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.
Thérèse Fletcher
Welcome! My name is Thérèse Fletcher, I have dedicated my life to the service of helping others. About Me: The majority of my career has been focused on working with extremely vulnerable communities in urban settings. I enjoy helping all types of people with problems big and small. Relationship issues, life transitions, grief and loss, emotional stress, and chronic illnesses, are among the many areas that I have helped my clients effectively deal with and overcome. I believe therapy is a collaborative process and it's my responsibility to meet a client where they are and to help them set appropriate, beneficial goals for themselves. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), I am a licensed independent clinician with more than 11 years in medical and social services fields. I also have supervised and trained other social workers. I believe a successfully therapeutic relationship is one based on respect. I believe in a strength based approach which uplifts confidence and empowers you as an individual. My approach includes working together to develop specific methods and perspectives that will not only help you resolve your current issue, but give you the tools to make your life from today onward more fulfilling and satisfying. I know that the decision to seek professional help can often be a very difficult one. If you are trying to make that decision right now, it may help you to know that I am someone who is not here to judge you, and who really believes that there is a way out for you that together we can find. You have already taken the most important step by acknowledging that, for now, this is something you cannot handle alone. So if you feel overwhelmed or unfulfilled, your online search has brought you to the right place. I can help you with emotional issues such as self-esteem, depression, anxiety, anger, and stress. I also help you with other areas of your life that become affected by these issues such as relationships, communication, work or your education. I can provide accountability as you work through the growth process. I can provide short-term solution oriented treatment as well as long-term emotional processing. Your treatment goals and how much you will benefit from services are completely up to you but I will be here to guide you every step of the way. I'm grateful to BetterHelp for giving a therapeutic resource to people that may otherwise not have access to counseling services, and I applaud individuals that are currently looking to make changes they need in their lives. It takes a lot of strength and courage to critically think about what you need. You’ve already taken the first, and most difficult step, so contact me if you are ready to start the course towards a better You. I look forward to helping empower you to live your best life!
Philip Zarowny
Welcome! I want you to know I am so glad you reached out for help, that is very courageous and wise. The willingness and desire to do something different is fundamental to growing. You are right to hope that things can change and will get better. This is work we can’t do alone and the results are not instantaneous, though with effort and a little faith I’m sure you will discover the answers you seek. There is not really a typical problem. I treat people, not a diagnosis! This is about you. Mine is a client-centered approach, emphasizing strengths-based and goal-focused therapies. My role is in providing a safe space for you to explore what you are experiencing. Everyone’s journey is different. We will explore strategies together finding out what works for you. This may require a little thinking outside the box, using your innate creativity to learn about yourself. As a father to an LGBTQ+ child I understand how difficult navigating identity can be in a slowly shifting culture. Your comfort and peace of mind when seeking counseling are important and I strive to create an understanding environment regardless of where you come from and who you are. Here is a little information about me. I graduated in 2009 with a Master’s Degree in Social Work. Since then, I have worked in a variety of positions treating a diverse range of issues, most recently as a substance abuse counselor. With all the co-occuring issues that predate and accompany addiction, I have learned that primarily my clients are people who just want to be happy. I have worked in both outpatient and residential treatment programs, utilizing an arsenal of evidence-based therapies like CBT, DBT, REBT, ACT, Motivational Interviewing, mindfulness and other approaches. Before social work, I had a long career in television news. Working as a street photographer and editor helped me develop deep empathy for the complexities of peoples’ struggles in all walks of life. Helping to change the world through storytelling inspired me to help change the world one person’s story at a time. From my professional and personal experience, I can guarantee, that though it may be tough at times, you will benefit from the journey. Now is your opportunity to use the present moment to grow and meet a stranger, the real you. So what’s going on with you, why have you sought out help?
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.
Sheila Funk-Jansen
Hello, my name is Sheila Funk-Jansen. I am a licensed clinical therapist in Iowa and Illinois. I graduated with my MSW in social work in 2003 from University of Missouri-Columbia. I have worked with a variety of courageous people in my journey to help them be more vulnerable, brave, and resilient. For the last 25+ years, I I have worked with people experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, addiction, family conflicts, and many other areas of life. I believe people have the resiliency to move the barriers that life presents to us. Life is all about learning. Learning about ourselves and giving up our comforts in life are scary even if they are unhealthy. Each person is unique and I am here to start where you are at in your journey. I utilize therapy approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution Focus Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing along with utilizing other modalities. The client and therapist's alliance is crucial in providing a safe, non judgmental space to be open and vulnerable to see their potential and resiliency to grow when experiencing hurt and pain. I see people through the week along with some weekends. I work with schedules as much as I can to help get people in sooner when needed. I look forward in working with you. Sheila
Latechia Hester
I am an African American female Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois and I started my career in the counseling field in 2001, as a group home counselor for at-risk male youths, homeless young male adults, and their families, where we worked on family reunification, substance abuse, LGBTQ+ Issues, job skills, life skills, and independent living. From there I moved more into the substance abuse field working with DUI offenders, court mandated persons ordered to do anger management, and as an interventionist for families, and individuals who struggle with all forms of addiction and co-dependency. Since then, I returned to school to obtain my masters in Clinical Mental Health, during which time I worked with individuals who struggled with family issues, depression, suicide, grief and loss, schizophrenia disorder, bi-polar disorder, anxiety disorder, PTSD, dually diagnosed individuals, and those with other co-occurring disorders in an outpatient hospital clinic setting. I then furthered my career and obtained a second master's degree in School Counseling, where I enveloped experience in working with students in an inner-city school setting who struggled with body image, depression, suicide, self-harm, substance abuse, LGBTQ+ issues, ADHD, ADD, OCD, neighborhood trauma, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, physical abuse, and post-traumatic stress disorder. My primary therapeutic orientations are cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused therapy; however, I strongly believe that it is essential to meet a person "where they are at" and establish a therapeutic alliance using my developed professional skills and eclectic abilities to provide each individual with a therapeutic orientation is necessary to move them toward a place of peace and healing. I believe in the purpose of counseling and I believe that even the most skeptical can become a believer! METAMORPHOSIS is the process of change into something adult, mature and breathtaking. I would like to think that I've been entrusted by clients to help them transition into living a better life, so that they may spread their wings and fly! My goal is to uplift, empower, teach, and motivate those who struggle to work toward living a healthy and happy lifestyle. My commitment is to provide the best clinical services each person deserves with dignity and respect and there has been no greater pleasure for me other than to be blessed with the opportunities to work with individuals in this field of healing and the transformation of lives.
Veronica Alexander
The central focus of my practice with adults, youth, and couples is the treatment of anxiety, depression, relationship issues, communication and social skills, distorted thought patterns, and maladaptive personality styles. For clients struggling to identify the root of the problem, therapeutic intervention to explore life purpose, self-love, attachment, and motivation can serve as an inspiring catalyst for change. Using a pragmatic and evidence based approach, we will work together to identify effective coping skills that will ultimately put you in charge of your mental health. Many of our mental health challenges arise from lack of self awareness or cognitive patterns that hinder us from effectively addressing problems. I provide insight driven psychodynamic therapy through open-minded exploration and reflective, nonjudgmental understanding. Together we will identify contributing factors and patterns of behavior that may be below conscious awareness and driving problematic behavior. We will do solution driven work to outline actionable steps toward client-directed goals. It can be difficult to break out of our routines and comfort zones, but we must accept that any path to growth will require some discomfort. Self improvement is not an easy journey to undertake but with guidance and perseverance, together we can accomplish the hard work needed to realize your dreams.
Thomas Buckner
I am licensed in Illinois with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with trauma and abuse, anger management, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & bipolar disorder. My practice style is interactive with a strength-focused that involves active participation. 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. “My practice hours are 6am - 6:30pm Monday - Thursday, Friday 6am-12pm and 2pm - 5pm Sunday. I generally can respond at least once per morning and once per evening, sometimes more! You can also book a live session with me ahead of time. Please remember that Better Help (or specialty site!) is not appropriate if you are in crisis or in immediate need of support. In crisis situations, please call 911 or local emergency services. You can also call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to talk to someone right away! I will check my messages several times a day Monday thru Sunday and I will reach to you within 24 hours. 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.
Amber Johnson
Hello and welcome! My name is Amber and I am a licensed clinical social worker in Illinois. I bring 7 years of professional work experience, working with clients across the life cycle (3 years old to 80+ years young)! I understanding that finding a "good fit" in a therapist is much like finding that perfect pair of shoes. You may have to try on several before you find the ones meant for you. Reading through these profiles can be a part of that "try on" process. As a therapist I believe that my role in the relationship is to assist you on your journey to wellness through compassionate care and genuine empathy. I utilize a client-centered approach and include my clients in every part of the planning process. I have experience in helping clients with navigating depression, stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & 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!
Jonique Young
I am licensed in Illinois and Texas with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Leslie Zarker
I am licensed in Illinois and Missouri with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. 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!
Tzia Hibler
I am licensed in Illinois with 5 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!
Donna Beichel
I am licensed in Illinois with 33 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, & relationship issues. I also have experience working with motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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.
Michelle Ahmed
Hi! I am licensed in Illinois with 7 years of psychotherapy experience. I help empower clients experiencing depression, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, stress/anxiety, self esteem issues, and help folks deeper understand their intersecting cultural identities. I believe that you are the expert of your story and my goal is to help you recognize the strengths that will assist you in overcoming your challenges. Taking the first step towards your therapy journey is brave and I am proud of you for getting started!
Jessica Wall
I am licensed clinical Social Worker in Connecticut and Illinois with 31 years of experience working with adolescents, young adults and adults in psychotherapy. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, & intimacy related issues. 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. We will work together to understand how your past has influenced your current circumstances and work through the feelings, conflicts and tensions that disrupt your life. It takes courage to begin therapy but the benefits are innumerable.
Jennifer Garland
I have been an individual and family therapist licensed in Missouri and Illinois . In my practice, I have served those coping with anxiety, stress, depression, substance abuse, parenting challenges, and a plethora of other issues. I have extensive experience working with victims of childhood abuse and trauma. I bring a strength based perspective to all situations. I believe that everyone has strengths they can draw upon to work through life's challenges and hardships. My therapeutic approach is a mixture of cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, and integrative therapies. Everyone is unique and therapy sessions must be individualized as well. Reaching out for help is admirable and no easy task. I'm glad you have taken that first step and I look forward to talking with you.
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:
- 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 featur
- 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 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.
Popular cities in Illinois
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- Cicero, IL
- Bloomington, IL
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