Therapy can be the first big step toward better mental health. If you’re interested in working with a therapist in Illinois, consider online treatment. Barriers to care, like transportation challenges or a lack of available providers, can make finding in-person therapy difficult. An online platform like BetterHelp can make getting treatment more convenient and flexible.
With BetterHelp, you can work with a psychologist, licensed professional counselor, or other mental health provider from your home at a time that suits your busy schedule. BetterHelp therapists can guide you through the therapeutic process and help you overcome a range of challenges, including working through questions about gender identity, managing the symptoms of C-PTSD, overcoming job stress, and learning to heal from the psychological effects of marriage issues, divorce, and raising children.
Therapy can be beneficial for those having trouble coping with the bigger problems in the world at large or trying to find happiness in their own lives. If you’re looking for an online therapist, IL has practitioners licensed to provide mental health care state-wide. Connect with one of the providers below to learn how online therapy can help you live a more meaningful life.
Dr. Ann Maureen McCaughan
I have a Masters and PhD in Counseling and Counselor Education, with over 15 years of experience in the field as a counselor, supervisor, and counselor educator. I was initially drawn to counseling to work with young adults in transition over the college years, but quickly became interested in working with people throughout all stages of the lifespan. I believe in helping people to live satisfied, authentic, and genuine lives and that key tools in doing so are increasing self awareness and congruence with themselves and in relation to others. I believe that the client is the best expert on their own lives, and I am here to be a sounding board for you as you consider what changes you want to make to increase satisfaction in your life. You will find my approach gentle, but direct, as I help you to identify goals and patterns of living. I have experience working with depression and anxiety, trauma, stress, relationship issues, identity issues, and career/lifestyle goals, to name a few. I am committed to promoting multicultural competence in both my own counseling, as well as the counselor training I provide as an educator. I currently reside and teach in the Pacific Northwest region (Washington State) as well as work with clients in Illinois. In addition to my work as a clinician, I have experience as a counselor educator and supervisor as well, which encourages me to remain current in regards to counseling best practices and resources, and am constantly adding to my own knowledge base, which benefits my clinical work with clients. I look forward to the opportunity to work with you!
Janet Craig
Hello! Janet Craig here. I come to Betterhelp with 30+ years of social work/advocacy/counseling experience. I am a licensed clinical social worker in the state of Illinois. I have worked in a variety of settings (child welfare, hospice, and the schools), and am comfortable helping people of all ages explore what makes them tick, what causes them pain, and how they can best take care of themselves. Being a human being is hard work no matter your age or life experience. I am especially skilled in helping parents with a variety of parenting issues, and have a passion for working with parents of teenagers. Raising a family is one of life's biggest and most important challenges. I'm here to help parents navigate new territory as their kids grow through adolescence. As a bereavement counselor, I have helped individuals and families cope with loss and it's resulting aftermath. Grief can feel very lonely and overwhelming at times. Sometimes it helps to sort out thoughts and feelings with someone outside the family. That's where I come in. My approach is one of compassion, careful listening, and guiding individuals toward meeting goals that they set for themselves. I firmly believe that people have the capacity to heal themselves, and that no one has to make that journey alone. My approach to my life and profession is that of acceptance, respect and kindness. The bumper sticker on my car says, “Human kind (be both).” My life's motto. EXPERTISE parenting grief/loss stress management relationship issues self-esteem anxiety coping skills
Bethany Porter
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Illinois. I have worked with clients with various concerns including anxiety, depression, emotional and physical trauma, family conflict, and attention disorders such as ADHD. I have significant experience in adoption and foster care related issues as well. I have worked in group therapy, individual psychotherapy as well as working in community services. I am a strengths focused counselor which means I focus on what you naturally do well at and help you build on those strengths to reach your goals. Your goals are important to the healing process and together we will create a plan to help you identify what is most important to you. I meet each of my clients where they are at and provide a safe space to explore what you need for better mental and emotional health. This is YOUR journey and you have strengths inside of YOU that will propel you forward to find peace of mind, true happiness and contentment inside of you. I commonly use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Solution Focused Therapy however there are other modalities that I am familiar with and will implement them when it best fits the client. Life can be tough but I believe there is always hope for a better future. I am excited to go on this journey with you and watch you excel in your mental and emotional health!
Lydia Schatzel
I believe in maintaining a strong and positive rapport because through that trust, we can really get work done. I treat everyone with respect and compassion. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, harm reduction, and mindfulness with a solution focused approach that is client centered. I will tailor our dialogue and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. As a therapist, it is my job to provide the tools and coping skills to navigate this thing called life. I will work diligently to be that empathetic and supportive hand to help you through tough times and emerge on the other side feeling stronger and more capable to take on whatever new challenges come your way. I am a licensed clinical social worker in Illinois with over 10 years of experience working as a crisis worker, care coordinator, and therapist. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including various behavioral health conditions, substance abuse, history of trauma, relationships, and stages of development. I have additionally addressed abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
Christine Young
As a clinician, my goal is to assist clients in exploring and defining their truest self to allow for self-acceptance. By working from a strengths- based perspective, I hope to collaborate with my clients to equip them with individualized skills, so that they are able to achieve their personal goals. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, issues related to stress, and trauma. I have experience in providing services to children, teenagers, adults and older adults. I believe that we are the experts in our lives. My role is not to 'fix' my clients, but to foster a partnership that addresses their challenges and highlights their strengths. In my practice, I strive to create a setting in which clients can feel comfortable and safe to express themselves without fear of judgment
Dr. Benjamin Lough
I am licensed in Illinois with 18 years of professional work experience. I specialize in helping clients to cope with life changes as they navigate the big questions of life. My therapeutic approach is integrative, with a focus on existential-humanistic, solution-focused, and strengths-based therapy methods. I operate on the understanding that each person is unique, and that different approaches work best for different people. My counseling style is interactive and holistic. We will work on resolving your present challenges by looking at schemas or "life traps" that you developed in your past but continue to carry into your current ways of thinking about the world. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. I look forward to working with you as you navigate your journey.
Brittany Simons
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and have worked in the field of Social Work since 2010, with 6+ years of direct clinical experience. I have worked with individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, PTSD, and more severe mental health symptoms. I believe that everyone has their own path of healing and I pull from various modalities to explore what works for you. These modalities include, motivational interviewing, CBT, DBT, person centered therapy, somatic focused and strength based approach. I believe in using a holistic approach to understand the mind/body/spirit connection and seek to understand through a trauma-informed lens. The first step of healing can be through self-awareness and by signing up for therapy you are taking that initiative for yourself. Take pride in knowing that you are doing something to take care of you!
Megan Reedy-McGovern
I am licensed in Illinois with over 15 years of professional work experience. I have extensive experience helping clients with stress, anxiety, depression, life transitions, grief, interpersonal communication, trauma and abuse. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happy life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
Jennifer McNamer
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois with over 5 years of professional work experience. I obtained a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of the Cumberlands and have worked as a clinician in community mental health and private practice. I have experience providing mental health services to adults who have experienced depression, stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, and career difficulties. I believe that therapy is a collaborative process that helps to increase self-awareness, gain new perspectives, decrease symptoms, and increase personal strengths to create more meaningful life experiences. I strive to create a warm and welcoming environment in order to promote a safe space for you to heal. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Michele McShea
I have been working as a therapist for almost 20 years, and have been honored to work with individuals, couples and groups. I have always believed that we can heal. As we gain confidence in ourselves, we are able to participate in life more and more. The more satisfied we feel with the inner world we create, and our responses to the world around us, the more we find ourselves healing from within and without. As we walk the path toward true and lasting change, both insight and coping help us to move forward. I have helped people to heal from Anxiety and Depression, relationship difficulties, lack of motivation and self-love (sometimes called self-esteem), trauma, abuse and post-traumatic stress, LGBTQ+ related issues, and those pertaining to family of origin. We can heal from our issues, and we can also increase our functioning along the way. Coping can go hand-in-hand with true and lasting healing that leads to a greater sense of peace in our lives. I consider it an honor and privilege to be trusted to walk this path with you.
Paula Voigt
I am licensed in Illinois with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, post-traumatic stress, coping with grief and loss, & career difficulties. As a compassionate and empathetic therapist, I understand the complex emotional and psychological impact that infertility and reproductive loss can have. Strong emotional responses such as anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress may arise following reproductive loss or infertility challenges. Supportive therapy for both men and women experiencing these challenges offers much-needed understanding and validation, and can help you work through these emotions, learn effective tools to cope, and gain new perspectives that can foster healing. While infertility and miscarriage challenges are my specialty, I am also experienced in working with all types of grief/loss, PTSD, anxiety, depression and career challenges. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Jessica Kuilan
I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience in working with a diverse group of individuals, crisis settings, mandatory programs, healthcare, etc. My primary goal is to use my expertise to improve the optimum functioning and self-management potential of the individuals I work with. I offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each of my client’s individual needs to help attain the personal growth they are striving for. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Exposure Therapy, Problem Solving Therapy, etc. to assist clients with anger management, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and chronic illness, etc. Everyone - no matter what age, class, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, etc. will come across certain barriers in life that need re-evaluation. You have already taken the first step toward taking care of your well-being and now is a great time to start!
Matthew Lehman
I am licensed in California and Illinois with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, anger management, & depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
Teris Gosier
I am licensed in Illinois with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, trauma and abuse, & depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Catherine Seger
I am licensed in Illinois with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
How can therapists in Illinois support you?
Therapists in Illinois can practice many types of counseling, from marriage and family therapy to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). They may also assist you with symptoms of depression, stress, or anxiety.
Therapists may help you set and achieve career goals, work on current issues you may be facing, or address your past. Over 11,181,370 people live in Illinois, and one out of five Americans has a mental health condition. Searching for licensed professionals in Illinois may help you find mental health support for personal growth, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health concerns. You do not need a mental health diagnosis to seek support from one of BetterHelp's licensed providers above.
The mental health field can include psychiatric medication management, online therapy, marriage counseling, couples therapy, clinical social work, licensed counseling, and other mental health services in person and online. Seeing a licensed provider can help you navigate mental health conditions and life circumstances through mindfulness and other specialized techniques.
Please note that BetterHelp does not offer diagnostic or medication management services.
Why are many residents in the state of Illinois working with a licensed counselor?
People reach out for mental health support for a variety of reasons. Many individuals work with a counselor for general life advice, while others may attend therapy for a specific concern. Whether you live in a large city or a smaller county in Illinois, BetterHelp can match you with a licensed professional tailored to your preferences noted when you sign up.
Mental health counselors in Illinois support clients with varying issues, which can include:
- Challenging situations or life stressors
- Eating disorders
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression or depressive conditions
- Adjustment issues
- Emotional support for a terminal illness
- Chronic pain emotional support
- Grief
- Personality disorders
- Trauma
- Relationship conflicts and concerns
Finding a therapist that takes new clients in online therapy can be the first step in finding a treatment plan that works for you. Your therapist can provide a safe space for you to focus on self-care and well-being.
If you're interested in speaking to one of the therapists above or being matched with a counselor in 24 to 48 hours, consider signing up for BetterHelp. BetterHelp has over 35,000 providers, including those listed above.
Emergency services
If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisis Text Line:Text HOME to 741741
- Veterans Crisis Line<:Call 1-800-273-8255 (and press 1) or text 838255. For support for the deaf and hard of hearing community, please use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.
- Trevor Lifeline(LGBTQ Lifeline): (866)488-7386
- SAMHSA National Helpline: (Substance Use): (800)662-4357
- National Eating Disorder Association Helpline:1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM-9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST
- Child Help Hotline Call 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat featur
- National Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Physician Crisis Support Line: Call 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to Covid-1
- Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Some commonly asked questions can be found below.
How much does a therapist cost?
Mental health professionals can differ in price. Forbes found that the average cost of in-person therapy in the US is around $100 to $200 per hour. Pricing can also vary based on your location.
BetterHelp offers payment plans of $60 to $90 per session, charged monthly in a lump sum. You can also take advantage of this pricing on one of BetterHelp's sister platforms, like ReGain for couples or TeenCounseling for teens aged 13 to 19.
Many therapists may be upfront about their pricing and whether or not they take health insurance from the beginning. Additionally, some in your area may offer a sliding scale plan to allow those with lower incomes to pay less for therapy. However, services online can often save individuals a few hundred dollars per month.
How do I know if I should get a therapist?
Mental health services and mental health providers may help you navigate various concerns. You do not need a diagnosis or condition to attend therapy; You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general advice. A counselor may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.
Mental health issues don't always present as a crisis. Many professionals provide talk therapy and support for life transitions, skills learning, relationship problems, or life coaching. Online therapy sessions in Illinois can allow clients seeking therapy to experience professional help through video, phone, or live chat sessions without commuting to an office.
Does insurance cover therapy?
Different counseling services can vary in cost. Therapists must apply to accept insurance through insurance companies, which may take time and money, so not every therapist offers services through insurance. If you cannot find a therapist that accepts your plan, BetterHelp may be cheaper than visiting an in-person therapist.
Is online therapy safe?
Online therapy through BetterHelp and its sister platforms is safe. Therapists are licensed, experienced, and vetted before being contracted with the platform. If you experience any concerns with your therapist, you change your counselor through the platform or app at any time.
Popular cities in Illinois
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- Naperville, IL
- Springfield, IL
- Peoria, IL
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- Champaign, IL
- Cicero, IL
- Bloomington, IL
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