient, outpatient, and residential treatment settings, and he has presented at conferences and workshops. He is a United States Army combat veteran. Though he maintains a limited online caseload because of his other professional commitments, he offers focused, experienced care for a wide range of concerns.
He approaches therapy as a collaborative partnership in which the client is an expert on their own life and the clinician contributes clinical knowledge and structure. He offers a range of options from executive coaching and supportive consultative work to targeted evidence-based psychotherapies for concerns such as depression, trauma, anxiety, sleep problems, communication, and anger. His training includes Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), cognitive behavioral therapies for depression, insomnia, and chronic pain (CBT-D, CBT-I, CBT-CP), Social Skills Therapy, Anger Management, Solution-Focused Brief Psychotherapy, and structured problem-solving techniques. He also draws on broader approaches such as client-centered therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, mindfulness-based methods, motivational interviewing, psychodynamic ideas, and trauma-focused practices.
Dr. Kadela describes his work as holistic, attending to body, mind, and spirit as interconnected domains that influence well-being. Over his career he has taught at both undergraduate and graduate university levels, published in professional journals, earned board certification in his discipline, and held leadership and supervisory roles including chief clinical officer of national programs, state director, chief administrative officer, training director, and supervisor of specialty programs. He has experience with inpatient, outpatient, and residential treatment settings, and he has presented at conferences and workshops. He is a United States Army combat veteran. Though he maintains a limited online caseload because of his other professional commitments, he offers focused, experienced care for a wide range of concerns.
Areas of Expertise
Also Specializes In
Additional Focus Areas
Autism and Asperger SyndromeBlended family issuesBody imageCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDivorce and separationEmptinessFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFirst responder issuesGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameImpulsivityIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesMood disordersNarcissismPanic disorder and panic attacksPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPost-traumatic stressSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Sexual assault and abuseSexual dysfunctionSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic Approach
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing Psychodynamic Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Dr. Thomas Kadela have?
Dr. Thomas Kadela has 30 years of professional experience in assessment and treatment.
Is Dr. Thomas Kadela a licensed therapist?
Yes. He holds the credential LCSW, which stands for Licensed Clinical Social Worker. License details are IL LCSW 149007447.
In which languages does Dr. Thomas Kadela provide therapy?
Dr. Thomas Kadela provides therapy in English.
Where is Dr. Thomas Kadela located?
Dr. Thomas Kadela is located in Illinois.
How can I work with Dr. Thomas Kadela as my therapist?
You can work with Dr. Thomas Kadela through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Dr. Thomas Kadela work with international clients?
Dr. Thomas Kadela does not currently work with international clients.
How much does therapy with Dr. Thomas Kadela 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 Online Therapy Be a Good Fit?
Many people wonder whether working with a therapist remotely can make a meaningful difference. For common concerns such as stress, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, or navigating life changes, online therapy has been shown to be just as effective as traditional in-person sessions.One major benefit is flexibility. Individuals can connect with licensed professionals in the format that suits them best - video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or in-app messaging - which helps integrate therapy into busy schedules and varied life circumstances.
Licensed professionals offer a range of therapeutic approaches and many clients appreciate the ability to try a different therapist if the fit is not right. For people balancing work, family, or mobility constraints, remote therapy can provide practical access to consistent support and skilled therapeutic guidance.