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. Joyce A. Griffin
My approach to counseling is often didactic and is solution oriented. It is my opinion that clients come to counseling because they can not figure out what to do. So “teaching counseling” offers them new skills to use in their situation, as well as ideas to assist in coping in their world. I am somewhat eclectic in my approaches, realizing that everyone is unique, and one size does NOT fit all. I find a Cognitive Behavioral approach often encourages clients to set their own solution-focused path. I give feedback and assign homework tasks. I ask clients to join me in making a sort of treatment plan, and we work together on problem-solving. I periodically consult with trusted professional colleagues on a confidential bases, who practice outside of our local area. It is not my style to see what others have reported about their own work. I march to my own drummer and do what I believe is right in each situation. It’s fine with me if I am the only one doing it the way I do it.
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Jeanne Tilseth
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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Jennifer Seward
Hello, First of all, congratulations on taking that first step toward making positive changes in your life. I would be very humbled and grateful to have the opportunity to partner with you on your journey. I have been a licensed clinical social worker for 20 years and have been in the social work field for more than 30 years. I feel my fresh and practical perspective will allow me to bring a new level to helping others. My experience has been focused on youth and adults who have suffered trauma, painful life events, anxiety and depression. I also have extensive experience working with individuals on addressing parenting concerns. I believe in creating a safe and supportive place for healing. I utilize a holistic approach to therapy examining how the environment of the person impacts their ability to function. I also believe in assisting those I serve in finding solutions to their problems in the most nonjudgmental and efficient manner. I will be open and honest with you during sessions but will always be supportive and respectful.
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Dr. Taliah Ziyad-Nau
I have worked closely with adolescents, parents and families to help them move forward with improving social, emotional and learning outcomes. I use my experiences to deliver quality counsel and consultation. After working with children and families for over 10 years, there are a lot of accumulated experiences with concerns such as anxiety, parenting problems, career challenges, ADHD and learning difficulties. My counseling style is interactive and includes empowering others to invest in themselves. As a counselor, I understand the need for the space to be heard and understood. Learning styles and social, emotional needs call for different approaches. Client Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy are considered in determining a plan to meet your specific needs. You don’t have to process through it alone. I am here to take the next steps with you. I look forward to meeting with you.
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Cassandra Laskowski
I work best with neurodivergent, gen X and Z, and self-identified queer individuals. I have experience in helping clients with anxiety, lgbt-related issues, & trauma and abuse. I believe 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! Please reach out for availability. I have very few evening and no appointments available Friday -Sunday. Feel free to visit my Psychology Today or my web page for information about in person therapy, virtual therapy and ketamine assisted psychotherapy. https://theroadlesstraveledcounseling.net/ https://www.psychologytoday.com/profile/1016375
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Barbara Wahler
Are you longing to understand what’s happening in your relationships? Do you find it difficult to reach your child, your partner, your boss? Maybe you're struggling to understand each other and not sure what went wrong... Relationships can be difficult for everyone - for teens, for families, for couples, and for communities. Teens are struggling to discover their identities and that means sometimes they're hard to be around. For bi-racial couples, those in mixed-race blended families, or anyone wrestling with sexual identity it’s hard to know where to turn. Right now things might seem unmanageable, but it won't always be that way. There IS hope; things will get better and I'd like to help. My mission is to help individuals and families move through life's transitions. I serve youth and adults from a variety of backgrounds/cultures who grapple with concerns about identity, self-esteem, parenting, LGBTQ+, relationships, school problems, spirituality and women's issues. I received my Masters in Social Work from Loyola University Chicago and for over 30 years I have specialized in re-connecting and opening communication in strained relationships. It's important for me to partner with clients in order to move toward healing. My methods are relational and client-focused, rooted in a background of family systems. I offer support to people wherever they may be and use different methods to connect. We may move, draw, play, listen to music, or merely sit together; always, however, with the goal of moving toward healing and wholeness. Please take that first step toward healing and contact me. Look forward to feeling better and creating a happier life!
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Holly Caruso
I am licensed in Florida & Illinois with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbt-related issues, relationship issues, & trauma and abuse. 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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Stephanie Dixon
Has the COVID-19 create anxieties or other mental health challenges for you? Do you need a safe place to share your thoughts and feelings? I am a licensed clinician, who would love to be able to meet 1:1 with you to address your mental health needs. I truly believe in shared decision-making approach to therapy. I approach therapy from a collaborative approach, building relationships, and using evidence-based practice. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Work as well as a Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist. I’ve been working in behavioral health since 2003. I have experience in providing individual, group, and family counseling. I have been trained in CBT Therapy, ACT Therapy, DBT Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focus therapy, harm reduction model, Gestalt therapy, and other evidence-based model. Preference: I prefer to work with adults ages 19 and above. I help people with dealing with all types of transitioning, life stressors brought on by relocating, career changes, new mothers, balancing work and life, relationships building, grief and loss, and setting boundaries.
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Maureen Fitzmaurice
Feeling overwhelmed by daily life? Wish you could stop overthinking? You’ve come to the right place. My name is Maureen Fitzmaurice and I’m a licensed therapist in Illinois with over ten years experience treating anxiety, and many more years coping with it myself. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and career difficulties, among other issues. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My style is best described as casual, relaxed, and caring. While I will guide you with my education and knowledge, I do my best to make sure that you feel comfortable and heard throughout your sessions, and have a say in your treatment. I will tailor our sessions to meet your unique and specific needs. 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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Matthew Fetrow
I am licensed in Illinois with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, family conflicts, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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.
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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