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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Ashley Andersen

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: MA,LCPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepression
6 years of experience

Hello, my name is Ashley Pratt. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois and have been in practice for the past seven years. Over that time, I have refined my counseling skills by providing individual, couples, and family counseling to individuals five to older adult in inpatient psychiatric settings, residential settings, community outreach programs, and in private practice. I have a direct, solution-focused approach, which aids individuals in addressing problematic behaviors and thought processes which are negatively impacting their life. I have experience supporting individuals in managing anxiety, mood disorders, psychosis, trauma, self-harm and suicidal thoughts, and substance use. I also have experience working with individuals who are managing chronic medical conditions as well as mental health issues. My philosophy focuses on building a respectful, honest, and collaborative relationship with my clients. I believe each client is the expert on themselves and their needs. Through providing a warm, safe, and supportive therapeutic space, my hope is to help individuals identify their own goals for therapy and guide them in managing hurdles in their life. In our work together, we will search for the root of the issues you are experiencing and learn to nurture the underlying issues. My personal areas of expertise include a holistic and eclectic approach using Mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral techniques, and trauma informed approaches. I enjoy teaching interventions which can be used in a variety of settings, such as relaxation techniques and thought reframing. I believe we cannot address challenges in life in isolation, and I hope to offer the support needed to overcome any challenges in life.

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Maria Reymundo

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: MSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteemDepression
10 years of experience

Deciding to initiate change in your life, is the first step to getting to where you want to be. The alliance between the counselor and client sets the foundation to reach a place of growth and healing, therefore making it the key agent of change. I strongly believe that a collaborative approach to treatment, ensuring that the client feels invested as a direct participant in their own journey, is the best means to achieve goals in therapy. As an eclectic therapist, I incorporate a variety of therapeutic principles and philosophies in order to create the ideal treatment program to meet the specific needs of the client. Primarily using a strength-based, trauma-informed approach to therapy, I work with clients to identify and master skills that will make attaining identified goals in therapy achievable. I earned a Master's in Social Work from Loyola University Chicago, and have been in direct clinical work for 10 years. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), I have had experience working with a wide variety of clients ranging from adolescents to geriatrics. My experience includes providing therapeutic services through settings such as inpatient psychiatry, community mental health, internal medicine, addiction treatment centers, and a University counseling center. Through these professional settings, I obtained an array of clinical experience working with various mental health diagnoses, though my expertise lies within treating depressive, anxiety, trauma, and adjustment disorders. I am a culturally sensitive, bilingual therapist (English/Spanish) with experience working with multicultural populations within and outside the United States. If you find yourself in a position to initiate this journey toward change, I would be honored to join you.

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Washington Cisco

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: MSW/ LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSleeping disordersDepression
39 years of experience

I began working with children and youth in 1986 and continued until 2003. As indicated on my resume, I returned to working with a client base providing therapy to the children, and adult population in 2013 at an outpatient mental health facility. Presently, I am employed in the prison system where I am working with the adult population, 19 years old to 70 years. As therapist, I use a caring and supportive style with my clients, believing that they are coming because they need assistance in being able to function and cope with various stressors impacting each lives. My treatment approach is one of understanding and not judgmental. I understand that the client's self-determination is most significant in the counseling relationship. I believe that the client is the most important person in the session and hence in order to help, I need to listen to rather than to tell each what to do.

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Shelly Flachs

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefBipolar disorderDepression
12 years of experience

Welcome to the therapeutic journey towards self-discovery and healing. I'm Shelly Flachs, a compassionate Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) serving individuals across Illinois, Iowa, Maine, and Missouri. With over a decade of dedicated experience, I've had the privilege of supporting individuals facing various challenges, including depression, anxiety, trauma, abuse, and life-altering situations. My therapeutic approach is rooted in empowerment, focusing on solutions, and honoring your unique strengths. Drawing from cognitive-behavioral theory, emotional freedom technique (EFT), and Safe and Sound Protocol, I tailor each session to suit your individual needs. I believe in fostering a genuine, positive, and safe environment where you can explore your story with respect and authenticity. Embarking on the journey of therapy can be daunting, but it's a courageous step towards personal growth and resilience. I commend you for taking that first step. Together, we'll identify your goals and create personalized plans to achieve them, guiding you towards a more fulfilling life. Specializing in stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, depression, and navigating life changes, I offer a range of clinical approaches, including Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy, EFT, and Safe and Sound Protocol. With a commitment to your well-being and growth, I'm honored to walk alongside you on this transformative journey. Let's embark on this path together, towards a brighter, more empowered tomorrow.

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Nancy Neukomm

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionADHD
19 years of experience

I am a compassionate and caring counselor who loves to help people navigate through difficult times. Through CBT, emotional and solution focused based therapies, I can help you create and achieve milestones one small step at a time to recognize your own potential. I have 15 years experience with a wide range of clients from all areas of life. For example I have volunteered and worked paid positions for individual counseling, groups therapy as well as teaching with the homeless in shelter programs, male ex felons at a prison ministry and regularly serve at a local food pantry. I have ran specific counseling programs as well as supervised other counselors. I also have my own private practice on the side and am currently supervising a counselor in internship with Walden University. I am a respectful counselor with a good listening ear that encourages clients to incorporate self reflective and stress management activities in between sessions. I am creative at problem solving and love counseling. Hope to support you to achieve milestones soon!

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Juanette Plato

Offering therapy in Illinois
Trauma and abuseParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with trauma and abuse, parenting issues, 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. 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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Jonique Young

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
7 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois and Texas with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Raegan Caras

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
20 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 20+ years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, depression, coping with grief and loss, and dealing with everyday life stressors. 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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Susan Burrows

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyDepression
38 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 38 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety and 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. I encourage you to write as often and as much as you would like. This room is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. I typically respond with 24 hours, but respond sooner to new clients. Please be patient as I may be attending to professional or personal responsibilities. I am available for live sessions on Wednesday day and evening, Thursday day and evening and Friday day and usually evening. Please schedule at least 12 hours in advance. If there is a message that you need a quick response to, please mark 'urgent'. I will get back to you as soon as possible. Please remember if you are having an emergency, go to your nearest hospital or call 988 which is the crisis hotline.

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Keeley Lawriw

Offering therapy in Illinois
Parenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changesCoachingADHD
17 years of experience

I am a licensed social worker in Illinois with 17 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with motivation, self esteem, confidence, coping with life changes, and executive functioning challenges. I also have experience working with students with Autism, ADHD, anxiety. We work through the many strategies they can put into practice for more effective daily living skills. 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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Carrie Vine

Offering therapy in Illinois
AddictionsLGBTTrauma and abuse
8 years of experience

Hello and welcome to my profile! My name is Carrie and I use she/her pronouns. I am a cisgender woman that lives in Illinois. I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) and have over 8 years of experience in the field. My specialties include LGBTQ issues and those living with HIV. Another one of passions is Harm Reduction and substance misuse. I use a non-judgmental approach to all of my counseling and therapy. I also have experience working with elders and aging and have a specialty niche of LGBTQ elders and those aging with HIV. I attended Southern Illinois University where I received a Bachelor's in Music, a bachelor's in Social Work, and a Master's in Social Work. I am currently still working on my Master's in Public Health and finishing my Gerontology degree. As a therapist I am very focused on small steps toward progress and primarily use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in my work. I find this the most versatile and easiest for most clients to understand. I have also been studying ACT Therapy (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) and have been using that a bit as well. I look forward to working with new clients in this format in our own time. I hope to lend some of my expertise to help guide people to meaningful connections and rich, full lives.

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Marjorie Alexander

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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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