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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Marissa Harris

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW,BCD
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTTrauma and abuseDepression
26 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical social worker in Illinois with specialization in addictions (substance use and sexual disorders), trauma and emotional conditions, LGBTQ concerns, depression, anxiety, relationship and parenting concerns, vocational challenges, legal issues, and serious mental health illnesses. Since I started in the field in 1998, I have always known I would be a counselor. Growing up, it came naturally to me to be compassionate, empathetic, and to listen with a non-judgmental stance. Over the past 20 years, I have helped hundreds of individuals improve their lifestyles through my work and passion for helping. What I love the most about working as a therapist is being apart of those quantum change insights; the ones that involve a shift in perception and the realization of a new life. It can be as simple as looking at ones self in a positive light, realizing they are capable of change. Recovery is about self-discovery, rediscovering the parts that you believe have become disconnected or lost. Authentic recovery allows you to achieve peace and satisfaction with your life. This starts with positive connections. I am here to guide you in the path of healing the root cause of your stress. With positive and loving connection, I will honor your path towards fulfillment. Currently as of 5/14/2020, I am no longer taking new clients due to a full schedule.

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Lisa Fix

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: MS,LCPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefEating disordersDepression
33 years of experience

Hi. I’m Lisa and welcome to Better Help! I know this first step is one of the hardest, yet you are doing it! I am licensed as a clinical professional counselor in Illinois and have 33 years of experience. My upbringing led me to the helping field. I’ve done my own work through therapy so I know what it feels like to be on “the other side.” I have practiced at a community mental health agency, hospital-based eating disorders treatment program and a university counseling center. I draw on various approaches and will work with you to personalize counseling to what you need. Ask all the questions you need to be informed. Clients have shared they find me caring, non-judgmental and very helpful to them. I will ensure you feel safe, heard and go at a pace you are comfortable with. My style is personal, relaxed and I will provide direct feedback and challenges if you are up for it. Things I enjoy outside of career are exercise, being outside/gardening, coffee, chocolate, time with my companion animals, watching funny videos, and keeping up on social justice issues. I think it’s important for people to “interview” a therapist to see if it feels like a good fit, so I hope you will contact me to see if it feels like we can work well together. Regardless, best wishes and take care.

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Rebecca Jones

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseBipolar disorderDepression
10 years of experience

Hello! Welcome to the BetterHelp Community! I am so glad you decided to reach out to us. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois with over 10 years of experience. Over the past 15 years I have worked with a wide variety of clients. I have worked in private practice, alternative schools, a women's prison, a county jail, and residential treatment centers. I am working from home now as a private practice therapist. I have worked with clients with varying diagnoses or concerns including depression, anxiety, bipolar and mood disorders, family relational challenges, previous abuse (physical and emotional), interpersonal conflicts, social skill building, and many more. I provide counseling that is goal oriented and solution based. I like to meet clients where they are at and what makes them feel most at ease while working with me. I do that with cognitive based therapy and solution based brief therapy. We will work together as a team to build a treatment plan that is suitable for you and you are comfortable and ready to address. I know that asking for help is hard, and I'm excited for you that you have decided to do that. I want to help you live your best life and be the best version of yourself. I look forward to working with you!

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Petia Detchevska

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCPC,CADC,NCC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemCoping with life changes
7 years of experience

I understand that sometimes life can be a challenge! But with help and support, we can heal, change, and find inspiration to grow physically, mentally, and spiritually. I am here to listen with a warm heart, to challenge negative thoughts, to motivate you to achieve your goals and to lead you to overall well-being. My name is Petia. I graduated from National Louis University in Chicago, IL 2017 with a degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I have experience in behavioral mental health; working in different settings, populations and age groups. My preferred treatment approaches are client-centered, cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused, motivational interviewing, and goal setting.

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Barbara Wahler

Offering therapy in Illinois
LGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteem
31 years of experience

Are you longing to understand what’s happening in your relationships? Do you find it difficult to reach your child, your partner, your boss? Maybe you're struggling to understand each other and not sure what went wrong... Relationships can be difficult for everyone - for teens, for families, for couples, and for communities. Teens are struggling to discover their identities and that means sometimes they're hard to be around. For bi-racial couples, those in mixed-race blended families, or anyone wrestling with sexual identity it’s hard to know where to turn. Right now things might seem unmanageable, but it won't always be that way. There IS hope; things will get better and I'd like to help. My mission is to help individuals and families move through life's transitions. I serve youth and adults from a variety of backgrounds/cultures who grapple with concerns about identity, self-esteem, parenting, LGBTQ+, relationships, school problems, spirituality and women's issues. I received my Masters in Social Work from Loyola University Chicago and for over 30 years I have specialized in re-connecting and opening communication in strained relationships. It's important for me to partner with clients in order to move toward healing. My methods are relational and client-focused, rooted in a background of family systems. I offer support to people wherever they may be and use different methods to connect. We may move, draw, play, listen to music, or merely sit together; always, however, with the goal of moving toward healing and wholeness. Please take that first step toward healing and contact me. Look forward to feeling better and creating a happier life!

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Danae Ganos

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
24 years of experience

Hello, My name is Danae Ganos. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker practicing and able to work with clients who are in the state of Illinois during the times of their sessions. I received my Bachelor's degree from Judson University and my Master's degree from Loyola University in Chicago. I have over 23 years of professional work experience in both community mental health and private practice settings. My areas of expertise include: developing coping skills to manage anxiety and depression, moving through grief and loss, healing from abuse and trauma, dealing with transition, managing stress, and codependency. I am also well-versed and comfortable in working with multiple other issues such as family-of-origin, communication, self-love, isolation and loneliness, guilt and shame, recovery after divorce or separation, and women's issues. My treatment approach varies somewhat depending upon the issues being addressed, but most frequently I find client-centered and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to be the most effective. I strongly encourage clients to make use of homework assignments in-between sessions. I have found that most of the real work of therapy happens in between sessions when practicing what is learned during session takes place. It takes a lot of courage to take that first step in reaching out for help on a journey of growth and change. I believe that every person has many strengths that will help them in overcoming challenges along the way. If you think that working with me is a good fit, I look forward to listening to you, to learning your story, and to walking alongside you as you continue to move closer towards wholeness and health. "The world breaks everyone and afterwards many are strong at the broken places." ~ Earnest Hemingway

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William [Bill] Morgan Jr

Offering therapy in Illinois
AddictionsTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepression
40 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 40 +years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with addictions, trauma and abuse, chronic mental illness, anger management and depression. I work with my clients to create an environment where thoughts and feelings can be safely shared without fear of judgment. I am only available during the days on Tuesday. I prefer video sessions. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I congratulate you for getting started!

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Christine Nazario

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

I am licensed in Illinois with over 20 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. 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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Charita Graham

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf 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, relationship issues, 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. 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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Abijah Castillo

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteem
3 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, abuse, anger management, motivation, & self esteem. I also have experience working with 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 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:

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.

In today's fast-paced society, mental well-being has become a cornerstone of a fulfilling life. Amid the daily challenges and stressors that can overwhelm even the most resilient individuals, seeking professional guidance often offers a path to clarity and balance. The journey toward improved emotional health involves understanding personal triggers, embracing self-compassion, and developing effective coping strategies. While self-help books and online resources provide valuable information, nothing compares to the personalized support offered by a qualified mental health professional. One-on-one sessions with experienced experts can help uncover the underlying issues contributing to anxiety, depression, or other emotional hurdles. With a careful and empathetic approach, these professionals tailor their advice to suit individual needs, ensuring that each person receives strategies that work best for their unique circumstances. Whether through cognitive behavioral techniques, mindfulness practices, or other innovative methods, the aim is to foster resilience and empower individuals to take control of their inner lives. For those living in bustling urban centers, engaging in face-to-face sessions in a welcoming environment can be particularly beneficial. Access to a caring clinician provides not only a safe space to explore difficult emotions but also builds a support network essential for long-term recovery. The process encourages self-reflection and greater insight into behavioral patterns that might otherwise go unnoticed. While the journey can be challenging at times, the rewards include enhanced emotional stability, improved interpersonal relationships, and a renewed sense of self-worth. In one notable case, the guidance provided by a highly trained therapist proved instrumental in navigating a tumultuous period. Through structured sessions and tailored interventions, the individual learned to identify stressors and develop healthier responses to adversity. This experience underscored the transformative impact that dedicated support can have on one's overall quality of life. In a region like Texas, community-based initiatives and accessible mental health programs further reinforce the value of professional help. These efforts emphasize early intervention, preventive care, and continuous support, ensuring that more people are equipped to face life's inevitable challenges. Ultimately, investing in mental well-being is an act of self-care that yields lifelong benefits. By embracing professional support, individuals can unlock new levels of emotional resilience and discover pathways to a brighter, more balanced future. Each step taken toward healing represents a commitment to personal growth, enabling a life filled with renewed optimism and strength. Embracing this transformative journey consistently paves the way for deeper understanding, lasting peace, and meaningful personal progress.
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