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.

 

This is Debbie Hayes's avatar and link to their profile

Debbie Hayes

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: MAC, LCPC, QMHP
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefDepression
10 years of experience

I am a counselor licensed in Illinois with over 10 years of combined experience working as a caseworker and as a counselor. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including grief, depression, anxiety,anger issues, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, OCD and ADHD. I have also helped many people who have experienced bi-polar disorder and schizophrenia. My education included a vast array of specialties, including multicultural counseling. I continue my education by completing additional trainings so that I can stay on top of the latest research and best practices. In this way, I can be a better support to you. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I don't believe in being judgemental. My approach combines client centered, strengths based, existential, cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, and psychodynamic approaches. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I am happy to incorporate Christian based counseling into our sessions. As a Christian myself, I find utilizing a Christian based approach to be one of the most valuable and successful modes of therapy. If you are interested in Christian based counseling, please let me know and we will incorporate this approach into our sessions! It takes great courage to seek assistance in order to have a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change! If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you and to embark upon that journey with you! One step at a time, we can work towards making the changes you need to live a happier, more fulfilling life. I look forward to working with you soon. Debbie Hayes MAC, LCPC, QMHP

This is Natalie Eden's avatar and link to their profile

Natalie Eden

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: MBA, MA, LCPC
Stress, AnxietyGriefAnger managementDepressionCoping with life changes
13 years of experience

I am dedicated to providing you with confidential, compassionate & personalized treatment to meet your individual needs & goals. Focus is on empowering you to make better decisions, gain more insight, and embrace the challenges of life. Focus is on restoring and developing a person’s dignity, strengths, and God-given talents for problem-solving, personal growth, and achievement. I am a fully licensed counselor with two advanced degrees. I have been in private practice for 10 years treating clients who present with a wide range of challenges. Prior to that I worked as a counselor at an outpatient behavioral health clinic at a major hospital in downtown Chicago, Illinois providing individual and group therapy to persons of all ages diagnosed with a wide variety of emotional challenges. My studies have also included extensive coursework in addictions and motivational interviewing. I have experience and training in treating anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorders and grief. As a fully licensed clinical professional in the states of Illinois and Pennsylvania, I have a Masters of Arts in Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology with a 4.0 GPA. Other degrees include a Master’s degree in Business Administration from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA as well as a Bachelor’s degree in English /Communications summa cum laude from Campbell University. I am married with two adult children. My hobbies include travel, writing, genealogy and art.

This is Heather Michael's avatar and link to their profile

Heather Michael

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: MSW,LCSW,CADC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
10 years of experience

Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and also a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor. I obtained my Master's degree and I am currently pursuing my doctorate at Aurora University. I works with individuals, couples, families, and adolescents dealing with a variety of problem areas including Depression, Anxiety, Addiction, Trauma, and coping skills. my clients describe my personal style as kind, caring, insightful, thought-provoking, and as utilizing a sense of humor. I have a passion for working with people, and helping them cope with, adjust to, and overcome the difficulties life can bring. I provide emotional support and professional guidance that will help clients move forward and grow. In therapy, I offer a safe space in which you can experience trust, acceptance, and genuine positive regard. My approach toward therapy is tailored to each client's individual needs. I may use Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Relational Therapy, and Solution-Focused therapy as I work with you to find the best path for you to reach your goals.

This is Sofia Dickey's avatar and link to their profile

Sofia Dickey

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW,CADC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
12 years of experience

My name is Sofia Dickey, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Illinois with over 12 years of experience working in the mental health field. Additionally, I am a Certified Addictions Counselor in the state of Illinois. I have worked in residential and outpatient treatment centers for youth with behavioral concerns and adults with various mental health issues. I have also helped a wide variety of individuals from different backgrounds to better manage issues with depression, anxiety, addictions, and trauma. My counseling style is that of acceptance and compassion while using the approaches of cognitive-behavioral and solution-focused therapies as well as motivational interviewing. I am here to listen to you without judgment, and I am here to help. One of the benefits of online therapy involves the added daily support that may not be available through regular outpatient counseling. Therefore, I encourage you to message me at anytime as I check my messages at least once a day every day of the week. I also offer messaging, live chat, phone sessions and video sessions. Although I encourage video sessions, I am available through the means that make you feel the most comfortable. I look forward to working with you and helping you reach your goals.

This is David Schwartz's avatar and link to their profile

David Schwartz

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCPC
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepression
15 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with a Master’s Degree in clinical psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology in Chicago. I provide individual therapy to adults and adolescents, as well as couples and family therapy. My practice is a general outpatient practice, best suited for those who desire improvement in their love life, family life, work life, or in their physical health and wellness. My approach emphasizes the importance of practicing new behaviors outside of the therapy. One practice that has been shown to be helpful, and which in many ways provides a groundwork for psychotherapy, is the practice of mindfulness. Ultimately, my mission as a therapist is to help you live a better, more fulfilling life.

This is Karen Henderson's avatar and link to their profile

Karen Henderson

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
23 years of experience

I have had the pleasure of serving the community and individuals for over 20 years. I have a Masters Degree in Social Work and am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois. I have had the opportunity to lead a Hospice counseling team, teach at a community college, provide inpatient and outpatient counseling, and work along side an amazing team as Director of a counseling and foster care agency. My style is a strength based approach utilizing cognitive-behavioral and humanistic therapy to focus on rapport building and solution focused outcomes. Taking time to invest in yourself is critical to your overall health. Most people at some point in their life can benefit from having another person to share their experiences with along with sharing their reactions to those experiences. I look forward to meeting you, discussing your counseling goals, and working towards healthy next steps together. Counseling can be a path to a healthier you.

This is Marisol Cruz's avatar and link to their profile

Marisol Cruz

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCPC,LMHC
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemADHD
5 years of experience

My name is Marisol Cruz, and I am bilingual in English and Spanish. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Licensed Mental Health Counselor. I have 24 years of experience working as a school counselor with children from kindergarten through 12th grade. I have worked with students with various diagnoses. My main objective in working with students is to help them by supporting and guiding them so they can carry on a daily routine in school and any environment. A partnership is developed, whereby children and adolescents are actively involved in helping to create personal growth and development in their lives. I work with families (not family counseling) helping them to create an environment that will establish routines at home so that the changes can be implemented and the children and adolescents feel a sense of support and accountability. I offer wraparound services to help families with the resources they need to live productive lives. Also, I provide services for adults with mild/ moderate depression, anxiety, relational support, life coaching, and more. Sessions will focus on the clients and their immediate needs. At the start of the sessions, we will discuss anything on their mind then concentrate on the main goal of the therapy session and work together towards meeting expectations. The therapeutic process will be empathetic, and compassionate, and the client should feel safe to express themselves in a non-judgmental environment. Specialty: Behavior Anxiety Depression ADHD Clinical approaches: CBT Client Center Therapy Motivational Interviewing Years of experience: 4

This is Marla Voss's avatar and link to their profile

Marla Voss

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: MSW, LISW, LCSW
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
14 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois and in Wisconsin and a Licensed Independent Social Worker in Iowa. I am currently accepting clients to work with in both of those states. My experiences come from direct mental health and behavioral health counseling for adults aged 18 and older with a variety of presenting issues including Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, trauma, grief as well as coping with physical health concerns, chronic diseases and illness. I approach the therapeutic relationship with sensitivity and respect for people of all cultures. I strive to the therapeutic relationship, and you, with compassion, respect, and warmth. I hope that after each session you have felt heard and understood. My clinical experiences include working in community agencies and private practice. I have worked in healthcare for 30 years with my beginning experience working in a hospital. My therapy style and approach are person centered and strengths-based drawing influence from Cognitive-Behavioral therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, and Mindfulness. I help clients design treatment goals specific to them as each person is unique and different approaches work for different people. Whether working towards gaining insight into specific circumstances, symptom relief, improved function, it is my hope we can work collaboratively to achieve it. It takes a lot of strength to work towards finding a more fulfilling and happier life. If you are willing to take that step, it would be a privilege if you would allow me to walk beside you. I will do my best to respond to messages within 24 hours on my days of availability. Currently my hours of availability are Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, and Wednesdays from 8:00 am until 12:00 pm. I am not available on Fridays, Saturdays or Sundays for appointments or to respond to messages. **Please note I am fluent in English only. I do not speak any foreign languages."

This is Margaret Couch's avatar and link to their profile

Margaret Couch

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW,MSW,MEd
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesBipolar disorderDepressionADHD
39 years of experience

I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker practicing in the state of Illinois. I also have a Masters Degree in Education. I have over 30 years of experience working in the field of mental health. I consider it a privilege to have been invited into the lives of others as they seek to improve their daily lives. I believe in meeting my clients where they are. Not where they are ‘expected’ to be. I will work with you as a whole person, not just as a diagnosis. I believe in an individual’s inherent dignity and right to self determination. I would love to join you on your journey to positive change.

This is Eric Crawford 's avatar and link to their profile

Eric Crawford

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
28 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 28 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, anger management, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. 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.

This is Garnadette Stuckey's avatar and link to their profile

Garnadette Stuckey

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteem
10 years of experience

I am licensed clinical social worker in Illinois with 10 years of professional work experience. Additionally, I am a community psychologist. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, & trauma and abuse. 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!

This is Angela Gervacio's avatar and link to their profile

Angela Gervacio

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
13 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, & 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!

This is Alison Mcgannon's avatar and link to their profile

Alison Mcgannon

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefParenting issuesCoping with life changes
18 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, & parenting issues. 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.

This is Matthew Lehman's avatar and link to their profile

Matthew Lehman

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsAnger managementDepression
10 years of experience

I am licensed in California and Illinois with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, anger management, & depression. 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. 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.

This is Anthony Grady's avatar and link to their profile

Anthony Grady

Offering therapy in Illinois
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteem
16 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, parenting issues, anger management, motivation, & self esteem. I also have experience working with confidence. 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.

Find the right therapist for your needs
Match with a qualified therapist