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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Jack Richey

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepression
20 years of experience

Welcome to Better Help! You may be wondering how this works and whether it would be right for you. My name is Jack Richey. I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Illinois. I earned my Master of Social Work degree, specializing in Interpersonal Communication and Change from the University of Iowa. I founded and directed an outpatient mental health clinic. I have worked on an inpatient behavioral healthcare unit. I had a private mental health counseling practice. I retired in August of 2021 after thirteen years of providing out patient mental health counseling services in a psychiatric wing of a local clinic under the direct supervision of a psychiatrist. I've worked with individuals, couples, and families who have had to address a variety of issues. These have included employment difficulties, depression, anxiety, stress, anger, family and relationship issues, self-esteem, divorce recovery, and parenting problems. My counseling style combines Cognitive Behavioral, Family Systems, and Solution focused approaches. I do not have a “cookie cutter” or “one size fits all” approach. Each person is unique with specific needs. I try meet clients "where they are". I believe we can all grow through challenging experiences by increasing self-awareness. Sometimes another person who isn't directly involved can offer a new perspective. Having additional support can guide people through a difficult situation when they feel stuck. People all want to be able to share their personal experiences, be accepted, and feel understood. I believe it's very important to be open-minded and non-judgmental when people share their personal stories or experiences. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life. Your life and your goals are important. If you are ready to take that step toward change, I am here to support, encourage, and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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Patricia Breshears

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCPC,CAADC,CIP
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
32 years of experience

Pat is so kind and understanding. I feel heard and also received really helpful advice. She is so caring. With many years of experience she is very on track with her therapy skills and recommendations for each client she sees. Her treatment approach is set on the foundation of building a therapeutic relationship by establishing trust and rapport. She is eclectic in the theories and uses some of the therapeutic approaches including theory's such as solution focused therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, narrative therapy, mindfulness, ,and client centered approaches. She will focus on your strengths, abilities and skills to help you achieve your individualized goals.

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Melissa McHenry

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
23 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 23 years of professional work experience. I have a master's degree in adult psychology and a master's degree in child psychology. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, & trauma and abuse. I also have experience working with depression, self-injurious behavior, PTSD and domestic violence. 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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Rhonda Bolden

Offering therapy in Illinois
Relationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping 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 relationship issues, 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. 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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Kathleen Carter

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
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, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, relationship issues, addiction & depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will work with you to overcome whatever issues are holding you back from living your best life ever. 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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Malekapukhrajbanu "Maleka" Qureshi

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, Anxiety
15 years of experience

My name is Maleka Qureshi, I am a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC), and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC). I have specialized training and working experience with adolescence and adults with Intellectual and developmental disabilities. I provide culturally and linguistically appropriate services. I speak English, Urdu, Hindi, and Gujarati. I have over 10 years of experience working with individuals, couples, and families. The majority of my experience has been working with young adults and adults with dual diagnosis of mental illness, substance related and addictive disorders. I have provided therapy to individuals as well as support to their families. I also have experience helping individuals with phobia, stress and anxiety, anger control problems, low self-esteem, family conflicts and couple/ relationship counseling. I have a passion for helping others achieve more fulfillment and balance in their lives. My approach is to combine different types of psychotherapy and counseling techniques to help you discover and unlock negative thoughts, and patterns of the past, which will allow you to focus on the present and feel more fulfilled and achieve your goals for the future. It is my experience that my clients know themselves better than anyone, they are their own (and my) best resource when it comes to treatment. I see therapy as a joint venture where our knowledge and skills are combined to create solutions. 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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Antonina Barr

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsGriefSelf esteemDepression
30 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, coping with grief and loss, & 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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Claire Conway

Offering therapy in Illinois
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefParenting issues
13 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Christine Barnes

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW-S,LISW-S
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
17 years of experience

I am a seasoned, clinical social worker with ten years of experience with the Department of Veterans Affairs, where I treated veterans with PTSD, depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Prior to my work at the VA, I worked in nursing homes and community mental health centers where I provided psychotherapy and crisis intervention to individuals of all different ages and backgrounds. First and foremost, I consider myself to be a trauma therapist, and I subscribe to the notion that most diagnoses are rooted in adverse experiences from the past. I've been described as "blunt" and "caring" by my clients due to my no-nonsense - yet compassionate - approach to therapy. I consider the greatest compliment that I've ever received to be "You are the person that tells me the truth that I don't want to hear." If you appreciate being called out when you're not being completely honest with yourself, then I just might be the right therapist for you. I look forward to working with you!

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Jenna Lapointe

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: MSW,LICSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCompassion fatigue
13 years of experience

Hello! I want to welcome you and praise you for being proactive regarding your mental health. It is a powerful thing to acknowledge there are areas of your life or symptoms you are experiencing that you would like to change, and signing up for counseling is a big step towards reaching your goals. Below is some information on who I am and how I will be able to help you throughout this journey. I believe the cornerstone to therapy is empathetic understanding paired with proactive behavioral change. Together we will create a secure place in which you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in a non-judgmental way in order to understand what they are trying to provide to you. By reframing our cognitive, somatic, and behavioral actions in this way, we can learn to make sense of even the largest, scariest misbehaviors. With that new understanding, we will then discuss and practice applicable techniques you can utilize outside of therapy to achieve that reward in a different, healthier way. In my practice, I use a client-centered, eclectic approach. I have experience in several empirically-proven therapeutic modalities, and I choose which modalities to use based on what changes you, the client, decide you want to make in your life. I tend towards more process-oriented approaches, including (but not limited to) Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and Eye Movement Desensitizing and Reprocessing therapy (EMDR). I have found that these therapies reprocess symptoms clients are experiencing with their somatic, right-brain processing centers and their verbal, left-brain processing centers simultaneously, leading to more integrated and sustainable life changes in a shorter amount of time. I also have experience in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Assertiveness Training, and Behavioral Modification techniques. I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, currently practicing in West Virginia. I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Washington College in 2009 and a master’s degree in social work from West Virginia university in 2011. I have been providing mental health therapy in an outpatient setting for the last nine years and have had the pleasure of meeting and helping a wide variety of people learn to understand, process through, and manage a range of symptoms. If this type of therapy resonates with you, I would love to work with you. Regardless of whether you choose me as your therapist, I am very happy you have chosen to start proactively working on your mental wellbeing, and I wish you the best on your journey!

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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