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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Aquantonette Slaughter

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemBipolar disorderDepression
11 years of experience

Hello and Welcome, WELCOME!! My name is Aquantonette Slaughter, and I've been practicing therapy for the past 11 years. I truly enjoy working with and assisting people with making the changes they desire to see and attain in their lives. I received my Master's degree from Argosy University, Chicago in 2013, and my credentials include being a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC). I have a history of working with individuals with Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, Major Depressive Disorder, and Substance Abuse. I have also worked with individuals who have opted to be a part of the Assisted Out-patient Treatment program to reduce recidivism related to mental health issues. My treatment approach includes Adlerian, CBT, and Person Centered. However, I understand that each person is different, therefore, I would tailor my treatment approach to meet the individual need of each client in order to support and encourage positive change. I believe that I can assist and be the most effective by providing a nonjudgmental environment and being my authentic self. I pride myself on being an active listener and effective communicator, and I am passionate about what I do. Although I am a counselor, I believe in customer service and take it as an honor when given the opportunity to assist with changing lives.

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Dr. Pamela Vernon Stewart

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: Psy.D., CADC, LCPC
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepression
7 years of experience

Hello, I am pleased to introduce myself to you. My name is Dr. Pamela Vernon Stewart. I hold a doctorate in Clinical Psychology with a minor in Health Psychology. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) in the State of Illinois. I am well experienced in individual therapy with adults 18 years and older. I earned my degrees (B.S., M.A. and Psy.D.) at Loyola University and the Illinois School of Professional Psychology. Some of my experience includes hospital practice, residential facilities and outpatient clinics. I have five years of intensive experience covering a wide range of concerns. These include trauma (emotional and physical), grief, depression, anxiety, alcohol and substance abuse, stress, neglect, discrimination, cultural identity difficulty, personality disorders, eating disorders, OCD, ADHD, college issues, and health issues including chronic pain, AIDS, Lupus and Diabetes across genders and age groups. In addition, I have experience working with individuals for anger management, communication problems, and relaxation and meditation for stress reduction. I enjoy working with people of all cultures. I believe in a holistic biopsychosocial approach to assessment and treatment that attends to the client’s mind, body and spirit. My therapy style is integrative (motivational interviewing, psycho-dynamic, behavioral, cognitive-behavioral, DBT, EFT, and so on) collaborative and client-centered at the core. I also have clinical training and experience in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprogramming (EMDR). My therapeutic style is interactive and driven by warmth, sensitivity and empathy. Stalwart ethical principles guide me. Together we will develop your unique treatment plan, one that will meet your specific needs. I applaud you for seeking help. This takes strength and courage. If you are ready to take the first step, I am here to empower you and help you reach the fulfillment of a happier life. I look forward to a rich clinical therapeutic experience with you. With great enthusiasm, Pamela Vernon Stewart, Psy.D., CADC, LCPC

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Nicole Kough

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemDepression
15 years of experience

Hi and welcome! My name is Nicole Kough and I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who has been in the field since 2009. I live in the southern/central area of Illinois. I graduated from Lindenwood University in 2014. I have worked with clients with a range of symptoms which include depression, anxiety, marriage counseling and relationship issues. My counseling style is supportive and non-judgmental. I use a mixture of cognitive behavioral therapy and solution focused therapy which will help you work through thought processes and come up with solutions to your issues. I will listen to you and bring understanding and compassion to the therapy process, allowing healing to begin. I will personalize therapy to fit your needs.

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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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Kirsten Munson

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

I am licensed in Illinois with 31 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 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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Sally Kapela

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
25 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 25 years of professional work experience. 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.

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Courtney Rankin

Offering therapy in Illinois
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, anxiety, depression & coping with grief and loss. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. I believe in practice unconditional positive regard to all clients and I will tailor our dialog and treatment goals 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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Lori Gordon

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

I am licensed in Missouri and Illinois with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, & trauma and abuse. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Courtney Holbrook

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

I am licensed in Illinois with 10 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 .Are you at a place where you are feeling overwhelmed and not sure where to go from here? Are you struggling with navigating life’s challenges and feeling like you need some additional support? First, let me give you the praise you whole-heartedly deserve. It takes a lot of courage to rise up and ask for help. I have the utmost respect for you allowing yourself to experience that vulnerability and I would be honored to walk with you and guide you on your journey to personal wellness. I am dedicated to creating a safe, supportive environment for my clients. I take pride in my client-centered, holistic approach. I do not believe therapy is an one-size fits all process. You are the expert of your own life, and very deserving to share your story. I am here to listen and help you narrate the story you want to represent to the world. It takes a lot of courage to rise up and ask for help. I have the utmost respect for you allowing yourself to experience that vulnerability and I would be honored to walk with you and guide you on your journey to personal wellness.

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Katie Tapert Mercado

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyGriefDepressionCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
29 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, coping with grief and loss, 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.

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Joanna Bifone

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW,LICSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefParenting issuesSelf esteem
25 years of experience

I am committed to providing a safe, supportive and non judgmental space for clients to explore what is causing distress or pain, what may be impeding life satisfaction, as well as ways to improve relationships, build self awareness, and enhance coping skills to navigate life challenges moving forward. Everyone needs assistance at times, and I believe that therapy can provide the space and foundation to better understand ourselves, to heal, and to move forward with a more grounded sense of self. My specialties include assisting individuals who are coping with depression, anxiety, difficulties with self worth, relationship/marital issues, pregnancy/parenthood, fertility/miscarriage, adoption, young adult and life transition issues, cancer, grief and loss, as well as the chaos, upheaval and isolation associated with world events during the past few years. In addition to my clinical experience, graduate work and licensure, I have additional training in couples/marital therapy through the Gottman Institute, and have completed their Bringing Baby Home program. I am also trained in Promoting First Relationships, and hold an Infant Mental Health Certificate through the University of Washington.

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Katherine "Katie" Saraga

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCoping with life changesCompassion fatigueADHD
3 years of experience

Hi there!! My name is Katie, and I'm a licensed Clinical Social Worker. I specialize in child, teen (13-19y), & young adult (20-25y) therapy, and disability advocacy. My counseling style is pretty laid back. I have been described as supportive, thoughtful, and empathetic, with a pretty good sense of humor. I like to focus on identifying your strengths and helping you to maximize them to overcome your obstacles. I recognize that during these earlier stages of life where you are transitioning through school and into the "real world" can be intimidating! I'm here to help you sort through the things that are difficult right now, and offer you a safe place to be open and honest without fear of judgment. I am also a certified Animal Assisted Therapist, and my Therapy Dog Trekk is available to accompany our sessions on request! You have taken the first and most important step by reaching out for help. I'm sorry you are having a tough time right now, but I'm really glad you are reaching out. I'd like to help you work on the struggles you are facing; and offer you a safe place to explore your thoughts and feelings. I offer all services, but contact me prior to schedule video sessions please. Once you respond to this message, I will send you some additional general information about how this online counseling process works, and then we can get started. Please feel free to ask questions at any time! Should you feel in need of urgent help or that you are in crisis at any time during our work together; please call 1-800-273-TALK 24 hours a day; or 911. This forum does not provide any type of emergency services, so I want to be sure you know who to contact if you need immediate help. You are not alone. Things can and will get better. I'm really looking forward to working with you! Take care, Katie

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Najah Hawkins

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. 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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Portia Adams

Offering therapy in Illinois
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteemDepression
15 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois and New York with 15 years of professional work experience. My pronouns are she/her/hers and I have expertise in working with Black communities. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy related 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. 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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Jenifer Hope

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoaching
25 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, parenting issues, 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.

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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