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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Harry R Gilley

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW,MS Rehab Admin, Certified Anger Management Specialist
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsFamily conflictsDepression
25 years of experience

Hello! My name is Harry Gilley and I am a BeterHelp therapist! Thanks for taking the time to review my Bio. I have over 25 years experience in mental health, substance abuse, and medical social work experience while living in South Carolina, Illinois, Georgia, and Tennessee. I currently live in TN and teach at the University of Tennessee at Martin. I teach Social Work (SW) and specialize in SW and Health Care, SW and Mental Health, and SW in Substance Abuse. My Teaching experience has been over 6 years and I have learned a great deal from my many Students. I have expertise with individual, group, family, multi-family Therapy. I can use eclectic therapies and I have noticed that my Client's benefit from Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT). Over the past year, I have gained Tele-Therapy experience from working with two Tele-Therapy companies and have really enjoyed working with messaging, audio, and video formats to provide Therapy. All of my experience to date has helped me transform to a Tele-Therapy platform to provide services to individuals in this modern time which differs from face to face treatment. I live in W. TN and my loves in life are my children, family, music (great in Memphis), hiking, the beach, and boating. I am a believer in physical exercise and making efforts to achieve the best state of health I can. I lost 60 pounds in the last two years and have also worked in weight loss programs during my career. I have had a good deal of success working with Client's who want to make some changes physically to achieve better health. I use CBT and perform well with depression, anxiety, self esteem, anger management, and am skilled at working with the various mental and physical illnesses.

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Rita ODonnell

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsAnger managementBipolar disorderDepression
13 years of experience

Reaching out for help is a big first step in your recovery. My name is Rita O’Donnell. I work with older adults as a clinical counselor and social worker in Illinois. With over thirteen years of experience, I use several therapeutic techniques to help you identify and achieve treatment goals to reduce your symptoms. Whether it is depression, anxiety, trauma stress, substance misuse, or anger, you will learn and practice coping skills to start to feel better and happier. Using the audio or written communication that you prefer, I start treatment where you are in life and with the issues where you want to start. During the pandemic, issues of everyday stress were amplified and caused increased problems with thoughts, feelings, and emotions. Starting a new process is difficult but very important. I focus on helping people to start this process to improve symptoms. There is no one right formula, so we will look for the way that helps you. The more you are willing to share and open your heart, the further we will be able to get. But we will do this at your pace. How does that sound?

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Cheri Sinnott Springer

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesDepressionCoping with life changesCoaching
15 years of experience

Hello! Thank you for choosing to read my profile. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois with experience serving a wide variety of populations. I teach Introduction to Counseling and Introduction to Social Work (wrote the text for that class) at a local community college. I have been a Board Member of NASW (National Association of Social Workers) and am an instructor for the Licensure Exam Preparation Class. I received my Master of Social Work degree from Washington University in St. Louis. Although I draw from a variety of therapeutic approaches, I do lean heavily on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution Focused Therapy. I also incorporate effective communication strategies and provide support in identifying additional resources outside of our time together. Thank you for taking the time to read this, and I look forward to the possibility of working with you. Cheri Sinnott Springer, LCSW

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David Vaccaro

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW,CADC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
10 years of experience

Experienced therapist with over 10 years of experience working with a wide range of client issues. I specialize in several mental health therapies for depression, anxiety and panic, self esteem, trauma and obsessive compulsive disorder. I have also worked with clients from adolescent age, to adult and geriatric. Therapy specializations include client centered therapy, trauma focused therapies (TFCBT), mindfulness based therapies, cognitive behavior therapy, solution focused therapy, crisis counseling, and brain injury therapies. In addition to mental health treatment, I also specialize in substance use treatments such as mindfulness based sobriety and harm reduction counseling. I received my undergraduate degree in psychology from Southern Illinois University and went on to receive my graduate degree in mental health social work. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my wife and cat (Molly), running, and traveling to new places. It takes courage to seek out counseling and I am looking forward to hearing from you.

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David Schwartz

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCPC
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepression
15 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with a Master’s Degree in clinical psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology in Chicago. I provide individual therapy to adults and adolescents, as well as couples and family therapy. My practice is a general outpatient practice, best suited for those who desire improvement in their love life, family life, work life, or in their physical health and wellness. My approach emphasizes the importance of practicing new behaviors outside of the therapy. One practice that has been shown to be helpful, and which in many ways provides a groundwork for psychotherapy, is the practice of mindfulness. Ultimately, my mission as a therapist is to help you live a better, more fulfilling life.

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Mark Beiser

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCPC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
28 years of experience

I have been working at helping people since 1988. I received a Masters in counseling in 1995 and got the Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor certificate in Illinois in 2002. I'd like to begin by saying I feel very fortunate to be able to walk with people on their path to healing. I will try to engender trust with you by being genuine and respectful. I've had some success at helping people overcome trauma, depression, and anxiety. Mostly I start by helping people change their choices a little at a time. The hope is that these changes will lead to changes in thoughts; and eventually changes in feelings. Along the way, we often work through resolving issues of motivation and confidence. To accomplish all of this we will likely use a number of proven tools such as mindfulness practice and thought regulation. My goal is to help you make changes as we go along working with you to guide the process and help you develop and accomplish your goals.

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Arielle Valentine

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyDepression
3 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety & 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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Brian Stella

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
25 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 20 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 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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Sherilynn "Sheri" Asuoha

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteemBipolar disorder
15 years of experience

Everyone deserves to live their best life. Hi! I am Dr. Sheri. I am licensed in Illinois and Texas with over 15 years of professional work experience with humans and families across the lifespan. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, parenting issues, & 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. We set goals and we create a plan to accomplish those goals with respect to your values. I walk with you every step of the way. Your future is bright. Your journey is great and glorious. Thank you for trusting me to walk with you and major congratulations for taking the first step!

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Heather Breems

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

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois with over 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, parenting issues, & depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your individual 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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Nupur Sharma

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, career difficulties, & 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!

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Sheva Wesley-Franklin

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
23 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 23 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, 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. 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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Cheryl Watson

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
3 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, family conflicts, & 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. 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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Destinie Lambert

Offering therapy in Illinois
AddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemBipolar disorder
3 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & 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.

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Jennifer Garland

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: MSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseParenting issues
17 years of experience

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:

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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