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.
Aaron Swerdlove
Greetings citizens of the universe my name is Aaron Swerdlove and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Chicago Illinois. In 2003 I completed my Masters degree at The University of Illinois-Chicago, Jane Addams College of Social Work. Over the years I’ve learned a few things, for instance sometimes the best advice is the advice not given. Another thing I’ve learned is to not be so judgmental of others. Indeed I have begun a counseling/therapy practice and I do offer support, guidance, and understanding. My approach is integrative because there is not a one size fits all when it comes to problems and difficulties in life. The client’s prerogative is super important . Adversity, difficulties, rough patches, problems, failures, etc are bound to happen in life and sometimes people need assistance to get through and understand what it is they are experiencing. I think therapy and counseling can be very useful in this endeavor. Making a little bit more space internally can result in more freedom and peace within. Changing the narrative of our storylines or understanding our experience in a different way can be liberating. Therapy/counseling can definitely help accomplish this. Go for it you are worth it. I’d love the opportunity to help.
Theresa Presley
Hi, I am Theresa Presley and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Missouri and Kansas. I have been practicing social work for 14 years. I have worked in a variety of settings to include inpatient/outpatient mental health, domestic violence and private practice. I work with a variety of ages and various populations. Much of my experience has been working with people who are struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, LGBTQ+ issues, and the challenges of parenting. I work with a Strength-based theory using elements of Cognitive Behavioral Theory. I try to build a strong, trusting relationship with each client and help them understand the connection between their thoughts, feelings and actions. The feedback I receive from clients is that they find me to be caring, warm, empathetic, nonjudgmental and a good listener. Life can sometimes be tough; sometimes, we have to ask for help. I understand that this is hard; but together we will focus on your strengths to get you through this difficult time and come out even stronger.
Katina Wilcher
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience providing therapy services to a diverse group of individuals, albeit an extensive portion of my practice has been providing support to children and their families. I have provided clinical services in a wide range of therapeutic arena such as shelters, inpatient/outpatient hospitals, schools. In doing so, I work with clients with multiple concerns including parenting, depression, school problems, trauma to name a few. I provide trauma-informed care with experience addressing grief, community violence impact, etc. I earned my Bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago in Criminal Justice and a minor in Sociology. I later attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where I earned my Masters in Social Work, focusing clinically on Schools, and my Masters in Education with a focus on Educational Organization and Leadership, respectively. I am currently completing my Doctorate at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a focus on providing services, resources, and access to traditionally marginalized populations. I am a culturally responsive clinician who believes that everyone minimally deserves empathy, respect, compassion, and dignity. I truly believe it is important to meet everyone where they are at, and in doing so, empower and equip my clients to have a voice and choice in their lives- to have agency. My approach is largely client-centered, strength-based, and solution-focused because I believe that clients are the experts on their lives and that everyone has strengths and talents from which we can draw. I use a variety of treatment modalities to guide clients in identifying strengths, and in developing treatment plans that accomplish their goals. While this list is not exhaustive, I use Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Intervention for Trauma in Schools, Mindfulness, Emotional Regulation Strategies, etc. with the goal of supporting clients to move towards a life of stability and happiness. Congratulations on taking the first step in achieving the change you seek. It is an honor to join you and walk alongside you as a critical thought partner on your journey. Specialties: • Parenting concerns • Relationship issues • Self-esteem • Depression • Coping with life changes • School issues and support • Emotional regulation • Effective decision-making Also experienced in: Conflict resolution, LGBT, Abuse and Neglect, Trauma, Behavioral Disorders, Parenting issues ADHD, Special Education Law, Stress Management, Domestic Violence, Homelessness, Birth to 3 Services, Grief and Loss, Attachment Issues, Mental Illness, and more. Clinical approaches: Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Zones of Regulation, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy Years of Experience: 23
Lisa Bicket
Sometimes life doesn't go the way that we would like it to. Sometimes we don't feel our best. Sometimes we realize that our past is affecting us more than our present. Sometimes we don't know what is going on, but we are sick and tired of being sick and tired. We all have different experiences and that is what makes us unique and what makes counseling so exciting to me. I recognize you are the expert of your life, it is not my job to tell you how to live or what to do, but it is my desire that all clients end treatment with a few tools in their toolbox to better manage whatever circumstances may come their way. I am a down to Earth person and use a lot of analogies and education with clients when discussing ideas that may be new to them, so they can find the language to understand something or a skill to change the things that are not working for them any longer. Then you can take these ideas with you to use in the future. I am a social worker with over 20 years of experience working with clients from infants (support to parents) to geriatrics. I love helping clients find out more about themselves through conversation and discussions that focus on moving forward while understanding how they got where they are today. I often use a solution focused approach along with rational-emotive behavioral therapy. But switch it up based on the individual and their goals and needs. Together with the client goals will be set and reassessed consistently to make sure that what is being addressed is meeting their needs and assisting them towards ongoing wellness. One of the most important part of therapy for me is for you to know you are not in this alone.
Dr. Margarita Lopez
I am licensed in Illinois and South Dakota with 8+ years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse. I also have experience working with 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.
Jesse Waltz
I am licensed in Illinois with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, depression, & 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!
Brandi Binder
I am licensed in Illinois with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Jennifer Quirina
I am a clinical social worker licensed in California and Illinois with 15 years of professional work experience. I believe that all good social work begins with a safe relationship where one can let down the defenses that protect us in our journey and find the transformation we seek. My personal and professional experience provides me with a particular interest in supporting individuals navigating the perinatal and new parenting time, adoptees, LGBT+ issues and major life changes. My treatment approach includes the use of tools from solution focused, cognitive behavioral and dialectical behavioral therapies. My priority is to help my clients feel heard, validated, and identify ways to manage the stressors that we all face.
Rene’ Buchman
I am licensed in Illinois with 23 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & coping with grief and loss. 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.
Rasa Ruzgys
I am a licensed mental health and addiction therapist in Illinois with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence, and addiction. 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.
Katie Kolzow
I am licensed clinical social worker in Illinois with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, 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 and I am here to support you in that process!
Marisa Riis
I am licensed in Illinois with 24 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 also have a great deal of experience with clients who are new parents and those with postpartum 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:
- 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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