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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Rebecca Goldsborough-Marshall

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: MA, LCPC
Stress, AnxietyGriefAnger managementBipolar disorderDepression
4 years of experience

I am a clinically licensed counselor in the state of Illinois. I have vast experience working with people who have depression, anxiety, trauma and anger concerns. I also have experience treating people with bipolar, schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorders. I believe our mental health is as important as our physical health and I take a holistic approach. I am excited to get to know you and to find out how I can help. I think through a lens of cognitive behavioral therapy and believe strongly in creating strong relationships with my clients based on trust and acceptance. I will not judge you, your behaviors or decisions but will support you the best I can and help you move into a space of self acceptance. If you are ready to move forward and to make healthy changes in your life, I'm ready to help you.

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Amy Bareiter

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LPC,LCPC
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsParenting issuesDepressionADHD
11 years of experience

Hello! My name is Amy. I am a professional counselor with years of experience working with adults, families and adolescents. I have had the pleasure of working with youth and families with a range of concerns including parenting problems, family conflict, anxiety, depression, ADHD and career counseling. I have had specialized training to work with individuals who have experienced trauma. My counseling style is one of compassion and respect. I believe it is important to build a rapport with my clients and demonstrate respect, empathy and encouragement. I offer services that include a warm, empathetic and trauma informed approach while working with clients to improve their situation and support them with the goals they have for living their best life and improving their relationships. My approach is tailored to each person and their individual needs with styles that include solution-focused , person centered and cognitive behavioral counseling. Taking steps to care for yourself and making changes can be very scary and overwhelming. I know from experience how much life can change for the better when you accept support and be more intentional about taking care of yourself! I look forward to being that supportive and encouraging person in your life to empower you to live your best life!

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Karen Haggard

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: MSW,LCSW,CCM
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
25 years of experience

For most of my professional life I have been working with individuals who have experienced trauma, and who are struggling to manage their symptoms. As a seasoned clinician, I strive to provide culturally competent, trauma informed care to a diverse population of clients at all stages of the developmental spectrum. I specialize in providing a calm, warm, comfortable environment of healing, where my clients can begin to focus on their own healing journey, working at their own pace, starting wherever they are most comfortable starting their journey, and utilizing the treatment modalities that feel most comfortable for each client. I truly believe that each client must be in charge of their own healing journey, including being in charge of the pace and the way that we decide to approach their particular needs and issues. I have never and will never use a cookie cutter approach with my clients. I see my job as setting the stage and supporting my clients as their guide to a healthier life. I am trained in a variety of evidence based modalities, including cognitive behavioral therapy, cognitive processing therapy, Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR), CBT for Suicide Prevention, Problem Solving Therapy for Suicide Prevention, Advanced Safety Planning intervention for Suicide Prevention, Integrated Behavioral Couples Therapy, Behavioral Family Therapy, mindfulness meditation, hypnosis, guided meditation, and similar skills to help my clients to grow and heal. I prefer to work with adults or older teens and young adults, who have some ability to make decisions about their lives. I've worked with men, women, LGBTQ individuals, parent's of LGBTQ individuals who are struggling to come to terms with their child's orientation, Military personnel, Veterans, first responders and similar individuals who have experienced trauma in their work or their day to day lives. I have also worked with and supported individuals who are facing end of life decisions and serious illness, as well as their caregivers. I am comfortable with most issues that my clients present, and I'm open to exploring any issue that is impacting my client. I can interact with you in whatever manner you are most comfortable. I find it helpful to participate in video and telephone sessions so that we can get to know each other better. But I am also available to you via text or chat, if that is more comfortable for you. A majority of my availability is in the evenings and on the weekends, and I am located in CDT or CST, but I check messages at least once during each weekday. I know how hard it can be to find a counselor with whom you feel connected. I would be honored to work with you through this stage of your life. Right now I am seeking clients who are available during the evenings on Saturdays and Sundays in particular. I am located in Illinois, so my availability is CST.

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Dr. Christina Rudawski

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: PsyD,CADC
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesCoaching
14 years of experience

Couples Counseling, Relationship Issues, Cocational Counseling, Health Psychology, Rehabilitation Psychology, Integrated Behavioral Medicine, Medical-Psychiatric Comorbidity, Severe and Persistent Mental Illness, Personality Disorders, Parent Coaching, Parent Skills Training in Positive Discipline, Chronic Pain, and Trauma. I am proficient in psychological assessment and psychotherapy. I also utilize Biofeedback and Bibliotherapy as needed. I believe in the power of self-knowledge. As a psychologist, my goal is to help you uncover your true potential in order to lead a life that is worth celebrating. My goal is to provide you with a safe, secure judgment free environment and to assist you in giving voice to the thoughts and feelings which are difficult to realize and give voice to. I am a lifelong learner and am updating my skills through continuing education classes in order to provide you with the most up to date techniques and services. Difficult situations of the past can’t be changed, however, we can work together to improve your personal self-understanding and resolve challenges in your life. Together we will unearth long-standing behavior patterns or negative perceptions that may be holding you back from experiencing a more fulfilling and meaningful life. I look forward to meeting you and working with you!

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Cory Bedtke

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: MSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issues
9 years of experience

Hi there! I am a licensed clinical social worker with 9 years of experience, currently licensed in Illinois, Tennessee, and Maine. I have a Master of Social Work degree from Loyola University Chicago and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Interdisciplinary Education from Illinois Wesleyan University. My social work practice began as a school social worker, providing therapy to students as well as support to their families, but I have been working with BetterHelp since April 2021. In my BetterHelp practice, I enjoy working with individuals in the college and young adult range, as well as folks in middle adulthood. The clients I have served have presented with a wide range of social, emotional, and psychological concerns including social challenges, anxiety, stress, family conflicts, and parenting challenges. I have also worked with people with different neurodivergent classifications such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, and intellectual disabilities as well as other mental health disorders. I have helped many families and individuals who have experienced emotional and physical abuse, a variety of traumas, and stressors stemming from disabilities as well as financial strains. My counseling style is relaxed, yet attentive and compassionate. I have a strong belief that a therapist should be approachable and that the therapeutic environment should be an inviting setting, particularly for those who are newer to therapy. Throughout the duration of a counseling relationship, I value respectful and direct interactions and enjoy using humor to put my clients at ease. My clinical approach is a combination of the following: client-centered therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness therapy, solution-focused therapy, and trauma-focused therapy. Though I've received formal education and training in these different approaches, I value making therapeutic concepts and theories simple to understand and easy for clients to apply to their own lives. For whatever reason you are seeking out therapy, I am here to take the journey with you and I look forward to taking those first steps together.

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Alan Moy

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyDepression
27 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 27 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety & 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. Bonita Husband

Offering therapy in Illinois
Self esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCoaching
16 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 15 years of professional work experience. I am also certified as a Rehabilitation Counselor. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence, career difficulties, & 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. 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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Colin Overton

Offering therapy in Illinois
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesCareer difficulties
10 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & parenting issues. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Tasleem Pierce

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepressionCompassion fatigue
6 years of experience

Hello! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & 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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Cheryl Nelson

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefDepression
25 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Missouri with over 20 years of experience working as a psychotherapist. I have worked with clients for a broad range of concerns including depression, anxiety, trauma, and relationship issues. I have also helped many clients with chronic illnesses including HIV/AIDS. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My approach combines client centered, solution focused and strengths based counseling to meet your needs. It takes courage to seek professional help and even more courage to implement change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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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