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.

Raelene Faught
I am a therapist licensed in Illinois with 10 years of experience. I view this work as helping people heal from hurts and move towards healthier choices and relationships to satisfy legitimate needs. I have worked with clients on issues including anxiety, transition and phase of life concerns, relationships, parenting and trauma. I try to come from a perspective that views you as the expert on your life and I am here to help you learn, heal and change. I use a humanistic approach along with Trauma Informed and Cognitive Behavioral strategies to work towards those goals. I hope that your choice is an easy one and I wish you well.

LaShara Shaw
Hello. My name is LaShara, and I am a licensed clinical professional counselor and certified rehabilitation counselor. I am also a Doctoral candidate for Pastoral and Christian Counseling. It has been my pleasure working with consumers of varied ages, from children to senior citizens. My aim is to discover areas of difficulties and build strengths to foster a flourishing and meaningful life. I endorse an integrative perspective of treatment to acknowledge the contexts of the body, mind, environment, and spirituality within treatment settings. I work in secular and Christian settings, and I respond to the goals of the consumers. I embrace compassion, empathy, and recognition that life has moments of suffering, but through value-driven committed action, there can be beautiful outcomes. It will be wonderful to hear from you soon. Thank you.

Richard Goldin
If I had only one piece of advice to share it would be that as human beings we only have one opportunity to experience the universe, and that is in our lifetime. We all have the power to make that experience an amazing journey, lived in gratitude and with positive emotions. My career in mental health/addictions counseling began 25 years ago in mid life. I am very fortunate to have made this career transition. It allowed me to align with an important value of mine, giving something back to the world. Also, I have experienced enormous personal benefit through the changes in my own thinking that lead me to live in gratitude, acceptance and serenity. My career began in business and education, and eventually I was part of a business startup that failed. I became depressed as my business was failing, and for the first time in my life I reached out for help to a therapist. My therapist helped me see that my depression was a result of me extrapolating the business failure to believing I was a personal failure. This experience of how changing one's perspective/attitude about life events can totally shift one's emotional outcome was powerful and life changing. I wanted to be able to help people challenge their own self defeating beliefs and think more effectively and live their lives more effectively. My primary counseling focus is in Cognitive and Dialectic Behavioral Therapy. My training in psychology and addiction counseling has enabled me to be of service to my clients as well changing my own thinking. While we are all going to experience some pain, loss and suffering, with tools and motivation we can work through the negative emotions and get back to positive emotions and make our life journey a better one. Identifying our own values and living according to those values is another key to more happiness and positive emotions. I have embraced spirituality in my life. Living in gratitude and honoring the gift of life by taking the best care on one's physical, emotional and spiritual health leads to an awesome life journey.

Dr. Willie Harmon
I am an older male black therapist with a history of military experience. I have worked with teenagers and with adults. My approach is straight forward and solution focused. I am a great listener with a "can do positive" mentality to issues and problems. I am reality based and like to set goals for treatment. I am very drawn to couples therapy and enjoy working to find common ground, and/or highlight the needs for couples to determine the next step in their relationship. I have three male children, all boys, and enjoy my role as a father so I am always available to help improve someone's parenting skills. I have a blended family so I am aware of the challenges, dynamics, and issues associated with such a family model. I know that trust is essential for therapy to be successful. I will do all that I can to establish such a therapeutic relationship with you if you choose me as your therapist. Unfortunately , I have not had much experience working with the LGBTQ community . I am a licensed clinical psychologist and a licensed Clinical Therapist.
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William [Bill] Morgan Jr
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!

Kinya M Lucas-Brown
I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety & depression. 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.

Ngozi Harris
I am licensed in Illinois with 12 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Alison McCandless
Hi all! I am Ali and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I have worked for a community mental health agency in Chicago for the past 3 years and I am originally from Southern California. I just recently moved to Denver, CO this summer. I am currently licensed in Illinois and Colorado. My experience is working in community mental health, I engaged with low-income folks with various mental health needs, such as life stressors, mood and psychotic disorders, anxiety, depression and trauma. I believe everyone has a story to tell and that each one matters. I use different approaches depending on client’s needs. I engage Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic model and strengths-based approach. In addition to building in coping skills or behavioral modification, I take time gathering client’s history in order to help the client make connections and meaning of their past experiences. I value using biopsychosocial assessment which gages client’s level of functioning and prevalence of symptoms. In 2023, the world can be and feel like a messed-up place… getting support for your mental health is important. I serve my clients without judgment and with hope. If you think we would be a good fit, I would love to meet you and support you in your therapy journey!

Selma Rodriguez Freijo
I have worked as a therapist for over 8 years, serving in both private practice and community mental health settings. I graduated with my masters degree in social work from Florida International University in 2016 and I am fully bilingual in English and Spanish. I specialize in using a range of evidence-based modalities including cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based approaches, and psychodynamic approaches. As a therapist I have learned the importance of endorsing a non-judgmental attitude, empathy and flexibility to help patients feel safe and comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings. As a therapist, I am passionate about empowering individuals heal and transform by providing a safe, supportive and non-judgmental space for them to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. My experience as a therapist has taught me the importance of collaboration in the therapeutic process to help uncover inner resources and strengths to overcome challenges and achieve goals.

Masi Kadzai
I am licensed in Illinois with over 3 years of professional counseling experience, I specialized in trauma therapy which includes CPT, CBT, DBT, and Body Orientation Therapy along with mindfulness and motivational interviewing techniques. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, 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.
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:
- 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 feature
- 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 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.
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