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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Richard Rodgers

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: MSW,LCSW,CADC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
10 years of experience

About Me: I'm Rick, an Afghanistan veteran whose journey into mental health began upon returning from service with the Army National Guard. Witnessing friends struggle with substance abuse, depression, and PTSD inspired me to dedicate my career to supporting veterans and others navigating tough times. Education and Experience: Holding a Bachelor's in Community Health, I pursued my passion further by obtaining a Master of Social Work (MSW) and becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), a process that took five dedicated years. I've been working in the mental health and addiction field for about 10 years, starting in the military and moving through both inpatient and outpatient settings. My specialization is in addiction, but I have extensive experience with depression, anxiety, and trauma. I am also a Certified Trauma Therapy Professional. Treatment Approach: My approach is deeply personal and holistic, combining talk therapy with techniques like EMDR, Internal Family Systems, and iRest Yoga Nidra. I tailor my methods to meet your unique needs, whether you're dealing with addiction, PTSD, or the aftermath of abuse. I aim to listen, understand your perspective, and collaboratively develop a plan for positive change. My focus is on empowerment, helping you navigate your past to build a stronger, more resilient future. How I Can Help: I understand that everyone's journey is different; some seek support, while others look for structured therapy. I'm here to provide what you need, from someone to talk to, to giving encouragement, or formal therapeutic interventions. My goal is to be a positive influence, helping you through whatever challenges you face, whether they're related to relationships, career, or other life issues, including working with individuals with criminal backgrounds. Personal Life: In my free time, I cherish moments with my family and pets, and I enjoy attending sporting events and concerts. This balance outside of work keeps me grounded, ensuring I bring a compassionate, empathetic approach to my practice. I'm committed to meeting you where you are on your journey, offering a space where healing, growth, and positive change are not just possible but achievable.

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DaVaughn Jackson

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCPC,LPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
17 years of experience

Hi, Thank you for sharing information about yourself! I'm so happy that you reached out for help; it takes a lot of courage! I am DaVaughn Jackson, a licensed therapist. You can read more about my background, education, experience, and counseling approach by clicking on my name on this page. I appreciate you considering me for therapy!! Let's consider our first interaction as a consultation "try out" where you can see if I'm a good fit for you or not. But let me explain my response time and availability if you plan to continue. I have twenty, 30 minute sessions: Monday-Friday 9:00am-4:00pm. We can meet live via video, phone or chat sessions once per week for 30 minutes or 45 minutes max; anything further would be at additional cost to you. I will respond via text in the BetterHelp platform multiple times per day as needed. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency or crisis, please report to the hospital of your choice, call 911 or 988. I like to provide education and homework related to your issues to drive our session discussions. Are you willing to complete assignments to address your issues? The BetterHelp platform offers a journal feature which may be helpful to assign for expressing your thoughts and feelings. Are you willing to complete journal entries if asked? Please let me know if these services work for you. Best Regards in Your Mental Health Journey! ~DaVaughn

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Sarah Peters

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: MAAT,LCPC
Self esteemCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
9 years of experience

Create an opportunity to care for yourself. You can think of it like getting a gym membership or working with a personal trainer. By dedicating time for personal development in an emotionally supportive environment, we can work together to make changes in your life. Maybe you have a specific goal in mind to work towards or would like to learn new coping skills for life's challenges. No matter what brought you to BetterHelp today, my role and my goal is to assist you in making positive changes in your life. I'm here to listen and ready to help. My name is Sarah, and I am an Art Therapist and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with over nine years of experience working with individuals, groups, and direct care staff. I meet with many individuals who prefer talk-based therapy as well as those who use art and reflective writing in therapy to address their personal goals. Grounded in a strength-based approach and using interventions informed by Dialectical Behavior Therapy, I aim to help clients with emotion regulation and to reach a place of confidence with their mental wellness.

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Tzu-Ping Cheng

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: MS,LCPC
LGBTTrauma and abuseParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
12 years of experience

Hello and welcome! My name is Tzu-Ping, and the pronunciation sounds close to Su-Ping. I am from Taiwan and am licensed in Illinois for the past 12 years. Here are some stories about me, and hope to share about yours! Since childhood, I have always been curious about different parts of the world and people’s lives in various cultures. I started to live in the United States in 2008 and have experienced many moves and life transitions since then. I began to have first-hand experiences and more understanding about what it means to have interruptions to the comfortable familiarities and breaks of the sense of self, struggles, isolation, uncertainty, and doubts are all part of these adjustments. However, it’s also because of these life transitions, I believe that the preferred self and new developments in life also grow from these challenging and seemingly unstable times. Therapy can be a journey to new territories of meaningful developments and exploration of how we want to be in this world. My therapy approach is narrative and collaborative, and I care deeply about equity and respect for diversity. I also believe in the multi-facet of an individual and the possibilities of life that labels would not define. Our conversations aim to support you toward your preferred direction in your life journey. I am looking forward to working with you!

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Dr. Joyce A. Griffin

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: PhD, LPC (MO), LCPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
30 years of experience

My approach to counseling is often didactic and is solution oriented. It is my opinion that clients come to counseling because they can not figure out what to do. So “teaching counseling” offers them new skills to use in their situation, as well as ideas to assist in coping in their world. I am somewhat eclectic in my approaches, realizing that everyone is unique, and one size does NOT fit all. I find a Cognitive Behavioral approach often encourages clients to set their own solution-focused path. I give feedback and assign homework tasks. I ask clients to join me in making a sort of treatment plan, and we work together on problem-solving. I periodically consult with trusted professional colleagues on a confidential bases, who practice outside of our local area. It is not my style to see what others have reported about their own work. I march to my own drummer and do what I believe is right in each situation. It’s fine with me if I am the only one doing it the way I do it.

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Semah Shammas

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
5 years of experience

I'm licensed as a clinical social worker and certified as a psychologically sensitive, trauma-informed yoga teacher through Chicago Room to Breathe. Additionally, I am currently going through the Somatic Attachment therapy certification program through TheEmbodyLab.com. I specialize in anxiety, depression, self-esteem, life transitions, relationship difficulties, and trauma recovery. I'm an attuned therapist with the intention of meeting clients where they are. With 13 years of social work experience working with people of all ages, I love building relationships with clients, and working alongside them to explore their inner world and to incorporate new strategies to live a more fulfilling life. I use a trauma-informed approach, which means I aim to create a therapeutic relationship grounded in safety, sovereignty, so you can explore, acknowledge, and express your thoughts and feelings when you're ready to do so. I believe there is profound healing and empowerment in the connection between the mind and body, as well as in gaining awareness to how our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interrelated. With my clients, I work with them to learn and incorporate tools for regulating their nervous system, coping with life stressors, and gaining awareness to how their past impacts their present. We work together to visualize how they want to feel and be in the world, and explore what changes can be applied to their lives. Additionally, as my foundation is in social work, I believe our relationships with ourselves, our friends/family, and community all influence our state of being and we can take at look at these different areas to see where changes can be made. From there, we can live a meaningful life guided by personal values while handling the pain that goes along with being human in our world. I aim to provide culturally responsive care, recognizing that race, ethnicity, and religion, as well as physical challenges, all play a unique, powerful impact on humans' experience. Working in social services for several years, I also recognize the systemic trauma and oppression that many marginalized groups experience, and I practice clinically from this perspective. My priority is offering clients a supportive, empathetic environment in order to facilitate growth and insight. I recognize that it takes courage to reach out for support, and I feel deeply honored by the opportunity to work with others in becoming their most authentic, whole selves.

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Jean Juarez

Offering therapy in Illinois
AddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issues
11 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients cope with addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. 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 ask for and seek help is a courageous one, and I recognize you for this.

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Cristy Bixler

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
7 years of experience

I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois. With more than 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients experiencing depression, stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, unresolved grief, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also have experience working with those that self harm and struggle with self defeating behavior as well as adults and children with intellectual disabilities and their families. My therapy style is person centered and strengths based. I believe in meeting the client "where they are at" and utilize Motivational Interviewing, active and empathetic listening as well as CBT and DBT therapies. I believe in treating everyone with respect, dignity, 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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Carlton Hemphill

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyLGBTParenting issuesADHD
11 years of experience

Hello and welcome! My name is Carlton Hemphill, a 33-year-old Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in the state of Illinois who is also board certified (NCC). I received my Master’s degree from Roosevelt University in Clinical Psychology-Counseling Practice, with a concentration on child and family dynamics. I have been working in the field since 2015 and practicing as an independent clinician in my own private practice since June 2023. My therapeutic approach is grounded in behavioral and cognitive theories, focusing on how your recent experiences, environment, and thought patterns shape your current emotions and behaviors. Together, we’ll explore how these elements influence your present life, helping you make meaningful changes and move forward with confidence. I also integrate existential perspectives to help you explore your purpose, values, and fulfillment. I provide a warm, supportive environment where we focus on what’s happening in your life right now. Through direct, thought-provoking questions and unbiased feedback, I’ll help you gain clarity and make informed decisions. This process is centered on your insights, growth, and goals, and I’ll respect your pace and direction as we work together.

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Michell Roberts

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

As a licensed clinical social worker in Illinois with a decade of experience, I specialize in: stress management, motivation enhancement, confidence building, and life transition support. My approach focuses on empowering clients by using their inherent skills to navigate current challenges effectively.

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Kayce Bragg

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LPCS,LAC,NCC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
15 years of experience

I look forward to the opportunity to walk this journey together! Let me tell you about myself: I’m a wife, mother to four, and a dog mom! I live in SC but love to travel to see new places and try new things. My favorite place is anywhere with a beach as I love anything involving sunshine and water! Professionally, I am a Board-Certified Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor, and a Licensed Addiction Counselor in the state of South Carolina and have been practicing in the mental health field since 2011. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of Kansas, a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Georgia, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Washington, a Licensed Professional Counselor in Oregon, and a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois . I am currently working on my Doctorate of Psychology and was EMDR trained in 2021. I am very person-centered in my work with clients as I believe that you know you better than I know you! My practice is solution-focused as I believe in focusing more heavily on the problems you’re experiencing right now and working together to develop effective strategies for improving not only your current symptoms, but also your overall life satisfaction. I often incorporate Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy at times to help identify problematic thinking and retrain your brain to be more positive! Some other theories I believe in are Positive Psychology and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. I have significant expertise in dealing with adults (18+) who are experiencing the following: various mental illnesses (including but not limited to Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, other Psychotic Disorders, Depression, Anxiety); difficulty adapting to life situations; relationship issues; stress caused by pressure at work or home; grief and loss; self-esteem issues; other difficulties maintaining life balance. I also have experience with addictions issues and am able to help in those areas. I am skilled in aiding others in developing coping skills, interpersonal skills, independent living skills, stress management, personal empowerment and advocacy, healthy leisure habits, and other important life skills. It is important to understand that therapy is about you and what you need, so the process is really driven by the client! My role is to facilitate discussion and prompt new ways of thinking in order to inspire fresh perspectives. :)

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Lily Shinn

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
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, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & coping with life changes. 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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Sarah Leahy

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf esteemADHD
21 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 21 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, parenting issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also have experience working with concentration, memory and focus (adhd). I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. I am here to support clients as they explore their own thoughts and feelings and develop solutions and coping tools to manage daily life. 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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Clarence McCray

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyGriefAnger managementDepressionCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, anger management, & 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. 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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Ryan Sheehan

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyLGBTSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois and Virginia with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, motivation, self esteem, 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. 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 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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