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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Ednina Welters
Hi! My name is Ednina, and I am an Illinois Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, and Professional School Counselor with over 6 years experience working with adolescents, adults, and couples with concerns ranging from anxiety, depression, and social/ relationship issues, to academic/ career challenges, and substance abuse problems. My experience also includes working with those in the LGBTQ community and with individuals suffering from abuse and PTSD. My counseling approach is Person-Centered, meaning that I believe that everyone has a natural motivation to grow in positive ways and the ability to carry out that growth process. I use theories and interventions primarily from Cognitive Behavior Therapy, which addresses changing thoughts, feelings and behaviors which cause distress; Rational Emotive Therapy, which focuses on changing beliefs so that they reflect more moderate, healthy emotions and behaviors; and aspects of Reality therapy, which involves exploring and evaluating wants and choices to determine if they are realistic and attainable. I enjoy working with individuals from various cultural backgrounds and strive to create an environment that is accepting, caring, and safe. I believe that counseling should be interactive, and is best viewed as a collaborative venture wherein clients feel free to express themselves, are guided in determining achievable goals, and are assisted in finding more adaptable ways of thinking, feeling, and behaving which lead to a more harmonious and satisfying life. I look forward to walking with you along this journey!
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Brittany Johnson
Hello, My name is Brittany Johnson and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Illinois. Prior to being licensed I received my B.A. in Psychology from Michigan State University and a Master of Social Work from University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). The majority of my experience has been working with youth of all ages as a school social worker. However, I am more than excited to be expanding my practice to a more individualized clinical based setting. Throughout the years I have worked very closely with my students and their families to manage and overcome challenges including but not limited to stress, anxiety, traumatic experiences, injustices, relationship barriers, mental health diagnosis and various unexpected life changes. Since working with adults on this platform I have also grown a strong passion to support life changes and mental health barriers with them as well! My approach to therapy is very client centered, you come first! I aim to meet people wherever they are while also challenging them to grow at a pace that they are comfortable with. I allow for flexibility to work through what the client feels is important and to collaborate on goals and progress regularly. I completely understand that it is impossible to get to know anyone from a bio. However, I would be honored if you decide to trust me with the commitment of supporting you through this journey. If you feel it is time to take a leap of faith you are probably right. We all have to start somewhere and I am here to walk you through this journey step by step!
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Laura White
I’m so glad you’ve made the decision to start personal therapy through BetterHelp! I truly believe therapy is for everyone. Therapy can be such a wonderful catalyst for improving your life and getting things on track the way you want them. My therapy style is empathetic and respectful, and I believe in creating a safe space that optimizes reflection, healing, growth, and fulfillment. I strongly believe that you are the "expert in you" meaning that you know yourself best, and I highly value your input and experiences in our work together. My approach is collaborative, and we will decide the agenda for each session together. I am a clinical counselor licensed in Illinois with 13 years experience working in mental health. I have worked with clients with a wide array of concerns, including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, coping with life changes, self-esteem issues, parenting problems, ADHD, and ASD. I hold a Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology from Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine & Science and I have been fortunate enough to work in a variety of settings, ranging from community mental health, to private practice. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, client-centered, solution-focused, and mindfulness-based techniques to help you recognize your strengths and develop skills that will help you address your specific needs and live your best life.I'd love to be an ally for you on your journey to better health and fulfillment! I look forward to working with you!
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Duncan Hall
I am licensed in Illinois with 23 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, anger management, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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.
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Lori Gordon
I am licensed in Missouri and Illinois with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, & trauma and abuse. I also have experience working with depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. 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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Alison McCandless
Hi all! I am Ali and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I have worked for a community mental health agency in Chicago for the past 3 years and I am originally from Southern California. I just recently moved to Denver, CO this summer. I am currently licensed in Illinois and Colorado. My experience is working in community mental health, I engaged with low-income folks with various mental health needs, such as life stressors, mood and psychotic disorders, anxiety, depression and trauma. I believe everyone has a story to tell and that each one matters. I use different approaches depending on client’s needs. I engage Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic model and strengths-based approach. In addition to building in coping skills or behavioral modification, I take time gathering client’s history in order to help the client make connections and meaning of their past experiences. I value using biopsychosocial assessment which gages client’s level of functioning and prevalence of symptoms. In 2023, the world can be and feel like a messed-up place… getting support for your mental health is important. I serve my clients without judgment and with hope. If you think we would be a good fit, I would love to meet you and support you in your therapy journey!
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Aaron Brakhane
I spent the first part of my career working with children in high risk environments. This has included abuse, trauma, neglect, and abandonment. Since then I have expanded to work with individuals of all ages. Even so, I have not lost focus on the idea that the experiences during our early years shape our worldview as adults. When someone is traumatized, their whole life can begin to revolve around that event. My hope for all of my clients is that they are able to integrate all of their experiences into a cohesive self concept. By doing this, they will be able to understand the underpinnings of their reactions and emotional shifts. With this information in hand, I believe, we are all best equipped to face our own unique challenges. Despite the sometimes huge impact of childhood trauma, I believe that all of us have an innate capacity for growth. This growth is reflected in our emotional maturity, spiritual practice, and ability to realize our goals. I know from my own experience that my faith has been instrumental in overcoming difficulties in my own life. Personally I believe that the more we integrate all the spheres of our life, the better we become at reaching our goals.
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Tiara Banks
I am licensed in Illinois with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & anger management. 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.
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Corby Jackson
I am licensed in Illinois and Texas with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, relationship issues, 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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Dr. Cyntoya Campbell
Are you yearning to feel truly heard and make meaningful progress on your journey to healing? Whether you're grappling with anxiety, addiction, complex trauma, or depression, know that there is genuine hope for recovery. Everyone holds the key to their own solutions. With the right tools and support, you can unlock your inner potential and achieve your goals. In addition to my expertise in addressing these challenges, I'm also equipped as a coach to guide you through significant life decisions or career transitions. My mission is to forge a collaborative partnership with you, fostering an environment where you can feel both comfortable and empowered to pursue your aspirations. If you're ready to embark on this transformative journey, I warmly welcome new clients. Let's embark on this journey together towards healing and growth.
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:
- 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 feature
- 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 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.
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