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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Aldo Hernandez

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: MSW, LCSW
Stress, AnxietyLGBTIntimacy-related issues
29 years of experience

Hello! I am Aldo P. Hernandez LCSW, a bilingual Spanish speaking therapist with 26 years of social work experience. I understand the range of emotions clients deal with when it comes to individual issues, parenting, and relationship issues. You will find me to be an active listener, a creative and critical thinker to address any issue in Interpersonal communication. I am interested in understanding your perspective, so you can feel heard and understood. I look forward to working with you to address the issues that you may be facing in your life. As a therapist I provide a sobering experience, as I have been told by my clients. My methods are Cognitive Behavioral and psychoanalytic. I provide therapy via: Phone, Video, Live chat. I can also provide you with practical and useful information that can be put into practice quickly to address any immediate concerns. You will find me friendly and engaging, and on this platform very often for your convenience. I will end by giving you reassurance that things will be fine in the end. "Therapists don't let friends drink and drama." (Due to high demand, I am sorry to report I no longer have evening availability: 5pm CT to 8pm CT)

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Grant Barlow

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: MA,LCPC
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
6 years of experience

Greetings, and thank you for considering me as your counselor! My name is Grant Barlow, and I’m a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor living and working in the Chicago-land area. First, a bit about my experience. During my six years in the mental health field I’ve worked with a wide variety of clients, all with different backgrounds and unique concerns. Some of my more recent experience has been working with individuals who have few resources or external support. From this experience, I’ve learned how critical it is to draw out a person’s inner-strengths and abilities to help them reach their goals or manage their concerns. I believe that each individual is, in many ways, the chief expert on themselves. It’s my goal to align with them, so I can better coach and guide them to find solutions. Secondly, some information about my approach. With each client, I approach using a person-centered model. This means I work hard to foster a trusting relationship as we identify areas of specific focus. My approach tends to be solutions-oriented, while also drawing quite a bit from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I’ve also received training in adopting different modes of spirituality into counseling, if this is something that is of interest to you. Whether you’re dealing with recent stressful life transitions, anxiety or depression, relational concerns, addiction, trauma, or any other challenges -- I’ve found that having a counselor present can be monumental in helping a person regain purpose, joy, and vitality in life. The first step can oftentimes be the most intimidating, so again I say thank you for your courage and willingness to take that first step. I look forward to working with you soon.

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Suzanne Martinez

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: MA, LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoaching
25 years of experience

Hello! I am a licensed marriage and family therapist with 24 years of experience in Illinois, serving both my private practice in Champaign, IL, and at the Counseling Center at the University of Illinois. Over the past two decades, I have also written and taught extensively on developing skills for personal well-being and psychological growth. As of December 2020, I am proud to be an Illinois Supreme Court Approved Mediator for Judicial Circuit Courts. My approach is strengths-based, helping you to tap into your aspirations and develop a clear vision for your life. I can assist you with concerns such as depression, anxiety, and relationship issues with family, roommates, partners, and friends. I am here to help you overcome any mental blocks you may encounter in today’s competitive and busy society. Remember, you don’t have to face these challenges alone. Let’s chat and start your journey towards a brighter future!

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Jeanne Tilseth

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: MA,LCPC,CADC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
15 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and am certified in addictions. I am also a Christian Counselor. I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree in Applied Behavioral Science and a Masters degree in Developmental Psychology both from National Louis University. I have over 19 years of clinical experience in treating Adolescents and adults. My expertise is in treating trauma and addictions. However, I treat a wide range of diagnoses and mental health issues. I utilize Cognitive behavioral therapy, Dialectical behavioral therapy, Solution focused therapy and Psychodynamic therapy for most conditions. Although other treatment approaches are used depending on the person or condition. I am a Wellness Counselor who treats the whole human being; Emotionally, Mentally, Socially, Physically and Spiritually. I teach personal growth recovery over the entire lifespan. I look forward to working with you as you heal, develop in all the realms of wellness and grow in personal growth and recovery.

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Myrna Pledger

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: MA, LCPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
21 years of experience

I was trained as a Community Counselor and as such, I am prepared to work with the issues and concerns that occur with individuals and families in the community, and everyone lives in a community. As you can imagine, there are not many individual situations I have not encountered. In the beginning of my career, I worked with children behaving violently or inappropriately in school environments primarily. I realized that the child experiencing mental health difficulties is a member of a family experiencing mental health difficulties as a system. I believe that most maladaptive behavior is learned from the family environment or may be from inherited tendencies. I also believe that many problems you see in both children and adults are the results of having to be in close proximity to someone who is a narcissist or someone who is exhibiting enough narcissistic traits to be dangerous to those with whom they associate. I am licensed in the state of Illinois as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and have over 10 years of experience working as a Counselor. I specialize in treating survivors of narcissistic abuse both mental, spiritual and physical. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, OCD, and ADHD. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. I am faith-based as I myself believe it is important to recognize The Creator when attempting to offer help to His people. My therapy style is truth-based, educationally focused and kind. I believe in treating anyone in the manner that I would want to be treated if I was in their situation. I don't believe in labels, but I do believe in presenting examples of others who have overcome similar circumstances. I am primarily faith or Christian based. I am solutions focused and combine cognitive-behavioral and rational-emotive therapy. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. 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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Gregory Jenkins

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

Greg specializes in trauma-focused therapy for children ages 5 & up, adolescents, and adults. For those who have experienced childhood trauma, relational trauma, or complex trauma, life often feels overwhelming. Their sense of self, relationships, & view of the past, present, & future become rocky at best. As a result many trauma survivors live in chronic state of anxiety, depression, numbness, fatigue, burn out & suffer from illness. In addition to trauma survivors, Greg works closely with children, teens, young adults, & adoptive families struggling with depression, anxiety, dissociation, mood disorders, behavioral issues & more. By utilizing a variety of approaches and interventions, such as: EMDR, Theraplay, TRBI, Mindfulness, CBT, Sand Tray-based Therapy, and Neurofeedback, Greg equips trauma survivors with the space, support, and skills necessary to identify triggers, develop healthy coping skills, decrease traumatic symptoms, and practice trauma processing and integration. With his supportive & caring nature, a touch of fun & humor, Greg creates the warm, stress-free, & compassionate environment required for survivors to re-establish safety, a sense of self, & self-trust. Grounded in neuroscience & attachment theory, Greg believes that trauma happens in relationships & thus, a portion of healing also occurs in relationships.

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Jason Rohacs

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

I am licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist in Illinois and North Carolina with over 20 years of professional work experience helping clients with stress, anxiety, depression, couple, family and relationship issues, trauma and abuse, and grief and loss. I get to know you as a unique individual and this understanding powers your path forward. I listen more than I talk, but I also frequently give out of session assignments that are tailored just for you. I am deeply spiritual yet I make our sessions solely about you, what you believe and what you want to address and change. You are always put first and will feel heard, understood and welcomed.

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Wendy Gatewood

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementBipolar disorderADHD
21 years of experience

Greetings! I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois, and have my 19 years of experience in my specialization. My work experience includes multiple settings such as, residential, foster care, treatment centers, schools, and clinical. Most of my clients over the years have ranged in ages from as young as 2 until 21 years-old. I have experience with helping others manage stress and anxiety, Autism Spectrum, ADHD, Conduct Disorder, trauma and abuse, anger management, & bipolar disorder. 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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Ashley Spickler

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementSelf esteemCoachingCompassion fatigue
7 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois and Wisconsin with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, anger management, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & executive and professional coaching. 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. Fun facts about me: - I love to travel- I've been to over 25 countries across 5 continents - I'm currently enrolled in a PhD program in Psychology and will begin my dissertation soon! - I love tacos, donuts, and iced coffee

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Kimberly Harris

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
8 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, 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. 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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Shobana Shanmugavelayutham

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
5 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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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Maria Gurdian-McCrea

Offering therapy in Illinois
Relationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoaching
3 years of experience

I am Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois with some years of professional work experience just as a therapist. For the rest of my career I have worked in the Child Welfare field, working to put families back together. I am experienced in working with trauma and its effects. I like to begin with "What happened to you?" rather than what's wrong with you. I strive to meet my clients where they are with compassion and empathy. I have had success with clients who needed help with professional goals as well as personal goals. I use a coaching style for those who want to lean into their professional life and career. 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 will be mindful of your time and your particular strengths so that you get the best experience possible. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy takes courage and commitment to change. You living a fulfilled and happier life is what is important to me. If you are ready to take a step towards that better life, the I am here to support you. I look forward to working with you.

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Kathleen Carter

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, relationship issues, addiction & depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will work with you to overcome whatever issues are holding you back from living your best life ever. 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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Najah Hawkins

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. 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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Reginald Wince

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementSelf esteemDepressionADHD
5 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 5 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. 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 therapists in Illinois support you?

Therapists in Illinois 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 Illinois, and one out of five Americans has a mental health condition. Searching for licensed professionals in Illinois 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 BetterHelp does not offer diagnostic or medication management services.

Why are many residents in the state of Illinois working 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 in Illinois, BetterHelp can match you with a licensed professional tailored to your preferences noted when you sign up.

Mental health counselors in Illinois support clients with varying issues, which can include:

  • 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

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. 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 commonly asked questions can be found 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.

How do I know if I should get a therapist?

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 in Illinois can allow clients seeking therapy to experience professional help through video, phone, or live chat sessions without commuting to an office.

Does insurance cover 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 safe?

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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