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
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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Jonna Phelps
I graduated from Roosevelt University in Chicago with a M.A. in Clinical Psychology. I received my LCPC in 2001. I am also a Certified Care Manager with the National Academy of Care Managers. I have focused my attention on treating adults with anxiety and depression. I believe in learning coping skills and positive communication to deal with significant life events. The goal of treatment is validation through re-focusing on individual strengths in order to improve overall quality of life. . “Courage doesn’t happen when you have all the answers. It happens when you are ready to face the questions you have been avoiding your whole life.” ― Shannon L. Alder How can I help?
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Nicole Bowker
Nicole Bowker, M.S.Ed, LPC, NCC Nicole is a licensed professional counselor specializing in trauma informed counseling for adolescents and adults. Tailoring her therapy to the unique needs of her client, Nicole can provide a collaborative, holistic approach to help clients achieve their desired goals. Nicole believes in the power of stepping outside of one’s comfort zone; by starting the therapeutic journey, a first step in a new direction has been started. She works with clients suffering from depression, anxiety, trauma, stress, and other issues interfering with daily life. Nicole is certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to provide an alternative treatment modality to her clients. Nicole utilizes CBT, DBT, and trauma informed methods to best serve her clients and their needs.
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Jenelle Hoyt
Hello, My name is Jenelle Hoyt, I am an award winning Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) with over 10+ years of experience in the helping profession. Thank you for beginning this journey with Better Help. As a therapist, I am proud that you've decided to take steps that you believe will enhance your life and allow yourself to heal. I would like to assure you the counseling process is here to foster your growth. I will listen to you as you share your struggles and your strengths and challenge you to identify whether your thoughts are positively serving you so that you can view life more positively. We will process strong emotions and certain aspects of experiences that you have not dealt with to obtain a greater awareness. My primary focus is to assist clients with developing strategies and tools to perhaps re-frame your story to cope with the past and create a bright future. As a therapist, I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including anxiety, depression, self-esteem and career challenges, as well as emotional and physical trauma to cite a few. I specialize in helping individuals who are not only feeling the stressors of life but also unsure of how to cope with or change these stressors in a positive way. We will work together to create attainable goals that will be reviewed and assessed consistently to ensure that they align with the vision of who you are and want to continue to be. I maintain a judgment-free space that is challenging, encouraging and enlightening. I believe in a process that is positive and retrospective. My approach integrates a multiplicity of practices such as Solution-Focused, Cognitive-Behavioral, Motivational Interviewing and Psychodynamic interventions. I personalize each treatment to meet your individual need. Congratulations on taking time to empower yourself by employing therapy to make significant changes in your life. I look forward to working with you.
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Michael Peterson
My name is Michael Peterson, and I have been working in the field of Social Work for about 10 years. I I am licensed in Illinois and have done counseling for about three years. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. I have held a variety of different types of social work jobs (case worker, crisis clinician, therapist, and more), in a variety of different environments, which I feel gives me a deep, multifaceted approach to counseling. 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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Keeley Lawriw
I am a licensed social worker in Illinois with 17 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with motivation, self esteem, confidence, coping with life changes, and executive functioning challenges. I also have experience working with students with Autism, ADHD, anxiety. We work through the many strategies they can put into practice for more effective daily living skills. 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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Antoinette Senjanovich
Antoinette Senjanovich is a compassionate and experienced Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Illinois, dedicated to helping individuals find their path to healing and growth. She earned her Master of Social Work degree from Loyola University Chicago and has over six years of clinical practice. Antoinette specializes in therapeutic approaches like DBT, psychodynamic and attachment theory, and CBT, which she uses to guide clients in exploring their innermost thoughts and emotions within a warm and safe space. She works with clients experiencing complex challenges, such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Complex PTSD (CPTSD), eating disorders, and borderline personality disorder. Antoinette values diversity and inclusivity, and she has significant experience working with the LGBTQIA+ community. She believes that our diverse identities enrich who we are and that the world is more complete when all people are embraced for their uniqueness. Antoinette creates a collaborative, empowering environment in her therapy practice, helping individuals reflect on their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment. Her approach is non-imposing, meeting clients exactly where they are, and supporting them through their personal journey of self-discovery and growth. Beyond her professional work, Antoinette is passionate about animals and enjoys spending time with her dog and two black cats. She is an active member of her church, advocating for the inclusion of LGBTQIA+ individuals in worship and leadership. Antoinette is also committed to social justice causes, serving her community, and enjoys swimming, spending time with family, singing, and reading in cozy coffee shops.
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Susan Mellema
I am licensed in Illinois with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. 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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Edward Driver
I am licensed in Florida with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, 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. 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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Will Smith
I am licensed in Illinois with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, parenting issues, anger management, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with compassion fatigue. 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!
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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