Therapy can be the first big step toward better mental health. If you’re interested in working with a therapist in Illinois, consider online treatment. Barriers to care, like transportation challenges or a lack of available providers, can make finding in-person therapy difficult. An online platform like BetterHelp can make getting treatment more convenient and flexible.
With BetterHelp, you can work with a psychologist, licensed professional counselor, or other mental health provider from your home at a time that suits your busy schedule. BetterHelp therapists can guide you through the therapeutic process and help you overcome a range of challenges, including working through questions about gender identity, managing the symptoms of C-PTSD, overcoming job stress, and learning to heal from the psychological effects of marriage issues, divorce, and raising children.
Therapy can be beneficial for those having trouble coping with the bigger problems in the world at large or trying to find happiness in their own lives. If you’re looking for an online therapist, IL has practitioners licensed to provide mental health care state-wide. Connect with one of the providers below to learn how online therapy can help you live a more meaningful life.
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Natalie Eden
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.
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Gabriel "Gabe" Seldess
My goal is to help people better understand and accept themselves. I strive to identify barriers to happiness and develop a road map toward greater health. I like to begin with getting an understanding of presenting issues and current life circumstances and working toward an individual’s vision for the future. I use a blend of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Family Counseling Theory to explore experiences that shape our beliefs, expectations, and preferences. I help a client examine these thoughts and ideals and to challenge those concepts that may be detrimental, limiting, or no longer functional. I use Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness and Motivational Interviewing to assist with mood management, decision making, and problem solving. I also assist with developing communication skills to help with self-advocacy. I am a Marriage and Family Therapist currently living and working in Chicago. I graduated from the Family Institute at Northwestern., and throughout my 17 years as a counselor I have worked with many difficulties individuals, families, and couples can face. I have specific experience helping people navigate relationships, anxiety and mental illness, and general stress management.
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Bethany Porter
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Illinois. I have worked with clients with various concerns including anxiety, depression, emotional and physical trauma, family conflict, and attention disorders such as ADHD. I have significant experience in adoption and foster care related issues as well. I have worked in group therapy, individual psychotherapy as well as working in community services. I am a strengths focused counselor which means I focus on what you naturally do well at and help you build on those strengths to reach your goals. Your goals are important to the healing process and together we will create a plan to help you identify what is most important to you. I meet each of my clients where they are at and provide a safe space to explore what you need for better mental and emotional health. This is YOUR journey and you have strengths inside of YOU that will propel you forward to find peace of mind, true happiness and contentment inside of you. I commonly use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Solution Focused Therapy however there are other modalities that I am familiar with and will implement them when it best fits the client. Life can be tough but I believe there is always hope for a better future. I am excited to go on this journey with you and watch you excel in your mental and emotional health!
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Sharonda Giles
I am licensed in Illinois with 8 years of professional work experience. Throughout those years, I have gained experience providing therapy to individuals who may be dealing with substance use, anger/stress management, anxiety, depression, grief & loss, as well as trauma. I have experience working with teens, young adults, BIPOC, and adult men. I believe in the necessity of cultural competence and sensitivity when working with clients from diverse backgrounds and populations. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and discuss how thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are connected. I also focus on empowering clients by using empathy and a strength based approach. 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. It will sometimes be challenging, frustrating, and complicated, but also very rewarding and reflective. I do want you to know that throughout the therapeutic process, I am here to support you along this journey. With some hard work and dedication, you will be on a path of growth that will truly make you happy. Congrats on being an advocate for your own mental health and wellbeing! I look forward to working with you.
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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.
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Raegan Caras
I am licensed in Illinois with 20+ years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, depression, coping with grief and loss, and dealing with everyday life stressors. 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.
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Elizabeth Smith
I am licensed in Illinois with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, & motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
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Gabrielle Lowell
I am licensed in New York with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
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Dr. John Reid
I am licensed in Illinois and Kansas with 21 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with lgbtq+ related issues, anger management, & 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. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
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Artrice Brewer
As a licensed therapist in Illinois with over 15 years of professional experience, I am passionate about helping individuals, teens, and families navigate life’s challenges. I specialize in supporting clients dealing with stress, anxiety, PTSD, depression, family conflicts, trauma, and grief. I believe you are the expert of your own story and have the strength to overcome obstacles, grow, and heal. Taking the first step toward therapy takes courage, and I am here to support you on your journey. Let’s work together toward positive change.
How can a counselor support you?
Therapists can practice many types of counseling, from marriage and family therapy to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). They may also assist you with symptoms of depression, stress, or anxiety.
Therapists may help you set and achieve career goals, work on current issues you may be facing, or address your past. Over 11,181,370 people live in IL, and one out of five Americans has a mental health condition. Searching for local licensed professionals may help you find mental health support for personal growth, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health concerns. You do not need a mental health diagnosis to seek support from one of BetterHelp's licensed providers above.
The mental health field can include psychiatric medication management, online therapy, marriage counseling, couples therapy, clinical social work, licensed counseling, and other mental health services in person and online. Seeing a licensed provider can help you navigate mental health conditions and life circumstances through mindfulness and other specialized techniques.
Please note that a BetterHelp therapist does not offer diagnostic or medication management services.
Why do people choose to work with a licensed counselor?
People reach out for mental health support for a variety of reasons. Many individuals work with a counselor for general life advice, while others may attend therapy for a specific concern. Whether you live in a large city or a smaller county, BetterHelp can match you with a licensed professional tailored to your preferences noted when you sign up.
The mental health therapists in Illinois support clients with varying issues through therapy, such as:
- Challenging situations or life stressors
- Eating disorders
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression or depressive conditions
- Adjustment issues
- Emotional support for a terminal illness
- Chronic pain emotional support
- Grief
- Personality disorders
- Trauma
- Relationship conflicts and concerns
Finding a therapist that takes new clients in online therapy can be the first step in finding a treatment plan that works for you. Your therapist can provide a safe space for you to focus on self-care and well-being.
If you're interested in speaking to one of the therapists above or being matched with a counselor in 24 to 48 hours, consider signing up for BetterHelp. BetterHelp has over 35,000 providers, including those listed above.
Emergency services to contact in a crisis
If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use the BetterHelp site. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:
- 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 feature
- 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 of the most commonly asked questions about therapy can be found in the section below.
How much does a therapist cost?
Mental health professionals can differ in price. Forbes found that the average cost of in-person therapy in the US is around $100 to $200 per hour. Pricing can also vary based on your location.
BetterHelp offers payment plans of $60 to $90 per session, charged monthly in a lump sum. You can also take advantage of this pricing on one of BetterHelp's sister platforms, like ReGain for couples or TeenCounseling for teens aged 13 to 19.
Many therapists may be upfront about their pricing and whether or not they take health insurance from the beginning. Additionally, some in your area may offer a sliding scale plan to allow those with lower incomes to pay less for therapy. However, services online can often save individuals a few hundred dollars per month.
When should I get a therapist in Illinois?
Mental health services and mental health providers may help you navigate various concerns. You do not need a diagnosis or condition to attend therapy; You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general advice. A counselor may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.
Mental health issues don't always present as a crisis. Many professionals provide talk therapy and support for life transitions, skills learning, relationship problems, or life coaching. Online therapy sessions can allow clients seeking therapy to experience professional help through video, phone, or live chat sessions without commuting to an office.
Does insurance cover the cost of therapy?
Different counseling services can vary in cost. Therapists must apply to accept insurance through insurance companies, which may take time and money, so not every therapist offers services through insurance. If you cannot find a therapist that accepts your plan, BetterHelp may be cheaper than visiting an in-person therapist.
Is online therapy the safe option?
Online therapy through BetterHelp and its sister platforms is safe. Therapists are licensed, experienced, and vetted before being contracted with the platform. If you experience any concerns with your therapist, you change your counselor through the platform or app at any time.
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