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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Philip Zarowny

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW ,CADC
AddictionsRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
11 years of experience

Welcome! I want you to know I am so glad you reached out for help, that is very courageous and wise. The willingness and desire to do something different is fundamental to growing. You are right to hope that things can change and will get better. This is work we can’t do alone and the results are not instantaneous, though with effort and a little faith I’m sure you will discover the answers you seek. There is not really a typical problem. I treat people, not a diagnosis! This is about you. Mine is a client-centered approach, emphasizing strengths-based and goal-focused therapies. My role is in providing a safe space for you to explore what you are experiencing. Everyone’s journey is different. We will explore strategies together finding out what works for you. This may require a little thinking outside the box, using your innate creativity to learn about yourself. As a father to an LGBTQ+ child I understand how difficult navigating identity can be in a slowly shifting culture. Your comfort and peace of mind when seeking counseling are important and I strive to create an understanding environment regardless of where you come from and who you are. Here is a little information about me. I graduated in 2009 with a Master’s Degree in Social Work. Since then, I have worked in a variety of positions treating a diverse range of issues, most recently as a substance abuse counselor. With all the co-occuring issues that predate and accompany addiction, I have learned that primarily my clients are people who just want to be happy. I have worked in both outpatient and residential treatment programs, utilizing an arsenal of evidence-based therapies like CBT, DBT, REBT, ACT, Motivational Interviewing, mindfulness and other approaches. Before social work, I had a long career in television news. Working as a street photographer and editor helped me develop deep empathy for the complexities of peoples’ struggles in all walks of life. Helping to change the world through storytelling inspired me to help change the world one person’s story at a time. From my professional and personal experience, I can guarantee, that though it may be tough at times, you will benefit from the journey. Now is your opportunity to use the present moment to grow and meet a stranger, the real you. So what’s going on with you, why have you sought out help?

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Ingrid Wheeler

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: MSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
11 years of experience

Hi! I’m Ingrid Wheeler. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. More specifically, I am a listener, advocate, supporter, and helper. About me: I have been in the field of Social Work for over 10 years, working in inpatient/outpatient mental health clinics, rural health clinics, outpatient therapy, and therapy services in higher education settings. My experiences in the field have led me to working with a variety of people facing different challenges in different setting in a spectrum of age, gender, and races. I earned my Bachelor’s Degree for Southern Illinois University-Carbondale and Master’s Degree in Social Work, with a specialization in mental health, from the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana. I have extensive experience helping individuals with a variety of challenges, from mental health challenges such as psychosis, substance abuse/dependence, personality disorders, suicidal ideation, relationship conflicts, behavioral issues, and stress management. Through individual, couples, family and group therapy, I have worked with a variety of ages in settings such as inpatient, outpatient, and dual diagnosis and addiction treatment centers, rural health clinics, and students in higher education. I have always been a “helper”. As a “military brat” growing up I constantly faced change and transitions, some easier than others. As the oldest child in a bi-racial (Latino/White) and military family, I was always helping someone. Whether it was advocating for my mother experiencing challenges related to her race or deescalating siblings, I was always helping. The advocacy and support I practiced led me to my desire to pursue Social Work. Being able to help someone cope with their life experience(s) and to make a lasting impact with someone fuels my work in this field. I help individuals and couples who are looking to support their overall mental health. I support my clients by exploring their stressors, improving a person’s insight into themselves and their challenges, and begin to manage emotions in the ways that work for them. My approach in therapy is client-centered and includes a variety of evidence-based approaches that fit my client’s needs, from interventions such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to general life skills building. The needs of my clients are important and heard in session. I use their feedback on what interventions may be most useful to them as we constantly work together to figure out what will work for them to achieve their goals. When I’m not working with clients, I am spending time with my family. I am married to my high school sweet heart, a self-employed business owner. Together, we have three kids between 16-4 year’s old and two dogs. We like to have movie marathons, go camping, and enjoy outdoor warm weather activities.

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Margaret Wilson

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
11 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 15 years of professional work 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. 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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Shobana Shanmugavelayutham

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
5 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & 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.

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Deanna MacDonald

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemBipolar disorderDepression
6 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Illinois with over 10 years of professional work experience in the mental health field, and I have been working with clients seeking individual therapy for the past 6 years. I have experience in helping clients who struggle with anxiety and depression, stress, body image issues, & self-esteem struggles. I believe in a collaborative approach to counseling as well as treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage, and I am here to support you in that process. I look forward to working together to create a treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs.

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Wendy Van Keulen

Offering therapy in Illinois
Relationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefParenting issuesCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with more than 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, trauma, abuse, coping with grief and loss, & parenting issues. I also have experience supporting people managing 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. Taking the first step to seek a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. It's an honor to support you in that process.

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Jennifer Radzi

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsParenting issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with over 20 years of professional work experience. I I have worked as a licensed therapist in a private practice setting, as well as a school counselor in the educational setting working with children (ages elementary, middle and high school). I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, family conflicts, parenting issues, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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!

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Jennifer Lane

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietySelf esteem
19 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Missouri with 19 years of professional work experience. During this time I have primarily worked with adolescents although I do have experience working with adult clients. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, confidence & depression. 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.

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Carla Dumas

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefParenting issuesDepression
31 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 31 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief, coping with loss, & parenting issues. I also have experience working with 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.

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Susan Etter

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois and Wisconsin with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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:

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.

In today's fast-paced society, mental well-being has become a cornerstone of a fulfilling life. Amid the daily challenges and stressors that can overwhelm even the most resilient individuals, seeking professional guidance often offers a path to clarity and balance. The journey toward improved emotional health involves understanding personal triggers, embracing self-compassion, and developing effective coping strategies. While self-help books and online resources provide valuable information, nothing compares to the personalized support offered by a qualified mental health professional. One-on-one sessions with experienced experts can help uncover the underlying issues contributing to anxiety, depression, or other emotional hurdles. With a careful and empathetic approach, these professionals tailor their advice to suit individual needs, ensuring that each person receives strategies that work best for their unique circumstances. Whether through cognitive behavioral techniques, mindfulness practices, or other innovative methods, the aim is to foster resilience and empower individuals to take control of their inner lives. For those living in bustling urban centers, engaging in face-to-face sessions in a welcoming environment can be particularly beneficial. Access to a caring clinician provides not only a safe space to explore difficult emotions but also builds a support network essential for long-term recovery. The process encourages self-reflection and greater insight into behavioral patterns that might otherwise go unnoticed. While the journey can be challenging at times, the rewards include enhanced emotional stability, improved interpersonal relationships, and a renewed sense of self-worth. In one notable case, the guidance provided by a highly trained therapist proved instrumental in navigating a tumultuous period. Through structured sessions and tailored interventions, the individual learned to identify stressors and develop healthier responses to adversity. This experience underscored the transformative impact that dedicated support can have on one's overall quality of life. In a region like Texas, community-based initiatives and accessible mental health programs further reinforce the value of professional help. These efforts emphasize early intervention, preventive care, and continuous support, ensuring that more people are equipped to face life's inevitable challenges. Ultimately, investing in mental well-being is an act of self-care that yields lifelong benefits. By embracing professional support, individuals can unlock new levels of emotional resilience and discover pathways to a brighter, more balanced future. Each step taken toward healing represents a commitment to personal growth, enabling a life filled with renewed optimism and strength. Embracing this transformative journey consistently paves the way for deeper understanding, lasting peace, and meaningful personal progress.
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