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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Deanna Stacy
Taking the first step toward change can be scary, but we will work through it together! I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with over 8 years experience. I hold an M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Roosevelt University and additional credentials in Family Psychology and Stress Management. I regularly guide clients to develop coping mechanisms for their anxiety, depression, and a myriad of other struggles in life. My experience working with the foster care system assists me in supporting children, teens, and adults through many complex issues including abuse and trauma. I am also adept at helping couples build proper communication to strengthen marriages and relationships. I primarily utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy to assist others through the challenges life sometimes brings. I am a firm believer in meeting you where you are and not forcing a counseling template on you. I will work with you to create a therapeutic environment that is unique to your path. Life can sometimes become overwhelming, so there will definitely be a lighthearted and supportive tone to our communications. My goal is to give you the skills to excel through challenging times in life. Whether it's building better communication to strengthen relationships, or finding the courage to make a change, you have the power to begin the journey to a better you today. I look forward to providing you support and guidance during this transformation. About me: I live in the suburbs of Chicago with my overly attached pug, Thornton. I love reading anything I can get my hands on and am a life long learner so I love to hear stories from other people about their jobs and life experiences. I've wanted to be a counselor since I was 13 and realized I could use the natural tendency others have to share their feelings with me for a career.
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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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Diana Yates
My name is Diana Yates. I graduated with my masters degree is Social Work from Loyola University in Chicago. I am a seasoned and compassionate therapist with over 15 years of clinical expertise. I'm holistic, looking at all aspects of your life. I draw on a wide range of approaches to focus my sessions based on individual clients. First and foremost, I believe that building a therapeutic relationship based on trust, non-judgement and empathy is key. My approaches include Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Therapy, and Solution Focused therapy. It takes courage to seek 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. I look forward to working with you!
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Khara Harper
Life can present challenges in dynamic ways. I believe that healing is a collaborative journey. Choosing to engage professional support is a courageous stride in your journey to healthy well being. I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker & Certified Employee Assistance Professional. My mission is helping others realize their fullest potential. I draw from various evidenced based practices & interventions, to create a tailored approach for each individual and situation. I’m here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!
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Tamela Polanin
Hello, Thank you for taking the first step in better living. Our mental health is very important. My name is Tamela, I would love to be your therapist. I look forward to working with you. Just a little about me to help break the ice, I am a mom of 3 boys, one is grown and has a son of his own, the other 2 are 16 and 15. I am married to my second husband now for 17 years. We live in the country and raise registered pygmy goats. I have worked in mental health for 20 years. We all want to live our best life. I know trauma on a personal level and treating trauma has become my passion. I use a client centered approach where you are the master of your own life; I am merely here to walk beside you as a guide. My hope is to empower you to work through your trauma and life’s challenges. I provide trauma-focused, client-centered therapy to all ages and all backgrounds. I am well versed in EMDR, TF-CBT, and Reproductive loss Counseling. I believe that trauma is a journey and not one person’s journey will be the same as the next. You are not alone. I will traverse this journey beside you.
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Rachel Salazar
I am currently licensed in Illinois with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, motivation, self esteem, confidence, coping with life changes & depression. I also have experience working with diverse populations and specialized in the military and veteran communities while in school. My clinical style can best be described as eclectic as I pull from several different modalities while working with clients. I also believe in treating everyone with dignity, 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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Laurie Gray
I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois with over 16 years of experience working working with teens, adults, and families. I have helped clients with a variety of presenting issues, including stress anxiety, relationship issues, parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, and ADHD. I believe that you are the expert of your own story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming challenges. I am passionate about empowering individuals and families through a strength-based, solution-focused approach to care. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am excited to partner with you on this journey!
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Dr. Antaniece Carter
I am licensed in Illinois with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. I believe in treating everyone holistically with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My goal is to focus on YOU within your environment to guide conversations to initiate change and better life outcomes. We will work together to ensure that your treatment plan meets your unique and specific needs. I am here to support your motivation for change and lifelong growth.
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Dana McKennon
I am licensed in Illinois with 21 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, parenting issues, & concentration, memory. I also have experience working with focus (adhd). 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
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Deandra Bueno
Hello, I'm Deandra and you can call me Dee. I am so proud of you for taking a chance on yourself. I understand that asking for help can feel foreign and difficult, so I hope you recognize the courage it takes to reach out. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Texas and in Illinois with 14 years of experience in the helping field. My favorite therapeutic approaches include CBT, EFT, Mindfulness, Radical Acceptance, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Gestalt Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Somatic Release. I also encourage you to tap into your preferred practice of spirituality, if any. If you don't know where to start, that is okay; we can figure it out together. We'll create goals and check-ins, and most importantly, we will always move at your pace. My goal is to help you feel safe, comfortable, and empowered while keeping you accountable. This way, you may lead the life you’re meant to live with confidence and security in yourself. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I am laid-back, understanding, and open-minded, and I am happy to meet you where you are. I specialize in working with individuals dealing with Bipolar Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, Children's mental/behavioral health, Developmental disabilities, Gender identity, Narcissistic Personality Disorder, PTSD, Somatic Symptom Disorder, Anxiety and Panic Disorders, Autism spectrum support, Depression, Family relationships, Parenting Issues, Communication Issues, Grief/Bereavement, LGBTQIA+ support, Life transitions, Multicultural/Diversity issues, Spirituality, Stress, and Trauma. I am here to support you in this process. Please feel free to message me with any questions you may have. With gratitude, Dee
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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