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.
Brenda Byrne
I help clients with depression, anxiety, or difficult relationships grow toward making choices for a better life. Are you exhausted? Does it feel like you are swimming upstream all the time? I can help. Are you feeling sad a lot, or anxious? Struggling with what to do next? Do you put a positive spin on things, in spite of feeling down? Maybe others don't know about your sad or anxious feelings, because appearing strong is important to you. They look to you to hold things together. I create a safe place, we can talk about anything; it's OK. Putting yourself last, always doing for others, is a bit of a hamster wheel. Let's talk about what is really happening. You may have had a nagging unhappiness for a long time while our culture assumes that everyone should be upbeat and positive all the time. I am passionate about helping with emotional physical/health, balance, and loving relationships. Having help along the way makes a big difference. We will start with what is most immediate and work from there. It is the counselor-client relationship that changes things the most. Change is always hard, I have wonderful resources. I teach mindfulness and breathing practices when it is helpful. I use the Enneagram when helpful (9 personality types - for something so ancient, it is surprisingly practical). I am a clinically licensed counselor with 16 years experience (Illinois). Also, I have lost 150 lbs by changing to a healthy lifestyle, and practicing 12 step recovery for food/sugar. I enjoy rural/small town life, and kayak for fun.
William "Bill" Blundell
Hello! Thank you for looking at my profile and considering me for counseling services. A bit about me, I have been a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in the State of Illinois since 2010. Prior to that I was licensed as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) beginning in 2007. Along with counseling, I have been working as an Adjunct Professor for Bradley University (Peoria, IL), in their counseling program, teaching courses on substance abuse, grief and loss and human growth and development. I currently work in the field of Probation (since 2018) and keep my counseling skills sharp by teaching and consulting. I feel I have great skill in counseling and want to be able to continue to help people through the medium of counseling. So, that is why I am here, to continue to help those who are looking for an unbiased, non judgmental person to listen. I am a very opened minded person who is willing to help anyone in any position they are in. This is not to say I know how to manage every issue that may cross my path but I am willing to help others and listen. I have spent much of my counseling career helping people with depression, anxiety, stress, anger management, relationships and many other issues people face every day. I have also spent extra time learning, understanding and helping people with OCD. While it may be difficult to help clients with OCD on this type of platform, as exposure therapy is a key component, I am hopeful to continue to help those experiencing issues related to OCD. No matter where you are in life, who you are, what you believe, I am here to help you. Counseling is a difficult journey but a fruitful one for most that embark. I am a laid back counselor, with a good sense of humor (I am a firm believer that humor is therapeutic) and willing to meet you were you are emotionally and mentally. Counseling is not about me telling you how to live your life or the changes you have to make. My hope is for my clients to make the changes they would like to see happen and my role is to help them get there, not do everything for them to feel like they are there. You have taken the important first step of seeking help for whatever issue you are experiencing. Even if you do not choose me to help, I encourage you to keep looking and be willing to start the counseling journey. If you do choose me to start your counseling journey, I will do what is needed to help you feel heard and make changes to help you both short and long term. I look forward to working with you. :-)
Kristen Pavela
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor licensed in Wisconsin with over 5 years of experience working as a clinical social worker, psychocounselor and Substance Abuse Counselor. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, other Mental Health concerns, relationship issues, parenting problems, Domestic Violence-both victims and predators, Anger Management, and addictions. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. 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 approach combines cognitive-behavioral, motivational interviewing, psychodynamic and person-centered, and strengths based counseling. I will tailor our dialog 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!
Heather Michael
Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and also a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor. I obtained my Master's degree and I am currently pursuing my doctorate at Aurora University. I works with individuals, couples, families, and adolescents dealing with a variety of problem areas including Depression, Anxiety, Addiction, Trauma, and coping skills. my clients describe my personal style as kind, caring, insightful, thought-provoking, and as utilizing a sense of humor. I have a passion for working with people, and helping them cope with, adjust to, and overcome the difficulties life can bring. I provide emotional support and professional guidance that will help clients move forward and grow. In therapy, I offer a safe space in which you can experience trust, acceptance, and genuine positive regard. My approach toward therapy is tailored to each client's individual needs. I may use Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Relational Therapy, and Solution-Focused therapy as I work with you to find the best path for you to reach your goals.
Eileen O'Neil
I have experience working with clients of all ages, from young children through older adulthood. I connect well with those who struggle with anxiety, young men and women navigating relationships and transitioning to adulthood, new mothers and mothers of young children, and those looking for parenting support. I also have experience working through, processing and understanding generational trauma, and how it may be affecting your current relationships. I take a client centered approach, providing empathy, compassion, active listening and support. I believe each person is unique, and strives to use evidence based treatment approaches tailored to each client. My overall goal is to invite you into a warm and non-judgmental space where I bring my authentic self, encouraging you to do the same. I work to build a strong relationship first and provide helpful feedback, teach coping skills, and use a little bit of humor while navigating whatever challenges you are facing.
Semah Shammas
I'm licensed as a clinical social worker and certified as a psychologically sensitive, trauma-informed yoga teacher through Chicago Room to Breathe. Additionally, I am currently going through the Somatic Attachment therapy certification program through TheEmbodyLab.com. I specialize in anxiety, depression, self-esteem, life transitions, relationship difficulties, and trauma recovery. I'm an attuned therapist with the intention of meeting clients where they are. With 13 years of social work experience working with people of all ages, I love building relationships with clients, and working alongside them to explore their inner world and to incorporate new strategies to live a more fulfilling life. I use a trauma-informed approach, which means I aim to create a therapeutic relationship grounded in safety, sovereignty, so you can explore, acknowledge, and express your thoughts and feelings when you're ready to do so. I believe there is profound healing and empowerment in the connection between the mind and body, as well as in gaining awareness to how our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interrelated. With my clients, I work with them to learn and incorporate tools for regulating their nervous system, coping with life stressors, and gaining awareness to how their past impacts their present. We work together to visualize how they want to feel and be in the world, and explore what changes can be applied to their lives. Additionally, as my foundation is in social work, I believe our relationships with ourselves, our friends/family, and community all influence our state of being and we can take at look at these different areas to see where changes can be made. From there, we can live a meaningful life guided by personal values while handling the pain that goes along with being human in our world. I aim to provide culturally responsive care, recognizing that race, ethnicity, and religion, as well as physical challenges, all play a unique, powerful impact on humans' experience. Working in social services for several years, I also recognize the systemic trauma and oppression that many marginalized groups experience, and I practice clinically from this perspective. My priority is offering clients a supportive, empathetic environment in order to facilitate growth and insight. I recognize that it takes courage to reach out for support, and I feel deeply honored by the opportunity to work with others in becoming their most authentic, whole selves.
Michele Petersmark
I am licensed in Illinois with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Lori Gordon
I am licensed in Missouri and Illinois with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, & trauma and abuse. I also have experience working with 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 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!
Christine Chariton
My name is Chris Chariton, I am a Licensed Clinical Therapist practicing in the state of Illinois & Indiana with 27 years of professional work experience in helping clients with numerous life challenges, i .e: ADHD, Anxiety, Addiction, Bipolar Disorder, Conflict Resolution, Caregiver Stress, Death & Dying, Emotional Regulation, FEAR, Family Turmoil/Conflicts, Grief/Loss, Hoarding, Intellectual Challenges: Autism Spectrum, Aspergers, Developmental Disabilities, Mental illness, Trauma and Abuse... I can help you to learn to express your feeling in appropriate manner & to help communicate better so you can get your needs met. Based on my believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths. I will assist you in overcoming challenges. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey working at your pace & comfort level in confidential, compassionate, nurturing respectful & supportive manner. I am dedicated to bringing high quality mental health services to all those in need. I was honored by NASW Region 1 in 2009 as Social Worker of the Year for my role in reuniting families who experienced trauma & needed help connected to much needed services. My staff & I developed a program that address our clients & their caregivers comprehensive needs & helped transitions our clients back into the community. I was also recognized by Eli Lilly as Hero in the Fight, advocating for quality care for all regardless of their race, socio-economic status, gender, ability to pay & helped to reduce or remove barrier to seeking & receiving correct care.
Garnadette Stuckey
I am licensed clinical social worker in Illinois with 10 years of professional work experience. Additionally, I am a community psychologist. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, & trauma and abuse. 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!
Mike Driscoll
I am licensed in Illinois with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, anger management, & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Kathy Branning
I am licensed in Illinois and Wisconsin with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Erin Fabrizio
I am licensed in Illinois with 14 years of counseling experience. I have experience helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also have experience working with depression. My work in counseling has largely been with young adults, including college students and athletes, and I have also provided therapy for children and older adults. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that every person has, and can discover many strengths within, that assist in overcoming life's challenges. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Marjorie Alexander
I am licensed in Illinois with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & coping with life changes. 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!
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
- Chicago, IL
- Aurora, IL
- Joliet, IL
- Rockford, IL
- Naperville, IL
- Springfield, IL
- Peoria, IL
- Elgin, IL
- Waukegan, IL
- Champaign, IL
- Cicero, IL
- Bloomington, IL
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