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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Lindsay DeMarlie

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LISW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
10 years of experience

Welcome, I'm so glad that you have reached out for help! My name is Lindsay, and I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois and a Licensed Independent Social Worker in Iowa. Currently, I'm a therapist that works for a local community mental health center where I provide individual, family, and couple's counseling. Most clients I work with have been diagnosed with depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder different personality disorders, or bipolar disorder. I have extensive training in trauma, both with trauma occurring in childhood, such as physical, sexual, or emotional abuse, and adult trauma, such as sexual assault or domestic violence. My approach in therapy is client centered, open, and non-judgmental. I use cognitive behavioral, rational emotive, dialectical behavior, strength-based and trauma informed therapy. Clients identify their goals and desired outcomes, and I'm there to assist in the therapeutic process. Each client I work with is met with understanding and empathy. I look forward to working with you.

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Kristine Vazquez

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: MA, LCPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseBipolar disorderDepression
10 years of experience

"Is it normal to be sad this long? Everybody worries about something, right? Why is it so hard for me to leave this unhappy relationship? How do I stop being so angry all the time? Why can’t I stop my addiction? … What’s wrong with me? " These are questions that at one point or another I’ve heard my clients ask and I work towards assuring them that: 1) there is nothing wrong with you; and 2) I do not know what you SHOULD do, BUT I will definitely help you figure out what will work best for YOU. My role as your therapist is to support, teach, and encourage you as you go through your learning process without judgment. I use Brief CBT (12 sessions model), DBT and Motivational interviewing interventions, through LIVE PHONE sessions, to work with individuals struggling with a wide range of concerns including: depression, poor self-esteem, anxiety difficulties, relationship challenges, parenting difficulties, addictions, and trauma. I have experience providing therapeutic services to individuals, couples, and youth. I use the techniques and skills that I learned through my master's program in clinical counseling, with a focus on trauma, and years of experience to facilitate your evolution of self. This is done through setting goals and increasing your emotional intelligence. Through live sessions we are able to have the most effective level of communication and therefore yielding timely positive progress. Text/ messaging communication is used to augment live video/phone sessions. My goal is to help you start feeling better as soon as possible. Now, research shows that the relationship between the therapist and the client is the most important indicator of a positive outcome. I am direct but compassionate and relaxed yet professional. Using a collaborative approach and evidenced-based interventions/ techniques we will work together to increase your insight on patterns of negative thinking and behaviors that impact your daily life. By providing you with practical strategies and techniques, that you can apply to life’s daily challenges, you will begin to feel more empowered to make the needed long term changes. These are some tips that will help you be successful in psychotherapy: • Remember that therapy is not a ‘Magic Pill’ (meeting once a week for a video session and then pushing it out of your mind, leads to very slow progress) • Be patience with yourself (feeling better will take practice) • You are your own expert (the more I learn about you, the more I can be of assistance) • Know that therapist help you learn how to solve your problems, rather than solving them for you Making the decision to seek therapy is the first step to saying that you deserve a happier, more fulfilling life. I can assure you that if you commit yourself to the treatment experience and are receptive to implementing evidence-based interventions, you will have the outcome from therapy that you desire. I am here to support you in your personal evolution to a better version of yourself.

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Brittany Vaughn

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
12 years of experience

Welcome to BetterHelp. Life events can cause anyone to experience symptoms of anxiety and/or depression. How you respond to these symptoms makes all the difference in your overall health. Together we will work to identify your goals of managing these symptoms and develop steps to reduce their affect on your day to day life. Sometimes these life events are traumatic, which can cause much longer term effects on your health. Processing trauma, no matter how long ago it happened, is vital to moving forward past the traumatic event. A little bit about me personally. I am a Southern Illinois native. I attended SIU and completed my Bachelor’s of Social Work in December of 2012. After taking a semester off, I moved forward to obtain my Masters of Social Work which I completed in May of 2014. Since completing my education, I have worked as a therapist with adolescents with extreme trauma in a residential setting. I then worked with the public schools in Williamson County to provide therapy in the schools to students with a variety of disorders, including behavior disturbances. I have worked with children, adolescents, and adults in an outpatient setting for the past 3 years. I have found that therapy is my passion and I look forward to helping you discover how therapy can improve your quality of life.

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Dr. Cassandra April

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: Ed.D, LCPC
Family conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
30 years of experience

I am an African American female located in the Chicago land area. I have been a licensed clinical professional counselor in the state of Illinois for over 25 years. I also have many years of experience teaching counseling and psychology as an adjunct professor at six different colleges and universities. As a therapist who is also a Christian, I assist people in the areas of faith and spiritual matters, if requested. I am the author of the new book "Tending to Broken Hearts: Reflections from Three Decades in the Counselor's Chair" available on Amazon. I do not operate according to the medical model and don't work with issues pertaining to psychotropic medications or imbalanced brain chemistry. I operate from the perspective that we all have choices, and need to make healthy ones in order to live mentally, emotionally, and spiritually healthy lives.

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Lori Cheek Gilroy

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
26 years of experience

Hello! You have taken a courageous step towards making changes in your life. Asking for help can be hard and I would be honored to walk with you in your journey. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois. I have 26 years of experience working as a counselor and life coach. I have helped people with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, life transitions, trauma and caregiver stress. I have worked in several settings over the years including a child welfare program, family counseling clinic, family birthing center, crisis intervention agency and mental health clinic. My counseling style is client-centered, utilizing a holistic approach which addresses mind, body and spirit. I work from a Christ-centered philosophy, knowing that true and lasting healing comes only with God's help. Regardless of your background or beliefs, I believe you have value and I strive to communicate with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. You are the expert in your life and my role is to guide you to find the answers that are already within. I work from a solution-focused, systemic perspective. We will work together to develop treatment goals that meet your unique and specific needs. If you are ready to take the next step, I am here to support and encourage you. I look forward to working with you.

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Michelle Curry

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
20 years of experience

Thank you for reaching out. It takes a ton of courage and strength to make that first step for additional supports. I am a licensed clinical social worker and have assisted others through their therapeutic journey for approximately 17 years. I am compassionate about others emotional well-being and strive to provide a safe place without discrimination or judgement. Everyone has a voice and their own story to share. I have worked with families and children with varying ages, abilities, disabilities, while conceptualizing mental health struggles that people experience on a daily basis. As a therapist, my role is to listen, provide empathy, support and the necessary tools to reach your goals. In time, you will gain a better understanding of yourself and the dynamics that impact your life. Remember that this journey takes time but I hope to have the opportunity to work with you.

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Crystina Wells

Offering therapy in Illinois
Relationship issuesParenting issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois and Utah with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with a variety of lifes challenges. 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.

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Kinya M Lucas-Brown

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoaching
20 years of experience

I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety & 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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Dr. Cheryl Affrunti

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: Ph.D.
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseBipolar disorderDepressionADHD
14 years of experience

Greetings and welcome! My name is Cheryl Lee Affrunti (I go by “Lee”), and I am a Florida-based clinical psychologist with more than 13 years of experience assisting clients of all ages. I have been privileged to work with clients struggling with a wide range of challenges including anxiety, depression, stressful life transitions, bipolar disorder, ASD, PTSD, OCD, ADHD, schizoaffective disorder, learning disabilities, parenting problems, and relationship concerns. I am especially honored to have helped veterans, first responders, and others experiencing the harmful effects of physical and emotional trauma. As a person-centered therapist, I believe you deserve to be treated with empathy, respect, dignity, and compassion. I offer a judgment-free zone where you can count on my commitment to provide a safe and welcoming environment during our time together. I don’t profess to have the specific answers you seek, but I fervently believe you have those answers within you, and I will focus our time together by listening to you and helping you discover your richest and most meaningful path forward. My theoretical orientation is based primarily on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and includes cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, mindfulness-based, and solution-oriented approaches depending on your unique challenges, preferences, and situation. I appreciate the courage it took for you to reach out to someone to improve the quality of your life. Yes, you absolutely can live your most meaningful and fulfilling life, and I offer to you my services as your guide who will strive to enlighten, empower, and support you on your journey. I hope we can travel this part of your journey together!

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Sujata De

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyGriefAnger managementDepressionCoping with life changes
9 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, anger management, & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started! I am looking forward to our work together.

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Rebecca Pulitini

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
19 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 12 years of professional work experience. My experiences come from providing mental health services for kids, teens, and adults with a variety of issues, including stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, 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. I have provided individual and family counseling. A top priority for me is to meet you where you are and together decide on a treatment plan that will work best for us as we work together to meet your goals. 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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Ellen Ortiz

Offering therapy in Illinois
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesCoping with life changes
7 years of experience

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 honored to support you in that process. I am licensed in Nevada and Illinois with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, stage of life issues & parenting strategies. I would embrace the opportunity to support you no matter who you are or what you believe. You are connecting for a purpose, I would love to help you achieve that purpose. I feel very strongly that video and phone sessions work best. I text only to confirm appointment details or notice of last minute changes.

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Kunume Onwueme

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemCoping with life changes
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, 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. 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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Toya Carroll

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
15 years of experience

I am a Christian therapist licensed in California, Illinois and Missouri with 15 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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Jamie Ryan

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

I’m an LCSW with 8 years of experience helping clients navigate trauma, loss, and the complexities of new or existing medical conditions. I use a strengths-based approach to help you make sense of what feels overwhelming and to support you through the challenges you face. I believe that the only way out is through, and while this journey can be challenging and painful, I’m here as a guide to help you reach the other side. Seeking help takes courage, and I’m truly grateful that you’ve chosen to take this important step.

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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