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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Brenda Byrne

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCPC,M.S.Ed,M.Div.
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
16 years of experience

I help clients with depression, anxiety, or difficult relationships grow toward making choices for a better life. Are you exhausted? Does it feel like you are swimming upstream all the time? I can help. Are you feeling sad a lot, or anxious? Struggling with what to do next? Do you put a positive spin on things, in spite of feeling down? Maybe others don't know about your sad or anxious feelings, because appearing strong is important to you. They look to you to hold things together. I create a safe place, we can talk about anything; it's OK. Putting yourself last, always doing for others, is a bit of a hamster wheel. Let's talk about what is really happening. You may have had a nagging unhappiness for a long time while our culture assumes that everyone should be upbeat and positive all the time. I am passionate about helping with emotional physical/health, balance, and loving relationships. Having help along the way makes a big difference. We will start with what is most immediate and work from there. It is the counselor-client relationship that changes things the most. Change is always hard, I have wonderful resources. I teach mindfulness and breathing practices when it is helpful. I use the Enneagram when helpful (9 personality types - for something so ancient, it is surprisingly practical). I am a clinically licensed counselor with 16 years experience (Illinois). Also, I have lost 150 lbs by changing to a healthy lifestyle, and practicing 12 step recovery for food/sugar. I enjoy rural/small town life, and kayak for fun.

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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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Suzanne Baer

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCPC ,CADC,NCC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
22 years of experience

Hi I'm Suzi a licensed clinical professional counselor in the state of Illinois with 22 years experience working as a therapist, mentor and life coach. I have background working in a variety of settings including inpatient drug and alcohol treatment center, sexual abuse counseling and community mental health. I have worked with people with wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, PTSD, grief and loss, relationship issues, career challenges and life changes. I have also counseled individuals and families with addictions, trauma and abuse. My counseling style is genuine, compassionate and interactive. I believe in you and I will tailor our dialogue to meet your unique and specific needs. I use a variety of therapeutic techniques including cognitive behavioral therapy, solution focused, holistic, client centered, trauma informed care to a diverse population. It takes courage to take the first step towards change. I'm dedicated to walking with you on your journey and excited to see you progress. I will help encourage you, motivate you, challenge you and empower you to live a happier life. I look forward to connecting with you, call me today so we can get started.

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Dr. Kiya Immergluck

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesDepression
41 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois and California with 41 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, lgbt-related issues, & relationship issues. 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.

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Wade Stark

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
9 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Teresa Yu

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

Hello! My name is Teresa Yu and I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and a Registered Art Therapist (ATR) in the State of Illinois. I have over 3 years of experience working with a diverse client population from children to adults and with concerns ranging from day-to-day stress, life transitions, anxiety, adjustment, to trauma. I specialized working in multicultural therapeutic spaces, interacting with culturally diverse, BIPOC clients focusing on adjustment, acculturation stress, family separation, and migration trauma. I am fluent in Mandarin. I am often described to have a calm, caring personality with moments of humor. I like to listen empathetically, clarify and summarize, before inviting processing. I recognize one approach does not fit all, I like to remain flexible and explore a working balance where you feel engaged while being challenged towards your identified goals. I like to highlight your strengths and achievements to empower positive changes. Depending on your needs, I frequently utilize Attachment, Regulation, Competency framework, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused processing, mindfulness, therapeutic, or art activities in my sessions. My goal is to hold a therapeutic space where you feel engaged to share what’s on your mind from your daily experiences to your concerns without feeling judged. It takes courage to open up your stories and seek support, and I am here to hear you and honor what you are going through.

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Nicole Wright

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepressionCoaching
3 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, career difficulties, & 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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Aleksander Casas

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesDepression
7 years of experience

Life stressors and managing different areas of our life can sometimes become heavy to hold alone. Many times, there is nothing "wrong" with us, we are just learning to navigate life and ourselves. It is beneficial when we have a designated time to devote to this process via a guided telehealth setting. Let's explore the unknown and get to the root of what you are feeling and thinking.

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Porschia Johnson

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
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, anxiety, motivation, self esteem, confidence, depression, & coping with life changes. My clinical focus is with working with women and/or femmes. I also have experience working with compassion fatigue. 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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Nicole Sodawasser

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
25 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with grief, coping with loss, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & coping with life changes. I also have experience working with compassion fatigue. 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 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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