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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Jack Richey

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepression
20 years of experience

Welcome to Better Help! You may be wondering how this works and whether it would be right for you. My name is Jack Richey. I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Illinois. I earned my Master of Social Work degree, specializing in Interpersonal Communication and Change from the University of Iowa. I founded and directed an outpatient mental health clinic. I have worked on an inpatient behavioral healthcare unit. I had a private mental health counseling practice. I retired in August of 2021 after thirteen years of providing out patient mental health counseling services in a psychiatric wing of a local clinic under the direct supervision of a psychiatrist. I've worked with individuals, couples, and families who have had to address a variety of issues. These have included employment difficulties, depression, anxiety, stress, anger, family and relationship issues, self-esteem, divorce recovery, and parenting problems. My counseling style combines Cognitive Behavioral, Family Systems, and Solution focused approaches. I do not have a “cookie cutter” or “one size fits all” approach. Each person is unique with specific needs. I try meet clients "where they are". I believe we can all grow through challenging experiences by increasing self-awareness. Sometimes another person who isn't directly involved can offer a new perspective. Having additional support can guide people through a difficult situation when they feel stuck. People all want to be able to share their personal experiences, be accepted, and feel understood. I believe it's very important to be open-minded and non-judgmental when people share their personal stories or experiences. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life. Your life and your goals are important. If you are ready to take that step toward change, I am here to support, encourage, and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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Dr. Bernice Young

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: MA,LCPC
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementSelf esteemDepressionADHD
26 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical professional counselor in Illinois. I have worked in the field of counseling for 26 years. My experience is diverse in working with individuals, parents, individuals on parole and probation, and adults seeking strategies for change. I have held a dual career for nearly 20 years as a 911 operator and understand the challenges faced by first responders as well. I am a PhD candidate with research specific to African American men and strategies for success. My work as a psychotherapist include helping people with depression, anxiety, mood disorders, ADHD, parenting challenges, motivation and career challenges, race-based trauma, and beyond. I often work with high profile clients and understand the importance of your privacy in seeking therapy. My counseling style is warm and engaging. I truly enjoy helping people while treating everyone with respect and meeting them where they are. Together, we will establish goals that meet your needs. My counseling approach is based on the personality and need of the client, which include cognitive behavioral therapy, rational emotive behavior therapy, existential therapy, reality therapy, client-centered, and solution-focused. I look forward to working with you.

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Lori Cheek Gilroy

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
26 years of experience

Hello! You have taken a courageous step towards making changes in your life. Asking for help can be hard and I would be honored to walk with you in your journey. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois. I have 26 years of experience working as a counselor and life coach. I have helped people with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, life transitions, trauma and caregiver stress. I have worked in several settings over the years including a child welfare program, family counseling clinic, family birthing center, crisis intervention agency and mental health clinic. My counseling style is client-centered, utilizing a holistic approach which addresses mind, body and spirit. I work from a Christ-centered philosophy, knowing that true and lasting healing comes only with God's help. Regardless of your background or beliefs, I believe you have value and I strive to communicate with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. You are the expert in your life and my role is to guide you to find the answers that are already within. I work from a solution-focused, systemic perspective. We will work together to develop treatment goals that meet your unique and specific needs. If you are ready to take the next step, I am here to support and encourage you. I look forward to working with you.

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Shelley Hill

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefIntimacy-related issuesDepression
25 years of experience

Hello! I am licensed in the state of IL (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) and have practiced as an individual and couples therapist for 25 years. My experience brings a breadth and depth of knowledge to the table with years of working with people experiencing depression, anxiety, life transitions, self-worth issues, addictions among other matters that may cause disturbance in one's life. Whether you are looking for safe space to support processing feelings or directive type of guidance I have the skill set to meet you where you are. Allow me to share with you a little about my style. I think people can tell us what they are thinking and feeling but people don't cause their thoughts and feelings. I think that happens from a place below the level of conscious awareness. More than likely if what you are presenting was something to figure out solely from an intellectual level you wouldn't be coming to a therapist. It would probably already be resolved, done and dusted. Intellectual understanding is valuable and will happen. My approach allows change to be natural and long lasting through several modalities we can utilize in our work together. I intend to show up with compassion, presence, respect and desire to fully understand (along with some well-placed humor) to make healthy shifts. I appreciate the time, initiative, and "lean in" it takes making steps toward a happier healthier life. I look forwarded to getting started!

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Eric Crawford

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
28 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 28 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, anger management, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. 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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Dr. Kathryn (Kitty) Klee

Offering therapy in Illinois
Family conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changesADHD
33 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 22 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with family conflicts, parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & coping with life changes. 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.

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Donna Iverson

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsGrief
36 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 36 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, & 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. 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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Michelle Mohn

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyGriefCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
9 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, & coping with life changes. I am a Certified Oncology Social Worker and have many years of working with clients who have life changing diagnosis and assisting them in navigating life with and after diagnosis. I also have experience working with compassion fatigue. 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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Beth Williams

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepressionCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

I am passionate about helping the clients I serve as they navigate life challenges. With nearly two decades of experience in wilderness settings as well as clinical settings, I have helped my clients with trauma, interpersonal relationship issues, addiction, grief/loss, depression, anxiety, aging, and family dynamics. I seek to build a connection of trust, understanding, and empathy with my clients. Listening to your concerns and helping you discover the best path for your circumstances is always my primary focus. I use a variety of techniques in treatment, tailoring to best meet the individual needs of the client. Some of my favorites combine mindfulness and cognitive behavioral therapy such as meditation, mindfulness practices, identifying unproductive thought patterns and reshaping them to create new behavioral patterns.

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Dr. Ebony Waller

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCompassion fatigue
7 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. 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. I specialize in non-traditional therapeutic techniques such as hip hop therapy and mindfulness. I am a licensed marriage and family therapist, registered play therapist and the creator of mindfulness vocal hip hop therapy. Mindfulness vocal hip hop therapy is a fusion of mindfulness, hip hop therapy, and collaborative therapeutic techniques. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started and being open to take on new perspectives!

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:

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.

In today's fast-paced society, mental well-being has become a cornerstone of a fulfilling life. Amid the daily challenges and stressors that can overwhelm even the most resilient individuals, seeking professional guidance often offers a path to clarity and balance. The journey toward improved emotional health involves understanding personal triggers, embracing self-compassion, and developing effective coping strategies. While self-help books and online resources provide valuable information, nothing compares to the personalized support offered by a qualified mental health professional. One-on-one sessions with experienced experts can help uncover the underlying issues contributing to anxiety, depression, or other emotional hurdles. With a careful and empathetic approach, these professionals tailor their advice to suit individual needs, ensuring that each person receives strategies that work best for their unique circumstances. Whether through cognitive behavioral techniques, mindfulness practices, or other innovative methods, the aim is to foster resilience and empower individuals to take control of their inner lives. For those living in bustling urban centers, engaging in face-to-face sessions in a welcoming environment can be particularly beneficial. Access to a caring clinician provides not only a safe space to explore difficult emotions but also builds a support network essential for long-term recovery. The process encourages self-reflection and greater insight into behavioral patterns that might otherwise go unnoticed. While the journey can be challenging at times, the rewards include enhanced emotional stability, improved interpersonal relationships, and a renewed sense of self-worth. In one notable case, the guidance provided by a highly trained therapist proved instrumental in navigating a tumultuous period. Through structured sessions and tailored interventions, the individual learned to identify stressors and develop healthier responses to adversity. This experience underscored the transformative impact that dedicated support can have on one's overall quality of life. In a region like Texas, community-based initiatives and accessible mental health programs further reinforce the value of professional help. These efforts emphasize early intervention, preventive care, and continuous support, ensuring that more people are equipped to face life's inevitable challenges. Ultimately, investing in mental well-being is an act of self-care that yields lifelong benefits. By embracing professional support, individuals can unlock new levels of emotional resilience and discover pathways to a brighter, more balanced future. Each step taken toward healing represents a commitment to personal growth, enabling a life filled with renewed optimism and strength. Embracing this transformative journey consistently paves the way for deeper understanding, lasting peace, and meaningful personal progress.
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