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.
Susan Sparks
Through my life I have worked with children of all ages in a variety of settings. I have always had a passion to care for and help others. I have worked and volunteered in the community for over 35 years. I saw many things in the community that concerned me especially in the area of mental health. I wanted to make a difference by helping others make a difference in our world. I achieved my Master Degree in Social Work from the University of Illinois in 2011 and became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in 2013. As a therapist I work with children, young adults, individuals, and families using a life approach tailored to the unique needs of each person. I use therapeutic strategies to help with behavioral problems, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, trauma, and anger management, to name a few. I use research based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Play Therapy, Behavioral Therapy, Applied Behavioral Analysis, Mind fullness practice and Holistic Therapies. I believe that each person has the capabilities to meet and manage the challenges they face, some requiring more guidance than others. I believe everyone no matter what age has strengths that they can draw on. I offer support for individuals to overcome obstacles and to realize their potential to live fulfilling, happy and productive lives.
Rachana Vettickal
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for the state of Illinois with over 15 year of counseling experience with a wide range of clientele . I have worked in the fields of mental health. medical social work, palliative care/hospice , cancer , and chronic illness. My experience includes issues relating to grief , loss, depression, anxiety, adjustment disorder, legacy building and end of life issues. My counseling style is empathetic , mindful, compassionate and client centered. I believe in treating everyone with respect dignity. It takes a great deal of courage to seek professional help and even more courage to implement change. If you are ready I would love to help you live the best life you can . I look forward to working with you.
Loni Nolte
Welcome to betterhelp, I am so excited for this opportunity to work with you. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 13 years of experience. I have worked with people of all ages from 3- 90 and with a wide variety of struggles, such as grief, chronic pain, adjusting to new life circumstances, woman's issues, parenting challenges, ADHD, teen independence, LGBTQ, anxiety and depression. I believe in speaking honestly and directly while meeting people where they are at in life. While I bring experience and knowledge no one knows you better than yourself so my aim is to understand the challenges you are facing and help you overcome them. Life is full of tests and challenges for which we can become stronger with the tools and resilience to master. I have a strong creative side and look for fun ways that are unique to you to make a tailor fit approach.
Carrie Ryberg
I believe that we all go through things in life. I work with adults, adolescents, and couples who are going through divorce, death/loss, financial issues, relationship issues, traumatic events, abuse, or deployment/transitional issues. As a former military spouse, I also have experience with military life and the demands of the military lifestyle on individuals and their families. As a counselor with 10 years of experience, I have worked with clients with depression, anxiety, trauma, self-esteem issues, work related issues, relationship issues, and various life changing issues. Sometimes we just need some support during our difficult times to help us cope and find the silver lining. I enjoy supporting clients during their stressful events in life to help them find Hope, Healing, Empowerment, and Enrichment.
Michelle Curry
Thank you for reaching out. It takes a ton of courage and strength to make that first step for additional supports. I am a licensed clinical social worker and have assisted others through their therapeutic journey for approximately 17 years. I am compassionate about others emotional well-being and strive to provide a safe place without discrimination or judgement. Everyone has a voice and their own story to share. I have worked with families and children with varying ages, abilities, disabilities, while conceptualizing mental health struggles that people experience on a daily basis. As a therapist, my role is to listen, provide empathy, support and the necessary tools to reach your goals. In time, you will gain a better understanding of yourself and the dynamics that impact your life. Remember that this journey takes time but I hope to have the opportunity to work with you.
Brook Linenfelser
I am licensed in Illinois with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. 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.
Angele Villalobos
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.
Susan Burrows
I am licensed in Illinois with 38 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety and 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. I encourage you to write as often and as much as you would like. This room is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. I typically respond with 24 hours, but respond sooner to new clients. Please be patient as I may be attending to professional or personal responsibilities. I am available for live sessions on Wednesday day and evening, Thursday day and evening and Friday day and usually evening. Please schedule at least 12 hours in advance. If there is a message that you need a quick response to, please mark 'urgent'. I will get back to you as soon as possible. Please remember if you are having an emergency, go to your nearest hospital or call 988 which is the crisis hotline.
Meg Skrypkun
I am licensed in Illinois with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, & bipolar disorder. I also have experience working with depression as well as grief and loss. I tailor my approach 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.
Emily Angelico
I am licensed in Illinois with 8 years of professional work experience as a social worker. I am also an English teacher and have lived in Spain for 5 years and understand small and big life transitions, especially as it relates to living in another country, speaking a different language and experiencing culture shock and cultural differences. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem and confidence, & career difficulties. I want my clients to feel they can be open, comfortable and know they are in a safe environment without fear of judgment. I am here to support you in whatever way I can.
Alison Mcgannon
I am licensed in Illinois with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, & parenting issues. 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.
Elif "April" Ilkmen
Nisan Ilkmen, Ph. D., LMFT is the Clinical Training Director of Northern Illinois University department of Marriage and Family Therapy. Dr. Ilkmen’s teaching and clinical interests are related to attachment in romantic relationships and issues of social justice in the field of psychotherapy. Dr. Ilkmen grew up in Turkey, has lived in Canada, and now resides in the U.S. Her immigration experience, and multi-cultural background allowed her to become a culturally sensitive clinician and professor. Her clinical approach is the attachment-based model, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), a model that permeates her clinical practice as well as her teaching and supervision methods. Her approach to therapy is informed by psychodynamic models, helping each individual to understand their unique struggles in the past and present in order to facilitate internal change. Dr. Ilkmen practices in Turkish, French and English.
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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- Champaign, IL
- Cicero, IL
- Bloomington, IL
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