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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Phillip Barker

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW,CADC,CFSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTSelf esteemCoping with life changes
13 years of experience

My name is Phillip, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Chicago, Illinois with more than four years of experience working in private practice as a psychotherapist and coach. I have worked with clients who have come to me with a range of concerns, including sexual and gender identity, depression, anxiety, life transitions, relationship issues, career issues, and ADHD. I also have more than seven years of experience working with substance use issues and adolescents in a high school setting. My undergraduate work was in Communication, so I am equipped to work with a variety of people to meet their unique needs. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I am constantly checking my biases and treat everyone with respect and compassion. My treatment approach is client-centered and strengths-based, combining Humanistic and Cognitive Behavioral Therapies. We will work together to create an individualized treatment plan that focuses on your strengths and allows for you to maximize your therapeutic experience and our time together. I commend you on this courageous first step of reaching out to a therapist, and I look forward to working with you!

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Tim (Timothy) McNichol

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

“Where you are, is where we will start” is a saying that has always resonated with me. I welcome you into the practice. I focus on a collaborative approach that hopefully will allow you to see the strengths that you already possess from your life experiences. Life can be hard. Having time to sit down, share stories, listen and work together to help with your present concerns is my hope for you. I incorporate many different styles into my work and together we will find the one that works best for you. If this is something that speaks to you, please feel free to contact me. I look forward to meeting you soon. Some things that I have found work well for myself in creating a balanced life are gardening, spending time in nature, running, movement/dance and reading fiction. Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony. -Gandhi

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Emily Cadman

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteem
5 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with experience in treatment of PTSD, stress management, and life changes. I have worked in the fields of residential treatment, case work, individual therapy, children and family services, and incarcerated individuals. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and have experience in using mindfulness. I look forward to seeing what we can do together on your way through life.

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Jamie Blakeman

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCPC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseBipolar disorderDepressionCoping with life changes
16 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) with over 16 years of experience in the mental health field. I specialize in counseling individuals experiencing a wide range of issues, including severe mental illness, trauma, depression anxiety and relational issues. I am passionate about working with individuals who are are struggling with co-occurring disorders and those who are need of support with daily life challenges or events. I have a wholistic approach to therapy and draw from the various modalities , including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), solution-focused therapy and dialectal behavioral therapy (DBT), in an effort to meet the need of each individual. Through the collaborative process of therapy, Through the therapeutic process, I will help to guide you to increase self-awareness, gain new perspectives, decrease symptoms, and increase personal strengths to have a more meaningful life experience. By using the power of the therapeutic relationship, I strive to create a nurturing environment and foundation to help clients heal, rebuild their lives and increase their resiliency. In every session, I use therapy as a way to nurture, challenge, support and understand clients. Healing can occur within a safe and trusting relationship.

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Regina Hughes

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementBipolar disorderDepression
3 years of experience

Life can be a challenge at times and everyone needs someone that they can talk to. Seeking out counseling is a wise choice and is the first step in becoming your best self. Let me tell you a little about my self. I am a licensed Clinical Counselor Professional Counselor (LCPC) and educator that has worked with adults, teens, and families. I have worked with both inpatient and outpatient psychiatric clients. My background includes working with clients that have multiple issues including depression, stress and anxiety, PTSD, anger and relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, OCD, and substance abuse. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. In addition, I have worked with clients that are receiving special education services and have academic and behavioral concerns, including autism and ADHD. My therapist style is one that is open, warm, nonjudgmental, and is client-centered and focused on providing a space where clients feel heard, valued, and respected. I believe this type of therapeutic environment is essential for healing and allows the client to adequately grow and have a successful positive experience. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic, hypnotherapy, and rational-emotive therapy. I will tailor a treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change and becoming your best self. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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Glenda Sanders

Offering therapy in Illinois
Self esteemDepressionCoping with life changesADHD
10 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with over 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with motivation, self esteem, and confidence, depression, & coping with life changes. I also have experience working with concentration, memory and focus (ADHD), anxiety and 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Keith Hugh

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefBipolar disorderDepression
13 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Illinois with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & bipolar disorder. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I will structure our dialog to meet your unique and specific needs where you currently may be in healing journey. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. "We are all a mixture of strengths and weaknesses. No one has it all and no one lacks it all." - C. Peterson

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Marcus Jack

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: MS,LCPC,CRC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsCareer difficultiesDepression
10 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with over 10 years of professional work experience. I assist clients with concerns relating to stress, anxiety, depression, relationships, family, career, and more. I work with 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 take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support and empower you in that journey.

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Leah Rybakowski

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changesCoaching
7 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self-esteem, confidence and depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will your treatment 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! Schedule and Hours I'm available Monday-Friday 8am - 5pm. **Evening appointments are limited. **I do not work on Saturday or Sunday. I will respond to messages or requests the following business day. Sessions are 30-minute or 45-minutes. I am available to you in many different ways: messaging in the chat in the counseling room, live phone sessions, live chat sessions and live video sessions. Please let me know your preference of communication or if there are any ways you would not like to communicate. I usually try to respond to messages and requests within 24-hours. I generally try to respond at least once in the morning and once per evening, sometimes more! Consent Forms and Forms As a client, you will fill out different forms. BetterHelp (or specialty site!) has you fill out a Member Information Form. I have my own consent form that you will have to read, complete and electronically acknowledge. You will do this via chat before scheduling an appointment with me. Emergency and Crisis Situations Please remember that BetterHelp (or specialty site!) is not appropriate if you are in crisis or in immediate need of support. In crisis situations, please call 911 or local emergency services. You can also call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to talk to someone right away!

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Arnold Lavaire

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: MA,LCSW,CFTP
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
15 years of experience

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.

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Monica DuShane

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyGriefCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
8 years of experience

Greetings, my name is Monica. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, living and working in the state of Kentucky. l also hold clinical licenses in the states of Florida, Illinois, Indiana. Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin. I have over seventeen years of experience as a social worker. I have experience in helping clients with: stress and anxiety; life changes; isolation & loneliness; compassion fatigue; motivation, self esteem, and confidence; aging and geriatric issues; serious illness; hospice and end of life counseling: 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 your journey. 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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Christina Oxley

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyAddictions
3 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor based in Illinois with 3+ years of professional work experience. My experience comes from providing direct mental health services to kids, teens, adults, families, and couples. I have worked with a variety of presenting issues including, but not limited to, anxiety, OCD, ADHD, depression, addiction, relational conflict, and parenting issues. I have a genuine interest in people and the different ways we all try to make sense of ourselves and the world. I seek to provide a comfortable space for clients to explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors without fear of judgement. I take a collaborative approach however, I believe that the client knows themselves the best and with some support has the ability to identify what they want and how they can get there. I take a holistic approach meaning I understand the importance and interconnection between the mind, body, relationships, and environment. I also understand that each person is different so I draw from many different psychological approaches to meet the individual needs of those I work with. Reaching out for support is a great first step towards understanding yourself better and making the changes you want for a better life. For every client that chooses to work with me, I am honored to be a support for you on your journey.

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Carrah Demos

Offering therapy in Illinois
Grief
7 years of experience

I am a licensed counselor in Illinois with 6 years of counseling experience, and 9 years experience working in the mental health field. I have worked in inpatient hospital settings, schools, and hospice. For the last 5 years, my specialty has been in grief counseling, but I also have experience helping clients with stress, anxiety, depression, self-love, and relationship issues. Starting counseling can be scary, so I work with clients to create a safe space where you can feel comfortable sharing your thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment. I am a person-centered therapist that also incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy into sessions. 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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Sheva Wesley-Franklin

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
23 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 23 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, 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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Dr. John Reid

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyLGBTAnger managementDepressionCoping with life changes
21 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois and Kansas with 21 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with lgbtq+ related issues, anger management, & 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 & 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:

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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