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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Amy Kline
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in the state of Illinois, and a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC) in the United States. I hold my Master's Degree in Counseling and Organizational Psychology (MAO), which allows me to work with people on both personal and professional areas of concern and opportunities for growth. I have spent over 15 years working with individuals, families, couples, and groups as their counselor and coach. My professional journey has allowed me to provide services in a range of settings including community programs, home services, residential treatment facilities, and through an employee assistance program. I have supported people to overcome challenges relating to anxiety, stress, depression, trauma, anger management, parenting, elder care-giving, relationship and family concerns, grief and loss, work-life balance, conflict at work, career changes, and leadership development. I recognize that people come to counseling for many different reasons, and my job is to meet you where you are and help you to get to where you want to be. I see myself as a partner and supporter in the counseling relationship. I offer ideas and points to consider, but you are ultimately the expert of your life and what you would like it to entail. I understand that talking with someone about challenges you are dealing with can be difficult. That's why it is important to know that those I work with have a safe environment to process through those challenging times and have an objective, neutral person there who is not judging them. I enjoy seeing all the success that can come from overcoming that fear, and making time to care for oneself. Whether you are working through a difficult time, or looking to grow to a new level of you, I am here to walk with you in your journey. You have taken a wonderful first step in reaching out. Whatever brought you here, you can overcome. I look forward to working with you!
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LaShara Shaw
Hello. My name is LaShara, and I am a licensed clinical professional counselor and certified rehabilitation counselor. I am also a Doctoral candidate for Pastoral and Christian Counseling. It has been my pleasure working with consumers of varied ages, from children to senior citizens. My aim is to discover areas of difficulties and build strengths to foster a flourishing and meaningful life. I endorse an integrative perspective of treatment to acknowledge the contexts of the body, mind, environment, and spirituality within treatment settings. I work in secular and Christian settings, and I respond to the goals of the consumers. I embrace compassion, empathy, and recognition that life has moments of suffering, but through value-driven committed action, there can be beautiful outcomes. It will be wonderful to hear from you soon. Thank you.
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Keesha Beasley
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) licensed in the state of Illinois I am honored to help you manage challenges and overcome barriers. As far as credentials, I am also a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and board-certified by The National Board for Certified Counselors (NCC). As a certified PREPARE/ENRICH facilitator, I am also passionate about supporting individuals that are newly engaged or soon to be married. My goal as a therapist is to help you clarify the life you want to live. I will help you identify obstacles, recognize strengths, discover realistic solutions, and devise a plan to reach personal goals. Your overall self-awareness will increase as a result of our collaborative relationship. Together, we will explore your values, beliefs, desires, sense of purpose, and interests on an individual, relational, cultural, and occupational level. I provide encouragement, motivation, and tools to assist with achieving the personal and relational goals you set out to accomplish. However, I want to add, if you are seeking support with recent or complex grief and loss I recommend selecting a provider with expertise in that area. Relationships of all kinds often serve as a source of support or stress and significantly impact our daily functioning. The theoretical models I utilize are rooted in the belief that problems are the shared responsibility of all involved; therefore, issues do not result from one person’s actions and behaviors. Rather than view you in isolation, my therapeutic lens compels me to view you (and the challenges you face) systemically. In other words, within the context of your family, friends, colleagues, and other close relationships. My therapeutic approach is culturally sensitive, person-centered, trauma-focused, strength-based, and integrative. Whether you choose to work with me or another provider, I applaud you for taking this important step towards wellness!
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Holly Anderson
With over 13 years of clinical experience I understand that successful treatment outcomes occur when the foundation of one’s therapeutic approach is holistic. We now know that our feelings, beliefs, attitudes, spiritual life and physical well-being are all intrinsically intertwined and thus essential to address all of these areas together and not separately like once believed. I practice with a variety of evidence based therapeutic methods some of these included: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT); Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT); Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT); Family Systems among additional long-standing effective interventions. From our initial session you will find I work collaboratively with each of my clients. We work together to address pressing stressors; identify treatment goals and objectives; develop a treatment plan that is tailored specifically for the individual; explore any underlying/contributing factors; work together to identify new healthy coping skills that fit the individuals' certain coping style. It is my belief that a sound therapeutic alliance is a critical part of effective treatment outcomes. I have found successful clients are actively involved in this joint effort, stick with it even when it is not always easy to do so and who are committed to their individualized plan of care. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state Illinois with over 13 years of clinical work. I have worked with number of populations with various disorders including: Anxiety Disorders (with and without trauma histories); Mood Disorders; Behavioral Disorders; Personality Disorders; Substance Abuse/Co-Occuroing Disorders; Grief/Loss; Internal Family Systems. My Bachelor's degree is in Psychology from the University of Massachusetts. I was also a Research Assistant at the University of Massachusetts for 2 years researching mindfulness skills and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques applied to Anxiety Disorders. I obtained my Master’s degree in Social Work at the University of Iowa.
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Kathy Branning
I am licensed in Illinois and Wisconsin with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
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Sarah Leahy
I am licensed in Illinois with 21 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, parenting issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also have experience working with concentration, memory and focus (adhd). I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. I am here to support clients as they explore their own thoughts and feelings and develop solutions and coping tools to manage daily life. 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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Jane Klingberg
Hi! Thanks for checking out my profile. With over 20 years of experience as a counselor, my goal is to help kids, tweens, teens, and adults overcome the many obstacles in life, including: - Healing from abuse - Relieving stress - Relieving anxiety and depression - Adapting to unplanned transitions, or gaining the courage to change one’s life - Living a good life with chronic pain or illness - Career and educational issues - Parenting issues, including having children with special needs. What happens in a counseling session with me? First, you will be given a chance to tell your story, both the good and bad, in a confidential, judgment-free setting. Then you will work together to build a better quality of life using a variety of holistic coping and healing exercises, stress management tools, and therapeutic conversations.
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Samuel Abraham
I am licensed in Illinois with over 25 years of professional clinical experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflict, coping with grief, & coping with loss. I also have experience working with coping with life changes throughout adulthood. Additionally, I have training and experience with Christian pastoral ministry and counseling. I am able to utilize both my clinical and pastoral training in sessions for those clients who prefer a faith based approach in addressing their psychosocial and spiritual needs. 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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Cheryl Nelson
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Missouri with over 20 years of experience working as a psychotherapist. I have worked with clients for a broad range of concerns including depression, anxiety, trauma, and relationship issues. I have also helped many clients with chronic illnesses including HIV/AIDS. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My approach combines client centered, solution focused and strengths based counseling to meet your needs. It takes courage to seek professional help and even more courage to implement 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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Stephanie Kutzen
My name is Dr. Stephanie Kutzen, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker practicing in Illinois. My academic and career background includes three degrees in Social Work, forty five years of counseling with individuals, couples and families. I recently retired as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago, Jane Addams College of Social Work. I am highly experienced in helping diverse clients with mental health, addictions, relationship and conflicts in the workplace issues. My experience also includes counseling with those who benefit from Trauma Care. I provide care with emphasis on working non -judgmentaly and collaboratively with clients to build strategies to improve well being. My approach is built around engaging clients using empathic listening skills. Best practice theories used are Human Development, Person-In-Environment, Cognitive Behavioral and Motivational Interviewing. After discussing confidentiality, clients are asked to describe their view of the problem(s) and ideas to better manage concerns. Next, a clinical assessment of bio-psycho-social and cultural history is conducted. Explanation of of my suggested ways to work together collaboratively are offered. I ask clients to take time to consider if my approach and communication style fits their needs. If not, I offer to assist them in finding another GoodHelp counselor. If they choose to work with me, we prioritize needs and develop a treatment plan to reach goals. Evaluation of measurable outcomes with clients is integral to my approach.
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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