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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Rachel Goodwin

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LPC,LCDC,LCPC
AddictionsLGBTTrauma and abuseEating disordersDepression
3 years of experience

I am a skilled Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor, and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. I am also trained in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR). With years of personal experience and recovery behind me, I specialize in the treatment of addictions, eating disorders, trauma and LGBTQ+ issues. Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and Mindfulness. My first priority is to create a safe and affirming environment that will foster personal growth and allow clients to achieve their identified goals. I aim to work collaboratively with clients to empower them to step into their stories and live authentically.

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Lori Mattix

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsAnger managementSelf esteemADHD
37 years of experience

I have been a licensed clinical social worker for 35 years. I have experience providing individual , group, and family counseling to teens, adults and families. I have background in the areas of anxiety, depression, ADHD, anger management and foster care and adoption. I truly enjoy working with people and my goal is to assist my clients in managing a variety of concerns . It is important to me to establish a safe, non-judgmental environment, and to show respect to all my clients. I don't have one approach I utilize, as I feel everyone is an individual and it is important to develop a plan once I have your input and together we decide on the direction your counseling will take. I recognize that for some, deciding to attend counseling can be a challenge. I am here to provide the support, flexibility and trust you need to succeed. Once you choose to begin counseling to address the concerns you have, I will be there to assist and support you in the process.

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Richard Watson

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: MA, NCC, LCPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepression
7 years of experience

I believe that in the therapeutic relationship, the therapist is the professional but the client is the expert. It is through empowerment, understanding, and collaboration that people can best heal and reach their goals. My areas of expertise include mood disorders (i.e., depression and anxiety) and substance use disorders. I take a trauma-informed approach, respecting the differences in life experiences and resiliency that we all have. For therapy to be effective, there must be trust, openness, and authenticity. As therapy can be quite uncomfortable, and even painful, one must be willing to lean into the discomfort to find growth. My practice is based largely on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy approaches. I guide individuals as they practice identifying, challenging, and replacing unhealthy ways of thinking and behaving that have contributed to the development, and perpetuation, of their problems. One of the most difficult things to do is to put our hand up and admit that we need help. Whether we are struggling with loneliness, sadness, or uncontrollable worry, it can be challenging to talk about the thoughts and the feelings we are experiencing and I respect the difficulty one faces in asking for help. May you find peace, happiness, and wholeness.

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Ingrid Wheeler

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: MSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
11 years of experience

Hi! I’m Ingrid Wheeler. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. More specifically, I am a listener, advocate, supporter, and helper. About me: I have been in the field of Social Work for over 10 years, working in inpatient/outpatient mental health clinics, rural health clinics, outpatient therapy, and therapy services in higher education settings. My experiences in the field have led me to working with a variety of people facing different challenges in different setting in a spectrum of age, gender, and races. I earned my Bachelor’s Degree for Southern Illinois University-Carbondale and Master’s Degree in Social Work, with a specialization in mental health, from the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana. I have extensive experience helping individuals with a variety of challenges, from mental health challenges such as psychosis, substance abuse/dependence, personality disorders, suicidal ideation, relationship conflicts, behavioral issues, and stress management. Through individual, couples, family and group therapy, I have worked with a variety of ages in settings such as inpatient, outpatient, and dual diagnosis and addiction treatment centers, rural health clinics, and students in higher education. I have always been a “helper”. As a “military brat” growing up I constantly faced change and transitions, some easier than others. As the oldest child in a bi-racial (Latino/White) and military family, I was always helping someone. Whether it was advocating for my mother experiencing challenges related to her race or deescalating siblings, I was always helping. The advocacy and support I practiced led me to my desire to pursue Social Work. Being able to help someone cope with their life experience(s) and to make a lasting impact with someone fuels my work in this field. I help individuals and couples who are looking to support their overall mental health. I support my clients by exploring their stressors, improving a person’s insight into themselves and their challenges, and begin to manage emotions in the ways that work for them. My approach in therapy is client-centered and includes a variety of evidence-based approaches that fit my client’s needs, from interventions such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to general life skills building. The needs of my clients are important and heard in session. I use their feedback on what interventions may be most useful to them as we constantly work together to figure out what will work for them to achieve their goals. When I’m not working with clients, I am spending time with my family. I am married to my high school sweet heart, a self-employed business owner. Together, we have three kids between 16-4 year’s old and two dogs. We like to have movie marathons, go camping, and enjoy outdoor warm weather activities.

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Roseanne King

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteem
15 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois and Oregon with 15 years of professional work experience. I am a graduate of the University of California, Los Angles (UCLA) and have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, self-esteem issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & parenting issues. I have worked primarily within the child welfare setting, working with foster/adoptive parents, parents who were victimized as children , and parents who have been accused of abuse or neglect. I believe in treating everyone, regardless of your past or current problem, 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 -good job getting started!

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Sunny Givens

Offering therapy in Illinois
Relationship issuesGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
19 years of experience

I am an art therapist (A.T.R ~ Registered Art Therapist) and hold my L.C.P.C. (licensed Clinical Professional Counselor) from Illinois with almost 20 years of professional work. I have experience in helping clients with coping with grief and loss/living with terminal illnesses, depression, and coping with life changes as well as other areas. Many things that we experience in our lives are beyond words, which is how art therapy can be a more engaging way to process and tell our stories. Please understand that do not need to identify as an "artist" in order to engage with and benefit from art therapy. 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!

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Carole Sandusky

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
17 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, sleeping disorders, anger management, & 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.

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Katherine Bolton

Offering therapy in Illinois
AddictionsLGBTTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
6 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. 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.

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Tiffany Edwards

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
17 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 17 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. 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.

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Samuel Higgerson

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepressionCoaching
6 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, trauma and abuse, depression, anxiety, & 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. 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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Michael Dubose

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyDepressionCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

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.

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OBrain Agwanihu

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
9 years of experience

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 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.

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