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.
Debbie Hayes
I am a counselor licensed in Illinois with over 10 years of combined experience working as a caseworker and as a counselor. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including grief, depression, anxiety,anger issues, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, OCD and ADHD. I have also helped many people who have experienced bi-polar disorder and schizophrenia. My education included a vast array of specialties, including multicultural counseling. I continue my education by completing additional trainings so that I can stay on top of the latest research and best practices. In this way, I can be a better support to you. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I don't believe in being judgemental. My approach combines client centered, strengths based, existential, cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, and psychodynamic approaches. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I am happy to incorporate Christian based counseling into our sessions. As a Christian myself, I find utilizing a Christian based approach to be one of the most valuable and successful modes of therapy. If you are interested in Christian based counseling, please let me know and we will incorporate this approach into our sessions! It takes great courage to seek assistance in order to have a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change! If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you and to embark upon that journey with you! One step at a time, we can work towards making the changes you need to live a happier, more fulfilling life. I look forward to working with you soon. Debbie Hayes MAC, LCPC, QMHP
Donald Shawler
Donald (Don) Shawler ia a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) who uses an integrative approach to working with adults dealing with depression, anxiety and other mental health problems. This integrative approach involves a person centered technique to help clients identify and address issues in an accepting, non-judgmental and safe environment. Using Cognitive based techniques, clients are taught to re-frame thoughts that hold them back and impact emotional and mental well being. Mr. Shawler also helps clients address anger issues by teaching anger management skills. With over 20 years of experience, Mr. Shawler has been successful working with many individuals dealing with a wide range of issues.
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.
Murray Manus
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of Illinois and obtained my Masters Degree in Social Work from the Jane Addams College of Social Work at the University of Illinois at Chicago in 2008. I provide personal counseling/therapy based upon the principles of humanistic therapy and positive psychology. A central tenet of this type of therapy is that the client possesses the inner resources necessary to successfully address his/her major life challenges. The focus is upon the client's strengths, not deficits. My role as therapist is to establish a supportive, safe environment which facilitates the client's ability to learn how to access these inner resources, to use them to surmount the difficult personal issues they face, and to create a more meaningful and fulfilling life based upon their own personal vision. I was a victim of substantial emotional abuse and neglect throughout my childhood. One consequence of this type of experience is that you never feel comfortable being yourself – everything you do is oriented toward pleasing your caregivers to get their approval and avoid further abuse. This is something I have worked on extensively in my own therapy, so I can easily relate to people’s struggles to learn who they really are and identify their core self, and to construct a life for themselves that fully expresses their wants and desires. I am not the "expert" to tells you what to do to make things better; you are the expert in deciding what you want your life to look like. In assisting people in this journey, I am quite experienced in helping them address significant challenges in life that can be so troublesome, such as getting one’s needs met, anger management, conflict resolution, developing effective communication skills, setting limits and boundaries, and establishing fulfilling interpersonal relationships. In the therapy I offer, there is no advance agenda or script nor any specific goals. Each session flows organically from wherever the client wants to start. This type of therapy works best when the client is a self reflective and introspective person, comfortable with discussing his or her inner thoughts and beliefs, and who is in touch with feelings and emotions. It is not oriented to using cognitive or analytical skills in solving specific problems per se but focuses on your overall quality of life. If you have difficulty being spontaneous or introspective, or are looking for a structured, goal oriented approach to therapy, this would not be a good fit for you. I no longer take any men as clients but just women
Bradley Wolcott
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has over 30 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in a variety of settings. My experience working with adults includes individual therapy in an outpatient setting, as well as working in a medical setting and on an in-patient psychiatric unit. I work with adults who are facing issues related to personal growth, life transitions, relationships, sexuality, gender, and family issues. My clients have had a wide range of issues they have needed help with; from young adults transitioning from high school or college on to the next step of their lives, to clients' who have lost of a loved one, to older adults transitioning to retirement. I have significant experience working with clients who have diagnoses of Depression, Anxiety, Autism Spectrum Disorder, PTSD and ADHD. Change of career concerns, and stress from school, work or family issues, are some of the additional issues that I have helped clients with. I enjoy working with first responders, veterans, and members of the clergy by helping them with some of the specific issues they face. I use a relaxed approach to connect with my clients and then work together to help them build upon their strengths, and achieve their goals. Developing a strong therapeutic relationship is a key to my clients' success. My clinical approach is primarily psychodynamic, but I will also draw from family systems, cognitive behavioral therapy, and dialectical behavior therapy as well.
Suzanne Baer
Hi I'm Suzi a licensed clinical professional counselor in the state of Illinois with 22 years experience working as a therapist, mentor and life coach. I have background working in a variety of settings including inpatient drug and alcohol treatment center, sexual abuse counseling and community mental health. I have worked with people with wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, PTSD, grief and loss, relationship issues, career challenges and life changes. I have also counseled individuals and families with addictions, trauma and abuse. My counseling style is genuine, compassionate and interactive. I believe in you and I will tailor our dialogue to meet your unique and specific needs. I use a variety of therapeutic techniques including cognitive behavioral therapy, solution focused, holistic, client centered, trauma informed care to a diverse population. It takes courage to take the first step towards change. I'm dedicated to walking with you on your journey and excited to see you progress. I will help encourage you, motivate you, challenge you and empower you to live a happier life. I look forward to connecting with you, call me today so we can get started.
Dr. William Keating
I am licensed in Illinois with 35 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, depression, & coping with life changes. 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.
Natasch Lindsey-Acker
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.
Laura Rubenstein
I am licensed in Illinois with 22 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & 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.
Christina “Christie” Samulevich
Life can be challenging and leave you feeling overwhelmed, lost, stuck, or on an emotional roller coaster. Difficult experiences or major life changes can be difficult to cope with and have you feeling unsure how to move forward. It can be exhausting. Maybe you have tried to figure it out on your own and you feel the same, if not worse. You're at a point where you're ready for some support, direction, and ultimately, relief. You don't have to do it alone. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with experience working with diverse client populations, I am confident in helping you learn to move forward while supporting you through every step of your journey. Together, we can get you to where you want to be. I strive to provide a safe space where you can be your fully authentic, candid self with no judgement. Taking the step to sign up for therapy is not easy, and I believe you need to be proud of yourself for having the courage to do so. You are worth it.
Elizabeth Smith
I am licensed in Illinois with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, & 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.
Lisa Allen
I am licensed in Illinois with 23 years of professional clinical work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, LGBTQIA+ related issues, relationship issues, & trauma and abuse. Prior to my most recent clinical experience, I have ten years of working in the Foster Care system 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!
Fernanda Morales-Veloz
I am licensed in Illinois with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, 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.
Elizabeth Stone
Whether it is a single event or a life time of struggles, our thoughts and emotions can become so overwhelming that every day tasks are difficult to complete. For some, it is hard to reach out for help but once you have taken the first step of acknowledging you need help and you cannot do it alone, the journey of emotional healing begins. It is learning to confront life's adversities rather than allowing them to define you. It is a journey of self-discovery, self-awareness, and learning to trust intuition while building inner strength to embrace and love who you are. As your therapist, I will walk that journey with you. I use a trauma-informed, strengths-based approach as well as Cognitive Behavioral therapy, however, I adapt interventions to meet clients' needs. I also apply a holistic approach with Mindfulness-based practices to integrate the mind-body connection.
Jasmine Ouedraogo
I am licensed in Illinois with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & 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.
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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