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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Thomas "Tom" Malczyk

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: MSW,LCSW
LGBTFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGrief
10 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois with over 10 years of experience counseling adults who are experience stressful life transitions, adjusting to recently diagnosed illnesses, or grieving a loss, questioning relationships and having difficulty engaging with others. My style as a therapist is warm, empathic, non-judgmental and client-centered. I work best with clients who are and open and willing to engage in the process of therapy. My counseling techniques consist of an eclectic mixture including existential theory, psychodynamic, narrative and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Clients have their own very personal and unique challenges so there is never a one size fits all approach to treatment. Often in therapy, as you begin to experience inner grow, so too do the potential solutions that were previously deemed impossible challenges. One of my key roles is to empower you to connect, explore and apply your inner wisdom. You're sick and tired of wearing that mask and feel like you're starring as an extra in the lives of others. It's so easy to fall into a role that others expect of you. You don't want to let family and friends down so you fake that smile for their sake. You feel stuck and just want to feel better. I'm here to help you start making that happen! I look forward to our work together . Tom Malczyk

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Theresa Ewing

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW
GriefAnger managementSelf esteemCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
4 years of experience

Hello, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of Illinois and have worked in healthcare for over 9 years. During this time I have specialized in working with families in healthcare related issues, caregiver support, End of Life Issues and tackling challenging life issues. I specialize in Cognitive Behavioral and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. I care for those that I serve, and would love the opportunity to talk with you. I like to work with my clients to develop a plan and steps to accomplish those goals! You are not alone in what you're facing and we can team together to face life's challenges. Thank you for your consideration.

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Timothy McIntyre

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemCoping with life changesCoaching
20 years of experience

I began private practice as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in 1991, helping people find their individual voice within themselves and their relationships. My work with people is relational and focuses on the thoughts, beliefs, and patterns in thinking that cause us distress in our daily lives. I work with individuals to explore how they have adapted to life and what works, as well as what no longer serves them. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker practicing in Missouri. I am also a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois. I have been providing psychotherapy for a wide variety of issues and populations for over 20 years. I graduated from Loyola University of Chicago with a Master in Social Work. I have been working as an Independent Therapist in private practice and group practice settings as well as in a corporate environment which has broaden my understanding of work related stressors.

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Bethany Porter

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: MSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesCoping with life changesADHD
7 years of experience

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!

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Tonia Green

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: MSW,ACSW, LCSW
Parenting issuesDepressionCoping with life changesCoaching
25 years of experience

Tonia T. Green, is a MSW, LCSW who has been practicing in the field of Social Services since 1995. Tonia has been a Licensed Clinician since 1999 and at that time added Behavioral Health services to her co-founded private practice ITAV Enterprises, LLC. Her 25 years of experience has graced her with knowledge gleaned from: community/leadership work like her time at St. Louis Crisis Nursery; skill grooming opportunities through teaching future professionals at Saint Louis University and GWB Washington University Schools of Social Work. Her time in community and chronic health at People's Health Center and Davita Dialysis, has enhanced her understanding and ability to deliver, to some of our most vulnerable populations, synchronized care for the mind and body, in pursuit of Total Wellness. Tonia's latest expansion project is one of specialized care. In 2019, she helped develop and launch - The Kidney Wellcare Group. This is just another example of her dedication to effecting positive change. She is excited to continue her journey as a Heart Speak Facilitator and Wellness Coach with Full Circle Strategies. Populations of interest include, but are not limited to Chronic health care issues, Kidney disease, Parenting education/challenges ( Triple P Certification) , Trans-racial Fostering and Adoption, Race-Based Trauma and Care Giver Support. Tonia uses eclectic therapeutic interventions with a primary client centered based approach. Clients feel safe, helped and better overall after working with her. Tonia believes that we all are working to be our best selves; and it's okay to have help. So, let get started.

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Aillen Ford

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesCoping with life changes
11 years of experience

Hi, I am Lynn Ford. I am a licensed clinical social worker who utilizes a variety of evidenced based strategies to provide you with the tools you require to address your treatment goals. My belief is that therapy should be client-driven and goal oriented. I have over a decade of experience working with people of all ages, including children, but my focus has recently been on 18-45 year olds with anxiety, depression, adjustment disorder, ADHD and communication issues in regards to relationships and parenting. I strive to provide a safe, non-judgmental, unbiased environment to empower individuals to explore their beliefs and concerns while gaining or enhancing skills to address your therapeutic needs.

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Dr. James Bedell

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: Psy.D.
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
38 years of experience

I am a clinical psychologist with 38 years of experience. I have worked with couples, families, individuals, groups, forensic clients including those in the criminal system as well as clients who are involved in the family court system. My core approach is to quickly appraise the psycho-social, biological, and spiritual components of my client's lives, seeking to target and move towards solutions seeking to ameliorate the suffering that their symptoms reflect. I am a non-judgemental therapist, who seeks to build an alliance with my clients to create a sense of safety and respect. I look at symptoms, such as anxiety or depression, as multi-modal, including early childhood attachment problems as well as cognitive dysfunctions and biological influences. I seek to view people wholistically, not as people who have problems, but instead as courageous individuals who have done the best they could as a result of what has happened to them. Most clients that I have worked with consider me as easy to talk to while also conceptualizing their issues well and intervening effectively. I would love to work with you in a collaborative effort to solve and lessen the pain that you may be struggling with.

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Raegan Caras

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
20 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 20+ years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, depression, coping with grief and loss, and dealing with everyday life stressors. 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.

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Keeley Lawriw

Offering therapy in Illinois
Parenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changesCoachingADHD
17 years of experience

I am a licensed social worker in Illinois with 17 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with motivation, self esteem, confidence, coping with life changes, and executive functioning challenges. I also have experience working with students with Autism, ADHD, anxiety. We work through the many strategies they can put into practice for more effective daily living skills. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Clarice 'Clare' Jonela

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 10 years of professional work experience. I enjoy working with adult clients to achieve a more effective balance in their life. I feel strongly that we must prioritize ourselves first before we can help others, and self care is a topic I frequently discuss and encourage. Throughout talk therapy we will be discussing a variety of coping skills and how to apply them into your everyday life.I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Katie Wooldridge

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

Hello! My name is Katie Wooldridge. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois. I currently have 5 years of professional work experience. I’m excited that you are here and wanting to make the first step towards a positive change. It is my hope that we can work together to help you navigate life’s challenges, make meaningful changes, and work towards a greater well-being and sense of self. Together we can explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors as we work on strategies that align with your values and goals. I understand that therapy can be a personal journey, and it is my goal is to create a safe space for you to feel heard and understood. I believe each person is the expert of their own life. I encourage clients to build upon their strengths in order to create a life they enjoy and are proud of. I will be here to support and empower you as you discover your goals and make meaningful steps in achieving them. If you’re ready to take the first step, I’m here to support you every step of the way. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or to schedule an appointment.

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Margo Chavez-Easley

Offering therapy in Illinois
Parenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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.

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Roberta Hodge

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionADHD
10 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois, Iowa and Wyoming with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Dianna Gonzalez-Guerra

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemCoping with life changes
21 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida and Illinois with 21 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & 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.

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Vincent Dhan

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
4 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma, abuse, 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. 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:

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.

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