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.
Teresa Adams
Hi, my name is Teresa Adams and I am passionate about marriage, family, relationships and the problems surrounding them. I am a graduate from Mississippi University for Women, with a B.S. in Food and Nutrition and a M.A. from Reformed Theological Seminary in Marriage and Family Therapy. I have been in the relationship field for over 20 years and have been a professional in the field for 10 years. I am Gottman I Certified, Prepare/Enrich Assessment Certified and SYMBIS Assessment Certified as well. I have been through me continuing education trainings in anxiety, depression, stress, conflict, communication, sexual issues and many more. In addition, my husband and I have written a marriage manual/book entitled Marriage: What To Do Before and After You Say, "I Do". When anxiety, depression and stress comes into the relationship/family, a feeling of uncertainty and hopeless erodes the mind. I want to help you eliminate the anxiety, depression, and stress in your relationship/family so life is manageable and peaceful. As a Christian counselor, with Biblical training, the answer to your problem is within your grasp. I have been married for 38 years and have raised four children. I believe the family is the fabric of your society and without the family our society is in deep trouble. Many issues have come to me and I am not afraid to ask the hard questions to help you through a difficult time. As a wife, mother, and counselor, I am caring, compassionate and warm in my delivery to my client. I am not judgmental and nothing surprises me. I can help!!
Rene Stockton
My name is Rene Stockton (pronounced Reni). I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in the state of Illinois. It is my honor and pleasure to serve our community as a counselor/therapist and change agent. I have had the privilege to work with individuals and families from primarily underserved populations and communities over the course of a 30 year social work practice in two great American States. I have encountered a range of adolescent and adult challenges ranging from mental health and trauma to writer’s block and wellness. I will partner with you to create the concrete change you are looking to achieve in your life. My style is open, supportive and person centered, we will choose the approach for your situation using a variety of theories and concepts including art and movement. Let's have a conversation about how to make lasting change in your journey. I will work with anyone with the courage it takes to ask for help.
Stephanie Arzavala-Reed
Welcome to the first step in feeling better! My name is Stephanie, I am a licensed clinical professional counselor with 8 years of experience. I knew I wanted to be a counselor at the age of 13 years old and have always enjoyed helping others. For me, working with others is the most rewarding experience and I'm thankful to each person who feels comfortable enough to share their stories with me. Being vulnerable isn’t easy and my goal is to provide a safe space, completely judgement free, to enable an open, honest exchange to begin the healing process. I enjoy working with a wide variety of people with varies presenting concerns. I easily relate and connect with teens and young adults with life transition struggles. I have several years of experience with women who have experienced various levels of trauma as well as members of the LGBTQ community. I also thoroughly enjoy working with couples. I tailor my therapeutic treatment approach to fit each individual’s needs and primary source of distress for each session. Generally, I lean towards person centered, cognitive behavioral, and solution focused therapy approaches. With each client I explore their goals and together we form a treatment plan. I am skilled in treatment and psychoeducation of: stress, anxiety, depression, communication, coping skills, self care, family conflicts, marital support, and more. Thank you for taking the first step, I would be honored to be a part of your healing process. I look forward to working together working towards the life and goals you’ve always dreamed of. Stephanie
Lydia Schatzel
I believe in maintaining a strong and positive rapport because through that trust, we can really get work done. I treat everyone with respect and compassion. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, harm reduction, and mindfulness with a solution focused approach that is client centered. I will tailor our dialogue and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. As a therapist, it is my job to provide the tools and coping skills to navigate this thing called life. I will work diligently to be that empathetic and supportive hand to help you through tough times and emerge on the other side feeling stronger and more capable to take on whatever new challenges come your way. I am a licensed clinical social worker in Illinois with over 10 years of experience working as a crisis worker, care coordinator, and therapist. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including various behavioral health conditions, substance abuse, history of trauma, relationships, and stages of development. I have additionally addressed abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
Carrie Ryberg
I believe that we all go through things in life. I work with adults, adolescents, and couples who are going through divorce, death/loss, financial issues, relationship issues, traumatic events, abuse, or deployment/transitional issues. As a former military spouse, I also have experience with military life and the demands of the military lifestyle on individuals and their families. As a counselor with 10 years of experience, I have worked with clients with depression, anxiety, trauma, self-esteem issues, work related issues, relationship issues, and various life changing issues. Sometimes we just need some support during our difficult times to help us cope and find the silver lining. I enjoy supporting clients during their stressful events in life to help them find Hope, Healing, Empowerment, and Enrichment.
James Michehl
Licensed since 2008, James earned his master’s degree in education from DePaul University in Chicago. Upon graduating he was accepted into the community counseling program at DePaul University. James has worked with children (5-12), adolescents (13-18), young adults (19-24), adults, families, and couples. He has facilitated groups for Autism spectrum patients. He supports first responders including Firefighter Behavioral Health which assist in suicidal prevention for first responders. In addition, he works assisting police departments with Critical stress debriefings. As a trained mediator through DePaul University, James can assist couples who may have differences which require more than just couples’ therapy. James believes therapy is a joint effort between therapist and client. He has a proven track record of success as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and as your therapist, he is committed to provide you the best care possible. Every person is unique which is why there are many different treatments approaches available to you. James is committed to make every effort to provide effective care, your commitment is needed as well to achieve success. Together you and James will create a treatment plan that will be a roadmap to your successful journey. Any barriers to success will be discussed and the plans adjusted as needed. You and James will discuss progress and challenges in an honest, trusting, and confidential manner in order to achieve your desired outcome. James is a certified hypnotherapist and can help with the cessation of smoking, anxiety reduction, weight loss, and gaining confidence. In his spare time James is a wildlife artist and wood carver. His work is displayed in art galleries and online.
Monica McCabe
I am licensed in Illinois with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, anger management, & 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.
Dr. Latrice Maric
As a licensed clinical professional counselor (MA) and an international psychologist (PhD) with several years of experience in individual and group therapy, I work with a diverse clientele on a variety of life concerns. Such concerns include depression, anxiety, stress, trauma, life transitions, and cultural diversity. My therapeutic approach is collaborative and interactive but also direct and deep. To explore the roots of present issues, we delve beyond the surface level. In session, I challenge clients to self-reflect and connect to enhance personal growth. Together, we develop treatment goals and work toward reaching those goals. I strongly believe in treating everyone with respect, dignity, and compassion, and I do not view or treat clients as a stigmatizing label. My therapeutic style draws upon cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness, family-systems, and client-centered; however, I personalize each dialogue and treatment plan to meet clients' particular needs. Seeking help to manage life's obstacles already shows a necessary action (self care) by taking this first step to gain additional guidance to lead a more fulfilling and healthy life or make changes in certain areas of life. When you are ready to take that step, I am here to offer support and empowerment on your journey. I look forward to working together!
Christopher Perkins
Thank you for sharing information about yourself. It takes courage to reach out for help and I’m glad you did. I am Chris Perkins, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Illinois. You can read more about my background, education, experience, and counseling approach. I am so glad that you’ve taken the steps to reach out for help with whatever situation in your life has become unmanageable right now. I hope that my areas of expertise will be good fit to address those parts of your life and help you reach your goals. Your well-being is my number one priority. BetterHelp does not provide me with your personal or billing information that you provided when you signed up for your subscription. In order for me to maintain compliance with my licensing board and ethical code and to ensure your safety and well-being, I am required to gather some basic personal information. Please COPY/PASTE the following questions into a message back to me: Full Name: Date of Birth: Home Address: Phone Number: Emergency Contact Name: Emergency Contact Relation to You: Emergency Contact Phone Number: Have You Had Prior Mental Health Treatment? If So, where? For What Condition? Are you Prescribed Any Medication? Who is the Prescribing Physician? Have you Ever Been Hospitalized for Mental Health Treatment? If So, Where and When? Which Substances do you use if any? (ex. Alcohol, Marijuana, Cocaine/Stimulants, >Heroin/Opiates, Xanax/Benzodiazepines, Inhalants/Paint/Glue/Gas/Huffing) How often do you use substances? Have you ever experienced psychosis (hallucinations - seeing or hearing things that others do not see or hear)? How often does that occur? Have you ever wished that you were dead or would not wake up? Have you ever had thoughts of harming or killing yourself? Have you ever considered or researched methods of suicide or self-harm? Have you ever had these thoughts and had some intentions of acting on them (as opposed to thinking about suicide but knowing you would never intend to do so)? Have you ever made a plan to harm or kill yourself? If so, when and what was the plan? Do you agree to contact 911 or go to your local emergency room if you should feel urges to harm or kill yourself? Once you have sent this information back to me we can discuss next steps. I look forward to working with you! My Member Information Form Template says: I have read, understand, and agree to the Client Terms of Service at Our Client Terms & Conditions | BetterHelp . It is my sole responsibility to review these terms of service and understand how they affect my use of this platform. I understand that upon assessment and evaluation, Chris Perkins, LCPC, will determine whether he is able to provide the level or type of care that I require. In the instance that his areas of expertise do not align with the type or level of care I require, he will provide me with assistance and referrals to connect to an appropriate treatment provider. Chris Perkins, LCPC, endeavors to provide a Good Faith Estimate of costs of care. I understand that due to the nature of mental health treatment it is not possible to determine an exact length of treatment. However, Chris Perkins, LCPC, will review progress with me periodically and together we will determine ongoing treatment plans. All pricing, rates and billing questions should be directed to customer service at contact@betterhelp.com. I understand that the BetterHelp Platform is intended for INDIVIDUAL ADULTS aged 18+ who are consenting to treatment via telehealth services. I understand that should I be seeking services for my adolescent child (aged 13-17), that I will utilize BetterHelp’s partner platform, TeenCounseling. I understand that should I be seeking Couple’s Counseling, I will utilize BetterHelp’s partner platform ReGain. I understand that the service provided through BetterHelp is NOT INTENDED FOR CRISIS SITUATIONS OR URGENT NEEDS. In a crisis situation, I agree to call 911 or local emergency services, or visit the nearest emergency room. I understand that at the beginning of our treatment relationship, Chris Perkins, LCPC will request my contact information and the contact information of an emergency contact individual whom I can designate. This designation does NOT allow Chris Perkins, LCPC to release information to the individual, excepting in instances of emergent and imminent danger to myself or someone else (i.e. active suicidal ideation/actions, active plan to harm someone else). I also understand that should there be an instance of emergent or imminent danger to myself or someone else as described, Chris Perkins, LCPC is mandated by the State of Illinois licensing regulations to report this to the local authorities in order for them to intervene for my safety or the safety of others. I understand that information shared with Chris Perkins, LCPC is confidential except in the following circumstances: If I present as a danger to myself or others, mandated reporting of abuse of children or elders, or if I sign a release of information. I understand that Chris Perkins, LCPC offers the following types of sessions: texting (which are important for some as stand-alone sessions or with “live” sessions); and “live” sessions. I understand that Chris Perkins, LCPC offers the following types of live sessions: live video (video call where client and therapist can see each other in real time), live phone (phone call through the BetterHelp app where only audio is used), or live chat (a “real time” chat window where client and therapist have dedicated time to have discussion via typing). I understand that Chris Perkins, LCPC offers sessions Monday through Friday during from the hours of 9:00am to 4pm (last session begins at 3:15) and offers messaging in between sessions should I need additional support. I understand that Chris Perkins, LCPC offers sessions of 45-minute duration. I understand that Chris Perkins, LCPC can offer multiple sessions per week should this level of care be clinically necessary for my treatment. I understand that to have more than one session in a week may result in my incurring additional charges on my BetterHelp subscription. Any questions regarding these fees or other billing related matters should be directed to contact@betterhelp.com I understand that Chris Perkins, LCPC. is not “on-call” and may take up to 24 business hours (1 business day) to reply to my messages. This means that if I message Chris Perkins, LCPC on a Friday evening, I may not receive a response until Monday morning. I understand that Chris Perkins, LCPC encourages at least 24-hour notice of appointment cancellation. Should I need to cancel an appointment, I will inform Chris Perkins, LCPC at my earliest convenience. Should I need to cancel with fewer than 24 hours left before my appointment, the cancellation will be reported as a “no-show/late cancellation” and I will receive an auto generated alert email from BetterHelp indicating this. I understand that Chris Perkins, LCPC will wait 15 minutes after my scheduled appointment start time to start; however, if I have not come online by that time, Chris Perkins, LCPC will consider me a no-show and the session will need to be rescheduled. I understand that should I have 2 late cancellations/no-shows within a month, Chris Perkins, LCPC may not be able to continue to accommodate my preferred session times and dates. Should I have 3 late cancellations/no-shows within a 6 week span, Chris Perkins, LCPC may recommend that I seek in person treatment and/or switch therapists on the BetterHelp Platform. I understand that my sessions should be conducted in a place where I have privacy, am away from all distractions, am NOT DRIVING or engaging in other activities that require my attention and focus. Chris Perkins, LCPC is understanding of the occasional “pet appearance” during session. I understand that I can invite others to be a part of my treatment (and am encouraged to do so) as support people. However, should I invite a support person to be involved in a session, Chris Perkins, LCPC will require me to sign a release of Information for that individual. I understand that the BetterHelp platform is not intended for Couples Counseling, and if that is the service I am seeking, I will utilize BetterHelp’s partner site ReGain. I understand that the BetterHelp Platform is not intended for the purposes of diagnosing, prescribing medication, or other services that would, by state licensing regulations, require an in-person evaluation. This means that any documentation such as court paperwork, ESA Letters, FMLA Paperwork, Insurance Paperwork, etc. may not be able to be accommodated as these frequently require diagnostic information. I agree to discuss these things with Chris Perkins, LCPC, should the need arise and acknowledge that these situations will be handled on a case-by-case basis dependent on the circumstances. I understand that if I am in crisis where I am feeling like hurting myself or hurting someone else, BetterHelp is truly not the best venue or platform to address these crisis feelings. I understand that Better help recommends that if I am in immediate crisis that I call 911 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to speak to someone right away.
Dr. James Young
I am licensed in Florida with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma experiences, motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also have experience working with concentration, memory and focus (adhd) for school aged clients and adults. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. The LGBTQIA community is one that is an area that I have specific expertise to assist individual clients and families to navigate with support and sincerity. I believe that taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process today and moving forward.
Alyson Hu
I am a licensed clinical social worker in Illinois. Since entering the social work profession 17 years ago, I have worked in the areas of healthcare, schools, and early childhood programs. For the past 3 years, I have focused on behavioral health. I have experience in helping clients who are coping with stress, life changes, chronic disease & compassion fatigue. 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.
Shea Kamp
I am licensed in Illinois with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. 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!
Dr. Bianca Clark
I am licensed in Illinois with 15 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 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.
Elizabeth Stone
Whether it is a single event or a life time of struggles, our thoughts and emotions can become so overwhelming that every day tasks are difficult to complete. For some, it is hard to reach out for help but once you have taken the first step of acknowledging you need help and you cannot do it alone, the journey of emotional healing begins. It is learning to confront life's adversities rather than allowing them to define you. It is a journey of self-discovery, self-awareness, and learning to trust intuition while building inner strength to embrace and love who you are. As your therapist, I will walk that journey with you. I use a trauma-informed, strengths-based approach as well as Cognitive Behavioral therapy, however, I adapt interventions to meet clients' needs. I also apply a holistic approach with Mindfulness-based practices to integrate the mind-body connection.
Mark German
I am licensed in Illinois with 32 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, & 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.
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.
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