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.
Antonio Ellzey, Sr.
Therapeutic Orientation I am Antonio C. Ellzey, Sr., MS, LCPC, NCC received both undergraduate (B. A. / Liberal Arts) and graduate (M. S. / Counseling) degrees at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, IL, Ph. D. / Counseling Education & Supervision (Student), Adler University, Chicago, IL (2018-Present). I am retired military (Army Reserves) after 20 years. I am married, and I have 4 children, two of whom are adult age. Antonio is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), as well as a National Certified Counselor (NCC). In the Fall of 2018 Antonio entered the Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education & Supervision at Adler University, Chicago, IL. For many years Antonio has helped clients to discover or recover the zeal of life, and tools needed to manage intense emotions. As a psychotherapist Antonio contends to always be duty bound and obligated to provide genuineness, empathy, and positive regard for any client. Driven with compassion for helping others, Antonio’s counseling experiences have been filled with great edification to help empower others to deal with difficult matters, and to ultimately produce the best viable outcome regardless of the circumstance (s) causing the discomfort. Antonio is noted to be very passionate to help to discover client’s level of functioning in effort to better understand how to help them meet their needs. Antonio has become proficient to help individuals, couples, and families find relief in understanding self and others. It is through some therapeutic assignments and mental health therapy services that many have secured the esteem needed and understanding how to navigate through the natural maturation of forging health relationships with anyone. Antonio along with his wife, has served as chairpersons for the married couples ministry at church for 2 years. Antonio is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (ΑΦΑ) Professional Associations / American Counseling Association (ACA). My approach to therapy shall be the following: A) Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, the short-term therapy technique that can help Clients to find new ways to conduct themselves by shifting their thought patterns. Engaging in CBT can help Clients to diminish stress, manage difficult relationships, and work through other common life challenges. This approach may come with the deep breathing relaxation technique to practice 3x’s per day for 2 weeks, the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) or (Tapping) to practice for 2 weeks, or the anxiety diversion technique to practice for a couple of weeks to help manage intense emotions. B) Psychodynamic therapy may provide Clients insight to their unconscious processes as they are manifested in their present behavior, particularly the dissonance that they might have experienced. This approach would assist to help Clients with self-awareness and understanding of the impact of the past on present behavior. This approach will be met with encouraging Clients to process their feelings with supportive people at least 1x per week to help manage intense emotions and to perhaps unlock potential pint up feelings. Additionally, with this approach, Clients could benefit from asserting themselves more toward others about their needs and to help meet resolve in their collective relationships with others. C) Cognitive therapy approach may help to serve Clients needs by developing alternative ways of thinking and behaving which aims to reduce psychological stress. These collective approaches will serve as an integrative approach to help meet Client’s needs.
Grant Barlow
Greetings, and thank you for considering me as your counselor! My name is Grant Barlow, and I’m a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor living and working in the Chicago-land area. First, a bit about my experience. During my six years in the mental health field I’ve worked with a wide variety of clients, all with different backgrounds and unique concerns. Some of my more recent experience has been working with individuals who have few resources or external support. From this experience, I’ve learned how critical it is to draw out a person’s inner-strengths and abilities to help them reach their goals or manage their concerns. I believe that each individual is, in many ways, the chief expert on themselves. It’s my goal to align with them, so I can better coach and guide them to find solutions. Secondly, some information about my approach. With each client, I approach using a person-centered model. This means I work hard to foster a trusting relationship as we identify areas of specific focus. My approach tends to be solutions-oriented, while also drawing quite a bit from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I’ve also received training in adopting different modes of spirituality into counseling, if this is something that is of interest to you. Whether you’re dealing with recent stressful life transitions, anxiety or depression, relational concerns, addiction, trauma, or any other challenges -- I’ve found that having a counselor present can be monumental in helping a person regain purpose, joy, and vitality in life. The first step can oftentimes be the most intimidating, so again I say thank you for your courage and willingness to take that first step. I look forward to working with you soon.
Sheila Funk-Jansen
Hello, my name is Sheila Funk-Jansen. I am a licensed clinical therapist in Iowa and Illinois. I graduated with my MSW in social work in 2003 from University of Missouri-Columbia. I have worked with a variety of courageous people in my journey to help them be more vulnerable, brave, and resilient. For the last 25+ years, I I have worked with people experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, addiction, family conflicts, and many other areas of life. I believe people have the resiliency to move the barriers that life presents to us. Life is all about learning. Learning about ourselves and giving up our comforts in life are scary even if they are unhealthy. Each person is unique and I am here to start where you are at in your journey. I utilize therapy approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution Focus Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing along with utilizing other modalities. The client and therapist's alliance is crucial in providing a safe, non judgmental space to be open and vulnerable to see their potential and resiliency to grow when experiencing hurt and pain. I see people through the week along with some weekends. I work with schedules as much as I can to help get people in sooner when needed. I look forward in working with you. Sheila
Suzanna Bagley
Hello. I commend you for making the decision to start or continue therapy. I know that at times it can be challenging but the hard work can be worth the effort if you achieve the results you seek. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in the state of Illinois with seven years of counseling experience. I have a bachelor's and master's degrees in clinical psychology. I also have a Telehealth Certification. I am here to support and listen to you. It’s always nice to know that someone cares and understands. Talking can be a great way to explore and process issues and feelings. I often utilize Cognitive Behavioral techniques if my client’s thoughts and belief patterns are causing them a lot of distress. I also focus on the therapeutic relationship to ensure the client feels engaged, comfortable, and validated. I meet the client where they’re at so we can work collaboratively on whatever is most important to them. I am a big proponent of helping clients create a repertoire of coping skills they can use to manage symptoms at any time. I also like to encourage clients to find time to engage in more self-care activities. I am compassionate and empathetic by nature. You will also find me to be accepting and nonjudgmental. It would be an honor to work with you and support you through your therapeutic journey.
Latechia Hester
I am an African American female Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois and I started my career in the counseling field in 2001, as a group home counselor for at-risk male youths, homeless young male adults, and their families, where we worked on family reunification, substance abuse, LGBTQ+ Issues, job skills, life skills, and independent living. From there I moved more into the substance abuse field working with DUI offenders, court mandated persons ordered to do anger management, and as an interventionist for families, and individuals who struggle with all forms of addiction and co-dependency. Since then, I returned to school to obtain my masters in Clinical Mental Health, during which time I worked with individuals who struggled with family issues, depression, suicide, grief and loss, schizophrenia disorder, bi-polar disorder, anxiety disorder, PTSD, dually diagnosed individuals, and those with other co-occurring disorders in an outpatient hospital clinic setting. I then furthered my career and obtained a second master's degree in School Counseling, where I enveloped experience in working with students in an inner-city school setting who struggled with body image, depression, suicide, self-harm, substance abuse, LGBTQ+ issues, ADHD, ADD, OCD, neighborhood trauma, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, physical abuse, and post-traumatic stress disorder. My primary therapeutic orientations are cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused therapy; however, I strongly believe that it is essential to meet a person "where they are at" and establish a therapeutic alliance using my developed professional skills and eclectic abilities to provide each individual with a therapeutic orientation is necessary to move them toward a place of peace and healing. I believe in the purpose of counseling and I believe that even the most skeptical can become a believer! METAMORPHOSIS is the process of change into something adult, mature and breathtaking. I would like to think that I've been entrusted by clients to help them transition into living a better life, so that they may spread their wings and fly! My goal is to uplift, empower, teach, and motivate those who struggle to work toward living a healthy and happy lifestyle. My commitment is to provide the best clinical services each person deserves with dignity and respect and there has been no greater pleasure for me other than to be blessed with the opportunities to work with individuals in this field of healing and the transformation of lives.
Megan Wrenn
I am licensed in Illinois with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbt-related issues, coping with grief and loss, & 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.
Karen Roach
Hi there! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois with over 20 years experience working with kids, adults, and families. My passion is helping you resolve stress and anxiety that impacts your day to day life. I especially love supporting women, moms and educators to better understand the behaviors and emotions of kids that causes disruption to the family or school environment. My therapeutic approach is understanding, non-judgmental and collaborative. I lean into my expertise of the stress response system and use a variety of modalities to help balance the stress response while also building a client's toolbox of strategies. Other professional work includes school social work and teaching graduate level students in a Master of Social Work program. As a full-time school social worker, my general availability for phone and video sessions will be early mornings and mid to late afternoons during the typical school year. Messaging is also convenient and accessible throughout each day! I'm excited to get to know you and support you on your journey!
Arnold Lavaire
I am Arnold A Lavaire, a bilingual Christian counselor licensed in the state of Virginia and Illinois. I was born and raised in Honduras and moved to live in the United States in 1996. I served 5 years of military service in the US Navy. I am fluent in Spanish, I can conduct counseling in English and in Spanish. I earned a B.S. in Psychology from Campbell University, a M.A. in Counseling from the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary, and a M.Div. from Mid-America Reformed Seminary.
Ericka Williams-Hampton
I am licensed in Illinois with 15 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 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.
Felicia Parham
I am licensed in Illinois with over 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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. 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.
John Horsley
I'm John Horsley and I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Licensed Clinical Addiction Counselor both in the state of Indiana. I graduated from Indiana University with a Master's Degree in Social Work. I have worked extensively with individuals and families who have dealt with substance use disorders and complications from substance use disorders. I've also focused on working with individuals who have experienced trauma and secondary trauma. I've practiced in a variety of settings and seeing a variety of clients with various struggles. I believe that the relationship between the client and the therapist is the foundation and essential component in the change process. I believe in meeting individuals where they are in the growth process and partnering with them to walk through change together. I have developed many tools for the toolbox and understand that each person has unique needs and requires unique approaches. Most of all, I want to respect the place my client is at and make sure they are feeling safe and motivated. Congratulations on taking the first step on your journey. It would be an honor to walk it with you.
Holly Anderson
With over 13 years of clinical experience I understand that successful treatment outcomes occur when the foundation of one’s therapeutic approach is holistic. We now know that our feelings, beliefs, attitudes, spiritual life and physical well-being are all intrinsically intertwined and thus essential to address all of these areas together and not separately like once believed. I practice with a variety of evidence based therapeutic methods some of these included: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT); Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT); Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT); Family Systems among additional long-standing effective interventions. From our initial session you will find I work collaboratively with each of my clients. We work together to address pressing stressors; identify treatment goals and objectives; develop a treatment plan that is tailored specifically for the individual; explore any underlying/contributing factors; work together to identify new healthy coping skills that fit the individuals' certain coping style. It is my belief that a sound therapeutic alliance is a critical part of effective treatment outcomes. I have found successful clients are actively involved in this joint effort, stick with it even when it is not always easy to do so and who are committed to their individualized plan of care. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state Illinois with over 13 years of clinical work. I have worked with number of populations with various disorders including: Anxiety Disorders (with and without trauma histories); Mood Disorders; Behavioral Disorders; Personality Disorders; Substance Abuse/Co-Occuroing Disorders; Grief/Loss; Internal Family Systems. My Bachelor's degree is in Psychology from the University of Massachusetts. I was also a Research Assistant at the University of Massachusetts for 2 years researching mindfulness skills and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques applied to Anxiety Disorders. I obtained my Master’s degree in Social Work at the University of Iowa.
Lisa Lucchese
I am licensed in Illinois with 19 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, career difficulties, & 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 you in discovering inner resources and techniques that can provide a sense of relief and inspire self-empowerment. If you also wish to explore and integrate the Creative Arts Therapy avenue, we can integrate art/music/movement materials. These modalities can aid in self-expression, promote deep relaxation, mood elevation, and visualization of inner strengths and goals.
Debra Bryant
I am licensed in Illinois with 38 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, bipolar disorder, anxiety and 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Jasmine Ouedraogo
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.
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:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisis Text Line:Text HOME to 741741
- Veterans Crisis Line<:Call 1-800-273-8255 (and press 1) or text 838255. For support for the deaf and hard of hearing community, please use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.
- Trevor Lifeline(LGBTQ Lifeline): (866)488-7386
- SAMHSA National Helpline: (Substance Use): (800)662-4357
- National Eating Disorder Association Helpline:1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM-9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST
- Child Help Hotline Call 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat featur
- National Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Physician Crisis Support Line: Call 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to Covid-1
- Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673
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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