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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Aldo Hernandez

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: MSW, LCSW
Stress, AnxietyLGBTIntimacy-related issues
29 years of experience

Hello! I am Aldo P. Hernandez LCSW, a bilingual Spanish speaking therapist with 26 years of social work experience. I understand the range of emotions clients deal with when it comes to individual issues, parenting, and relationship issues. You will find me to be an active listener, a creative and critical thinker to address any issue in Interpersonal communication. I am interested in understanding your perspective, so you can feel heard and understood. I look forward to working with you to address the issues that you may be facing in your life. As a therapist I provide a sobering experience, as I have been told by my clients. My methods are Cognitive Behavioral and psychoanalytic. I provide therapy via: Phone, Video, Live chat. I can also provide you with practical and useful information that can be put into practice quickly to address any immediate concerns. You will find me friendly and engaging, and on this platform very often for your convenience. I will end by giving you reassurance that things will be fine in the end. "Therapists don't let friends drink and drama." (Due to high demand, I am sorry to report I no longer have evening availability: 5pm CT to 8pm CT)

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Dr. Nancy Michuda

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: Ph.D.,M.S.,B.A.
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteemADHD
28 years of experience

I received my MS & PhD from the University of Miami, in Florida, with a major in Developmental/Pediatric Psychology, and am a Licensed Psychologist in the States of Florida since 1993 and the Illinois since1997. I specialize in addressing the needs and concerns of children, adolescents/young adults, and their famiies. My approach is eclectic and draws from several evidenced-based psycho-therapeutic approaches while integrating the mind-body connection of mindfulness throughout the exploration of your concerns and needs, and in providing you and/or your child with required self care to best assist you and them in building and increasing your window(s) of tolerance, always sensitive to addressing your, your child's, and your family's needs with warmth and compassion. I will look to you and your input frequently, to assure that I am addressing everything that is bothering you, to allow you to feel better, happier, and more empowered in your life.

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Dana Steiner

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: MA,LCPC
Relationship issuesGriefIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesCoping with life changes
26 years of experience

I'm an individual and couples' therapist licensed in Illinois with over 26 years experience in providing superior counseling services. My areas of expertise include relationship issues, couples' counseling, women's relationship with food and their bodies, parenting challenges, depression, anxiety, major life transitions, living with chronic or terminal illness, stress management and exploring the mood/food connection. Clients often tell me I'm very "different from other therapists" they've seen. I give feedback when appropriate and ask you to do the same. That will help me further tailor your treatment plan to specific issues of concern. My supportive, compassionate approach allows for a safe. nonjudgemental atmosphere where learning to manage and overcome problems becomes easier as I earn your trust through our work together. Originally from Brooklyn, NY I ventured to the Midwest to attend Washington University in St. Louis where I earned my bachelors degree in psychology. I completed my graduate work in Chicago at Argosy University and five years later was fully licensed to practice independently in Illinois. I've received intensive training in mindfulness therapeutic skills, obtained level one certification as a Gottman Methodology Counselor that I use when treating couples and certification as a supervisor for Licensed Professional Counselors and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors. I am a member of the American Counseling Association, The National Association of Professional Women where I was honored for "Outstanding Excellence and Dedication to Her Profession and the Achievement of Women" an Honored VIP member in Covington's Who's Who which recognizes individuals who've demonstrated leadership and achievement in their profession, and received "Therapist of the Year" award (voted by clients), I hope I've given you an idea of the person and professional I am and decide to begin working together. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you every step of the way.

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Jason Robershaw

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
13 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois with 12 years of experience. Currently, I serve as Clinical Director at a community mental health agency. Also, I facilitate a parenting group which is extremely rewarding. I am a Managing Adaptive Practices Certified Therapist, a Triple P Parenting Group Certified Instructor, a Teen Mental Health First Aid Certified Instructor, and Youth Mental Health First Aid Certified. My training and experience enables me to help clients with depression, stress and anxiety, 0-12 age parenting skills, and motivation and confidence. I am most knowledgeable and passionate about brain development, self-regulation, thought patterns, and quality parenting strategies. My training exposure is varied and my treatment philosophy is eclectic. However, I lean towards a strengths-oriented, solution-focused approach. Although I do take my work seriously, I try not to take myself too seriously. My hope is to have a genuine and positive impact in your life. I look forward to meeting you, listening to your story, and supporting you in your goals.

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Tara Biarkis

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
11 years of experience

Hello! I am Tara Biarkis, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois with 11 years of professional experience. I have worked in a wide variety of settings from outpatient mental health, child welfare to healthcare. In particular my experience has included working with depression, stress and anxiety, family conflicts, perinatal mood & anxiety disorders, abuse or neglect and parenting issues. I consider myself a lifelong learner and am always challenging myself to learn new skills to help my clients. I believe that reaching out for help takes courage and I am here to support & empower you through the journey of change.

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Michelle Wong

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

Hello, I am licensed in Illinois with over 6 years of therapy experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, & trauma and abuse. I also have experience working with motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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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Roberta Hodge

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionADHD
10 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois, Iowa and Wyoming with 10 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Jane Klingberg

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
27 years of experience

Hi! Thanks for checking out my profile. With over 20 years of experience as a counselor, my goal is to help kids, tweens, teens, and adults overcome the many obstacles in life, including: - Healing from abuse - Relieving stress - Relieving anxiety and depression - Adapting to unplanned transitions, or gaining the courage to change one’s life - Living a good life with chronic pain or illness - Career and educational issues - Parenting issues, including having children with special needs. What happens in a counseling session with me? First, you will be given a chance to tell your story, both the good and bad, in a confidential, judgment-free setting. Then you will work together to build a better quality of life using a variety of holistic coping and healing exercises, stress management tools, and therapeutic conversations.

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Jasmine Ouedraogo

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
6 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & 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. 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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Cheryl Nelson

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefDepression
25 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Missouri with over 20 years of experience working as a psychotherapist. I have worked with clients for a broad range of concerns including depression, anxiety, trauma, and relationship issues. I have also helped many clients with chronic illnesses including HIV/AIDS. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My approach combines client centered, solution focused and strengths based counseling to meet your needs. It takes courage to seek professional help and even more courage to implement change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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:

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.

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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