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.
Andrew Mercer
I'm so happy you're here and so happy that you're taking an important step towards positive change in your life. Nothing brings me more joy than to be able to be a part of your journey while we work towards your goals. I've been partnering with adults for the past 8 years in private practice as a licensed therapist and 3 years as a life coach working with college-aged adults. Former and current clients appreciate my honest straightforward approach to counseling as well as my ability to patiently and compassionately hold space for answers to emerge. The struggles of life are not meant to be all-consuming or overwhelming and as self-sufficient as most of us are, we all need help at some point. I know I've benefitted from being able to talk through my worries and concerns with the help of a trained therapist and know what the experience is like in either seat. I was trained in pastoral counseling and at Loyola University in Chicago and can assist if your concerns are more spiritual in nature and when they are not take a more traditional approach. I draw from relational schools of thought- psychodynamic, humanistic and Adlerian but apply them in a straightforward pragmatic fashion to keep the process brief and effective. Having been trained and educated in diverse settings, I have experience working with many different types of people with many different concerns. In particular, spiritual and religious questions, LGBT issues, anxiety and coping with grief and loss are areas that I can support you the most. I look forward to working with you as we take the next steps in your journey together.
Michelle Owusu
Hello! Congratulations on taking the first step to working toward resolution for challenges in your life. Reaching out for help can be difficult, and I can provide a safe space for you to discuss, explore and process your concerns. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor for the state of Illinois, and I have 10 years of experience as a therapist. I have worked with individuals and families of various ages, races, cultures, and presenting concerns including, but not limited to, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, anger management, grief/loss, LGBT, and life transitions. I believe building a trusting relationship with my clients through empathy and acceptance is key to assisting them with their concerns. I provide therapy based on my clients' needs to allow for self-exploration, offer useful tools to help work toward finding relief, and to create an optimum level of functioning. I am passionate about helping others, and I look forward to speaking with you!
Jack Richey
Welcome to Better Help! You may be wondering how this works and whether it would be right for you. My name is Jack Richey. I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Illinois. I earned my Master of Social Work degree, specializing in Interpersonal Communication and Change from the University of Iowa. I founded and directed an outpatient mental health clinic. I have worked on an inpatient behavioral healthcare unit. I had a private mental health counseling practice. I retired in August of 2021 after thirteen years of providing out patient mental health counseling services in a psychiatric wing of a local clinic under the direct supervision of a psychiatrist. I've worked with individuals, couples, and families who have had to address a variety of issues. These have included employment difficulties, depression, anxiety, stress, anger, family and relationship issues, self-esteem, divorce recovery, and parenting problems. My counseling style combines Cognitive Behavioral, Family Systems, and Solution focused approaches. I do not have a “cookie cutter” or “one size fits all” approach. Each person is unique with specific needs. I try meet clients "where they are". I believe we can all grow through challenging experiences by increasing self-awareness. Sometimes another person who isn't directly involved can offer a new perspective. Having additional support can guide people through a difficult situation when they feel stuck. People all want to be able to share their personal experiences, be accepted, and feel understood. I believe it's very important to be open-minded and non-judgmental when people share their personal stories or experiences. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life. Your life and your goals are important. If you are ready to take that step toward change, I am here to support, encourage, and empower you. I look forward to working with you!
Richard Heller
It takes courage to take this first step in seeking help with an issue in your life that is troubling you and into looking into counseling. I admire you for this and welcome the opportunity to meet you and help you with the life concern you are facing. My approach is through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I will focus on your needs and we will learn together how best to help you. I will treat you with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I have been a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor since 1998 and am licensed in the state of Illinois. My vocation includes 38 years of pastoral ministry, being a Board Certified Chaplain since 1995, and continue to work as an on-call chaplain for over 21 years. Through my wide range of experiences, I have helped people with depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, and loss. I look forward in supporting and empowering you through your journey in life.
Carly Gelb
Are you struggling with something internally that is holding you back to living your fullest potential? I may be able to help you uncover that strength that lies within you. My name is Carly Gelb and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have experience in the areas of depression, anxiety, panic disorder, substance use/addictions, stress, anger and relationship issues and much more. I use a non-judgmental client-centered approach that allows you to be in the drivers seat of your own therapy session. I love to use art, guided meditation, worksheets, journaling and other methods you may be open to using, to guide our experience together. If you need an unbiased ear to listen to you, and support you, then take the first step today in your journey.
Petia Detchevska
I understand that sometimes life can be a challenge! But with help and support, we can heal, change, and find inspiration to grow physically, mentally, and spiritually. I am here to listen with a warm heart, to challenge negative thoughts, to motivate you to achieve your goals and to lead you to overall well-being. My name is Petia. I graduated from National Louis University in Chicago, IL 2017 with a degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I have experience in behavioral mental health; working in different settings, populations and age groups. My preferred treatment approaches are client-centered, cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused, motivational interviewing, and goal setting.
Barbara Wahler
Are you longing to understand what’s happening in your relationships? Do you find it difficult to reach your child, your partner, your boss? Maybe you're struggling to understand each other and not sure what went wrong... Relationships can be difficult for everyone - for teens, for families, for couples, and for communities. Teens are struggling to discover their identities and that means sometimes they're hard to be around. For bi-racial couples, those in mixed-race blended families, or anyone wrestling with sexual identity it’s hard to know where to turn. Right now things might seem unmanageable, but it won't always be that way. There IS hope; things will get better and I'd like to help. My mission is to help individuals and families move through life's transitions. I serve youth and adults from a variety of backgrounds/cultures who grapple with concerns about identity, self-esteem, parenting, LGBTQ+, relationships, school problems, spirituality and women's issues. I received my Masters in Social Work from Loyola University Chicago and for over 30 years I have specialized in re-connecting and opening communication in strained relationships. It's important for me to partner with clients in order to move toward healing. My methods are relational and client-focused, rooted in a background of family systems. I offer support to people wherever they may be and use different methods to connect. We may move, draw, play, listen to music, or merely sit together; always, however, with the goal of moving toward healing and wholeness. Please take that first step toward healing and contact me. Look forward to feeling better and creating a happier life!
Keith Hugh
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Illinois with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & bipolar disorder. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I will structure our dialog to meet your unique and specific needs where you currently may be in healing journey. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. "We are all a mixture of strengths and weaknesses. No one has it all and no one lacks it all." - C. Peterson
Courtney Howell
I am licensed in Illinois with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, & 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. 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.
Marcellus Rose
I am licensed in Illinois and California with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbt-related issues, relationship issues, & trauma and abuse. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Zhong Zi Tan
I am licensed clinical professional counselor and registered Art Therapist in Illinois. I have five years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, & parenting issues. I also have experience working with motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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.
Michelle Wong
Hello, I am licensed in Illinois with over 6 years of therapy experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, & trauma and abuse. I also have experience working with motivation, self esteem, and 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 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!
Robert Kraft
I am a licensed clinical social worker in Illinois with over15 years of professional experience. I want to support you in bringing forth your best. I embrace the adage, “When you are ready for the next step, you will approach that step.” As a therapist, I see my role as helping you become the person you want to be. The change process requires (1) self-exploration (which may require you to talk about difficult and challenging issues, and (2) stepping out of your “comfort zone” (when you feel ready) to try new behaviors. As you talk about the situation you are in and the challenges you face, I may ask questions such as, "How have you previously approached similar challenges?" What worked? What didn't work? What can you do to improve your chance for success? If you seem to be taking a self-limiting perspective, I might suggest replacing the self-limiting/self-defeating messages you are giving yourself with messages that are more appreciative and optimistic about who you are and what you have to offer (like “I am worthy” or “I am good at ________.”) What If you don’t think you are worthy or what if you don’t think you are good at ________? Then, I will ask you to explain how you concluded that. Or else, I may merely sit with you in support of you, leaving it up to you to tap into your gifts and bring them forth. Whatever you come up with, I will listen to you and reflect back what I am hearing from you, possibly offer my perspective, and hope that you can put it together to give it your best.
Nicole Sodawasser
I am licensed in Illinois with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with grief, coping with loss, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & coping with life changes. I also have experience working with compassion fatigue. 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 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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