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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Kristilee (Kristi) Cappaert
Hello and Welcome! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois and a Licensed Independent Social Worker in Iowa. I have over five years of counseling experience in Illinois and Iowa. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, marital, life balance and job stress. Throughout my clinical career, I have worked with all different populations from children, adolescents, adults, couples and families. Deciding to get therapy can be a scary and I commend you on taking the first step and I look forward to working with you. I utilize many different treatment approaches such as Solution Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Reality Based, Person-Centered and Mindfulness. My approach is to empower you to work towards the life you wants. It will be my job to guide you on your journey by helping you to gain insight to your behaviors, belies and automatic thoughts. As we get to know each other, we will figure out what interventions will work best for you. Counseling can make you feel vulnerable and I believe in creating a safe space for every one of my client. I look forward to hearing from you and starting this journey together.
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Alondra Anderson
Hello! I am Alondra Anderson, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. As your counselor, my mission is to help you learn how to Trust the Process and Evolve to your best purposeful self. Life is full of transitions, and can require a lot of trust in moments that feel uncertain. These moments require us to learn how to identify where we are and explore the next step on our journey. I have worked with clients with a range of concerns including depression, anxiety, stress, self esteem, motivation, and coping with life changes. As your counselor, my goal is to help you explore the relationship between how you think, how you feel, and how you act. Through our time together, utilizing complimentary therapeutic techniques, we can discover how these areas impact the goals that you have set for your life and process together the necessary next steps towards successfully reaching your desired goals. It takes courage to seek support and to take a step towards change. If you are ready to take that step I would be honored to walk alongside you and support you through this process. I look forward to working with you to achieve your goals.
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Shariece Hastings
Welcome! I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois with over 5 years of experience working as a psychotherapist and life strategist. My expertise is with clients who have wide varieties of concerns including depression, anxiety, substance abuse issues, parenting problems, mental health, and co-occurring disorders. I have experience assisting many people who have experienced crises in an array of settings (schools, communities, correctional facilities, and hospitals). As a Children and Family Services Advocate and Substance Abuse Counselor, I've worked with both children and adults. My experience highlights but is not limited to working with individuals suffering from mental health, substance abuse, parenting issues, and many other immediate crisis challenges. My counseling style is empathetic and interactive. I offer a judgement free, genuine environment. Active listening and unconditional positive regard are incorporated in every session. My clinical approach combines client-centered, Cognitive Behavioral techniques, Solution-Focused counseling. I will meet you where you are and assist you in getting to where you want to be. My motto is I'm here to HELP YOU HELP YOURSELF. You've made the first steps, don't stop here. Are you ready to walk a new path in your life? Great, I am here to help!
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Richard Watson
I believe that in the therapeutic relationship, the therapist is the professional but the client is the expert. It is through empowerment, understanding, and collaboration that people can best heal and reach their goals. My areas of expertise include mood disorders (i.e., depression and anxiety) and substance use disorders. I take a trauma-informed approach, respecting the differences in life experiences and resiliency that we all have. For therapy to be effective, there must be trust, openness, and authenticity. As therapy can be quite uncomfortable, and even painful, one must be willing to lean into the discomfort to find growth. My practice is based largely on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy approaches. I guide individuals as they practice identifying, challenging, and replacing unhealthy ways of thinking and behaving that have contributed to the development, and perpetuation, of their problems. One of the most difficult things to do is to put our hand up and admit that we need help. Whether we are struggling with loneliness, sadness, or uncontrollable worry, it can be challenging to talk about the thoughts and the feelings we are experiencing and I respect the difficulty one faces in asking for help. May you find peace, happiness, and wholeness.
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Leah Pavela-Mullins
I am a licensed clinical social worker with over 15 years of experience in helping people find solutions to their problems. Over the years, I have been told by clients that they really feel that I am listening to them and trying to understand what is going on in their lives and how they feel. Clients have also told me that they do not feel any sense of judgment, but rather that I accept them for who they are and where they are in their life’s journey. My style is empathetic and solution focused. I will spend time asking you questions in order to get to know you and try to find out what is at the heart of your issue. Together, we will talk about possible avenues you may want to take, or changes you may want to consider. I may give you some “homework” assignments…things to write out or think about, worksheets to complete, or even techniques/exercises to practice in your own time so that some of what we discuss in our sessions is reinforced. Most of all, I will be an objective listener, helping you to gain insight into what is going on with you, so that you are able to make the choices and changes you want to, in your own time. I look forward to working with you!
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Lawrence Haas
I am a licensed professional counselor in Illinois with 3 years of experience specializing in addressing a wide range of mental health and personal development concerns. My expertise includes providing effective support to individuals dealing with issues such as stress, anxiety, depression, motivation, self-esteem, confidence, and career difficulties. I firmly believe in a strengths-based approach, viewing each client as the expert of their own life story. I am dedicated to helping you harness your unique strengths and abilities to overcome challenges and embark on a journey towards a more fulfilling and happier life. Taking that crucial first step towards personal growth and positive change requires courage, and I am here to provide support throughout your journey.
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Jataun Rollins
I am licensed in Illinois with professional work experience since 2002, having started out at Trinity United Church of Christ facilitating short term bible based counseling. I began my private practice in 2012. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, career difficulties, & coping with life changes. I believe that you are the expert to your situation and I am merely a guide to help you circle back to well. I have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. I utilize an eclectic model of engagement from breathing, mindfulness, CBT, journaling, homework etc. Taking the first step to release the weight of life burdens or impediments is critical to your mental wellness.
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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.
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Sheva Wesley-Franklin
I am licensed in Illinois with 23 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, 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.
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Francesca Cooley
I am licensed in Indiana, Georgia,Minnesota, and Texas with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
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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