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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Tiffany Ream

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCPC,CCRC
Stress, AnxietyLGBTCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

Hi, my name is Tiffany Ream and I believe a good relationship between therapist and client is the key to successful therapy. I currently work in private practice in addition to working online with Betterhelp. I have a Masters degree in Forensic Psychology, and am credentialed as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Illinois. I have about 12 years of experience including trauma, depression, anxiety, bipolar, adjustment disorders, psychotic disorders, relationship conflicts, and trauma. I will offer a safe, judgement-free space for you to process and discuss what is on your mind. Establishing a healthy rapport will be our first priority and we will move along at a pace that is comfortable for you. I typically use Cognitive Behavioral Techniques and Solution Focused Therapy, however I am flexible and we will find the best approach for you. I believe that our thoughts and feelings directly connect with how we make decisions and choices in our life. I have experience working with clients in private practice, in-patient, group homes, and correctional settings. I have experience working with a diverse group of clients and I believe we all need help in our struggles, and that we don't have to go at it alone. As a therapist, I want you to have a safe place to heal, learn, and grow. The therapy process is different for everyone and I hope I am able to help support you through taking this brave step towards improved mental health. My mission is to help all clients be heard and find their own voice. It's your story and it's time for you to tell it.

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Carla Gehle

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor . "I practice from the approach that I want to see my client's improve their lives, no matter the presenting issue. I have years of experience working with individuals, couples, and families from many different backgrounds and feel that it is important to remember that each client, couple, and family have different goals of counseling and require an individualize therapeutic plan to fit their needs." I earned my Bachelors Degree from North Central College, and my Masters in Clinical Counseling from National Louis University. I am Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC.) I am a certified ACE personal trainer, also a Certified Mental Health Integrative Medicine Provider, and have completed ACE Nutritional Specialist program. I use my training to treat the whole person, both physical health and mental health. I feel that it is important for a person to focus on their wellness during their counseling journey. I have been in private practice for over 8 years and has previous experience working at hospitals, where I provided psychological assessments and determines the appropriate level of care for patients seeking services. In the past I have worked in non-profit outpatient settings, along with a Therapeutic School which was a training site for psychology professionals. I use my years of experience in different sectors of the counseling field everyday in my practice. I specialize in working with individuals that are struggling with depression, anxiety, life transitional and adjustment disorders. I practices with a client centered approach to therapy, using cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness techniques, and dialect behavioral therapy. I specialize working with couples that have experience trauma, affairs, communication issues, and conflict resolution issues. I have extensive training in relationship counseling theories (Gottman) and have many years of experience working with couples.

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Dr. DeAnna Brookhart

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: Ph.D,LCPC,CAADC-CODPII
AddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepressionCoaching
27 years of experience

Hello, I am Dr. DeAnna (Dee Dee)Brookhart. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, a Certified Advanced Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor and CODPII in the State of Illinois. I have over 27 years of experience as a therapist, in both the Community Mental Health model and in Private Practice. My experience includes working with individuals, couples and families. My therapeutic approach is client centered and solution oriented. I will use the best approach to help my client. I have extensive training in addictions and cognitive behavior therapy. I am an avid believer in utilizing a holistic approach to mental health therapy: mind, body, emotional and social factors all contribute to the overall wellness of every individual. I love cooking, reading and spending time with my family and fur babies. Traveling to the beach is also high on my list of life loves! It takes courage to take the first step towards change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and help you unlock your happiness and satisfaction with your life. It's choice, not chance that you are reading this and looking to make your life better! I hope to earn the right to hear your story! I look forward to working with you! SPECIALTIES Stress, Anxiety Addictions Depression Marital /Couples Counseling LGBTQ issues- am an ally Also experienced in: Family and Blended Family Issues Work place issues and trauma Personality Disorders Clinical approaches: Client Centered, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, Years of Experience: 27+

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Linda Goldsmith

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LMHC,OTR/L,MA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
25 years of experience

I work with individuals struggling with depression, anxiety/stress, relationship problems, trauma and loss utilizing a holistic approach. I help clients set goals for change and seek solutions to problems. I have been in private practice for 25 years and work with adults. I utilize cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic and solution focused to help clients understand themselves and take steps to bring about change. When working with couples i like the IMAGO method and Gottmans approach. Therapy is a commitment to your health and well being. I am honored to work with individuals who are willing to better understand themselves and are motivated to work to change and improve their lives.

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Natasch Lindsey-Acker

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LPC
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesSelf esteem
7 years of experience

My name is Natasch Lindsey Acker. I am a licensed therapist. You can call me Talyah. I've been fascinated with psychology my whole life. I've worked in the fields of education with young people, and then in counseling for a total of 20 years. I've attended Spelman College, Columbia College, and the University of Arkansas. I've chosen to specialize in helping people have better relationships. Much of what we struggle with today is a direct result of the things we learned and experienced in our past. Things that we had no control over. My favorite two sayings are "Knowledge is Power" and "Team work makes the dream work." They can be corny, I know; but cliches become cliches for a reason. Because they start with well worn truth. Gaining knowledge of how our mind works can empower us in so many ways. It's like turning on the light switch in a cluttered attic. You can see the fullness of your environment and can easily navigate your way through once you see the full space clearly. Our lives are like that. Because we are social creatures, we live, and grow, and develop our sense of self by what we see reflected in the eyes of others. It is vital that we have a support network. And sometimes that support can start with just one person who will take the time to listen and be on your side. I am here to be that person for you. I am passionate about helping people learn how to have a healthy connection with themselves and with others; because those connections are our greatest sources of happiness and satisfaction. You can have better relationships, more outward success, and greater peace. You can rewrite your old scripts and choose how you want your life to unfold, rather than continuing to follow the old patterns that worked in the past, but are no longer working in your best interest now. Thank you for taking this first step with me.

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Melissa McHenry

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
23 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 23 years of professional work experience. I have a master's degree in adult psychology and a master's degree in child psychology. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, & trauma and abuse. I also have experience working with depression, self-injurious behavior, PTSD and domestic violence. 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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Paramita Bhattacharya

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteemCoping with life changes
13 years of experience

Hello! My name is Mita and I am a LCSW in Illinois with 13 years of professional work experience. 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. I want you to know that you are brave and I am in your team to empower you.

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Shobana Shanmugavelayutham

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
5 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & 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. 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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Danielle Larson

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGrief
9 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & trauma and abuse. 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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Geneen McGowan

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

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, & depression. I also have experience working with 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. 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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Dr. Kristen Haut

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: PhD
Stress, AnxietySleeping disordersBipolar disorderDepressionADHD
6 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, sleeping disorders, bipolar disorder, & 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. 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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Liala Slaise

Offering therapy in Illinois
Career difficulties
21 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 19 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with career difficulties. 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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Joanna Bifone

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW,LICSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefParenting issuesSelf esteem
25 years of experience

I am committed to providing a safe, supportive and non judgmental space for clients to explore what is causing distress or pain, what may be impeding life satisfaction, as well as ways to improve relationships, build self awareness, and enhance coping skills to navigate life challenges moving forward. Everyone needs assistance at times, and I believe that therapy can provide the space and foundation to better understand ourselves, to heal, and to move forward with a more grounded sense of self. My specialties include assisting individuals who are coping with depression, anxiety, difficulties with self worth, relationship/marital issues, pregnancy/parenthood, fertility/miscarriage, adoption, young adult and life transition issues, cancer, grief and loss, as well as the chaos, upheaval and isolation associated with world events during the past few years. In addition to my clinical experience, graduate work and licensure, I have additional training in couples/marital therapy through the Gottman Institute, and have completed their Bringing Baby Home program. I am also trained in Promoting First Relationships, and hold an Infant Mental Health Certificate through the University of Washington.

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Laurie Gray

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesSelf esteemADHD
16 years of experience

I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois with over 16 years of experience working working with teens, adults, and families. I have helped clients with a variety of presenting issues, including stress anxiety, relationship issues, parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, and ADHD. I believe that you are the expert of your own story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming challenges. I am passionate about empowering individuals and families through a strength-based, solution-focused approach to care. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am excited to partner with you on this journey!

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Reginald Wince

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementSelf esteemDepressionADHD
5 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, anger management, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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. 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.

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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