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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Mankea Collier

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
19 years of experience

I specialize in cognitive-behavioral therapy for behavior modification. However, I constantly make use of eclectic techniques as means of servicing my clients. I have worked with various populations of people such as children, adults, trauma victims, ADHD, behavioral/mentally ill individuals as well as, people from different cultural and ethnic backgrounds. I also have over 15 years experience in crisis work, case management, and case coordination all of which are necessary added services that help the provider administer quality care to the client and their families. I believe that my experience working in different therapeutic sectors as well as, various populations allow me to be effective in servicing people from different walks of life.

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Jacqueline Shelton-Espinosa

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyLGBTSelf esteemCoping with life changesCoaching
18 years of experience

In my 15 years providing clinical therapy I have worked with various individuals experiencing different life challenges. My "ideal" client is one that is looking for guidance and support to resolve mental health issues, life stressors, transitional issues, and/or identity issues. The goal is to create a connection and from that connection build a bridge to healing and recovery. Social justice drives the work that I do personally and professionally. I specialize in the following: -Anxiety -Depression -Bipolar -Schizophrenia -Personality Disorders -Trauma -LGTBQ -Women’s Issues -Oppression based trauma -Life -Racial Identity Challenges. Therapy is not about weakness, it’s about strength. The courage to face the pain, accept it, and continue on despite it. We are on a journey together, one that includes tears and laughter. Authenticity in terms of my own experience and journey, along with the use of humor, allows me to create warm, safe space in order to develop a strong therapeutic bond.

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Jessica Grayer-Brumfield

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyGriefDepression
10 years of experience

Greetings and Salutations! I am Jessica Brumfield, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Being proactive by seeking help during challenging times is an act of strength. As we progress through life, our perspectives, needs and goals change, which can cause stress, even lead to feeling unfulfilled. Experiencing difficulties in relationships, at work, pressure from family or being uncertain about the future are common issues that often lead people to therapy. You are not alone. Many clients seek to learn coping skills, how to foster healthy relationships, become motivated or want to figure out how to strike a balance in their lives. Therapy has a learning curve and it requires effort, patience, and openness. Results are reflective of the work that is put into it. The goals and pace of sessions will be by your design. I am committed to creating a non-judgmental space and partnering with you to explore your challenges, build on your strengths and make progress towards the changes that you want to see. I look forward to learning more about you and working together. ;)

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Debra Schwarze

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: MS, MA, LCPC
Stress, AnxietyGriefDepressionCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
30 years of experience

My name is Debra Schwarze and I am licensed counselor in Illinois and Wisconsin. I have over 25 years of experience in mental health settings including community mental health, school, faith-based, health system and private practice settings. I hold master's degrees in counseling and art therapy. I utilize an eclectic approach in counseling, primarily utilizing cognitive behavioral (CBT), DBT informed, client-centered and expressive therapy modalities. If an individual is open to it, I use art making in order to provide a voice to issues that may not have words. I have experience working with individuals with a diagnosis of major depression, bipolar disorder, all type of anxiety disorders, ADHD, life changing events, end of life issues, and cancer. I know that is challenging to ask for help with the issues that impact your life. Congratulations on taking that important first step. It is natural and normal to feel anxious and fearful to begin counseling. It is my job as the counselor to provide a safe and comfortable environment for you to be able to talk about the issues that led you to seek help. It is your job to be as open and honest as possible in order to better facilitate the growth and healing process. I cannot solve the problems that you face in life, but I commit to helping you make the changes that you would like to make. I look forward to meeting you and joining you in your journey toward improved mental well being.

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Khara Harper

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

Life can present challenges in dynamic ways. I believe that healing is a collaborative journey. Choosing to engage professional support is a courageous stride in your journey to healthy well being. I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker & Certified Employee Assistance Professional. My mission is helping others realize their fullest potential. I draw from various evidenced based practices & interventions, to create a tailored approach for each individual and situation. I’m here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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Sheri Bassewitz

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: MSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyGriefParenting issuesDepressionADHD
30 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical social worker with 35 years of experience in a variety of settings. At the beginning of my career, I worked in hospice, oncology, and home care agencies for 15 years. I then became certified to work in school settings, where I worked for the next 15 years. For the last five years, I worked in a private practice with children, adolescents, and families, addressing emotional and social challenges that interfere with activities of daily living. Outside of these professional experiences, I have also worked at several camps for children. One was specifically for children with speech and language and social emotional learning challenges. I also volunteered for many summers at The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, which is a camp in Connecticut for children with serious illnesses. Additionally, I have been fortunate to supervise social workers working towards their licenses. Now, as a clinician in private practice, I am thrilled to use my skills to assist children, adolescents, and adults who are facing challenges and stressors in today’s world. My experiences provide me with the skills necessary to support those faced with challenges that accompany anxiety, depression, and social communication disorders as well as ASD and ADHD. My goal as a therapist is to help those with mental health challenges learn tools and strategies to cope with the stressors and challenges of daily life while identifying and defining their own goals.

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Carla Morris

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changesADHD
40 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with more than 40 years of professional work experience. My experience includes helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, depression, ADHD & coping with life changes. 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!

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Christine Barnes

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW-S,LISW-S
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
17 years of experience

I am a seasoned, clinical social worker with ten years of experience with the Department of Veterans Affairs, where I treated veterans with PTSD, depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Prior to my work at the VA, I worked in nursing homes and community mental health centers where I provided psychotherapy and crisis intervention to individuals of all different ages and backgrounds. First and foremost, I consider myself to be a trauma therapist, and I subscribe to the notion that most diagnoses are rooted in adverse experiences from the past. I've been described as "blunt" and "caring" by my clients due to my no-nonsense - yet compassionate - approach to therapy. I consider the greatest compliment that I've ever received to be "You are the person that tells me the truth that I don't want to hear." If you appreciate being called out when you're not being completely honest with yourself, then I just might be the right therapist for you. I look forward to working with you!

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Dr. Marilyn Lewis

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyGriefDepressionCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
35 years of experience

I am licensed in Missouri with 35 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, depression, & coping with life changes. 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. 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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Kerry Hurt

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

I am a licensed family therapist (LMFT) in Illinois with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping adults/adolescents/teens with stress, depression, anxiety, trauma, abuse, coping with grief, & coping with loss. I work with families on various aspects of the family system such as boundaries, communication, parenting styles and hierarchy within the family system. I have experience working with adolescents and teens diagnosed with autism, bipolar as well as personality disorders. I utilize a narrative therapy approach to help clients separate themselves from their problems, allowing them to reframe their life stories and develop new perspectives. I also help clients rewrite their own story in a way that encourages a greater sense of agency, while offering a more compassionate and beneficial perspective on their life. 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 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 BetterHelp therapists in Illinois does not offer diagnostic or medication management services in therapy.

Why do people choose to work with a licensed counselor or therapists?

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, working with:

  • Challenging situations or life stressors
  • Eating disorders requiring therapy
  • Anxiety disorders in need of therapeutic support
  • Depression or depressive mental health conditions
  • Adjustment issues in need of therapeutic support
  • Emotional support for a terminal illness
  • Chronic pain emotional support
  • Grief therapy
  • Personality disorders
  • Trauma therapy
  • Relationship conflicts and mental health concerns

Finding a therapist in Illinois 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 therapy site. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the therapy hotlines below:

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Some of the most commonly asked questions about therapy can be found in the section below.

How much does therapy with a licensed therapist cost?

Mental health professionals can differ in price. Forbes found that the average cost of in-person Illinois therapy in the US is around $100 to $200 per hour. Pricing can also vary based on your location. 

BetterHelp offers payment plans of $65 to $100 per week. 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.

Is it possible to find a therapist, counselor, or psychology practitioner that offers affordable therapy?

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.

What can a psychologist help me with in therapy?

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 in-person or online therapy with a therapist in Illinois?

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.

Are online therapy sessions 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.

In today's fast-paced society, mental well-being has become a cornerstone of a fulfilling life. Amid the daily challenges and stressors that can overwhelm even the most resilient individuals, seeking professional guidance often offers a path to clarity and balance. The journey toward improved emotional health involves understanding personal triggers, embracing self-compassion, and developing effective coping strategies. While self-help books and online resources provide valuable information, nothing compares to the personalized support offered by a qualified mental health professional. One-on-one sessions with experienced experts can help uncover the underlying issues contributing to anxiety, depression, or other emotional hurdles. With a careful and empathetic approach, these professionals tailor their advice to suit individual needs, ensuring that each person receives strategies that work best for their unique circumstances. Whether through cognitive behavioral techniques, mindfulness practices, or other innovative methods, the aim is to foster resilience and empower individuals to take control of their inner lives. For those living in bustling urban centers, engaging in face-to-face sessions in a welcoming environment can be particularly beneficial. Access to a caring clinician provides not only a safe space to explore difficult emotions but also builds a support network essential for long-term recovery. The process encourages self-reflection and greater insight into behavioral patterns that might otherwise go unnoticed. While the journey can be challenging at times, the rewards include enhanced emotional stability, improved interpersonal relationships, and a renewed sense of self-worth. In one notable case, the guidance provided by a highly trained therapist proved instrumental in navigating a tumultuous period. Through structured sessions and tailored interventions, the individual learned to identify stressors and develop healthier responses to adversity. This experience underscored the transformative impact that dedicated support can have on one's overall quality of life. In a region like Texas, community-based initiatives and accessible mental health programs further reinforce the value of professional help. These efforts emphasize early intervention, preventive care, and continuous support, ensuring that more people are equipped to face life's inevitable challenges. Ultimately, investing in mental well-being is an act of self-care that yields lifelong benefits. By embracing professional support, individuals can unlock new levels of emotional resilience and discover pathways to a brighter, more balanced future. Each step taken toward healing represents a commitment to personal growth, enabling a life filled with renewed optimism and strength. Embracing this transformative journey consistently paves the way for deeper understanding, lasting peace, and meaningful personal progress.
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