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.

Aldo Hernandez
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)

Jenifer Pittman
Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of Missouri and Illinois. I have experience working with children, adolescents and adults from diverse backgrounds and in a variety of settings. Life comes with many challenges and we often find ourselves overwhelmed by what has come our way. Together we can identify concerns and find ways to move through life challenges. Through exploring and learning ways to manage emotions, I feel there are opportunities for growth. I believe it is important to identify individual strengths and will guide you towards positive self worth. Whether you are looking for short-term or long-term counseling, I will work with you to achieve a greater self-fulfillment. I believe in blending therapeutic approaches and tailoring them to fit each individual's needs. It is important to me that clients feel heard and understood. I create a safe, collaborative environment where clients can explore issues and concerns without fear of judgement. I frequently utilize cognitive-behavioral therapy, solution-focused and mindfulness techniques. My experience includes working with individuals and families through significant life transitions, relationship issues, coping with loss, general emotional distress, anxiety, and addiction. I want to help clients reach their goals by focusing on strengths, identifying thoughts and behaviors that are interfering with their happiness and developing coping skills to improve their quality of life.

Ednina Welters
Hi! My name is Ednina, and I am an Illinois Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, and Professional School Counselor with over 6 years experience working with adolescents, adults, and couples with concerns ranging from anxiety, depression, and social/ relationship issues, to academic/ career challenges, and substance abuse problems. My experience also includes working with those in the LGBTQ community and with individuals suffering from abuse and PTSD. My counseling approach is Person-Centered, meaning that I believe that everyone has a natural motivation to grow in positive ways and the ability to carry out that growth process. I use theories and interventions primarily from Cognitive Behavior Therapy, which addresses changing thoughts, feelings and behaviors which cause distress; Rational Emotive Therapy, which focuses on changing beliefs so that they reflect more moderate, healthy emotions and behaviors; and aspects of Reality therapy, which involves exploring and evaluating wants and choices to determine if they are realistic and attainable. I enjoy working with individuals from various cultural backgrounds and strive to create an environment that is accepting, caring, and safe. I believe that counseling should be interactive, and is best viewed as a collaborative venture wherein clients feel free to express themselves, are guided in determining achievable goals, and are assisted in finding more adaptable ways of thinking, feeling, and behaving which lead to a more harmonious and satisfying life. I look forward to walking with you along this journey!

Debbi Little
Hello, I want to thank you for taking the first step in seeking to improve your life. Sometimes it is difficult to reach out for help and you have shown courage by doing so. I am a Licensed Clinical Therapist in Illinois. I have worked for 28 years mostly with children and their parents to strengthen their family through improving their communication, developing an understanding of other viewpoints, expressing honest emotions and conflict resolution. I have also worked with individuals going through divorce, grieving a loved ones passing, suffering from trauma or facing those life events that are so difficult to overcome alone. I believe everyone deserves to be treated with respect and compassion. I also believe everyone is unique and therefore will work best with an intervention tailored specifically to them. Together we will find the approach or approaches that works best for you. Thank you again for taking the first step. If you are ready to take the next one I am here to help you. Looking forward to hearing from you. Debbi

Duncan Hall
I am licensed in Illinois with 23 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, anger management, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Dr. Bakahia Madison
I am licensed in Illinois with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, sleeping disorders, & 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Erica Gilmore
I am licensed in Illinois with 15 years of professional work experience. I have had my license for 7 years. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, 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!

Krystle A Kellick
I am licensed in Illinois with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, trauma and abuse, & eating disorders. 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.

Dr. Cyntoya Campbell
Are you yearning to feel truly heard and make meaningful progress on your journey to healing? Whether you're grappling with anxiety, addiction, complex trauma, or depression, know that there is genuine hope for recovery. Everyone holds the key to their own solutions. With the right tools and support, you can unlock your inner potential and achieve your goals. In addition to my expertise in addressing these challenges, I'm also equipped as a coach to guide you through significant life decisions or career transitions. My mission is to forge a collaborative partnership with you, fostering an environment where you can feel both comfortable and empowered to pursue your aspirations. If you're ready to embark on this transformative journey, I warmly welcome new clients. Let's embark on this journey together towards healing and growth.

Anna Bruno
Hi there! I am both a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) as well as a Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional (QIDP). I completed my Bachelor's degree in Social Work, with a minor in Sociology, from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2013. I then continued on to get my Master's in Social Work, with a concentration of Mental Health, also from the U of I, graduating in August 2014. I participated in internships at The Autism Program and Skill Sprout, both clinics designed to support children and adults who identify as autistic. In January 2020, I was awarded Outstanding New Social Worker from the University of Illinois School of Social Work. For 4 years, I served as the President of the downstate chapter of the Illinois Society for Clinical Social Workers. I have spent my career working with, and advocating for, individuals and families who are navigating an uncertain path. I have worked with individuals, parents, college students, and families. Much of my professional career has involved supporting individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities, including autism & ADHD. I also have expertise in supporting parents and families who are involved in caregiving and may be coping with life changes. I have had the privilege of supporting individuals to determine goals in life and set actionable steps to achieve those objectives. I believe in the right to self determination and that everyone has the choice to carve out their own path. Everyone has innumerable strengths; I hope to help bring these to light in our work. I will support our work by serving as a sounding board, confidant, and respectful consultant as you navigate through life's changes. I applaud you for seeking this step and look forward to our work together. - Annie
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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