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.
Dr. Chelsea Dumas
My name is Chelsea and I am a clinical psychologist, licensed in the states of Illinois and Michigan. I completed my doctoral training in clinical psychology and have a Doctor of Psychology degree. I have worked with a variety of clients in my nine years of clinical work. My approach to therapy is a combination of Family-Systems, Cognitive-Behavioral, and Client-Centered. This means that I like to understand how your environment (family, work, neighborhood, city, country, society) affect you and your ability to solve problems. I sometimes find it helpful to examine the relationships between your thoughts, feelings, and actions, and work to change unhelpful thoughts. I also like to go my client's pace and work on the goals that are most important to you. I have been lucky to work with many different people on several different goals. My specialty is working with individuals affected by substance use, including those currently using, trying to stop, those who have been in recovery for a long period of time, and the family and friends affected by substance use. I have major experience in treating depression, anxiety, and symptoms related to stressful events and trauma. I can also help with family/relationship issues, life transitions, sleep difficulty, body-image/ self-esteem and motivation. Asking for help is not any easy thing for anyone. I am always so humbled by my clients' bravery and the strength it takes to reach out. I am so excited for the opportunity to work with you!
Adriana Franco
Hi, my name is Adriana. I am a Bilingual Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Addictions Counselor with over 16 years of experience. I studied Clinical Social Work at UIC Jane Adams School of Social Work. I also practice yoga, mindfulness, and meditation. This is my second career and my passion. I have the honor, and privilege, of providing mental health services to young adults, adults, families, and couples, as well as working with children from 4-12 years of age. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including, anxiety, depression, substance use disorders, anger, domestic violence, career challenges, and parenting. My counseling style focuses primarily on empowering clients to lead better lives, and in so doing, treat them with respect and dignity in a safe, supportive, encouraging, and warm space. My role as a therapist is to understand you as an individual, listen, provide a non-judgmental safe space, guide, advocate, advice, and educate those in need as they find their voices and healthier lifestyles, meeting them where they are at – believing that clients are the experts of their lives. I strive to establish rapport through understanding, honesty, and positive regard towards the individual while applying person-centered, person-in-environment theoretical orientations, and motivational interviewing. I use an integrated approach, based on the client’s needs through the course of therapy, established on client-therapist collaborative treatment plan development. This plan might integrate a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, meditation skills, dialectical behavioral therapy, and acceptance commitment therapy, grounded on the client’s preferences and needs. You are here, you have taken the first courageous step on the path to building a healthier, responsible, joyful life. I believe I could help you to succeed in this journey. I would love to get started working with you and am happy to answer any questions you may have for me. I look forward to working with you.
Joshua "Josh" Jouza
Joshua (Josh) Jouza earned his Bachelor’s degree in Applied Sociology and Political Science in 2011 from Lewis University where he achieved the highest of honors. Josh furthered his education, earning his Master’s of Science degree in Counseling from National Louis University in 2014. Josh embarked on a one year internship at the Counseling Center of Illinois. During this time Josh worked with the substance abuse population facilitating State mandated groups and counseling to DUI offenders in addition to running anger management groups. Post intern Josh has been working within the mental health field for the last four years, doing community outreach and crisis work. Currently Josh is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor where he works with the population aged thirteen (13) and up specializing in the treatment of Depression and Anxiety, including, BiPolar, Schizoaffective Disorder and Schizophrenia, among others. Josh prides himself on having a passion for his work and treating all individuals suffering from mental health afflictions with the utmost empathy. Josh continues to pursue opportunities that allow him to bring awareness to others of mental health issues and the opportunities for treatment that are available to all.
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.
Carly Gelb
Are you struggling with something internally that is holding you back to living your fullest potential? I may be able to help you uncover that strength that lies within you. My name is Carly Gelb and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have experience in the areas of depression, anxiety, panic disorder, substance use/addictions, stress, anger and relationship issues and much more. I use a non-judgmental client-centered approach that allows you to be in the drivers seat of your own therapy session. I love to use art, guided meditation, worksheets, journaling and other methods you may be open to using, to guide our experience together. If you need an unbiased ear to listen to you, and support you, then take the first step today in your journey.
Amanda Pearson
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois with 17 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, anger management, & 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. 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.
Courtney Howell
I am licensed in Illinois with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, & 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. 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.
Ji Min Kim
I am licensed in Illinois with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with depression, stress, intimacy-related issues, & motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. I believe that you are the expert on 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!
Victoria Bartholomew
I am licensed in Kansas, Missouri, Florida, Iowa, Illinois, Texas and Tennessee, with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & parenting issues. 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. If you're willing to work hard make the changes, I am here to cheer you on!
Darwin Allen
I am licensed in Illinois with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma, and abuse, & as motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I believe in finding the root issues behind the problems and resolving them. The first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life is courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Leslie Zarker
I am licensed in Illinois and Missouri with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Wende Pannell
I am licensed in Illinois with 20 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. 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.
Sarah Silva
You try your hardest to help other people and yet no matter how much effort you put in, it still feels like you're not doing enough. Burnout feels real to you and you wonder if you'll ever have the time or energy for the things that matter in life; loving relationships, time with family, time with yourself to be who you want to be, do what you want to do, or have what you want to have. At this point, you're tired of living on autopilot and just want to live a life that's more fulfilling to you, whatever that looks like. As a heart-centered, congruent woman, I use Neurolinguistic Programming to assist you make instant changes in your life. NLP is the study of successful people and uses communication to eliminate negative emotions and limiting beliefs that may be in the way of you living out your ideal life. NLP works fast and your commitment is an average of three months. Since you're reading this, I know you're ready to finally step into your truest self and live the life you want to live. Email me and we'll get started right away! I've been told I'm funny too so there's that to look forward to! Talk to you soon.
John Shustitzky
I am licensed in California, Illinois and Pennsylvania with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, career difficulties, & 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.
Gabrielle Lowell
I am licensed in New York with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, 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!
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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