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.
Mary Jennifer Meister
I am an individual, family and marriage counselor licensed in Illinois with over 10 years of experience working as a social worker. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, and ADHD. I also have helped many people who have experienced sexual, physical trauma or emotional abuse. Honestly, I tell my patients if they can tell me something I haven't heard or experienced before I'll give you my Mickey Mouse watch. Mickey has stayed on my wrist a long time so far... My counseling style is warm, interactive and holistic. I will help you to explore your physical, emotional and spiritual needs in an effort to bring harmony and balance into your life. That sounds fancy! It isn't. It just means I like helping people to get comfortable in their own shoes, having their inner personality match their outer personality. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels (so I highly doubt I will try to diagnose your problem, rather I try to find solutions to difficulties). My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, solution based/ brief counseling, and common sense (I'm heavy on the common sense!). I approach each person as an unique individual and don't mind using a little humor to help look at things from a different perspective. It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. This program works like email so you wont get responses right away like text messages so please be patient and I will respond within 24 hours if possible. I am available for phone calls or live chat by appointment only. I look forward to working with you! MJ
Lisa Fix
Hi. I’m Lisa and welcome to Better Help! I know this first step is one of the hardest, yet you are doing it! I am licensed as a clinical professional counselor in Illinois and have 33 years of experience. My upbringing led me to the helping field. I’ve done my own work through therapy so I know what it feels like to be on “the other side.” I have practiced at a community mental health agency, hospital-based eating disorders treatment program and a university counseling center. I draw on various approaches and will work with you to personalize counseling to what you need. Ask all the questions you need to be informed. Clients have shared they find me caring, non-judgmental and very helpful to them. I will ensure you feel safe, heard and go at a pace you are comfortable with. My style is personal, relaxed and I will provide direct feedback and challenges if you are up for it. Things I enjoy outside of career are exercise, being outside/gardening, coffee, chocolate, time with my companion animals, watching funny videos, and keeping up on social justice issues. I think it’s important for people to “interview” a therapist to see if it feels like a good fit, so I hope you will contact me to see if it feels like we can work well together. Regardless, best wishes and take care.
Dr. Bernice Young
I am a licensed clinical professional counselor in Illinois. I have worked in the field of counseling for 26 years. My experience is diverse in working with individuals, parents, individuals on parole and probation, and adults seeking strategies for change. I have held a dual career for nearly 20 years as a 911 operator and understand the challenges faced by first responders as well. I am a PhD candidate with research specific to African American men and strategies for success. My work as a psychotherapist include helping people with depression, anxiety, mood disorders, ADHD, parenting challenges, motivation and career challenges, race-based trauma, and beyond. I often work with high profile clients and understand the importance of your privacy in seeking therapy. My counseling style is warm and engaging. I truly enjoy helping people while treating everyone with respect and meeting them where they are. Together, we will establish goals that meet your needs. My counseling approach is based on the personality and need of the client, which include cognitive behavioral therapy, rational emotive behavior therapy, existential therapy, reality therapy, client-centered, and solution-focused. I look forward to working with you.
Alanna Goestenkors
My name is Alanna Goestenkors and I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with over 22 years licensed experience in the medical and mental health field providing services for children, adolescents and adults. I have worked in the fields of medical and community mental health. Some of my experience includes treating issues relating to grief and loss, end of life issues, depression, anxiety disorders, adjustment disorders and stage of life transitions. My counseling style is warm and empathetic with roots based in trust and respect. I utilize a client centered, strength based, and solution focused approach to promote a positive therapeutic climate and build trust. I use an integrative perspective, utilizing cognitive behavioral and psycho-dynamic therapies, tailored to your particular needs and goals of counseling. I believe the goal of therapy is to see your own goals met and therefore I individualize treatment planning to meet your specific needs. Choosing to involve oneself in the counseling process is a step toward growth and reaching your full potential in life and I look forward to assisting you in this important journey.
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.
Gina Dunphy
I have been a Social Worker for 30 years. I have my Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and Master's Degree in Social Work. I am also Licensed in the State of Illinois. My treatment approach is an eclectic one and client directed. I have expertise in Mindfulness approaches as well as DBT. I like to allow you, the Client, to choose the direction of your therapy. In other words you decide the direction of your therapy. Some clients wish to pursue direct problem solving in the course of their treatment, while others merely want a sounding board and feedback regarding the issues they are facing. I bring compassion, experience, and positivity to the counseling experience. I look forward to meeting you!
Sara khaledpour
I am licensed in state of Illinois and Missouri with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, eating disorders, & 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.
Ji Min Kim
I am licensed in Illinois with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with depression, stress, intimacy-related issues, & motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. I believe that you are the expert on 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!
Victoria Bartholomew
I am licensed in Kansas, Missouri, Florida, Iowa, Illinois, Texas and Tennessee, with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & parenting issues. 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. If you're willing to work hard make the changes, I am here to cheer you on!
Brittany Simons
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and have worked in the field of Social Work since 2011, with 3 years of direct clinical experience. I have worked with individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, PTSD, and more severe mental health symptoms. I believe that everyone has their own path of healing and I pull from various modalities to explore what works for you. These modalities include, motivational interviewing, CBT, DBT, person centered therapy, and strength based approach. I believe in using a holistic approach to understand the mind/body/spirit connection and seek to understand through a trauma-informed lens. The first step of healing can be through self-awareness and by signing up for therapy you are taking that initiative for yourself. Take pride in knowing that you are doing something to take care of you!
Laura Marcum
I am licensed in Illinois with over 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety & 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.
Michell Roberts
As a licensed clinical social worker in Illinois with a decade of experience, I specialize in: stress management, motivation enhancement, confidence building, and life transition support. My approach focuses on empowering clients by using their inherent skills to navigate current challenges effectively.
Sydney Mitchell
I am licensed in Illinois with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, anger management, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I have developed a deep love for holistic mental health and helping people connect with themselves to improve their connection with their lives and the people around them. I believes in creating an extremely safe and supportive environment to facilitate a healing environment for clients to thrive. I value the use of compassion, mindfulness, and connection between mind and body that allows for relationships between myself and my clients to form in a gentle and nurturing way.
Stephanie McSharry
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.
Michael Dubose
I am licensed in Michigan with 8 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 believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. Mind over mood. I believe that everyone can change & grow at any time in their lives. I don't believe that there is a limit to human capacity. Together we will work to regain a sense of normalcy in the lives of those who I serve. 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.
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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