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.
Brenda Byrne
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.
Patricia Breshears
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.
Marco Nozicka
Hello and congratulations on making this important investment in yourself and your future. As the saying goes " the longest journey begins with a single step." Thank you for considering me to support you in your journey. I am a seasoned Licensed Clinical Social Worker(LCSW) an International Coaching Federation (ICF) trained Professional Coach, and a certified Hypnotherapist through the International Association of Counselors and Therapists (IACT). I have over 40 years of experience as a psychotherapist in a variety of cultures including the Caribbean Region and other diverse areas of the United States. I am a graduate of the renowned Jane Adams School of Social Work at the University of Illinois, Chicago Campus, where I studied various models of psychological approaches including one year post-graduate study with the now international expert in family therapy, Dr. Richard Schwartz, Ph.D. I provide a safe, comfortable and confidential environment for self discovery and reflection. I work with individuals, and couples and incorporate motivational, rapid-development forward thinking solution focused approaches in my work. As a Professional Coach and former international executive, I am also skilled in working with individuals who would like to enhance their career opportunities , or performance, within their current companies or who are seeking a career transition. I am certified as a Mediation and Mindfulness Facilitator and have been a dedicated teacher and practitioner of meditation for over three decades. I integrate solution-focused, acceptance and commitment therapy, cognitive therapy, and mindfulness based stress reduction with hypnosis (as indicated) and have a passion for helping my clients set clear goals and create realistic, inspired, and imaginative approaches to the areas of their lives that they want to change. I apply hypnotherapy approaches for habit and behavioral change that includes weight loss, smoking cessation, and anxiety reduction and other unproductive behaviors. My belief is that all humans have the potential to achieve their dreams and passions and have the strengths, both known, and yet to be discovered, to create a rich, full and purposeful life. I am a long distance, cyclist, a dedicated health enthusiast and a performing musician. I like to incorporate a creative and comprehensive mind-body approach to all of my work. I look forward to the privilege of assisting you in your journey of self-discovery and unimagined potential. Thank you for considering my services.
Julie Setnan
Julie is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who completed her Master of Social Work degree at the University of Illinois at Chicago in 1995. She is known for being a good listener, having an optimistic outlook, and for her compassion and kindness to others. Along with earning the credentials necessary to be a therapist, Julie also draws on a lifetime of invaluable experience and wisdom that she brings to her work with clients. As a committed life-long learner herself, Julie understands the courage it takes to step into this introspective work. She applauds your bravery in taking this step forward and considers it a privilege to create a safe space to process whatever issues you are facing. Julie has wanted to be a therapist for as long as she can remember and is happy to have this opportunity to do so. She looks forward to the progress you will make while working together. Julie checks messages periodically throughout the weekdays and can typically respond to them within 24-48 hours. She offers weekly sessions that can be conducted via video, phone, or live chat during several weekday afternoons. If this works with your needs and schedule Julie would look forward to the opportunity to work with you.
Laura White
I’m so glad you’ve made the decision to start personal therapy through BetterHelp! I truly believe therapy is for everyone. Therapy can be such a wonderful catalyst for improving your life and getting things on track the way you want them. My therapy style is empathetic and respectful, and I believe in creating a safe space that optimizes reflection, healing, growth, and fulfillment. I strongly believe that you are the "expert in you" meaning that you know yourself best, and I highly value your input and experiences in our work together. My approach is collaborative, and we will decide the agenda for each session together. I am a clinical counselor licensed in Illinois with 13 years experience working in mental health. I have worked with clients with a wide array of concerns, including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, coping with life changes, self-esteem issues, parenting problems, ADHD, and ASD. I hold a Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology from Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine & Science and I have been fortunate enough to work in a variety of settings, ranging from community mental health, to private practice. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, client-centered, solution-focused, and mindfulness-based techniques to help you recognize your strengths and develop skills that will help you address your specific needs and live your best life.I'd love to be an ally for you on your journey to better health and fulfillment! I look forward to working with you!
John Collins
I have years of experience helping clients cope with both the symptoms as well as the underlying causes of their struggles with issues of anxiety, trauma and PTSD, depression, difficulty managing anger, alcohol or other substance use disorders, and relational difficulties that often stem from low self-confidence and the need for updated and enhanced communication skills. My clinical style combines a personal approach that aims to make the client feel genuinely understood, supported, and safe. I utilize a variety of therapeutic interventions that help to update coping skills and strategies, while operating from a psychodynamic base that can facilitate both shorter- and longer-term psychodynamic psychotherapy for deeper-reaching, more stable positive change. I am also certified to provide EMDR when appropriate. I received a Master's degree in Social Work from Loyola University Chicago in 2010. I currently reside in Louisiana.
Kendra Riley
Hi, my name is Kendra and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the states of Indiana and Illinois. I graduated from the Indiana University School of Social Work. I have over 10 years of experience working with clients who are having difficulty coping with various life stressors, including anxiety, depression, loss/ grief, and relationship challenges. My approach is to listen, provide support, and motivate clients to discover their strengths. Everyone is unique, so I don't believe in a cookie cutter approach. I know that it's not always easy to reach out for help but it's one of the bravest things that one can do. I'm here to support you whenever you're ready. I am available for appointments Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays in the evening.
Kimberly Ramsay
I am licensed in Illinois with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, 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. 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.
Sarah Wroblewski
I am licensed in Illinois with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, & anger management. 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.
Julianna Murphy
I am licensed in Illinois with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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.
Renita Willis
Hello, and welcome! My name is Renita Willis, and I am a licensed therapist based in Illinois with over 6 years of professional experience. Choosing to seek therapy is a brave and significant step, and I want to start by saying how proud I am of you for considering this journey toward greater emotional health and well-being. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of helping clients work through a range of challenges, including depression, stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, and navigating life transitions. I understand that life can often be overwhelming, filled with moments of unexpected change, deep sadness, or persistent worries. You don’t have to face these moments alone. My goal is to offer you the tools, understanding, and compassionate support you need to regain a sense of balance and fulfillment. In our sessions, I strive to create a welcoming and safe space where you feel truly heard and accepted. I believe that trust is the cornerstone of effective therapy, so I focus on building a strong, genuine connection with my clients. In this space, you can explore your thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment or criticism. Whether it’s unpacking complex emotions or learning new ways to approach challenges, I’m here to walk with you step by step. I use a collaborative and tailored approach to therapy that respects your unique experiences and strengths. We’ll work together to identify your goals, develop practical coping strategies, and create a pathway that aligns with your personal values and aspirations. My role is not to tell you what to do but to support you in discovering your own insights and empowering you to make meaningful changes in your life. I use an intergrative approach to therapy incorporating modalities such as emotionally focused individual therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing and solution focused therapy. I know that the decision to start therapy can feel daunting. It’s not always easy to open up and be vulnerable, especially if you’ve been carrying your struggles alone for some time. But I am here to remind you that it’s okay to take this step at your own pace, and it’s okay to reach out for help. Seeking support is a sign of strength, resilience, and hope for a better tomorrow. Let’s embark on this journey together, creating a space where you can heal, grow, and thrive. If you’re ready to take that first step or just want to learn more about how therapy can benefit you, I’m here to answer your questions and guide you through the process. I will be honored to be a part of your journey toward a more peaceful and fulfilling life. Come on, let's get started.
Dr. Cheryl Affrunti
Greetings and welcome! My name is Cheryl Lee Affrunti (I go by “Lee”), and I am a Florida-based clinical psychologist with more than 13 years of experience assisting clients of all ages. I have been privileged to work with clients struggling with a wide range of challenges including anxiety, depression, stressful life transitions, bipolar disorder, ASD, PTSD, OCD, ADHD, schizoaffective disorder, learning disabilities, parenting problems, and relationship concerns. I am especially honored to have helped veterans, first responders, and others experiencing the harmful effects of physical and emotional trauma. As a person-centered therapist, I believe you deserve to be treated with empathy, respect, dignity, and compassion. I offer a judgment-free zone where you can count on my commitment to provide a safe and welcoming environment during our time together. I don’t profess to have the specific answers you seek, but I fervently believe you have those answers within you, and I will focus our time together by listening to you and helping you discover your richest and most meaningful path forward. My theoretical orientation is based primarily on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and includes cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, mindfulness-based, and solution-oriented approaches depending on your unique challenges, preferences, and situation. I appreciate the courage it took for you to reach out to someone to improve the quality of your life. Yes, you absolutely can live your most meaningful and fulfilling life, and I offer to you my services as your guide who will strive to enlighten, empower, and support you on your journey. I hope we can travel this part of your journey together!
Jennifer Quirina
I am a clinical social worker licensed in California and Illinois with 15 years of professional work experience. I believe that all good social work begins with a safe relationship where one can let down the defenses that protect us in our journey and find the transformation we seek. My personal and professional experience provides me with a particular interest in supporting individuals navigating the perinatal and new parenting time, adoptees, LGBT+ issues and major life changes. My treatment approach includes the use of tools from solution focused, cognitive behavioral and dialectical behavioral therapies. My priority is to help my clients feel heard, validated, and identify ways to manage the stressors that we all face.
Denise Mercherson
I am licensed in Illinois with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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. 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.
Dr. Quenette Walton
I am licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in Illinois with more than 10 years of clinical practice experience. I have experience in helping clients with depression, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, confidence, and career difficulties. I use a strengths-based and ecological approach in my work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. In addition to my clinical practice, I am an assistant professor in social work whose research focuses on building knowledge and developing theory that informs policies, practices, and culturally relevant, and evidence-based interventions to reduce depression and improve well-being among Black women. Because depression and well-being do not occur in isolation, I also focus on social class, gender, culture, and race as intersectional social determinants of health and mental health disparities. Given my clinical practice and research expertise, I know that it takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life. I also know that it takes courage 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:
- 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
- Chicago, IL
- Aurora, IL
- Joliet, IL
- Rockford, IL
- Naperville, IL
- Springfield, IL
- Peoria, IL
- Elgin, IL
- Waukegan, IL
- Champaign, IL
- Cicero, IL
- Bloomington, IL
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