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.

Tiffany Ream
Hi, my name is Tiffany Ream and I believe a good relationship between therapist and client is the key to successful therapy. I currently work in private practice in addition to working online with Betterhelp. I have a Masters degree in Forensic Psychology, and am credentialed as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Illinois. I have about 12 years of experience including trauma, depression, anxiety, bipolar, adjustment disorders, psychotic disorders, relationship conflicts, and trauma. I will offer a safe, judgement-free space for you to process and discuss what is on your mind. Establishing a healthy rapport will be our first priority and we will move along at a pace that is comfortable for you. I typically use Cognitive Behavioral Techniques and Solution Focused Therapy, however I am flexible and we will find the best approach for you. I believe that our thoughts and feelings directly connect with how we make decisions and choices in our life. I have experience working with clients in private practice, in-patient, group homes, and correctional settings. I have experience working with a diverse group of clients and I believe we all need help in our struggles, and that we don't have to go at it alone. As a therapist, I want you to have a safe place to heal, learn, and grow. The therapy process is different for everyone and I hope I am able to help support you through taking this brave step towards improved mental health. My mission is to help all clients be heard and find their own voice. It's your story and it's time for you to tell it.

Dr. Pamela Vernon Stewart
Hello, I am pleased to introduce myself to you. My name is Dr. Pamela Vernon Stewart. I hold a doctorate in Clinical Psychology with a minor in Health Psychology. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) in the State of Illinois. I am well experienced in individual therapy with adults 18 years and older. I earned my degrees (B.S., M.A. and Psy.D.) at Loyola University and the Illinois School of Professional Psychology. Some of my experience includes hospital practice, residential facilities and outpatient clinics. I have five years of intensive experience covering a wide range of concerns. These include trauma (emotional and physical), grief, depression, anxiety, alcohol and substance abuse, stress, neglect, discrimination, cultural identity difficulty, personality disorders, eating disorders, OCD, ADHD, college issues, and health issues including chronic pain, AIDS, Lupus and Diabetes across genders and age groups. In addition, I have experience working with individuals for anger management, communication problems, and relaxation and meditation for stress reduction. I enjoy working with people of all cultures. I believe in a holistic biopsychosocial approach to assessment and treatment that attends to the client’s mind, body and spirit. My therapy style is integrative (motivational interviewing, psycho-dynamic, behavioral, cognitive-behavioral, DBT, EFT, and so on) collaborative and client-centered at the core. I also have clinical training and experience in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprogramming (EMDR). My therapeutic style is interactive and driven by warmth, sensitivity and empathy. Stalwart ethical principles guide me. Together we will develop your unique treatment plan, one that will meet your specific needs. I applaud you for seeking help. This takes strength and courage. If you are ready to take the first step, I am here to empower you and help you reach the fulfillment of a happier life. I look forward to a rich clinical therapeutic experience with you. With great enthusiasm, Pamela Vernon Stewart, Psy.D., CADC, LCPC

Thomas Zimm
I am a licensed clinical social worker who graduated from Jane Addams school of Social Work where I obtained a Master of Social Work Degree. I have over 10 years of experience working with children and adults who have experienced abuse, neglect, domestic violence, separation, and loss, depression. Furthermore, I have refined my skills working with adolescents and families impacted by depression, bipolar, substance abuse, interpersonal violence, and homelessness., My years of expertise have taught me the importance of engagement, validating, and supporting those who have experienced pain, suffering, and loss. My approach is supportive, collaborative, and I focus on advocacy rather than diagnose or labels. My approach combines mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy, feminist, attachment, and psycho-dynamic theories. It takes courage to see the need for therapy and perseverance to take the steps required to initiate therapy. I will be available to you for support, a witness to your experience, and a supporter of your journey toward your ultimate goal.

Troy Johnson
I’m so glad you reached out—welcome! My name is Troy Johnson, and I’m a psychotherapist and LGBTQ+ advocate based in Chicago. I run Queer Talk Therapy, a private practice specializing in LGBTQ+ mental health, non-conventional relationships, and gender-affirming care. I provide remote therapy sessions across multiple states, offering affirming, identity-focused support. I enjoy being on BetterHelp periodically because I love meeting new people and offering short-term, focused support to help clients get started on their journey. Whether you're working through challenges, seeking clarity, or looking for a space where you can be fully yourself, I’m here to help. Here’s what you can expect from me: -A laid-back, collaborative space where you can be yourself. -Support that’s tailored to what you need right now. -Tools and insights to help you feel more confident and in control. -Options for continued care beyond short-term support, for those who want to dive deeper into this work. I’d love to hear about what brought you here and what you’re hoping to get out of this experience. Let’s work together to tackle what’s most important to you right now and set a strong foundation for moving forward. You can also learn more about me and my work at www.queertalktherapy.com. Looking forward to working with you, Troy

Michelle Molina
I am licensed in Illinois with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Shobana Shanmugavelayutham
I am licensed in Illinois with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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. 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.

John Andrich
I am licensed in Illinois with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & 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!

Debra Bujalka
I am licensed in Illinois with 25 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 sign up for therapy can take courage; you are amazing!

Dr. Cyntoya Campbell
Are you yearning to feel truly heard and make meaningful progress on your journey to healing? Whether you're grappling with anxiety, addiction, complex trauma, or depression, know that there is genuine hope for recovery. Everyone holds the key to their own solutions. With the right tools and support, you can unlock your inner potential and achieve your goals. In addition to my expertise in addressing these challenges, I'm also equipped as a coach to guide you through significant life decisions or career transitions. My mission is to forge a collaborative partnership with you, fostering an environment where you can feel both comfortable and empowered to pursue your aspirations. If you're ready to embark on this transformative journey, I warmly welcome new clients. Let's embark on this journey together towards healing and growth.

Jenna Lapointe
Hello! I want to welcome you and praise you for being proactive regarding your mental health. It is a powerful thing to acknowledge there are areas of your life or symptoms you are experiencing that you would like to change, and signing up for counseling is a big step towards reaching your goals. Below is some information on who I am and how I will be able to help you throughout this journey. I believe the cornerstone to therapy is empathetic understanding paired with proactive behavioral change. Together we will create a secure place in which you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in a non-judgmental way in order to understand what they are trying to provide to you. By reframing our cognitive, somatic, and behavioral actions in this way, we can learn to make sense of even the largest, scariest misbehaviors. With that new understanding, we will then discuss and practice applicable techniques you can utilize outside of therapy to achieve that reward in a different, healthier way. In my practice, I use a client-centered, eclectic approach. I have experience in several empirically-proven therapeutic modalities, and I choose which modalities to use based on what changes you, the client, decide you want to make in your life. I tend towards more process-oriented approaches, including (but not limited to) Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and Eye Movement Desensitizing and Reprocessing therapy (EMDR). I have found that these therapies reprocess symptoms clients are experiencing with their somatic, right-brain processing centers and their verbal, left-brain processing centers simultaneously, leading to more integrated and sustainable life changes in a shorter amount of time. I also have experience in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Assertiveness Training, and Behavioral Modification techniques. I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, currently practicing in West Virginia. I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Washington College in 2009 and a master’s degree in social work from West Virginia university in 2011. I have been providing mental health therapy in an outpatient setting for the last nine years and have had the pleasure of meeting and helping a wide variety of people learn to understand, process through, and manage a range of symptoms. If this type of therapy resonates with you, I would love to work with you. Regardless of whether you choose me as your therapist, I am very happy you have chosen to start proactively working on your mental wellbeing, and I wish you the best on your 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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