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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Stephanie Arzavala-Reed
Welcome to the first step in feeling better! My name is Stephanie, I am a licensed clinical professional counselor with 8 years of experience. I knew I wanted to be a counselor at the age of 13 years old and have always enjoyed helping others. For me, working with others is the most rewarding experience and I'm thankful to each person who feels comfortable enough to share their stories with me. Being vulnerable isn’t easy and my goal is to provide a safe space, completely judgement free, to enable an open, honest exchange to begin the healing process. I enjoy working with a wide variety of people with varies presenting concerns. I easily relate and connect with teens and young adults with life transition struggles. I have several years of experience with women who have experienced various levels of trauma as well as members of the LGBTQ community. I also thoroughly enjoy working with couples. I tailor my therapeutic treatment approach to fit each individual’s needs and primary source of distress for each session. Generally, I lean towards person centered, cognitive behavioral, and solution focused therapy approaches. With each client I explore their goals and together we form a treatment plan. I am skilled in treatment and psychoeducation of: stress, anxiety, depression, communication, coping skills, self care, family conflicts, marital support, and more. Thank you for taking the first step, I would be honored to be a part of your healing process. I look forward to working together working towards the life and goals you’ve always dreamed of. Stephanie
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Rebecca Jones
Hello! Welcome to the BetterHelp Community! I am so glad you decided to reach out to us. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois with over 10 years of experience. Over the past 15 years I have worked with a wide variety of clients. I have worked in private practice, alternative schools, a women's prison, a county jail, and residential treatment centers. I am working from home now as a private practice therapist. I have worked with clients with varying diagnoses or concerns including depression, anxiety, bipolar and mood disorders, family relational challenges, previous abuse (physical and emotional), interpersonal conflicts, social skill building, and many more. I provide counseling that is goal oriented and solution based. I like to meet clients where they are at and what makes them feel most at ease while working with me. I do that with cognitive based therapy and solution based brief therapy. We will work together as a team to build a treatment plan that is suitable for you and you are comfortable and ready to address. I know that asking for help is hard, and I'm excited for you that you have decided to do that. I want to help you live your best life and be the best version of yourself. I look forward to working with you!
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Suzanna Bagley
Hello. I commend you for making the decision to start or continue therapy. I know that at times it can be challenging but the hard work can be worth the effort if you achieve the results you seek. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in the state of Illinois with seven years of counseling experience. I have a bachelor's and master's degrees in clinical psychology. I also have a Telehealth Certification. I am here to support and listen to you. It’s always nice to know that someone cares and understands. Talking can be a great way to explore and process issues and feelings. I often utilize Cognitive Behavioral techniques if my client’s thoughts and belief patterns are causing them a lot of distress. I also focus on the therapeutic relationship to ensure the client feels engaged, comfortable, and validated. I meet the client where they’re at so we can work collaboratively on whatever is most important to them. I am a big proponent of helping clients create a repertoire of coping skills they can use to manage symptoms at any time. I also like to encourage clients to find time to engage in more self-care activities. I am compassionate and empathetic by nature. You will also find me to be accepting and nonjudgmental. It would be an honor to work with you and support you through your therapeutic journey.
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Patricia Crawford
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 6+ years of experience working in mental health counseling, group therapy, and case management. I work with adults ranging in age from 18 to 70 years old and dealing with a variety of issues including depression, anxiety, interpersonal violence, trauma, substance issues, and more. My therapeutic style is non-judgmental, trauma-informed, and solution-focused. I do my best to meet every client where they are and help them develop their own sense of self-determination. I am here to support you through whatever cards you have been dealt. I look forward to working with you!
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Dr. LaKisha Hudson
Seeing clients in Illinois, South Carolina and Vermont. Dr. KiKi of Zen'n'ish, LLC obtained her Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Psychology from the University of South Carolina. She also earned her Master of Education degree (M.Ed.) in Guidance and Counseling and Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in Counseling from the University of South Carolina. Dr. KiKi earned a post graduate certificate in Forensic Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She earned her Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Transpersonal Psychology, with a Creative Expression endorsement, from Sofia University. Dr. KiKi continued her pursuit of knowledge and improvement after completing her terminal degree and earned a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Clinical Mental Health and Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling from Thomas University. Dr. KiKi is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), Certified Clinical Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC), Life Coach, and a licensed K-12 School Counselor. Dr. KiKi is passionate about being a transformative, transpersonal catalyst for others utilizing communication, motivation and research based counseling and therapy skills which will help others holistically grow and actualize their full potential in mind, body and spirit. Dr. KiKi also offers individual and couples (people in a relationship, marriage or not) counseling sessions in areas related to relationship and sexuality such as intimacy, communication, trust, infidelity, anxiety, low desire, lack of sex, kink, pain, premature ejaculation, disconnection, trauma, emotional conflicts and resentments. Dr. KiKi is a therapist to all. I look forward to working with you! Experience: 20+ years
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Tamela Polanin
Hello, Thank you for taking the first step in better living. Our mental health is very important. My name is Tamela, I would love to be your therapist. I look forward to working with you. Just a little about me to help break the ice, I am a mom of 3 boys, one is grown and has a son of his own, the other 2 are 16 and 15. I am married to my second husband now for 17 years. We live in the country and raise registered pygmy goats. I have worked in mental health for 20 years. We all want to live our best life. I know trauma on a personal level and treating trauma has become my passion. I use a client centered approach where you are the master of your own life; I am merely here to walk beside you as a guide. My hope is to empower you to work through your trauma and life’s challenges. I provide trauma-focused, client-centered therapy to all ages and all backgrounds. I am well versed in EMDR, TF-CBT, and Reproductive loss Counseling. I believe that trauma is a journey and not one person’s journey will be the same as the next. You are not alone. I will traverse this journey beside you.
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Tina Jerolds
I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois with 22 years of professional work experience. I have experience in working with a vast range of individual issues including depression, stress and anxiety, childhood and adulthood trauma and abuse, partner abuse, marital issues, developmental/ life changes (parenting, change of life challenges) motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I use client centered therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, mindfulness based therapy, solution focused therapy, crisis counseling, and can offer a faith based (Christian) approach. I received my Graduate degree in Social Work from Southern Illinois University with a concentration in mental health. I have worked with a wide array of clients, ranging from young children to geriatric, and have extensive background in the field of child welfare and mental health. I recognize taking the steps to reach out for help is vulnerable and I take seriously the courage it has taken to do so. Having someone "witness" your story can also be powerful and provide many avenues for growth and change. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our work together to meet your unique and specific needs. Outside of work I enjoy being outdoors, hiking, cycling, walking my golden (Ruby), writing, travel, spending time with my husband, and when available, my adult son.
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Karen Roach
Hi there! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois with over 20 years experience working with kids, adults, and families. My passion is helping you resolve stress and anxiety that impacts your day to day life. I especially love supporting women, moms and educators to better understand the behaviors and emotions of kids that causes disruption to the family or school environment. My therapeutic approach is understanding, non-judgmental and collaborative. I lean into my expertise of the stress response system and use a variety of modalities to help balance the stress response while also building a client's toolbox of strategies. Other professional work includes school social work and teaching graduate level students in a Master of Social Work program. As a full-time school social worker, my general availability for phone and video sessions will be early mornings and mid to late afternoons during the typical school year. Messaging is also convenient and accessible throughout each day! I'm excited to get to know you and support you on your journey!
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Michele McShea
I have been working as a therapist for almost 20 years, and have been honored to work with individuals, couples and groups. I have always believed that we can heal. As we gain confidence in ourselves, we are able to participate in life more and more. The more satisfied we feel with the inner world we create, and our responses to the world around us, the more we find ourselves healing from within and without. As we walk the path toward true and lasting change, both insight and coping help us to move forward. I have helped people to heal from Anxiety and Depression, relationship difficulties, lack of motivation and self-love (sometimes called self-esteem), trauma, abuse and post-traumatic stress, LGBTQ+ related issues, and those pertaining to family of origin. We can heal from our issues, and we can also increase our functioning along the way. Coping can go hand-in-hand with true and lasting healing that leads to a greater sense of peace in our lives. I consider it an honor and privilege to be trusted to walk this path with you.
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OBrain Agwanihu
I am licensed in Illinois with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, anger management, 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. 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 a counselor support you?
Therapists 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 IL, and one out of five Americans has a mental health condition. Searching for local licensed professionals 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 a BetterHelp therapist does not offer diagnostic or medication management services.
Why do people choose to work 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, BetterHelp can match you with a licensed professional tailored to your preferences noted when you sign up.
The mental health therapists in Illinois support clients with varying issues through therapy, such as:
- 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 to contact in a crisis
If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use the BetterHelp site. 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 feature
- 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 of the most commonly asked questions about therapy can be found in the section 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.
When should I get a therapist in Illinois?
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 can allow clients seeking therapy to experience professional help through video, phone, or live chat sessions without commuting to an office.
Does insurance cover the cost of 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 the safe option?
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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