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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Anne Douglas

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: MS,Psychoanalysis,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefCoaching
24 years of experience

I am a psychotherapist who is licensed in Marriage and Family Therapy, as well as individual psychotherapy. I am a graduate of Northwestern University (Evanston, Illinois), The Family Institute at Northwestern University, and The Institute for Psychoanalysis (Chicago). I have been mentored personally by several of the top Family Therapy theorists in the United States. While obtaining my graduate degrees and certifications at Northwestern, I was awarded with an Honorarium to lecture and teach a 300 student 11 week psychology course at Northwestern because of my expertise in counseling. In addition, I have served as a faculty member at Lake Forest College, where I have counseled, taught, and supervised students. I have been a Clinical Fellow at the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy for over 20 years. I have been associated with Betterhelp since 2014. Tele-Medicine Psychotherapy allows my clients/patients more access to me through their virtual visits and unlimited email, which is far more helpful, convenient, and safe then weekly or bi-weekly office visits, as well as, less expensive in cost. My clinical experience includes, but is not limited to, individual, couple, and family therapy. The patients that I have successfully treated include people who present with issues relating to Life Transitions, Relationship and Marital Counseling, Child and Adolescent Issues and Concerns, PTSD & Trauma Resolution, Anxiety and Stress Disorders, Depression, Bipolar, Grief and Loss, Personality Disorders, Military-Veterans, Career Challenges, Weight Loss/Maintenance, Family Therapy, Family of Origin Healing, and Personal Growth & Self Awareness. I also work with clients who need assistance in life coaching. I am licensed to advise clients on issues and matters that come up as they navigate parenthood. My goals for each patient are individually thought-out according to a collaboration between patient and therapist. I can teach you how to become your own best advocate. My objective as your counselor is to assist in making you the best that you can be. I am extremely prompt in responding to all of the Betterhelp subscribers who are assigned to me. If you want my assistance on a daily basis, I am available to work with you. I am here for you as often as you'd like me to be. My objectives are to help you to exist in the environment in which you live and to assist you in getting to the next place in your life. For those of you who are in relationships that have ended, I will assist you with survival skills which focus on THE WHY, THE HOPE, THE WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN, and THE LETTING GO, a system that I have developed that has helped hundreds of my clients. The modalities that I use in my counseling approach are Psychodynamic, Family of Origin, Humanistic, Behavioral, Cognitive, CBT, Systemic, Solution Focused, Trauma Focused, as well as others. I set up a compassion-focused alliance with my clients. I offer Live Camera Sessions, Live Phone Sessions, and Email Chat Sessions, as well as continuous email communication, to my clients. The choice is yours. People start to heal the moment they feel heard. I look forward to joining with you as your counselor.

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Natalie Eden

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: MBA, MA, LCPC
Stress, AnxietyGriefAnger managementDepressionCoping with life changes
13 years of experience

I am dedicated to providing you with confidential, compassionate & personalized treatment to meet your individual needs & goals. Focus is on empowering you to make better decisions, gain more insight, and embrace the challenges of life. Focus is on restoring and developing a person’s dignity, strengths, and God-given talents for problem-solving, personal growth, and achievement. I am a fully licensed counselor with two advanced degrees. I have been in private practice for 10 years treating clients who present with a wide range of challenges. Prior to that I worked as a counselor at an outpatient behavioral health clinic at a major hospital in downtown Chicago, Illinois providing individual and group therapy to persons of all ages diagnosed with a wide variety of emotional challenges. My studies have also included extensive coursework in addictions and motivational interviewing. I have experience and training in treating anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorders and grief. As a fully licensed clinical professional in the states of Illinois and Pennsylvania, I have a Masters of Arts in Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology with a 4.0 GPA. Other degrees include a Master’s degree in Business Administration from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA as well as a Bachelor’s degree in English /Communications summa cum laude from Campbell University. I am married with two adult children. My hobbies include travel, writing, genealogy and art.

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Nichole Molnar

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: MS.,LCPC
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
10 years of experience

I have extensive experience helping those with depression, anxiety, trauma, and behavioral issues. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who works with individuals, groups, couples, and families. I have a lot of expertise in helping my clients with stress management, self-esteem issues, communication skills, peer conflict, women's issues and men's issues. I believe in building a strong therapeutic relationship and I approach each client individually to determine their course of treatment. I use Cognitive-behavioral therapy/behavioral modification. Both have been researched and supported for the treatment of depression, anxiety, and behavioral problems. I also use Mindfulness techniques to help individuals be present in the moment and learn to take a step back and empower themselves to handle any situation. My philosophy is that clients already hold the skills/tools necessary to improve. I work collaboratively with the clients to help them to achieve their goals. I prefer to see clients as quickly as I can.

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Megan Prior

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCPC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesAnger managementCompassion fatigue
9 years of experience

Everyone needs help sometimes and it takes strength and courage to admit when we are struggling. Seeking support through counseling is a brave step and I am here to assist you in this step by providing resources, strategies and support to help you through whatever difficulty you may be facing. As a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with 9 years of experience in the mental health field; I am dedicated to supporting you along this counseling journey and want you to know that you are not alone. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns, some of which include but are not limited to: depression, anxiety, relationship issues, attachment difficulties and parenting problems. I also have extensive experience in working with clients who have experienced and/or been exposed to trauma. My goal as a therapist is to walk along with you through the counseling process by offering hope, healing, support and interventions to utilize in coping with difficulties and challenges. My therapy approach is supportive, engaging and compassionate. I modify my theoretical orientations specifically to fit each of my clients and utilize an electric approach. I look forward to working with you towards meeting your therapeutic goals. There is no better time than the present to seek help.

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Ashley Dehn

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: MS,LCPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
9 years of experience

Hello! My name is Ashley. I am a Master's level, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC). I have been providing counseling services for about 6 years. I have experience in working with children as young as 8, adolescents, teens and adults. I counsel those who struggle with personality disorders, mood disorders, such as anxiety or depressive disorders, self harm behaviors, PTSD, OCD, trauma, grief and various addictions. I also commonly work with those who fear abandonment, feel lost in life, do not feel as though they truly know who they are or what their values are, and currently use ineffective coping mechanisms. My treatment often incorporates Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, as well, teaching the strong relationship between our thoughts, emotions and behaviors. I incorporate mindfulness and radical acceptance into much of my therapeutic process. In addition, I am an artist, and love to be able to incorporate art into the therapy I provide when possible. My goal is provide therapy at the highest ethical standards, allowing my clients to feel safe and comfortable in a non-judgemental environment. It is among my highest values in life to be kind, empathetic and honest. I love being able to help my clients and I am excited to be able to share my knowledge of life skills to a broader area through the era of telehealth services.

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Katina Wilcher

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW,MSW,M.Ed
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
23 years of experience

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

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Christopher "Chris" Dueker

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: MS,LCPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepression
18 years of experience

I have over 16 years of clinical experience helping individuals, couples, and families seeking help to resolve some of their problems with conflict, adjusting to life event stressors, recovering from trauma to become survivors and not victims. Furthermore, I like to help others with addictions of practically every kind to change their habits with replacement thoughts, behaviors, and actions that improve their sense of purpose in life and handling their emotions rather than avoiding them with their maladaptive behaviors. A majority of my training and experience has been on helping clients incorporate positive communication skills, conflict resolution skills, and improve upon their ability to stop negative thinking habits that tend to interfere with change.

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Dr. Joyce A. Griffin

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: PhD, LPC (MO), LCPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
30 years of experience

My approach to counseling is often didactic and is solution oriented. It is my opinion that clients come to counseling because they can not figure out what to do. So “teaching counseling” offers them new skills to use in their situation, as well as ideas to assist in coping in their world. I am somewhat eclectic in my approaches, realizing that everyone is unique, and one size does NOT fit all. I find a Cognitive Behavioral approach often encourages clients to set their own solution-focused path. I give feedback and assign homework tasks. I ask clients to join me in making a sort of treatment plan, and we work together on problem-solving. I periodically consult with trusted professional colleagues on a confidential bases, who practice outside of our local area. It is not my style to see what others have reported about their own work. I march to my own drummer and do what I believe is right in each situation. It’s fine with me if I am the only one doing it the way I do it.

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Holly Ambrose

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
33 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois and Florida with over 30 years of professional social work experience. I have experience in helping clients to cope with stress, anxiety, grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, self-confidence, & depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion and 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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Ajibola Obajimi

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefAnger management
4 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients in coping with addictions, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & anger management. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Viviane Ngwa

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseCareer difficultiesCoaching
8 years of experience

I am licensed in Nevada with more than 10 years of professional work experience in the helping profession. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & 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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Pamela Ely

Offering therapy in Illinois
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefCoping with life changes
25 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical counselor in Illinois with over 25 years of professional work experience. My full time job is working with court ordered juveniles and their families, however I have also worked in a psychiatric unit and in an outpatient setting. My experience includes working with at risk children including abuse and neglect, sexual abuse, juvenile delinquency and substance abuse issues. I attend a minimum of 60 hours of continuing education per year including teaching at a local university. I believe that you are the expert of your story. I believe that you have many strengths and I hope to 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 toward a change. I am here to support and empower you in that journey. In my personal life, I have been married for 30 years and have two grown children. I am an adoptive parent, love rescue dogs and enjoy helping others.

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Christopher Schmidt

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyLGBTParenting issuesDepressionCompassion fatigue
30 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related 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 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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DeLena Byanski

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
10 years of experience

I am a licensed Licensed Clinical Social Worker and hold Type 73 Certification as a School Social Worker in the state of Illinois with 10 years of professional work experience. I graduated with my master's degree in social work at Aurora University. I have experience supporting families through trauma, grief and loss, anxiety, and parenting. I have worked with individuals and families in a variety of settings such as crisis intervention, schools, and the residential setting. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I draw from various therapeutic methodologies, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). I aim to make each and every individual feel supported, safe, and heard in the therapeutic space. I think knowing the whole person and utilizing their strengths are key to empowering clients in reaching their goals. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. 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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Whitney Gipson

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
25 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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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