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.
Dr. John Cooley
My name is Dr. John Cooley. I have a Master of Arts Degree in Psychological Counseling from Southeast Missouri State University and Ph.D in Psychology from California Southern University. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois and I am a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist. I have 25 years of counseling experience working with Adults and Families who present with a variety of mental health and substance abuse problems. I have worked in outpatient and hospital settings. My treatment approach is very eclectic. I draw from a lot of counseling theories that can best fit a person's needs. Some of those include Humanistic, Psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Trauma Focused Treatment. I believe that clients have the resources within them to make positive changes so as to improve the quality of their lives. I provide a warm compassionate approach to counseling and want my clients to feel that they have been heard, validated and understood. At the same time I help clients find solutions to their problems and learn valuable coping skills to manage the problems they are experiencing. I look forward to working with you!
Marissa Harris
I am a licensed clinical social worker in Illinois with specialization in addictions (substance use and sexual disorders), trauma and emotional conditions, LGBTQ concerns, depression, anxiety, relationship and parenting concerns, vocational challenges, legal issues, and serious mental health illnesses. Since I started in the field in 1998, I have always known I would be a counselor. Growing up, it came naturally to me to be compassionate, empathetic, and to listen with a non-judgmental stance. Over the past 20 years, I have helped hundreds of individuals improve their lifestyles through my work and passion for helping. What I love the most about working as a therapist is being apart of those quantum change insights; the ones that involve a shift in perception and the realization of a new life. It can be as simple as looking at ones self in a positive light, realizing they are capable of change. Recovery is about self-discovery, rediscovering the parts that you believe have become disconnected or lost. Authentic recovery allows you to achieve peace and satisfaction with your life. This starts with positive connections. I am here to guide you in the path of healing the root cause of your stress. With positive and loving connection, I will honor your path towards fulfillment. Currently as of 5/14/2020, I am no longer taking new clients due to a full schedule.
Rebecca Paruszkiewicz
Hello! Thanks for checking out my profile! I have been a practicing psychotherapist for 5 years, working in a community mental health agency in Chicago. I'm originally from Wisconsin, but have an adventurous spirit that keeps taking me elsewhere!! I'm happy to have the chance to provide therapy to those that may not have the time or energy to go sit in someone's office for an hour a week! Working in community mental health, I've helped individuals address a variety of mental health and environmental problems, such as life stressors, anxiety, depression, attention issues, family conflicts, parenting support, etc. In addition, the context of this work was with low-income families who had limited resources and high stress in meeting their families' needs. As human beings, we are never dealing with one thing at a time, and I believe as a therapist, it's important to understand the nuances of how someone's symptoms, environment, and other stressors interact in order to provide the best therapy. I approach each of these issues with a very empathic ear, and learned what I could about the individual in order to provide the best care possible. I take a very strong psycho-educational approach, helping clients to understand the patterns that are ineffective for them, and helping them to develop and understand coping skills, what their function is, and how to utilize them effectively. I believe that the more empowered we are, the more control we can take over our own reactions to stressors and symptoms, and the bigger impact we can have on our own mental health. Thanks for listening, and if you like what you hear, let's talk! I'd love to meet you and support you in the best way that I can!!
Dr. Gurpreet Paul
Clients who come to me tend to experience a profound transformation into becoming the person they want to be by experiencing a therapeutic relationship with me where I am my true and empathic self free of judgement. I am a client centered therapist who likes to empower my clients to become free from their symptoms. This approach involves me offering you a therapeutic relationship where I am my genuine, empathic self where I offer no judgement. Through that environment you are able to work through your pain, gain insight, and find the answers to what is troubling you. This is a very healing and empowering experience. This way you reach your fullest potential. I am warm, supportive, accepting, and understanding. I have been working in private practice for 10 years. And it has been my passion. I have much experience working with those suffering from depression, anxiety, and trauma. I also have worked with those struggling with addiction, bipolar disorder, and other life troubles. My clients tend to start feeling better and experience change within a few weeks. It would be an honor to be a part of your healing journey.
Jamie Blakeman
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.
Keesha Beasley
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) licensed in the state of Illinois I am honored to help you manage challenges and overcome barriers. As far as credentials, I am also a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and board-certified by The National Board for Certified Counselors (NCC). As a certified PREPARE/ENRICH facilitator, I am also passionate about supporting individuals that are newly engaged or soon to be married. My goal as a therapist is to help you clarify the life you want to live. I will help you identify obstacles, recognize strengths, discover realistic solutions, and devise a plan to reach personal goals. Your overall self-awareness will increase as a result of our collaborative relationship. Together, we will explore your values, beliefs, desires, sense of purpose, and interests on an individual, relational, cultural, and occupational level. I provide encouragement, motivation, and tools to assist with achieving the personal and relational goals you set out to accomplish. However, I want to add, if you are seeking support with recent or complex grief and loss I recommend selecting a provider with expertise in that area. Relationships of all kinds often serve as a source of support or stress and significantly impact our daily functioning. The theoretical models I utilize are rooted in the belief that problems are the shared responsibility of all involved; therefore, issues do not result from one person’s actions and behaviors. Rather than view you in isolation, my therapeutic lens compels me to view you (and the challenges you face) systemically. In other words, within the context of your family, friends, colleagues, and other close relationships. My therapeutic approach is culturally sensitive, person-centered, trauma-focused, strength-based, and integrative. Whether you choose to work with me or another provider, I applaud you for taking this important step towards wellness!
Verally Calderon
I am licensed in Illinois with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & parenting issues. 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!
Jennifer Piester
I am licensed in Illinois with 22 years of professional work experience. I have worked in a variety of settings including community mental health, education, and corrections. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self harm and suicidal ideations, self esteem, and confidence, & bipolar disorder. 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.
Dr. Nicole Ford
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with over 15 years of experience working in both private and public sectors . Life changes happen and I work with clients to build coping and resiliency skills. I help clients manage stress, anxiety, trauma, racial identity, self-esteem, and confidence Respect, empathy, and listening provide the foundation for any dialog and treatment plan. Your unique and specific needs are addressed in a collaborative manner whereby you are the expert. Think about it this way, you're in the driver seat and I'm the GPS system that provide directions based on the information you provide. You decide what goals to work on and your amount of effort as demonstrated by actionable steps. Occasionally, we may have to re-route when the interventions are not providing the desired outcome. We discuss the best way to get to your destination with regular check-ins to gauge if the sessions are effective for you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Dashawn Hunter
I am licensed in Illinois with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with career difficulties, depression, anxiety, grief and navigating through issues of everyday life. 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.
Alyson Johnson
I am happy that you have taken the first step to make life a little different! I understand how life can be challenging, yet also fulfilling and joyful from the inside out. We are all worthy of love and belonging, and we will work together to find the best fit. None of us are alone in any this, and it may be surprising to see how we all help each other at the same time. In addition, each one of us has our own struggles. We also have our own strengths to overcome these barriers and make life worth living! I respect that you know yourself the best, and I look forward to helping you tap into your own strengths get to where you want to be, one piece at a time. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and live in Northern Illinois. I have helped people get in the right state of mind to enjoy life since my first job at age 15 years old. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Recreation and a Masters Degree in Social Work. Even more, I have many experiences in both areas and combine them to brighten life for everyone involved. My goal is to make the most out of each day, starting now.
Ross Lafleur
I am licensed in Illinois (Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor) with 9 years of experience working directly with clients. I have worked in private practice and hospital settings with a very wide variety of populations. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety & depression. My approach is broadly cognitive-behavioral with a particular emphasis on mindfulness-based approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). I have personal experience in the performing arts so I do understand some of the unique concerns of artists as well. 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! Education: MS in Psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Michael Alexander
I am licensed in Illinois with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, anger management, & 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.
Inga Kriltchev
I am licensed in Illinois with 20 + years of professional work experience. Multifaceted challenges assisting youth and families involved in the foster care system, work with elderly and disabled population have prepared me to help clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I like to frame my work as a life coach, using eclectic and most appropriate treatment approach, but always moving towards an identified goal. 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!
Valeta Wilson
I am licensed in Indiana with 13 years of professional work experience. I have extensive experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, & depression. I also have experience working with 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
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:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisis Text Line:Text HOME to 741741
- Veterans Crisis Line<:Call 1-800-273-8255 (and press 1) or text 838255. For support for the deaf and hard of hearing community, please use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.
- Trevor Lifeline(LGBTQ Lifeline): (866)488-7386
- SAMHSA National Helpline: (Substance Use): (800)662-4357
- National Eating Disorder Association Helpline:1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM-9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST
- Child Help Hotline Call 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat featur
- National Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Physician Crisis Support Line: Call 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to Covid-1
- Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673
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.
Popular cities in Illinois
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- Naperville, IL
- Springfield, IL
- Peoria, IL
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- Champaign, IL
- Cicero, IL
- Bloomington, IL
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