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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Dr. Rachel Kinison

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: Ed.D,LCPC,LMHC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
14 years of experience

Hello! My name is Dr. Rachel Kinison. You can call me Rachel or Dr. Rach, as my friends lovingly call me. I have my doctorate degree in Pastoral Community Counseling. I have a masters degree in Counseling. I have been counseling for almost 15 years. I have a few disabilities that I don't let get me down. I have Cerebral Palsy (mild), Dystonia (a movement disorder that is related to Parkinson's), and I suffer from migraines. All of this is managed well with Botox treatments every three months. I live in Illinois and I plan of moving to Florida, where the winters are a lot more milder for me. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Illinois. I am also just recently licensed in the state of Florida as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC). I am very excited about that. I am a fan of classic rock. I love to spend time with my friends. I also enjoy a nice quiet evening at home with my Basset Hound and Beagle. I also like to travel, cook, and enjoy a great rock concert. As I've mentioned earlier, I have been a counselor for almost 15 years. I have worked with children and adults at a community counseling agent. I have also worked in a behavioral health unit at a local hospital. I also have experience in being a counselor in adult probation programs. I have done individual therapy, group therapy, and have training in PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and I usually use Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, but not everyone fits just one mold. So, I am a fan of an eclectic form of therapy techniques. I am well rehearsed in relaxation techniques that I am excited about. I am excited to be a part of BetterHealth. I think that I can bring a lot of functioning skills to the table. I believe that how we think, behave, and feel can be improved by just changing one thing to the positive. The rest tends to fall in line. You are the problem solver. I am your compass.

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Chandra Dockery

Offering therapy in Illinois
Depression
25 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Sarah Wroblewski

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesAnger managementCoaching
18 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, & anger management. 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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Sally Kapela

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
25 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 25 years of professional work experience. 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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Holly Lewis

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

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have more than 18 years of experience working with children, teenagers, young adults, and families in a number of different roles and capacities. I have worked in residential treatment settings, community-based programs, outpatient community mental health, and with youth involved in the juvenile justice system. During my career, I have worked with clients seeking services for mood disorders, ADHD, disruptive, impulse-control, and conduct disorders, anxiety, attachment/relational issues, and issues stemming from trauma. I have an eclectic approach to treatment. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Motivational Interviewing techniques. I had the opportunity to receive training in Neurosequential Models of Therapeutics (NMT) from the Child Trauma Academy. I recognize the value in meeting a client where they are, and use a trauma-informed, strengths-based, and holistic approach.

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Dr. Ashley Mitich

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
14 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Melissa McMahon

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesCoachingCompassion fatigueADHD
10 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois and have nearly 10 years of work experience. I have experience working with individuals with autism, trauma and/or abuse histories, self injury, suicidal ideation, parenting difficulties, and compassion fatigue. I approach my work with a focus on your strengths and with an understanding that you are the expert on your own life. My goal is to help you work through difficulties and process parts of your life that may challenge you in order to enhance your self discovery. You have made it to the first step of seeking out therapy and that is something you should be proud of yourself for. I hope to be able to help you find more things in your life to be proud of and help you move towards self love and acceptance!

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Jodi Colbert

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
5 years of experience

I am a clinical social worker licensed in Illinois with 5 years of clinical social work experience. I have helped clients with mood issues, stress and anxiety, life adjustment, trauma and abuse, attachment, grief and loss, self-esteem problems, and relationship issues. My therapy style is warm and collaborative. I believe that you are the expert of your own story and your many strengths will assist you in overcoming and healing from things that stress, hurt, and challenge you. I believe in treating everyone with dignity and respect; regardless of what makes us different. My counseling approach incorporates client-centered, cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, narrative, and solution-focused therapies. I tailor all counseling and treatment plans to meet your personal goals. I understand it takes courage to take the first step towards healing, growing, and mental health. I am here to support and guide you in that process. I look forward to working with you!

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Bethany Besand

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepression
13 years of experience

I am licensed in California, Illinois, Kansas, Michigan and Missouri with 13 years of professional work experience as a licensed therapist though I have been in the social service field for over 25 years. 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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Katherine "Katie" Saraga

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCoping with life changesCompassion fatigueADHD
3 years of experience

Hi there!! My name is Katie, and I'm a licensed Clinical Social Worker. I specialize in child, teen (13-19y), & young adult (20-25y) therapy, and disability advocacy. My counseling style is pretty laid back. I have been described as supportive, thoughtful, and empathetic, with a pretty good sense of humor. I like to focus on identifying your strengths and helping you to maximize them to overcome your obstacles. I recognize that during these earlier stages of life where you are transitioning through school and into the "real world" can be intimidating! I'm here to help you sort through the things that are difficult right now, and offer you a safe place to be open and honest without fear of judgment. I am also a certified Animal Assisted Therapist, and my Therapy Dog Trekk is available to accompany our sessions on request! You have taken the first and most important step by reaching out for help. I'm sorry you are having a tough time right now, but I'm really glad you are reaching out. I'd like to help you work on the struggles you are facing; and offer you a safe place to explore your thoughts and feelings. I offer all services, but contact me prior to schedule video sessions please. Once you respond to this message, I will send you some additional general information about how this online counseling process works, and then we can get started. Please feel free to ask questions at any time! Should you feel in need of urgent help or that you are in crisis at any time during our work together; please call 1-800-273-TALK 24 hours a day; or 911. This forum does not provide any type of emergency services, so I want to be sure you know who to contact if you need immediate help. You are not alone. Things can and will get better. I'm really looking forward to working with you! Take care, Katie

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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