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.
Edilberto (Bert) Bibat
Hello and welcome! My name is Bert Bibat. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and National Certified Counselor. I have been working in the field of counseling and psychotherapy for over 25 years and continue to find my work personally rewarding. I currently maintain a private practice in DesPlaines, Illinois where I provide Individual, Couples, Family and Group therapy for those suffering with chemical and behavioral addictions, anxiety, depression, grief/loss, relationship and family issues, anger management, and parenting skills therapy/training. Although my professional education and training have provided me with the intellectual skills and theoretical constructs which guide me in my work, I see myself as a therapist who counsels from the heart. I draw inspiration from my own life experiences and my own spiritual journey; both positive and negative. In providing a safe, supportive, and genuinely caring environment, you are free to openly express your concerns without fear of judgement. When trust is nurtured and established in the client/therapist relationship, insight and change happen. It is then that true emotional and spiritual healing can begin. I hope to gain your trust! I look forward to hearing from you.
Sheila Funk-Jansen
Hello, my name is Sheila Funk-Jansen. I am a licensed clinical therapist in Iowa and Illinois. I graduated with my MSW in social work in 2003 from University of Missouri-Columbia. I have worked with a variety of courageous people in my journey to help them be more vulnerable, brave, and resilient. For the last 25+ years, I I have worked with people experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, addiction, family conflicts, and many other areas of life. I believe people have the resiliency to move the barriers that life presents to us. Life is all about learning. Learning about ourselves and giving up our comforts in life are scary even if they are unhealthy. Each person is unique and I am here to start where you are at in your journey. I utilize therapy approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution Focus Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing along with utilizing other modalities. The client and therapist's alliance is crucial in providing a safe, non judgmental space to be open and vulnerable to see their potential and resiliency to grow when experiencing hurt and pain. I see people through the week along with some weekends. I work with schedules as much as I can to help get people in sooner when needed. I look forward in working with you. Sheila
Richard Goldin
If I had only one piece of advice to share it would be that as human beings we only have one opportunity to experience the universe, and that is in our lifetime. We all have the power to make that experience an amazing journey, lived in gratitude and with positive emotions. My career in mental health/addictions counseling began 25 years ago in mid life. I am very fortunate to have made this career transition. It allowed me to align with an important value of mine, giving something back to the world. Also, I have experienced enormous personal benefit through the changes in my own thinking that lead me to live in gratitude, acceptance and serenity. My career began in business and education, and eventually I was part of a business startup that failed. I became depressed as my business was failing, and for the first time in my life I reached out for help to a therapist. My therapist helped me see that my depression was a result of me extrapolating the business failure to believing I was a personal failure. This experience of how changing one's perspective/attitude about life events can totally shift one's emotional outcome was powerful and life changing. I wanted to be able to help people challenge their own self defeating beliefs and think more effectively and live their lives more effectively. My primary counseling focus is in Cognitive and Dialectic Behavioral Therapy. My training in psychology and addiction counseling has enabled me to be of service to my clients as well changing my own thinking. While we are all going to experience some pain, loss and suffering, with tools and motivation we can work through the negative emotions and get back to positive emotions and make our life journey a better one. Identifying our own values and living according to those values is another key to more happiness and positive emotions. I have embraced spirituality in my life. Living in gratitude and honoring the gift of life by taking the best care on one's physical, emotional and spiritual health leads to an awesome life journey.
Kristy Scholtes
Hello, I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has a passion for helping others. I have over 15 years experience with people of all ages, who come from various types of backgrounds and have struggled with many different types of challenges. Many of my clients have struggled with anxiety, stress, depression or trauma. I have a significant amount of experience working with young people on the Autism spectrum, with ADHD or with emotional disabilities. Supporting my clients as individuals, as parents or as a family through life experiences is my overall purpose. I strongly believe in building a strong connection first with clients. Our first session together will focus on your goals for treatment and the type of support you are looking for from a therapist. I have strong listening skills and an ability to support others towards whatever their goals may be. I am currently offering direct messaging and LiveChat sessions only. Video and phone session time slots are filled already, so I can not accept any additional clients with the preference for only those services. I know selecting a therapist can be a difficult decision and would be honored to work with you.
Veronica Alexander
The central focus of my practice with adults, youth, and couples is the treatment of anxiety, depression, relationship issues, communication and social skills, distorted thought patterns, and maladaptive personality styles. For clients struggling to identify the root of the problem, therapeutic intervention to explore life purpose, self-love, attachment, and motivation can serve as an inspiring catalyst for change. Using a pragmatic and evidence based approach, we will work together to identify effective coping skills that will ultimately put you in charge of your mental health. Many of our mental health challenges arise from lack of self awareness or cognitive patterns that hinder us from effectively addressing problems. I provide insight driven psychodynamic therapy through open-minded exploration and reflective, nonjudgmental understanding. Together we will identify contributing factors and patterns of behavior that may be below conscious awareness and driving problematic behavior. We will do solution driven work to outline actionable steps toward client-directed goals. It can be difficult to break out of our routines and comfort zones, but we must accept that any path to growth will require some discomfort. Self improvement is not an easy journey to undertake but with guidance and perseverance, together we can accomplish the hard work needed to realize your dreams.
Brytrina Perkins
I graduated from Loyola University with a Masters and Bachelors in Social Work, and a specialization in Mental Health and Alcohol and Drugs. I am a solution focused therapist, and a certified alcohol and drug counselor. I have 10 years experience working with addiction, anger, trauma, gerontology, depression, anxiety, and Christian counseling. I have trainings in Emotional Freedom Therapy, Caregiver Support, Cancer Care, and Holistic Health. I enjoy helping people and making a difference, so if you're looking for a therapist that is a great listener, empathic, and focused on strengths and solutions. Well, you've found the right person, and I'm looking forward to sharing techniques that will make a difference in your life!
Ingrid Wheeler
Hi! I’m Ingrid Wheeler. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. More specifically, I am a listener, advocate, supporter, and helper. About me: I have been in the field of Social Work for over 10 years, working in inpatient/outpatient mental health clinics, rural health clinics, outpatient therapy, and therapy services in higher education settings. My experiences in the field have led me to working with a variety of people facing different challenges in different setting in a spectrum of age, gender, and races. I earned my Bachelor’s Degree for Southern Illinois University-Carbondale and Master’s Degree in Social Work, with a specialization in mental health, from the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana. I have extensive experience helping individuals with a variety of challenges, from mental health challenges such as psychosis, substance abuse/dependence, personality disorders, suicidal ideation, relationship conflicts, behavioral issues, and stress management. Through individual, couples, family and group therapy, I have worked with a variety of ages in settings such as inpatient, outpatient, and dual diagnosis and addiction treatment centers, rural health clinics, and students in higher education. I have always been a “helper”. As a “military brat” growing up I constantly faced change and transitions, some easier than others. As the oldest child in a bi-racial (Latino/White) and military family, I was always helping someone. Whether it was advocating for my mother experiencing challenges related to her race or deescalating siblings, I was always helping. The advocacy and support I practiced led me to my desire to pursue Social Work. Being able to help someone cope with their life experience(s) and to make a lasting impact with someone fuels my work in this field. I help individuals and couples who are looking to support their overall mental health. I support my clients by exploring their stressors, improving a person’s insight into themselves and their challenges, and begin to manage emotions in the ways that work for them. My approach in therapy is client-centered and includes a variety of evidence-based approaches that fit my client’s needs, from interventions such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to general life skills building. The needs of my clients are important and heard in session. I use their feedback on what interventions may be most useful to them as we constantly work together to figure out what will work for them to achieve their goals. When I’m not working with clients, I am spending time with my family. I am married to my high school sweet heart, a self-employed business owner. Together, we have three kids between 16-4 year’s old and two dogs. We like to have movie marathons, go camping, and enjoy outdoor warm weather activities.
LaDonna Miller
Oftentimes reaching out for help is a big step towards wellness and healing. Congratulations on taking that step! My name is LaDonna Miller and I am a clinical social worker in Chicago, Illinois. I have over 8 years working in the mental health field and would love to work alongside you to accomplish your goals! I have experience working with adults with depression, ADHD, anxiety disorders, panic disorders, multicultural issues, and complex trauma. I would describe my style as warm and supportive, and I am ready to help you tackle your struggle head-on. Collaboration is important - together we can work on establishing concrete goals and steps for you to help overcome your current problems. My passion for mental health stems from personal experiences with myself and those around me. I grew up with family members living with mental illness and I have personally overcome some mental health challenges, too. I know firsthand that getting help can be a challenge. There is still so much stigma around having mental health issues, the process for getting help can be overwhelming, and it can feel so frustrating and lonely. However, I also know from experience how much life can change for the better when you find support and take steps towards taking care of yourself! I look forward to speaking with you to see if we are a good fit to partner in your journey!
Denise McNicholas
I am licensed in Illinois with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Darwin Allen
I am licensed in Illinois with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma, and abuse, & as motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I believe in finding the root issues behind the problems and resolving them. The first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life is courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Andrea Engelkens
I am licensed in Illinois with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Kendra Patton
I am a clinical social worker in Illinois with over 20 years of experience helping people reach their goals. I have worked with clients on issues ranging from depression and anxiety to relationship stressors and concerns about self-esteem. I have also helped many clients with trauma related concerns. I hope from our first meeting that you will feel comfortable and feel like you can share all of your concerns. I am an eclectic therapist using mostly cognitive behavioral therapy but also include strength based therapy, solution focused therapy techniques, and motivational interviewing. You are the expert of your life and I believe that by partnering with a therapist that can be your support, you will be able to achieve your goals. It is wonderful that you have taken this step to explore therapy and I am here for you when you are ready.
Christopher Fox
I am licensed in Illinois with 24 years of professional work experience as a psychotherapist and social worker. Over this period of time, I have worked with hundreds of people with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, coping with life changes, and caregiver stress/burnout to name a few. My past clients have appreciated my down-to-earth, compassionate personal style. I use a cognitive-behavioral and solution-focused approach to help you identify thoughts and behaviors that are harmful to your emotional well being and work with you to set clear goals for how to change them so you can feel better. I believe that you have many strengths that can 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.
Sarah Silva
You try your hardest to help other people and yet no matter how much effort you put in, it still feels like you're not doing enough. Burnout feels real to you and you wonder if you'll ever have the time or energy for the things that matter in life; loving relationships, time with family, time with yourself to be who you want to be, do what you want to do, or have what you want to have. At this point, you're tired of living on autopilot and just want to live a life that's more fulfilling to you, whatever that looks like. As a heart-centered, congruent woman, I use Neurolinguistic Programming to assist you make instant changes in your life. NLP is the study of successful people and uses communication to eliminate negative emotions and limiting beliefs that may be in the way of you living out your ideal life. NLP works fast and your commitment is an average of three months. Since you're reading this, I know you're ready to finally step into your truest self and live the life you want to live. Email me and we'll get started right away! I've been told I'm funny too so there's that to look forward to! Talk to you soon.
John Shustitzky
I am licensed in California, Illinois and Pennsylvania with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, career difficulties, & 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
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
- Chicago, IL
- Aurora, IL
- Joliet, IL
- Rockford, IL
- Naperville, IL
- Springfield, IL
- Peoria, IL
- Elgin, IL
- Waukegan, IL
- Champaign, IL
- Cicero, IL
- Bloomington, IL
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