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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Debbie Hayes
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
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Sheri Bassewitz
I am a licensed clinical social worker with 35 years of experience in a variety of settings. At the beginning of my career, I worked in hospice, oncology, and home care agencies for 15 years. I then became certified to work in school settings, where I worked for the next 15 years. For the last five years, I worked in a private practice with children, adolescents, and families, addressing emotional and social challenges that interfere with activities of daily living. Outside of these professional experiences, I have also worked at several camps for children. One was specifically for children with speech and language and social emotional learning challenges. I also volunteered for many summers at The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, which is a camp in Connecticut for children with serious illnesses. Additionally, I have been fortunate to supervise social workers working towards their licenses. Now, as a clinician in private practice, I am thrilled to use my skills to assist children, adolescents, and adults who are facing challenges and stressors in today’s world. My experiences provide me with the skills necessary to support those faced with challenges that accompany anxiety, depression, and social communication disorders as well as ASD and ADHD. My goal as a therapist is to help those with mental health challenges learn tools and strategies to cope with the stressors and challenges of daily life while identifying and defining their own goals.
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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.
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Dr. Ann Bachmann
Hello, I am a clinical social worker, licensed in Illinois and Missouri and I have been practicing for over 30 years. I have worked with clients with a variety of concerns including ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Depression, Parenting Skills, Relationship Issues, Grief and Loss, as well as Self-Esteem issues, Confidence building, Dealing with Migraines and Mindfulness training. My therapy style is warm and supportive and I consider myself compassionate, and non-judgmental. I will tailor my counseling approach to meet your individual needs. I enjoy helping people learn more about themselves and helping them become empowered to make positive changes in their lives. I look forward to working together!
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Laura Phen
****Only accepting clients from Arizona at this time. I have 24 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy related issues, & depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe space where you can experience a trusting and supportive therapeutic relationship. Thank you for having the courage to reach out and for consider me to be with you in that journey.
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Katrina Covington
I am licensed in Illinois and North Carolina with 4 years of professional work experience. As a Marine Corps spouse of 23 years, I have had the pleasure of gaining professional experience in a variety of therapeutic settings working with both military and civilian populations. My experience includes working with children, adolescents, and adults in many areas to include substance use, anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, conduct and behavior problems, self-esteem, motivation, relationship and communication issues, parenting, children with special needs, intensive alternative family treatment, intensive in-home therapy, emotion regulation, and anger management. I believe the counseling relationship is both powerful and delicate. With this in mind, I truly value the time spent working with clients in a collaborative effort to achieve therapeutic goals.
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Shea Kamp
I am licensed in Illinois with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Susan Mellema
I am licensed in Illinois with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. 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.

Ellise "Ellie" Haskett
I am licensed in Illinois with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, trauma, abuse, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with 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.

Brizel Trinidad
I am licensed in Illinois with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, motivation, self esteem, confidence, depression, 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.
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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