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.

 

This is Jordan Coleman's avatar and link to their profile

Jordan Coleman

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW,C-SSWS
Anger management
5 years of experience

My name is Jordan Coleman. I have a black lab named Bruce Wayne. I attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign for both my undergrad (B.S. Human Development and Family Studies 2012) and for my Master's in Social Work (MSW 2015). I have been a School Social Worker for 4 years but have always had a passion for helping others. I have worked with clients on a wide range of concerns including emotion management, trauma, family relationships, and beyond. I tend to be a positive, optimistic person and I very much value relationships with others. I feel that these attributes aid me in my practice. My treatment approach combines client-centered, mindfulness, solution-focused, with other approaches sprinkled in for good measure. My goal is to empathize with my clients and help you identify goals and move towards them, move to a more clarified version of life, or be a sounding board for when it is needed. I know times are especially trying right now, so I felt a calling to begin expanding my horizons with BetterHelp. I generally check messages on here a few times per day Monday-Friday and respond as quickly as I can. I do appreciate your patience when it takes a bit longer at times, as I may be tending to other clients or professional/personal responsibilities. It can be very difficult to reach out for help, but I am glad you are taking that step. I would love to help you with this change and be there to support you!

This is Joan Paradis's avatar and link to their profile

Joan Paradis

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyLGBTFamily conflictsBipolar disorderDepression
9 years of experience

My counseling style is relaxed and conversational and one of meeting someone where they are on their path. I recognize it takes courage to seek therapy and implement changes and would love to assist you on your journey of discovery. I understand that it may be difficult to open up and talk to someone and I pride myself on being an active and nonjudgemental listener. I am genuinely interested in helping everyone I come in contact with thrive in all aspects of their personal and/or professional lives. I will constantly work to promote an empathetic experience where an individual’s needs, concerns, and personal values are met with compassion and respect. I am devoted to creating a safe place that both fosters and aids emotional growth and healing.

This is Dr. Jerome Anderson's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Jerome Anderson

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: DSW,LCSW,BCD
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCoaching
24 years of experience

I am Dr. Jerome Anderson, an advanced-practice clinical professional offering a wide range of clinical services. I am licensed as a clinical social worker (LCSW), nationally board certified as an advanced practice clinical social worker (BCD), certified as a clinical forensic social worker/psychotherapist (CCFC), and certified as a correctional health care professional (CCHP). As such, I provide services focused on severe and persistent mental health concerns as well as mild mental health conditions, such as professional counseling, psychotherapy, and consulting services for clinical assistance in mental health symptom management, behavioral redirection, life-style adjustment, and crisis abatement. All therapeutic approaches are scientific & evidence based. The treatment modalities utilized but not limited to are cognitive-behavioral principles and strengths-based theory. I am licensed to provide these services in the states of Missouri and Illinois. Most recently, I worked as a clinical psychotherapist, Behavioral Health Consultant, and Flight Commander of Behavioral Health Services for the United States Department of the Air Force. I also have a history of working as a criminal justice clinician and director of the mental health departments within large metropolitan jails and correctional facilities. I have also worked in maximum-security prisons as a forensic clinician. In all capacities, I have experience evaluating, diagnosing, and developing appropriate treatment goals. I also have experiences working with the judicial systems where I have developed and implemented recommendations based on patient competency levels as well as led the therapeutic treatment process. Along with this experience, I have worked as a full-time law enforcement officer. Lastly, I am an Active Duty Commissioned Officer (Lieutenant Commander) in the United States Public Health Services Commissioned Corp (USPHS-CC) where I operate as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) and Coordinator for Employee Relations/Officer Advocacy for USPHS. I look forward to working with you!!

This is Catherine Valentine's avatar and link to their profile

Catherine Valentine

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
24 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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!

This is Marcus Jack's avatar and link to their profile

Marcus Jack

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: MS,LCPC,CRC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsCareer difficultiesDepression
10 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with over 10 years of professional work experience. I assist clients with concerns relating to stress, anxiety, depression, relationships, family, career, and more. I work with 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 take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support and empower you in that journey.

This is Madison Brawley's avatar and link to their profile

Madison Brawley

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
6 years of experience

I am licensed in Missouri, Utah, and Idaho 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. I also have experience working with depression. 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. I specialize in EMDR, women’s issues, and LGBTQ+ populations. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started! Note: I only have live sessions available on Friday afternoons. If this does not work with your schedule, please rematch with another therapist. Thank you!

This is Dr. Cheryl Affrunti's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Cheryl Affrunti

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: Ph.D.
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseBipolar disorderDepressionADHD
14 years of experience

Greetings and welcome! My name is Cheryl Lee Affrunti (I go by “Lee”), and I am a Florida-based clinical psychologist with more than 13 years of experience assisting clients of all ages. I have been privileged to work with clients struggling with a wide range of challenges including anxiety, depression, stressful life transitions, bipolar disorder, ASD, PTSD, OCD, ADHD, schizoaffective disorder, learning disabilities, parenting problems, and relationship concerns. I am especially honored to have helped veterans, first responders, and others experiencing the harmful effects of physical and emotional trauma. As a person-centered therapist, I believe you deserve to be treated with empathy, respect, dignity, and compassion. I offer a judgment-free zone where you can count on my commitment to provide a safe and welcoming environment during our time together. I don’t profess to have the specific answers you seek, but I fervently believe you have those answers within you, and I will focus our time together by listening to you and helping you discover your richest and most meaningful path forward. My theoretical orientation is based primarily on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and includes cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, mindfulness-based, and solution-oriented approaches depending on your unique challenges, preferences, and situation. I appreciate the courage it took for you to reach out to someone to improve the quality of your life. Yes, you absolutely can live your most meaningful and fulfilling life, and I offer to you my services as your guide who will strive to enlighten, empower, and support you on your journey. I hope we can travel this part of your journey together!

This is Geneen McGowan's avatar and link to their profile

Geneen McGowan

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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.

This is Tammy Frossard's avatar and link to their profile

Tammy Frossard

Offering therapy in Illinois
AddictionsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesAnger managementDepression
15 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor licensed in Illinois with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, domestic violence, anxiety, depression, and anger management. I believe that counseling is beneficial for everyone and that identifying and working through areas that may be difficult or having a negative impact on functioning is a positive step. It takes courage and strength and you are worth it.

This is Jennifer Robart's avatar and link to their profile

Jennifer Robart

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsGriefCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
6 years of experience

I am a counselor dedicated to seeing others not only grow and heal but also thrive. I love to guide others toward identifying and accomplishing their goals, and my practice flows from deep empathy and care for those I have the privilege of working with. From 2018-2021, I worked with individuals struggling with drug and alcohol addiction, and because of that, I have had the opportunity to focus on the many issues related to recovery including trauma and abuse, grief and loss, depression, anxiety, life transitions, anger management, and so much more! My counseling style is warm, conversational, and client directed. I strongly believe in meeting people where they are, and helping them get to where they want to go! I believe in creating an atmosphere that is judgment free and emotionally safe, because the best, most sustained changes happen when you are able to completely be yourself. Your past and present decisions and experiences do not have to define you; change is possible! You are the expert in your own life, and I believe that the key to success lies within you. Let's find it together. I look forward to working with you!

This is Jenifer Hope's avatar and link to their profile

Jenifer Hope

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoaching
25 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, parenting issues, 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. 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.

This is Mark German's avatar and link to their profile

Mark German

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemDepression
32 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 32 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, 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.

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:

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.

Find the right therapist for your needs
Match with a qualified therapist