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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Dr. Chelsea Dumas

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: PsyD, LCP
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
12 years of experience

My name is Chelsea and I am a clinical psychologist, licensed in the states of Illinois and Michigan. I completed my doctoral training in clinical psychology and have a Doctor of Psychology degree. I have worked with a variety of clients in my nine years of clinical work. My approach to therapy is a combination of Family-Systems, Cognitive-Behavioral, and Client-Centered. This means that I like to understand how your environment (family, work, neighborhood, city, country, society) affect you and your ability to solve problems. I sometimes find it helpful to examine the relationships between your thoughts, feelings, and actions, and work to change unhelpful thoughts. I also like to go my client's pace and work on the goals that are most important to you. I have been lucky to work with many different people on several different goals. My specialty is working with individuals affected by substance use, including those currently using, trying to stop, those who have been in recovery for a long period of time, and the family and friends affected by substance use. I have major experience in treating depression, anxiety, and symptoms related to stressful events and trauma. I can also help with family/relationship issues, life transitions, sleep difficulty, body-image/ self-esteem and motivation. Asking for help is not any easy thing for anyone. I am always so humbled by my clients' bravery and the strength it takes to reach out. I am so excited for the opportunity to work with you!

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Kathee Foxan

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

I am a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist with experience working as a professional therapist in the state of Iowa for the last fourteen years, counseling clients with concerns regarding mood, anxiety, anger based, and personality disorder symptoms. I have worked as a therapist in a community mental health center for the last thirteen years and as a therapist to residents in nursing home settings four the last six years. In my thirteen years of experience, I have counseled people of all ages, stemming from the age of three, to my oldest client, aged ninety-three. I work with a particularly large amount of people in oppressed situations, including those struggling with; poverty, substance abuse/addiction, history of trauma, legal involvement, people of color, and those struggling with the loss of independence.

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Aimee Bequette-Chaney

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC),Licensed Associate Sex Offender Treatment Provider (LASOP),Master of Science (MS)
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesAnger managementDepression
12 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical professional counselor in Illinois with more than ten years of professional experience working with clients of all ages (including families). I have provided years of crisis intervention in schools and emergency rooms. I have provided individual and group therapy in various settings including outpatient, residential, and corrections. My approach to therapy is secular, apolitical, and based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). This is a very concrete, time-limited, client driven approach that allows individuals to develop a skill set that they are empowered to use to manage distressing thoughts and intense emotions across a wide range of mental health issues. I teach people to be their own therapist. I have extensive experience working with trauma (simple and complex), and I utilize trauma informed care approaches to help address the root causes of trauma-related symptoms so individuals can overcome the adversity related to traumatic experiences and continue to live rich and healthy lives. I am experienced with providing some court ordered programs such as Anger Management and Divorce Education. I have worked with many families over the years to provide support and assistance for parents struggling with managing behavioral issues in the home. I am certified to provide Parent Management Training (a structured parenting course) and basic behavior management. I want to work to end the stigma with utilizing mental health professionals. I want my clients to feel like checking in with me is just like seeing a family doctor for the occasional illness or injury. I am open to all clients, and provide a safe, non-judgmental space to process their feelings and learn to manage them. I believe the world would be a better place if we all took care of our mental health by seeing a therapist for general care, and I would love to start with you!

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Amie Stefanich

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesDepressionCompassion fatigue
10 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social worker in Illinois and Indiana with over 10 years of experience working with clients with a wide rang of concerns. I have helped many people working through end of life decisions and the grief process. I have also helped many caregivers who have experienced compassion fatigue. My counseling style starts with respect, and compassion. I believe in starting where you are. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, solution focused counseling. Ultimately, I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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Charles Beard

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsAnger managementDepression
3 years of experience

I am trained in Marriage and Family Therapy and have served as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor for over 25 years. I have served in both public and private mental health agencies, primarily for those seeking help with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, addiction and domestic violence. 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 client's strengths to help them in the area they desire to change. My approach combines Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotional Focused Therapy, Systemic Therapy and Solution Focused Therapy as appropriate. I will tailor my dialog and treatment plan to meet the client's concerns. Each client's faith and moral values are recognized as a foundation for their desired growth. I look forward to meeting 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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Stephanie McSharry

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteemCoaching
13 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with over 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also have experience working with executive and professional coaching. 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.

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Valeta Wilson

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

I am licensed in Indiana with 13 years of professional work experience. I have extensive experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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.

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Anthony Grady

Offering therapy in Illinois
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteem
16 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, parenting issues, anger management, motivation, & self esteem. I also have experience working with confidence. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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OBrain Agwanihu

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
9 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, anger management, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. 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.

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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