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.

Ednina Welters
Hi! My name is Ednina, and I am an Illinois Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, and Professional School Counselor with over 6 years experience working with adolescents, adults, and couples with concerns ranging from anxiety, depression, and social/ relationship issues, to academic/ career challenges, and substance abuse problems. My experience also includes working with those in the LGBTQ community and with individuals suffering from abuse and PTSD. My counseling approach is Person-Centered, meaning that I believe that everyone has a natural motivation to grow in positive ways and the ability to carry out that growth process. I use theories and interventions primarily from Cognitive Behavior Therapy, which addresses changing thoughts, feelings and behaviors which cause distress; Rational Emotive Therapy, which focuses on changing beliefs so that they reflect more moderate, healthy emotions and behaviors; and aspects of Reality therapy, which involves exploring and evaluating wants and choices to determine if they are realistic and attainable. I enjoy working with individuals from various cultural backgrounds and strive to create an environment that is accepting, caring, and safe. I believe that counseling should be interactive, and is best viewed as a collaborative venture wherein clients feel free to express themselves, are guided in determining achievable goals, and are assisted in finding more adaptable ways of thinking, feeling, and behaving which lead to a more harmonious and satisfying life. I look forward to walking with you along this journey!

Theresa Ewing
Hello, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of Illinois and have worked in healthcare for over 9 years. During this time I have specialized in working with families in healthcare related issues, caregiver support, End of Life Issues and tackling challenging life issues. I specialize in Cognitive Behavioral and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. I care for those that I serve, and would love the opportunity to talk with you. I like to work with my clients to develop a plan and steps to accomplish those goals! You are not alone in what you're facing and we can team together to face life's challenges. Thank you for your consideration.

Dr. Nicole Maronde
*Right now I am looking to fill my mornings, but if you are interested in another time of day please reach out! As a seasoned Social Worker with a decade of experience, I bring a compassionate and insightful approach to therapy. I obtained my Clinical Social Work License in 2020 after completing my Masters in 2014. In 2023, I earned a Doctorate of Social Work from Aurora University. My therapeutic practice is diverse, catering to adults, parents, couples, teens, and youth. Over the years, I've developed a specialization in addressing various issues such as Neurodivergence, Attachment or Relationship Issues, Family Dynamics, Workplace Burnout, Racial Stress & Trauma, LGBTQ issues, Mood Disorders, Personality Disorders, Life Transitions, Parent Coaching, and Childhood Trauma. In therapy, I firmly believe that you hold the keys to your own healing and growth. My role is that of a supportive guide, utilizing therapeutic techniques to unearth the answers within you. Drawing from a rich toolkit of therapeutic approaches including Narrative Therapy, Logotherapy, Existentialism, Client-Centered Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Rational Emotive Therapy, Self-Psychology, Bowen’s Family System, and Humor Psychology, I tailor my methods to suit your unique needs and preferences. Together, we embark on a journey of self-discovery and transformation, where you are empowered to navigate life's challenges with resilience and insight.

Karen OBrien
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years’ experience working with individuals, families, and couples. I encourage a therapeutic relationship based on respect, compassion, and sensitivity. Additionally, I encourage clients to utilize their strengths as tools to address their needs, life challenges, and enable progressions. Some common themes clients and I have worked through are depression, anxiety, communication skills, addiction, loss, grief, relationship issues, divorce, LGBTQ struggles and domestic violence. I approach therapy with an eclectic perspective by utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Family Systems, Motivational Interviewing, Client-Centered Therapy, and Narrative Therapy. While also incorporating my professional and academic background in trauma, addiction, crisis intervention, domestic violence, divorce mediation, and community mental health during the session. I strive to meet you where you are and collaboratively develop a treatment plan to address your needs. Taking the first steps toward change takes courage, if you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you!

Dorothy Carskadon
Please call me Dorrie. I have been a counselor for 24 years primarily working with Veterans and their families. I am excited to be on Better Help to use my clinical experience on this online platform. I like to use worksheets and journals to get to know you when we are not doing sessions. I received my Masters in Social Work from the University of South Carolina. I use positive psychology, cognitive behavioral approach and emotional literacy to guide you through your issues. Positive psychology helps you to explore yourself through recognizing the positives in your life and accentuating them. The cognitive behavior approach helps you look closely at the decisions you make and the emotional literacy approach looks at how your emotions effect your decisions. I call myself a resource counselor because I will give you lots of material - handouts, worksheets, and internet links - to review and hopefully apply to your life. I am Christian and believe using the Bible that expresses wisdom and encourages love. God made each of us unique and "God saw that it was good." As an experienced therapist, I will adjust my style to your needs. My goal is to help you enjoy life.

Sara Gonzalez
I am licensed in Illinois with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety & parenting issues. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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.

Brittany Simons
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and have worked in the field of Social Work since 2010, with 6+ years of direct clinical experience. I have worked with individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, PTSD, and more severe mental health symptoms. I believe that everyone has their own path of healing and I pull from various modalities to explore what works for you. These modalities include, motivational interviewing, CBT, DBT, person centered therapy, somatic focused and strength based approach. I believe in using a holistic approach to understand the mind/body/spirit connection and seek to understand through a trauma-informed lens. The first step of healing can be through self-awareness and by signing up for therapy you are taking that initiative for yourself. Take pride in knowing that you are doing something to take care of you!

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.

Felicia Muhammad
I am licensed in Illinois with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. 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.

April Schroeder
I am licensed in Illinois with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, & parenting issues. I also have experience working with 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 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.
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
Find your state
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming