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.
Aaron Swerdlove
Greetings citizens of the universe my name is Aaron Swerdlove and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Chicago Illinois. In 2003 I completed my Masters degree at The University of Illinois-Chicago, Jane Addams College of Social Work. Over the years I’ve learned a few things, for instance sometimes the best advice is the advice not given. Another thing I’ve learned is to not be so judgmental of others. Indeed I have begun a counseling/therapy practice and I do offer support, guidance, and understanding. My approach is integrative because there is not a one size fits all when it comes to problems and difficulties in life. The client’s prerogative is super important . Adversity, difficulties, rough patches, problems, failures, etc are bound to happen in life and sometimes people need assistance to get through and understand what it is they are experiencing. I think therapy and counseling can be very useful in this endeavor. Making a little bit more space internally can result in more freedom and peace within. Changing the narrative of our storylines or understanding our experience in a different way can be liberating. Therapy/counseling can definitely help accomplish this. Go for it you are worth it. I’d love the opportunity to help.
Tabitha Peppmuller
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker(LCSW) with 12 years of experience. Most of that time I have worked with anxiety and attention issues with families, parents, children and adults. I also have knowledge working on general mental health, stress, anger, and recently have done a dive into post-partum depression and women's issues. I value my relationships with clients and handling their needs with care and understanding, while still motivating for changes they seek to make in their own life. I believe that each person has the right to feel comfortable in their own skin. As a therapist I do a lot of listening (and reading) and focus a lot on challenging thoughts and inner dialogue. I will provide a warm and safe environment and like to look at both traditional therapeutic interventions as well as some unique perspectives and insights based on each persons comfort and circumstance. I believe that nature and the outdoors can be exceptionally healing and that can be found in my practice as well. I look forward to learning and helping more if I am the right person for you.
Sara Barrientos
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and have been practicing in the Social Work field since 2007. My experience in the field of Social Work has given me the opportunity to work with children and families, at-risk homeless youth, adolescent/adult behavioral health, and senior citizens. For the past 10 years, I have been working in an intensive outpatient group therapy program designed for senior citizens struggling with depression and anxiety, however I also have experience working with individuals facing marital/relationship issues, parenting issues, and loss. As a therapist, I will work to uplift, encourage, and motivate you to find the best solutions for yourself. I strive to be a compassionate, caring, and understanding individual who will respect you for who you are, right where you are in your journey. My goal in this profession is to help you achieve the goals you create for yourself and provide you with the accountability you need to succeed. I am so glad we matched and I look forward to what's in store for you!
Tonia Green
Tonia T. Green, is a MSW, LCSW who has been practicing in the field of Social Services since 1995. Tonia has been a Licensed Clinician since 1999 and at that time added Behavioral Health services to her co-founded private practice ITAV Enterprises, LLC. Her 25 years of experience has graced her with knowledge gleaned from: community/leadership work like her time at St. Louis Crisis Nursery; skill grooming opportunities through teaching future professionals at Saint Louis University and GWB Washington University Schools of Social Work. Her time in community and chronic health at People's Health Center and Davita Dialysis, has enhanced her understanding and ability to deliver, to some of our most vulnerable populations, synchronized care for the mind and body, in pursuit of Total Wellness. Tonia's latest expansion project is one of specialized care. In 2019, she helped develop and launch - The Kidney Wellcare Group. This is just another example of her dedication to effecting positive change. She is excited to continue her journey as a Heart Speak Facilitator and Wellness Coach with Full Circle Strategies. Populations of interest include, but are not limited to Chronic health care issues, Kidney disease, Parenting education/challenges ( Triple P Certification) , Trans-racial Fostering and Adoption, Race-Based Trauma and Care Giver Support. Tonia uses eclectic therapeutic interventions with a primary client centered based approach. Clients feel safe, helped and better overall after working with her. Tonia believes that we all are working to be our best selves; and it's okay to have help. So, let get started.
Dr. Katherine Souza
I bring 23 years of experience as a therapist and 16 of these years in behavioral health leadership. I have taught at several university and trained new therapists. I work with adults, adolescents, couples and families. I am energized by this profession and look forward to many more years. My treatment philosophy is holistic, systemic and client centered. I utilize a holistic picture including consideration of mind, body and spirit. I involve clients in their treatment planning. I am responsive to individual needs respecting preferences and life experience. Along with my client, I address the current issues and look at how to resolve these.
Tressey Adams
I am passionate about helping individuals, families and couples strategically use the skills they already embody to move them closer towards their goals. With training in cognitive, solution and nutrition based counseling, I work with individuals, families and couples to ensure they take an active role in creating positive changes in their lives, emphasizing, and building confidence in their own abilities. It is my mission to partner with individuals, families and couples, in a supportive relationship, providing guidance as they navigate self-guided action steps. I’ve worked with youths, adults, families and couples in the greater metropolitan area for over 15 years, in a supportive partnership capacity, providing guidance as they navigate self-guided action steps. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and graduate from the University of Illinois at Chicago, with a Masters Degree. My approach embodies cognitive behavioral, client-centered, solution-focused therapies to reinforce the clients strengths and instill their confidence in themselves to make the best supportive daily choices for their well-being. Treatment is tailored to match your unique and specific needs. I'm here to coach you toward a more productive life for sustainable change.
Anita Thomas-Bua
I am a mental health/psychotherapist licensed in Illinois and Wisconsin with over 20 years of experience in the human service field- all of my adult life. With over 20 years of experience working as a psychotherapist/counselor and life coach, I have worked with adolescents, Adults and geriatric populations, clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, OCD, and ADHD. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. I am a seasoned therapist whom you can turn to for change, emotional support, personal empowerment and self-growth. I assist adolescents and adults, people going through changes in relationships, marital and divorce, adult and child relationships, employer or employee relationships. Also, I help people in the area of mind, body, and spirit with empathy and compassion. My history is working with ADHD, Mood Disorders, including but not limited to Depression, Anxiety, Panic Disorder, and bipolar disorder. I work with trauma, abuse emotional and physical, infidelity, divorce, marriage, conflict resolution, and any developmental changes over the lifespan, new medical diagnosis, new child, marriage, and adjustment issues. If you are looking for someone who is helpful, non-judgmental, and human then please choose me. I will be there for you, and we will work together. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, rogerian, adlerian, psychodynamic and rational-emotive behavioral therapy. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!
Dr. Penny Brower
In this giant Carnival of Life, are you on the Roller Coaster full of ups and downs, on the repetitive slow-motion Carousel, on the Tilt-A-Whirl feeling unbalanced and squashed by outside forces, in the House of Horrors where every view is distorted and you can hardly find the exit, or on the Raging River where everyone else stays dry while you get drenched? Are you here by choice and enjoying the adventure, hanging on for dear life and fearing disaster ahead, or confused about how someone was able to drag you here against your better judgement? Though everyone's Carnival visit is unique, if you invite me to join this part of your journey, I can help you explore the decision-making processes and life events that have led you to this place. I will assist you in building skills and finding resources to thrive beyond the dangerous curves, the jarring stops and reverses, and the nauseating spins and loops. You will be empowered to choose and create more positive, adaptive ways forward, to better enjoy the ride and have a more fulfilling adventure. Because the best outcomes are achieved with a good client/counselor fit, I always welcome feedback regarding what has been helpful, as well as not helpful, so that methods can be adapted to achieve the best results. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I received my doctoral degree from The University of Iowa and I have worked for over 30 years helping individuals and couples become more intentional and response-able in their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. I began my career doing in-home therapy with complex, multi-problem families, and I have worked in Community Mental Health Centers and Private Practice settings. In addition, I worked for 8 years with the Air National Guard, helping to institute a new program that focused on reducing suicide risk and increasing resilience, while reducing the stigma of using mental health services to maximize personal functioning. When describing people, my least favorite word is NORMAL. I believe that each individual is unique, and deserves to be treated in caring and respectful ways that help them grow, versus being treated like a diagnostic label that needs to be fixed. It is the difference between: "It sounds like you may be struggling with depressed feelings. Let's explore the conditions that seem connected to when those feelings hit really hard, compared to when they seem to lighten up." versus "You are depressed. Here is what you need to do to change."
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. Amy Guertin
I apologize but I am not currently taking new clients. I am finishing up with my current clients and I will no longer be working with BetterHelp. I wish you the best of luck with your therapy journey.
Samantha Donovan
I am licensed in Illinois with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & parenting issues. Substance use disorders and recovery are other areas I am experienced in. 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.
Chaniqua Bryant
I am a licensed clinical professional counselor in Illinois with 7 years of professional work experience. I have worked with the youth and young adult ages 13- 19 years old as well as with their parents. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, parenting issues, 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.
Michelle Mohn
I am licensed in Illinois with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, & coping with life changes. I am a Certified Oncology Social Worker and have many years of working with clients who have life changing diagnosis and assisting them in navigating life with and after diagnosis. I also have experience working with compassion fatigue. 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.
Debra Bujalka
I am licensed in Illinois with 25 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; you are amazing!
Alejandra Gonzalez
I am licensed in Illinois with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, family conflicts, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our work together 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.
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
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