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. Charmaine Jake-Matthews

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepression
18 years of experience

Hi, I am looking forward to getting to know you & the ways in which I can support and assist you. Prior to beginning my work as a counselor in the state of Illinois in 2007, I worked as a psychology professor (teaching & conducting research). Since 2007 I have used a variety of therapeutic techniques to help individuals, couples & families. I specialize in working with those dealing with anxiety, mood disorders & relationship issues. My approach to counseling is interactive and solution focused. When I am not working, I enjoy baking and singing.

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Sally Herschman

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW,MSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCompassion fatigue
12 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois with over 12 years of experience working with young children, adolescents, adults and families. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including abuse, trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety, and relationship challenges. I have also helped people with organization methods and daily routines that help lead to desired outcomes. My practice style is warm and interactive. I have profound respect for my clients and approach my work with compassion, non judgement, authentic curiosity, and a genuine interest in your well being. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic and mindfulness. I am a sex positive, strengths based therapist. I will co-navigate our time together, and will work to ensure your needs for healing are being met. Most of all, you will not be in this alone! It takes so much courage to even consider talking with someone about challenges (large and small) and I am here to support and empower you. I truly look forward to meeting with you and learning more about what you are hoping for.

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Kristy Scholtes

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW,MSW
Stress, AnxietyGriefParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
15 years of experience

Hello, I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has a passion for helping others. I have over 15 years experience with people of all ages, who come from various types of backgrounds and have struggled with many different types of challenges. Many of my clients have struggled with anxiety, stress, depression or trauma. I have a significant amount of experience working with young people on the Autism spectrum, with ADHD or with emotional disabilities. Supporting my clients as individuals, as parents or as a family through life experiences is my overall purpose. I strongly believe in building a strong connection first with clients. Our first session together will focus on your goals for treatment and the type of support you are looking for from a therapist. I have strong listening skills and an ability to support others towards whatever their goals may be. I am currently offering direct messaging and LiveChat sessions only. Video and phone session time slots are filled already, so I can not accept any additional clients with the preference for only those services. I know selecting a therapist can be a difficult decision and would be honored to work with you.

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Jamie Blakeman

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCPC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseBipolar disorderDepressionCoping with life changes
16 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) with over 16 years of experience in the mental health field. I specialize in counseling individuals experiencing a wide range of issues, including severe mental illness, trauma, depression anxiety and relational issues. I am passionate about working with individuals who are are struggling with co-occurring disorders and those who are need of support with daily life challenges or events. I have a wholistic approach to therapy and draw from the various modalities , including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), solution-focused therapy and dialectal behavioral therapy (DBT), in an effort to meet the need of each individual. Through the collaborative process of therapy, Through the therapeutic process, I will help to guide you to increase self-awareness, gain new perspectives, decrease symptoms, and increase personal strengths to have a more meaningful life experience. By using the power of the therapeutic relationship, I strive to create a nurturing environment and foundation to help clients heal, rebuild their lives and increase their resiliency. In every session, I use therapy as a way to nurture, challenge, support and understand clients. Healing can occur within a safe and trusting relationship.

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Lauren Oestmann

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepression
15 years of experience

Welcome! First I would like to commend you on reaching out for help, as I know this can be the most challenging part. It takes a lot of courage to share your story and struggles. My name is Lauren and I am a licensed clinical social worker in the state of Illinois. I have over 13 years of experience working in a wide range of settings. I have worked with families, children and teens, in residential substance abuse, private practice, adoption preservation and corrections. My style can be described as client centered, strength based and solution focused. I use cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, motivational interviewing, trauma focused therapy, mindfulness and solution - focused therapy. If you have any questions feel free to reach out by message through Better Help. I look forward to working with you soon.

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Jasmine Webster

Offering therapy in Illinois
Self esteemDepression
5 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical social worker with experience working as a psychotherapist with individuals, couples, and families. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and chronic illnesses. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My integrative practice approaches of cognitive-behavioral, motivational Interviewing, psychodynamic and solution-focused. I will tailor our dialogue and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a 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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Luqretia Stuckey

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW,CADC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
19 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I began my experience working with individuals in families in 2003. I have the honor of working with all populations including children, adolescents, young adults, middle age adults, older adults and seniors. I am trained to look at situations in a holistic way, bringing people together with others & their communities. As a practitioner, I help individuals address personal & systemic barriers to optimal living. I'm determined to effect positive change with individuals, families, groups and entire communities. I have had the honor of helping individuals live with various mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, high risk psychiatric conditions and personality disorders. My mission it to help individuals & families conquer their personal journey of connecting with their best self through their challenges & truly be honest & genuine with themself as they navigate their life.

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Dr. Jerome Anderson

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: DSW,LCSW,BCD
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCoaching
24 years of experience

I am Dr. Jerome Anderson, an advanced-practice clinical professional offering a wide range of clinical services. I am licensed as a clinical social worker (LCSW), nationally board certified as an advanced practice clinical social worker (BCD), certified as a clinical forensic social worker/psychotherapist (CCFC), and certified as a correctional health care professional (CCHP). As such, I provide services focused on severe and persistent mental health concerns as well as mild mental health conditions, such as professional counseling, psychotherapy, and consulting services for clinical assistance in mental health symptom management, behavioral redirection, life-style adjustment, and crisis abatement. All therapeutic approaches are scientific & evidence based. The treatment modalities utilized but not limited to are cognitive-behavioral principles and strengths-based theory. I am licensed to provide these services in the states of Missouri and Illinois. Most recently, I worked as a clinical psychotherapist, Behavioral Health Consultant, and Flight Commander of Behavioral Health Services for the United States Department of the Air Force. I also have a history of working as a criminal justice clinician and director of the mental health departments within large metropolitan jails and correctional facilities. I have also worked in maximum-security prisons as a forensic clinician. In all capacities, I have experience evaluating, diagnosing, and developing appropriate treatment goals. I also have experiences working with the judicial systems where I have developed and implemented recommendations based on patient competency levels as well as led the therapeutic treatment process. Along with this experience, I have worked as a full-time law enforcement officer. Lastly, I am an Active Duty Commissioned Officer (Lieutenant Commander) in the United States Public Health Services Commissioned Corp (USPHS-CC) where I operate as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) and Coordinator for Employee Relations/Officer Advocacy for USPHS. I look forward to working with you!!

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Sara khaledpour

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemDepression
10 years of experience

I am licensed in state of Illinois and Missouri with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, eating disorders, & 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. 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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Herbert Stricklin

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
35 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 33 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy related issues, & depression. 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. 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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Anthony Kokalj

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
14 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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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Trina Hill

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

I am a licensed clinical social worker in Illinois with 20+ years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety issues, coping with substance use addictions, trauma and abuse also coping with grief and loss. I have experience working with depression, relationships issues. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic and rational-emotive therapy. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started! I am here to support and empower you.

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Rebecca Reinke

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCoping with life changesADHD
19 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 19 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, loss, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence, & coping with life changes and medical conditions. I also have experience working with concentration, memory and focus (adhd) along with job issues. 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. 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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Courtney Brown

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
16 years of experience

I hold a clinical license in Illinois and have 16 years of professional work experience. I assist clients with managing life stressors and anxiety. I also provide parenting support, and seek to empower individuals to feel more confident in their role as a parent. I am skilled at helping people navigate life transitions with greater ease. I have clinical experience addressing client's diagnoses of: anxiety, ADHD, depression, and autism. 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 you in that journey.

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Benita Whitfield

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseParenting issuesAnger management
26 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois and Massachusetts with 26 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, abuse, & parenting issues. I also have experience working with anger management. 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 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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