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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Rima Mickus

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: MS,LCPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSleeping disordersCoping with life changes
17 years of experience

Welcome, I'm Rima Mickus, a fully licensed clinical counselor in Illinois and Arizona and am limited to working with only Illinois and Arizona residents at this time. I enjoy working with men and women who are struggling with relationship issues, anxiety, and insomnia. I have 17 years of experience as a counselor, and have been in private practice since 2013. I have post graduate training in couples counseling, relationship coaching, domestic violence, and non-drug treatment for insomnia (using CBT-I). I have a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology from Benedictine University in Illinois. I work with adults in my private practice and enjoy helping them navigate through difficult circumstances. Relationship issues are usually a top stressor for many adults, whether it is family, dating, marriage, or work relationship issues. A bulk of my practice is helping adults with their relationships. We explore communication styles, personality differences, childhood influences, and other factors that impact the quality of our relationships. I help clients learn what a healthy relationship looks like and what constitutes abusive and disrespectful behavior. I can provide links to online assessments that can help identify strengths and areas of growth for both singles and couples. Another area that I enjoy helping clients with is health , fitness, and weight management. I have a certification in Wellness coaching and have helped many clients improve their mood and health using some simple interventions. Finally, an area that I find most important, but often neglected is sleep quality. Sleep is very under- rated but can make an enormous difference in a person's mood and cognitive function. I am trained directly by Dr Gregg Jacobs of the Harvard Medical School in providing CBT-I (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia). This is a 5-6 week structured program that requires the participant to keep a detailed weekly sleep log. It has been very helpful in helping men and women get more hours of quality sleep at night. There is also a way to wean off of sleep medications, but this will require medical supervision with a doctor. If weaning from medications is involved, the program typically takes longer, depending on how long the medication has been used. Please note that therapy is a very active process and frequent communication is important for maximum benefit. I will be contacting you through messaging more than once a week, as required by this service. I check messages at least 2 times per day. Your active participation is key to the success of your therapy. The more you participate, the more benefit you will get out of this service. My general hours of service are M-F 9 am-6pm CT. I check messages on weekends and occasionally offer sessions on weekends. Let me know when you are ready to start your therapy. I am looking forward to working with you! Warm regards, Rima

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Dr. John Cooley

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: Ph.D,LCPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
32 years of experience

My name is Dr. John Cooley. I have a Master of Arts Degree in Psychological Counseling from Southeast Missouri State University and Ph.D in Psychology from California Southern University. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois and I am a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist. I have 25 years of counseling experience working with Adults and Families who present with a variety of mental health and substance abuse problems. I have worked in outpatient and hospital settings. My treatment approach is very eclectic. I draw from a lot of counseling theories that can best fit a person's needs. Some of those include Humanistic, Psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Trauma Focused Treatment. I believe that clients have the resources within them to make positive changes so as to improve the quality of their lives. I provide a warm compassionate approach to counseling and want my clients to feel that they have been heard, validated and understood. At the same time I help clients find solutions to their problems and learn valuable coping skills to manage the problems they are experiencing. I look forward to working with you!

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Dr. Charmaine Jake-Matthews

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepression
18 years of experience

Hi, I am looking forward to getting to know you & the ways in which I can support and assist you. Prior to beginning my work as a counselor in the state of Illinois in 2007, I worked as a psychology professor (teaching & conducting research). Since 2007 I have used a variety of therapeutic techniques to help individuals, couples & families. I specialize in working with those dealing with anxiety, mood disorders & relationship issues. My approach to counseling is interactive and solution focused. When I am not working, I enjoy baking and singing.

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Lynda Savage

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: MFT,LCPC,MA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefParenting issues
34 years of experience

“I will comfort you, I’ll take your part when darkness comes and pain is all around.” Simon and Garfunkel’s lyric in “Bridge Over Troubled Water” describes tough times and the very present and healing support offered to provide comfort - the comfort necessary to overcome tough times. Everyone has troubled water – troubled times where you need to find a safe place to “ease your mind;” a place where your voice will be heard, and your story valued. Reaching out to find this safe place and support can feel scary and vulnerable, but it can also lead to exciting growth, self-knowledge, and the power to create a better life. I am committed to listening to my client’s stories without judgment or assumptions, and meeting them exactly where they are in their life journey. I listen carefully and actively, and provide thoughtful feedback so we can explore the concerns, and develop strategies together; strategies that are unique to the client and their life story, and that empower the client to make their own best choices for their life journey. I have a master’s degree from University of Illinois-Springfield, and a Marriage and Family Therapy Endorsement from the University of Nevada-Las Vegas. In addition, I completed the Clinical Education in Psychosocial Care program through Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. I have a keen interest in working with individuals and families as they negotiate major life changes such as family building, relationships, grief, and aging. I am motivated to help each client reach their own potential, and to create their best life. My personal approach to therapy is to develop synergy with the client, a collaborative process that creates a safe, positive, and empowering environment for creating meaningful change. Through this, the client can safely explore, question, discuss, and learn without being judged. Join me as we venture into your life’s journey and create the story you envision.

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Natara Elliott

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LPC,CADC,CCM
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
10 years of experience

Hello. My name is Natara Elliott. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in the state of Illinois and Wisconsin. I have had the privilege of working with many different populations in many different settings. I have worked with toddlers, adolescents, teens, adults, and the elderly. I have worked in school settings, case management, the foster care system, and substance/mental health. I have been trained in the clinical interventions of REBT, Play Therapy, and EMDR. I have obtained my certification in REBT, thus being able to further assist clients with anxiety and stressor related symptoms. While utilizing the base interventions of CBT and DBT, I am able to build a therapeutic relationship tailored to each client’s individual needs. Goal Setting and acquisition of Coping Skills will assist as I support each client on their journey to achievement and self-internalization. I currently hold an active CADC (Certified Addiction and Drug Counselor), and CCM (Certified Case Manager) certification within the state of Illinois. I have worked outpatient adolescent and adult substance groups. With my CCM, I can assist clients by utilizing advanced evidence-based practices, working with clinical teams to improve client outcomes, and help clients achieve individual health and wellness goals. My educational background consists of a Bachelors and Masters Degree in Psychology with a Child and Adolescent Specialization, and a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology with an Addictions Specialization. On my days off I enjoy family time, my many animal companions, and gardening.

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Neal Harris

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: MA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
40 years of experience

Neal Harris is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, with a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology. He has practiced the art of psychotherapy for 40 years. He has been a workshop leader in the holistic health and self-enrichment fields since 1985. Neal’s experience stems from training in the United States, China and India. In 1986, he was a member of the first bodywork team invited to a teaching hospital in China to study Tuina, a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine and massage. In 1991, he traveled to India to study with the meditation master and sage, H.W.L. Poonja (Papaji). Neal, until recently, had been teaching Reiki (energy therapy) for almost 30 years and providing Reiki therapy for almost 40 years. He is the author of the book, Pocket Stress Manager & Labyrinth Guide, as well as the relaxation CD, Exit The Storm. Neal as well as his work at the education center has been featured on national television including WTTW, Fox, NBC, Discovery Channel and more. He has also been featured in several national magazines including Better Homes & Gardens, Spa Finder, New Age Magazine, Utne Reader and others. In 1997, Neal was the originator of the Earth-Wisdom Labyrinth; Illinois’ first permanent outdoor labyrinth located in Elgin. He has been a consultant on, and the creator of other public labyrinths, fabric traveling labyrinths, finger labyrinths (including his patented brain balancing, communication enhancing double finger labyrinth design known as the Intuipath®) and manuals for creating outdoor labyrinths. For almost 40 years, Neal led labyrinth workshops around the country and is a founding member of The International Labyrinth Society. In his private therapy practice, Neal assists those individuals who are experiencing a variety of concerns including life-affirming conditions such as Diabetes, Cancer, Heart Disease as well as anxiety, depression, relationship issues, LGBTQ+ concerns and a host of other issues. To promote healing on many levels, he uses relaxation and meditation training, the Emotional Freedom Technique, Graphotherapy and other targeted practices to assist his clients. This work explores integrative medical options, as well as the psychology and spirituality of illness and recovery. Neal also headed up a 4-year national research study to determine the behavioral effects of his Intuipath® design on children and adolescents with ADHD. He is also a Certified Pickleball Coach; teaching folks to play smarter not harder for the past 11 years.

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Christopher "Chris" Dueker

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: MS,LCPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepression
18 years of experience

I have over 16 years of clinical experience helping individuals, couples, and families seeking help to resolve some of their problems with conflict, adjusting to life event stressors, recovering from trauma to become survivors and not victims. Furthermore, I like to help others with addictions of practically every kind to change their habits with replacement thoughts, behaviors, and actions that improve their sense of purpose in life and handling their emotions rather than avoiding them with their maladaptive behaviors. A majority of my training and experience has been on helping clients incorporate positive communication skills, conflict resolution skills, and improve upon their ability to stop negative thinking habits that tend to interfere with change.

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Eileen O'Neil

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsParenting issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
7 years of experience

I have experience working with clients of all ages, from young children through older adulthood. I connect well with those who struggle with anxiety, young men and women navigating relationships and transitioning to adulthood, new mothers and mothers of young children, and those looking for parenting support. I also have experience working through, processing and understanding generational trauma, and how it may be affecting your current relationships. I take a client centered approach, providing empathy, compassion, active listening and support. I believe each person is unique, and strives to use evidence based treatment approaches tailored to each client. My overall goal is to invite you into a warm and non-judgmental space where I bring my authentic self, encouraging you to do the same. I work to build a strong relationship first and provide helpful feedback, teach coping skills, and use a little bit of humor while navigating whatever challenges you are facing.

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Doriece Choy

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionADHD
13 years of experience

Hello, my name is Dori Choy and am a licensed clinical social worker. I have been in the social work field for 20 years, have been a therapist for the past 12 years. My approach is realistic, strengths based and confidence building. I believe that there is value in every life and that hope can be found in any situation. My preference is to work alongside my clients, allowing them to explore their own thoughts and feelings week to week. Feeling heard, supported and understood is the foundation needed to build healthy habits and work through difficult seasons in life.

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Regina Hughes

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementBipolar disorderDepression
3 years of experience

Life can be a challenge at times and everyone needs someone that they can talk to. Seeking out counseling is a wise choice and is the first step in becoming your best self. Let me tell you a little about my self. I am a licensed Clinical Counselor Professional Counselor (LCPC) and educator that has worked with adults, teens, and families. I have worked with both inpatient and outpatient psychiatric clients. My background includes working with clients that have multiple issues including depression, stress and anxiety, PTSD, anger and relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, OCD, and substance abuse. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. In addition, I have worked with clients that are receiving special education services and have academic and behavioral concerns, including autism and ADHD. My therapist style is one that is open, warm, nonjudgmental, and is client-centered and focused on providing a space where clients feel heard, valued, and respected. I believe this type of therapeutic environment is essential for healing and allows the client to adequately grow and have a successful positive experience. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic, hypnotherapy, and rational-emotive therapy. I will tailor a 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 and becoming your best self. 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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Eleni Kaitson

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepression
4 years of experience

Eleni received her bachelor’s degree in social work at Carthage College and completed her master's degree in social work at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Eleni specializes in working with young adults, but works with all populations. She specialized in school social work and has her certificate in CBITS (Cognitive Behavioral Interventions for Trauma in Schools). She is also passionate about working with individuals who have struggled with low self-esteem, life obstacles, body image difficulties, anxiety and trauma. Eleni utilizes a strength-based approach that empowers her clients to embrace who they are. She focuses on integrating treatment models such as commitment and acceptance therapy and Cognitive Behavioral therapy.

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Stephanie Weinblatt

Offering therapy in Illinois
Parenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changesCoachingADHD
16 years of experience

I am licensed in New Jersey with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, coping with life changes, & executive and professional coaching. 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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Wende Pannell

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
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, & 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.

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Jennifer Quirina

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyLGBTSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

I am a clinical social worker licensed in California and Illinois with 15 years of professional work experience. I believe that all good social work begins with a safe relationship where one can let down the defenses that protect us in our journey and find the transformation we seek. My personal and professional experience provides me with a particular interest in supporting individuals navigating the perinatal and new parenting time, adoptees, LGBT+ issues and major life changes. My treatment approach includes the use of tools from solution focused, cognitive behavioral and dialectical behavioral therapies. My priority is to help my clients feel heard, validated, and identify ways to manage the stressors that we all face.

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Jessica Hobart

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
4 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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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