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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Sarah Hire

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTTrauma and abuseBipolar disorder
11 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been working in the field of community mental health in Chicago for the past 8 years. I received my B.S.W from Northeastern Illinois University in 2008 and went on to complete my Masters in Social Work at the University of Illinois at Chicago in 2009 with a concentration in Community Health and Urban Development. Some of my areas of focus are dual diagnosis treatment, general anxiety disorders and depression as well as trauma and PTSD. In addition I have a great deal knowledge in regards to LGBTQ issues across the life span as well as gender dysphoria and gender identity issues. My approach is one of compassion and acceptance. I believe it is important to focus on helping people explore what it means to live and happy an authentic life. I have been trained in both Cognitive and Dialectical Behavior Therapy but will of course tailor your treatment to meet your own personal needs. Taking the first step towards improving your mental health and overall well being can be very difficult. If you are ready to take that first step I am here to offer you the support you need. I look forward to working with you.

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Raelene Faught

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: MA,LCPC
Family conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefParenting issuesSelf esteem
12 years of experience

I am a therapist licensed in Illinois with 10 years of experience. I view this work as helping people heal from hurts and move towards healthier choices and relationships to satisfy legitimate needs. I have worked with clients on issues including anxiety, transition and phase of life concerns, relationships, parenting and trauma. I try to come from a perspective that views you as the expert on your life and I am here to help you learn, heal and change. I use a humanistic approach along with Trauma Informed and Cognitive Behavioral strategies to work towards those goals. I hope that your choice is an easy one and I wish you well.

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Dr. James Geidner

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: PhD,LCPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepression
20 years of experience

Dr. Jim Geidner has over 20 years of clinical experience working in a wide variety of settings, including psychiatric rehabilitation, child treatment centers and universities. He is currently a Professor of Health and Counseling and also works in private practice. With vast experience as a Clinical Supervisor at a wide variety of institutions, including Rush Memorial Hospital, University of Chicago, University of Wisconsin, among others, Dr. Geidner is well versed in numerous modes of therapy. His approach to therapy emphasizes finding the right treatment modality to meet each client's unique needs.

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Rolanda Parks

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
10 years of experience

Hello there! I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of Illinois. I am also a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Arizona. I am best positioned to serve adults seeking support for various mental health concerns. My expertise lies in addressing issues such as anxiety, depression, stress, and life transitions. I work effectively with individuals navigating relationship challenges, self-esteem issues, and those striving for personal growth. Whether you're seeking short-term solutions or long-term exploration, my client-centered approach is suited for those committed to positive change and self-discovery.

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Sebastion Williams

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: MSEd,CCM,LTMH
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemDepressionADHD
25 years of experience

Greetings! My name is Sebastion and I have been a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor for over twenty years, a Certified Case Manager (CCM) for five years and a newly minted Certified Telemental Health Provider (CTMH). In addition to private practice work, I have spent many years as a frontline clinician and crisis supervisor. I also have several years experience in leading teams of care managers in government programs. I have formal training in several modalities but prefer Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Solution-Focused Brief Counseling (SFBC) in general. I am a lifelong student of interactive media and see therapeutic benefits in performance arts, analog and video gaming. The world is a broken place. Each of us are born as shards – one piece a friend, one piece a student, another a sibling and so forth. As we absorb the world around us, we sense, we perceive, we feel and we act and splinter further into workers, lovers, parents, enemies, dreamers, victims, abusers, leaders and followers to name a few. The universe taps us on the shoulder throughout our lives as a prompt to integrate – show one face, live one life and love who you are becoming. Therapy can help us recognize those shoulder taps and extract meaning from those cues. If we miss those cues, the shattered world that we live in then lives in us – unless we act. As a neurodiverse mental health professional, I am acutely aware of the puppet shows required for us to be seen as OK. I want to help others find areas of control and influence that can bring contentment, purpose and insight into the chaos that surrounds us.

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Michelle Locke

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
10 years of experience

My name is Michelle Locke. I am an LCSW with over 20 years of experience ranging from work in the fields of child welfare, corrections, mental health, domestic violence, medical social work and hospice care. I am a practicing Christian who enjoys the use of scripture along with CBT, Strength's Based Therapy and Trauma Informed Care when helping people work through areas of pain in their life.

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Aillen Ford

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesCoping with life changes
11 years of experience

Hi, I am Lynn Ford. I am a licensed clinical social worker who utilizes a variety of evidenced based strategies to provide you with the tools you require to address your treatment goals. My belief is that therapy should be client-driven and goal oriented. I have over a decade of experience working with people of all ages, including children, but my focus has recently been on 18-45 year olds with anxiety, depression, adjustment disorder, ADHD and communication issues in regards to relationships and parenting. I strive to provide a safe, non-judgmental, unbiased environment to empower individuals to explore their beliefs and concerns while gaining or enhancing skills to address your therapeutic needs.

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Kristen Wilson

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW
Trauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteemADHD
14 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in both Illinois and Florida with 8 years of clinical experience. I graduated with my Master's degree in Social Work 14 years ago and have spent most of my professional career as a school social worker. Since residing in Florida, I have provided psychotherapy to adults and children while offering clinical supervision to candidates seeking licensure in Florida as a qualified supervisor. I have worked with students and adults with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, ADHD, drug and alcohol dependence, grief and loss, and Bi-Polar Disorder. I have also helped many people who have experienced trauma. 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, solution-focused, humanistic, and psychodynamic 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!

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Melissa McHenry

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
23 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 23 years of professional work experience. I have a master's degree in adult psychology and a master's degree in child psychology. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, & trauma and abuse. I also have experience working with depression, self-injurious behavior, PTSD and domestic violence. 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!

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Andrea Taylor

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefAnger management
20 years of experience

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, & coping with grief and loss. 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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Alison McCandless

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseBipolar disorderDepressionCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

Hi all! I am Ali and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I have worked for a community mental health agency in Chicago for the past 3 years and I am originally from Southern California. I just recently moved to Denver, CO this summer. I am currently licensed in Illinois and Colorado. My experience is working in community mental health, I engaged with low-income folks with various mental health needs, such as life stressors, mood and psychotic disorders, anxiety, depression and trauma. I believe everyone has a story to tell and that each one matters. I use different approaches depending on client’s needs. I engage Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic model and strengths-based approach. In addition to building in coping skills or behavioral modification, I take time gathering client’s history in order to help the client make connections and meaning of their past experiences. I value using biopsychosocial assessment which gages client’s level of functioning and prevalence of symptoms. In 2023, the world can be and feel like a messed-up place… getting support for your mental health is important. I serve my clients without judgment and with hope. If you think we would be a good fit, I would love to meet you and support you in your therapy journey!

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Brenda Sullivan-Rice

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseDepression
35 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 35 years of professional experience working with individuals of all ages. I have helped clients dealing with trauma and abuse, anxiety, depression and general mental health issues. My desire is to see you overcome your problems and thrive in life by providing you with healthy coping skills. I utilize a variety of therapeutic techniques and I will tailor our dialogue and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. 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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Francisco Lopez

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 20 years of professional work experience. I enjoy providing emotional/ psychological support to patients so they can live the best way possible. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Selma Rodriguez Freijo

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyGriefAnger managementSelf esteemCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

I have worked as a therapist for over 8 years, serving in both private practice and community mental health settings. I graduated with my masters degree in social work from Florida International University in 2016 and I am fully bilingual in English and Spanish. I specialize in using a range of evidence-based modalities including cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based approaches, and psychodynamic approaches. As a therapist I have learned the importance of endorsing a non-judgmental attitude, empathy and flexibility to help patients feel safe and comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings. As a therapist, I am passionate about empowering individuals heal and transform by providing a safe, supportive and non-judgmental space for them to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. My experience as a therapist has taught me the importance of collaboration in the therapeutic process to help uncover inner resources and strengths to overcome challenges and achieve goals.

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Tilaya Bradford-Hollins

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 36 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. 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:

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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