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.

 

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Alyssa Van Lopik

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: MA,LCSW,RYT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

Hello! My name is Alyssa and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over eight years of experience providing therapy services. I have worked in a wide range of therapeutic settings including: inpatient psychiatric hospitalization, partial and intensive outpatient care, and managing a private practice in the Austin community. I work with clients affected by depression, anxiety, substance use, trauma and relationship challenges. Originally from Chicago, I moved to Austin, TX during the summer of 2017 to continue my work in therapy. I received my undergraduate degree in Psychology at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and my Masters degree in Social Work at Loyola University Chicago. My approach to therapy is client centered: clients are the experts on their lives and determine the direction and depth of therapy. Through a strengths-based and solutions-focused lens, I draw on multiple treatment modalities to guide clients in identifying strengths and developing treatment plans that accomplish their goals. Through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), I assist clients in exploring relationships among thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to aid in discovering dysfunctional thought patterns leading to self-destructive behaviors and beliefs. Using Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), I support clients through developing skills: mindfulness, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and emotion regulation with the goal of moving clients towards a life involving the capacity for experiencing joy and freedom. I am trained in EMDR and use this approach to support clients through their healing with traumatic experiences. Outside of my work as a therapist, I practice yoga as a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT). I also enjoy reading, cooking, spending time with my family, and traveling to new places.

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Deborah Beard

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: MSFT, LCPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
25 years of experience

My name is Deborah Beard. I am trained in Marriage & Family Therapy and have served as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor for over 25 years. I graduated in 1996 with a Masters degree in Science: Family Therapy from Friends University in Wichita, Kansas. My previous work experience as a Human Resource Manager and a Professor of Education bring relatable life skill experiences into each of my sessions. I have served as a counselor in both public and private mental health agencies, primarily for those seeking help with depression, anxiety, mood disorders, trauma and abuse recovery, relationships, and parenting skills. Any client who has the courage to seek counseling is someone worth celebrating. With gentleness and warmth, I try to focus on each of my clients' strengths to help them in the areas they desire to change. I utilize counseling tools from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Rational Emotive Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Systemic Therapy as appropriate. Each client's faith and moral values are recognized as a wonderful foundation for their desired growth. I look forward to meeting you!

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Sofia Dickey

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW,CADC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
12 years of experience

My name is Sofia Dickey, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Illinois with over 12 years of experience working in the mental health field. Additionally, I am a Certified Addictions Counselor in the state of Illinois. I have worked in residential and outpatient treatment centers for youth with behavioral concerns and adults with various mental health issues. I have also helped a wide variety of individuals from different backgrounds to better manage issues with depression, anxiety, addictions, and trauma. My counseling style is that of acceptance and compassion while using the approaches of cognitive-behavioral and solution-focused therapies as well as motivational interviewing. I am here to listen to you without judgment, and I am here to help. One of the benefits of online therapy involves the added daily support that may not be available through regular outpatient counseling. Therefore, I encourage you to message me at anytime as I check my messages at least once a day every day of the week. I also offer messaging, live chat, phone sessions and video sessions. Although I encourage video sessions, I am available through the means that make you feel the most comfortable. I look forward to working with you and helping you reach your goals.

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Nneka Council

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteem
20 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois and Nebraska with over 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. 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.

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Angele Villalobos

Offering therapy in Illinois
Trauma and abuse
4 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with 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 happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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Jodi Colbert

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
5 years of experience

I am a clinical social worker licensed in Illinois with 5 years of clinical social work experience. I have helped clients with mood issues, stress and anxiety, life adjustment, trauma and abuse, attachment, grief and loss, self-esteem problems, and relationship issues. My therapy style is warm and collaborative. I believe that you are the expert of your own story and your many strengths will assist you in overcoming and healing from things that stress, hurt, and challenge you. I believe in treating everyone with dignity and respect; regardless of what makes us different. My counseling approach incorporates client-centered, cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, narrative, and solution-focused therapies. I tailor all counseling and treatment plans to meet your personal goals. I understand it takes courage to take the first step towards healing, growing, and mental health. I am here to support and guide you in that process. I look forward to working with you!

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Tammy Frossard

Offering therapy in Illinois
AddictionsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesAnger managementDepression
15 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor licensed in Illinois with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, domestic violence, anxiety, depression, and anger management. I believe that counseling is beneficial for everyone and that identifying and working through areas that may be difficult or having a negative impact on functioning is a positive step. It takes courage and strength and you are worth it.

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Matthew Lehman

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsAnger managementDepression
10 years of experience

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.

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Carla Brown

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesDepression
12 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Arkansas with over 10 years of experience providing therapy to adults. I began my career working in a community mental health center and currently I have my own practice. I spend most of my time working with client's who are struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, and relationship issues. I most enjoy working with couples. I take a straight forward, practical approach in order to do the most work in the least amount of time so you can get back to enjoying your life as soon as possible. I use a mix of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. I meet you where you are and help you to get where you want to be. I know beginning therapy can be anxiety provoking and I strive to make the therapeutic process as comfortable as possible. So try to relax and let's get started! I look forward to talking to you.

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Jennifer Smith

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

I am licensed in Indiana with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. 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. I have a history of working with families, individuals, teens, adults, and couples. One of my strengths is helping parents as they navigate the path of parenthood. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

How can a counselor support you?

Therapists 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 IL, and one out of five Americans has a mental health condition. Searching for local licensed professionals 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 a BetterHelp therapist does not offer diagnostic or medication management services.

Why do people choose to work 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, BetterHelp can match you with a licensed professional tailored to your preferences noted when you sign up.

The mental health therapists in Illinois support clients with varying issues through therapy, such as:

  • 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 to contact in a crisis

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use the BetterHelp site. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Some of the most commonly asked questions about therapy can be found in the section 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.

When should I get a therapist in Illinois?

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 can allow clients seeking therapy to experience professional help through video, phone, or live chat sessions without commuting to an office.

Does insurance cover the cost of 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 the safe option?

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.

In today's fast-paced society, mental well-being has become a cornerstone of a fulfilling life. Amid the daily challenges and stressors that can overwhelm even the most resilient individuals, seeking professional guidance often offers a path to clarity and balance. The journey toward improved emotional health involves understanding personal triggers, embracing self-compassion, and developing effective coping strategies. While self-help books and online resources provide valuable information, nothing compares to the personalized support offered by a qualified mental health professional. One-on-one sessions with experienced experts can help uncover the underlying issues contributing to anxiety, depression, or other emotional hurdles. With a careful and empathetic approach, these professionals tailor their advice to suit individual needs, ensuring that each person receives strategies that work best for their unique circumstances. Whether through cognitive behavioral techniques, mindfulness practices, or other innovative methods, the aim is to foster resilience and empower individuals to take control of their inner lives. For those living in bustling urban centers, engaging in face-to-face sessions in a welcoming environment can be particularly beneficial. Access to a caring clinician provides not only a safe space to explore difficult emotions but also builds a support network essential for long-term recovery. The process encourages self-reflection and greater insight into behavioral patterns that might otherwise go unnoticed. While the journey can be challenging at times, the rewards include enhanced emotional stability, improved interpersonal relationships, and a renewed sense of self-worth. In one notable case, the guidance provided by a highly trained therapist proved instrumental in navigating a tumultuous period. Through structured sessions and tailored interventions, the individual learned to identify stressors and develop healthier responses to adversity. This experience underscored the transformative impact that dedicated support can have on one's overall quality of life. In a region like Texas, community-based initiatives and accessible mental health programs further reinforce the value of professional help. These efforts emphasize early intervention, preventive care, and continuous support, ensuring that more people are equipped to face life's inevitable challenges. Ultimately, investing in mental well-being is an act of self-care that yields lifelong benefits. By embracing professional support, individuals can unlock new levels of emotional resilience and discover pathways to a brighter, more balanced future. Each step taken toward healing represents a commitment to personal growth, enabling a life filled with renewed optimism and strength. Embracing this transformative journey consistently paves the way for deeper understanding, lasting peace, and meaningful personal progress.
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