ILA Partners with Obsidian Counseling & Wellness for Mental Health Services
By Illinois Lyme Association
Caring for your mental health when you have Lyme disease can be a critical step toward feeling supported throughout your journey. But for many patients, obtaining mental health services from a knowledgeable provider can be challenging, especially if you have symptoms that keep you largely homebound or have financial constraints. That’s why we decided to partner with Obsidian Counseling & Wellness, an Illinois-based, tele-mental health provider with a range of professional virtual and online counseling services you can do from the comforts of your home.
No doubt, counseling can be expensive, but Obsidian offers three payment options for those interested in receiving therapy: self-pay, in-network coverage with Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO, or reduced fees (dependent upon your income) with a student intern. Read more about Obsidian Counseling & Wellness here or meet Sarah Forde, mental health professional and Obsidian intern who understands what it’s like to live with Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases and the mental toll those illnesses can take.
Meet Sarah Forde
Hi! My name is Sarah Forde, and I am a Lyme warrior and mental health professional from Deerfield, Illinois. I am an intern at Obsidian Counseling and Wellness, receiving my master’s in clinical psychology at Naropa University.
As someone who lives with multiple chronic illnesses, including Lyme disease and co-infections, I understand the impact it can have in every area of your life. I understand the struggle.
Living with Lyme disease can be confusing and commonly misunderstood. Here are five mental health facts that are important to know about:
There are an estimated 476,000 new cases of Lyme in the US each year. The groups most at risk are children aged 5-14 and adults aged 45 to 64.
People with Lyme disease have an increased risk of suicidal ideation and death by suicide. They also have higher incidences of depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, OCD, anger and rage, cognitive impairment, and mood dysregulation.
Common symptoms of tick-borne diseases include chronic fatigue, sleep problems, brain fog, neurological impairment, sensory sensitivity, gut issues, pain, and many other symptoms that have a big impact on mental health.
Lyme disease can affect the brain and body in many ways. It can cause brain inflammation, immune reactions, and endocrine responses that lead to hormonal and psychiatric issues. So, not only can Lyme symptoms impact mental health, but the disease itself can actually cause mental health issues!
Lyme patients are constantly disbelieved, stigmatized, and gaslit by doctors, insurance companies, society, and even family members.
Bottom line: you are not crazy, it is not all in your head, and you are not making this up. I hear you. I see you. I know what it’s like to move through this world with Lyme disease. If you are struggling, want to learn more, or are looking for therapy please, reach out: Obsidiancounseling@gmail.com
About Obsidian Counseling & Wellness
Obsidian Counseling & Wellness is a group of mental health therapists who offer online video sessions to meet your needs. They take Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO, self-pay, and sliding scale for your convenience. Obsidian values working alongside you to help you in your healing journey. We specialize in chronic illness, grief and loss, parenting, families, LGBTQIA+ community, trauma, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Schedule an appointment here, or email with questions to: obsidiancounseling@gmail.com
