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 Susan Sparks's avatar and link to their profile

Susan Sparks

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: MSW, LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
10 years of experience

Through my life I have worked with children of all ages in a variety of settings. I have always had a passion to care for and help others. I have worked and volunteered in the community for over 35 years. I saw many things in the community that concerned me especially in the area of mental health. I wanted to make a difference by helping others make a difference in our world. I achieved my Master Degree in Social Work from the University of Illinois in 2011 and became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in 2013. As a therapist I work with children, young adults, individuals, and families using a life approach tailored to the unique needs of each person. I use therapeutic strategies to help with behavioral problems, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, trauma, and anger management, to name a few. I use research based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Play Therapy, Behavioral Therapy, Applied Behavioral Analysis, Mind fullness practice and Holistic Therapies. I believe that each person has the capabilities to meet and manage the challenges they face, some requiring more guidance than others. I believe everyone no matter what age has strengths that they can draw on. I offer support for individuals to overcome obstacles and to realize their potential to live fulfilling, happy and productive lives.

This is Shariece Hastings's avatar and link to their profile

Shariece Hastings

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: MS,CRC,LCPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsParenting issuesAnger managementDepression
7 years of experience

Welcome! I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois with over 5 years of experience working as a psychotherapist and life strategist. My expertise is with clients who have wide varieties of concerns including depression, anxiety, substance abuse issues, parenting problems, mental health, and co-occurring disorders. I have experience assisting many people who have experienced crises in an array of settings (schools, communities, correctional facilities, and hospitals). As a Children and Family Services Advocate and Substance Abuse Counselor, I've worked with both children and adults. My experience highlights but is not limited to working with individuals suffering from mental health, substance abuse, parenting issues, and many other immediate crisis challenges. My counseling style is empathetic and interactive. I offer a judgement free, genuine environment. Active listening and unconditional positive regard are incorporated in every session. My clinical approach combines client-centered, Cognitive Behavioral techniques, Solution-Focused counseling. I will meet you where you are and assist you in getting to where you want to be. My motto is I'm here to HELP YOU HELP YOURSELF. You've made the first steps, don't stop here. Are you ready to walk a new path in your life? Great, I am here to help!

This is Kathee Foxan's avatar and link to their profile

Kathee Foxan

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

I am a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist with experience working as a professional therapist in the state of Iowa for the last fourteen years, counseling clients with concerns regarding mood, anxiety, anger based, and personality disorder symptoms. I have worked as a therapist in a community mental health center for the last thirteen years and as a therapist to residents in nursing home settings four the last six years. In my thirteen years of experience, I have counseled people of all ages, stemming from the age of three, to my oldest client, aged ninety-three. I work with a particularly large amount of people in oppressed situations, including those struggling with; poverty, substance abuse/addiction, history of trauma, legal involvement, people of color, and those struggling with the loss of independence.

This is Nichole  Jeters 's avatar and link to their profile

Nichole Jeters

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: MSEd ,LCPC
Stress, AnxietyIntimacy-related issuesAnger managementDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

Hi! My name is Nikki Jeters. I’m a wife and mother and love being active. I have my Master’s in Educational Psychology and graduated from Southern Illinois University. I have over 10 yrs of providing mental health and substance use therapy. I am client centered and also use other treatment modalities such as cognitive behavioral and solution focused therapies. I really enjoy helping my clients navigate through life and assist with problem solving and accomplishing goals. I believe you are the expert in your life and I am here to assist you in indentifying your needs and gaining confidence in executing tasks.

This is Patricia Miller's avatar and link to their profile

Patricia Miller

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCPC,LMHC,CCMHC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
29 years of experience

If you are reading this bio, you're looking for some support, help, healing, guidance or just someone who is very good at listening. I have been a professional clinical counselor for over 25 years. Prior to becoming a behavioral health professional, I excelled in business leadership in a variety of fields. I have lived in the southern states and mid-west states my entire life. My approach to helping others is positive, encouraging, solution focused, problem solving and crafted to meet the individual client need. The value and benefit of engaging in a trusting, confidential and respectful helping relationship has the potential to meet, and help you overcome, many of your needs.

This is Clay Glover's avatar and link to their profile

Clay Glover

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseAnger management
30 years of experience

I am a licensed therapist in the State of Illinois and have worked in the field of Mental Health for over 25 years and with a variety of populations. My therapy styles include Solution Focused, CBT, Behavior Modification and Mindfulness. Whether I am working with Individuals or Couples, in the initial sessions I help them establish treatment plans with goals and objectives directed towards resolving the issues that brought them into counseling. I was born and raised in Illinois where I currently work but I have also lived and practiced in Colorado and Wyoming. I look forward to meeting you soon!

This is Douglas Cater's avatar and link to their profile

Douglas Cater

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefAnger managementDepression
30 years of experience

I have been doing counseling and psychotherapy for many years. I am also a retired Presbyterian minister. Much of the time before official retirement I was working full-time for a counseling agency and part-time for a church. Because I greatly enjoy working with people, I have continued to maintain a private counseling practice, working with both individuals and families. I have a MA degree from the University of Texas and another from the University of Chicago. I make use of several therapy styles, including client-centered, Imago, "emotionally focused," and cognitive/behavioral. I am a widower with three sons and three grandchildren.

This is Bradley Wolcott's avatar and link to their profile

Bradley Wolcott

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changesADHD
25 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has over 30 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in a variety of settings. My experience working with adults includes individual therapy in an outpatient setting, as well as working in a medical setting and on an in-patient psychiatric unit. I work with adults who are facing issues related to personal growth, life transitions, relationships, sexuality, gender, and family issues. My clients have had a wide range of issues they have needed help with; from young adults transitioning from high school or college on to the next step of their lives, to clients' who have lost of a loved one, to older adults transitioning to retirement. I have significant experience working with clients who have diagnoses of Depression, Anxiety, Autism Spectrum Disorder, PTSD and ADHD. Change of career concerns, and stress from school, work or family issues, are some of the additional issues that I have helped clients with. I enjoy working with first responders, veterans, and members of the clergy by helping them with some of the specific issues they face. I use a relaxed approach to connect with my clients and then work together to help them build upon their strengths, and achieve their goals. Developing a strong therapeutic relationship is a key to my clients' success. My clinical approach is primarily psychodynamic, but I will also draw from family systems, cognitive behavioral therapy, and dialectical behavior therapy as well.

This is James Michehl's avatar and link to their profile

James Michehl

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: M.Ed. LCPC
Relationship issues
10 years of experience

Licensed since 2008, James earned his master’s degree in education from DePaul University in Chicago. Upon graduating he was accepted into the community counseling program at DePaul University. James has worked with children (5-12), adolescents (13-18), young adults (19-24), adults, families, and couples. He has facilitated groups for Autism spectrum patients. He supports first responders including Firefighter Behavioral Health which assist in suicidal prevention for first responders. In addition, he works assisting police departments with Critical stress debriefings. As a trained mediator through DePaul University, James can assist couples who may have differences which require more than just couples’ therapy. James believes therapy is a joint effort between therapist and client. He has a proven track record of success as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and as your therapist, he is committed to provide you the best care possible. Every person is unique which is why there are many different treatments approaches available to you. James is committed to make every effort to provide effective care, your commitment is needed as well to achieve success. Together you and James will create a treatment plan that will be a roadmap to your successful journey. Any barriers to success will be discussed and the plans adjusted as needed. You and James will discuss progress and challenges in an honest, trusting, and confidential manner in order to achieve your desired outcome. James is a certified hypnotherapist and can help with the cessation of smoking, anxiety reduction, weight loss, and gaining confidence. In his spare time James is a wildlife artist and wood carver. His work is displayed in art galleries and online.

This is Amanda Pearson's avatar and link to their profile

Amanda Pearson

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteemCoping with life changes
17 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois with 17 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, anger management, & motivation, self esteem, and 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. 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 Deborah "Debbie" Aimone's avatar and link to their profile

Deborah "Debbie" Aimone

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCompassion fatigue
30 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois and North Carolina with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, 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.

This is Meg Skrypkun's avatar and link to their profile

Meg Skrypkun

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsBipolar disorderDepression
25 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, & bipolar disorder. I also have experience working with depression as well as grief and loss. I tailor my approach 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.

This is Kimberly Harris's avatar and link to their profile

Kimberly Harris

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
8 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. 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.

This is Aaron Brakhane's avatar and link to their profile

Aaron Brakhane

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I spent the first part of my career working with children in high risk environments. This has included abuse, trauma, neglect, and abandonment. Since then I have expanded to work with individuals of all ages. Even so, I have not lost focus on the idea that the experiences during our early years shape our worldview as adults. When someone is traumatized, their whole life can begin to revolve around that event. My hope for all of my clients is that they are able to integrate all of their experiences into a cohesive self concept. By doing this, they will be able to understand the underpinnings of their reactions and emotional shifts. With this information in hand, I believe, we are all best equipped to face our own unique challenges. Despite the sometimes huge impact of childhood trauma, I believe that all of us have an innate capacity for growth. This growth is reflected in our emotional maturity, spiritual practice, and ability to realize our goals. I know from my own experience that my faith has been instrumental in overcoming difficulties in my own life. Personally I believe that the more we integrate all the spheres of our life, the better we become at reaching our goals.

This is Francesca Cooley's avatar and link to their profile

Francesca Cooley

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
11 years of experience

I am licensed in Indiana, Georgia,Minnesota, and Texas with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, 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 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