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.
Dr. Shelia Williamson Collins
Hello, I am Dr. Shelia Williamson Collins, PhD, NCC, LCMHC, CCMHC, LCAS, CCS, SAP, MAC. I am a board certified clinical mental health counselor and addiction counselor with nearly 20 years of experience in behavioral health. I am licensed as a clinical counselor in the states of North Carolina, Illinois, and Alaska. I have a PhD in General Psychology from Northcentral University. I also have a master's degree in Community Counseling and a bachelor's degree in psychology from Chicago State University. I have worked in an adult inpatient psychiatric unit, outpatient behavioral clinic, community-based mental health services, and residential substance abuse treatment programs. My counseling style is person-centered. I have a diverse therapeutic approach to counseling. However, my primary approach includes cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy. I specialize in mood disorders, anger management, addictions education, and relapse prevention. I believe that everyone has a story to tell; and I am here to listen. Giving voice to your concerns and issues is the first step to healing. We can accomplish this together. It would be my honor to work with you to assist you in reaching your healthy goals. Please let me know if you would prefer weekly sessions, and I will do my best to accommodate.
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!
Jennifer Mieszala
I completed my education at Loyola University. I am licensed by the State of Illinois, a member of the Illinois Alcohol & Other Drug Abuse Professional Certification Association Inc. I am an empathetic, caring therapist, who has been working in the social service field for over 20 years. I have worked with the court systems, completing alcohol & drug evaluations, working with clients who have legal histories, & with clients who have mental health issues. I specialize in working with clients, who have Mood Disorders, Anxiety, substance abuse & addiction issues. I have an eclectic style of therapy where I utilize different theories of psychology. I specialize in cognitive behavioral therapy, and working in addictions. I look forward to meeting with you in the future.
Katina Wilcher
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience providing therapy services to a diverse group of individuals, albeit an extensive portion of my practice has been providing support to children and their families. I have provided clinical services in a wide range of therapeutic arena such as shelters, inpatient/outpatient hospitals, schools. In doing so, I work with clients with multiple concerns including parenting, depression, school problems, trauma to name a few. I provide trauma-informed care with experience addressing grief, community violence impact, etc. I earned my Bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago in Criminal Justice and a minor in Sociology. I later attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where I earned my Masters in Social Work, focusing clinically on Schools, and my Masters in Education with a focus on Educational Organization and Leadership, respectively. I am currently completing my Doctorate at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a focus on providing services, resources, and access to traditionally marginalized populations. I am a culturally responsive clinician who believes that everyone minimally deserves empathy, respect, compassion, and dignity. I truly believe it is important to meet everyone where they are at, and in doing so, empower and equip my clients to have a voice and choice in their lives- to have agency. My approach is largely client-centered, strength-based, and solution-focused because I believe that clients are the experts on their lives and that everyone has strengths and talents from which we can draw. I use a variety of treatment modalities to guide clients in identifying strengths, and in developing treatment plans that accomplish their goals. While this list is not exhaustive, I use Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Intervention for Trauma in Schools, Mindfulness, Emotional Regulation Strategies, etc. with the goal of supporting clients to move towards a life of stability and happiness. Congratulations on taking the first step in achieving the change you seek. It is an honor to join you and walk alongside you as a critical thought partner on your journey. Specialties: • Parenting concerns • Relationship issues • Self-esteem • Depression • Coping with life changes • School issues and support • Emotional regulation • Effective decision-making Also experienced in: Conflict resolution, LGBT, Abuse and Neglect, Trauma, Behavioral Disorders, Parenting issues ADHD, Special Education Law, Stress Management, Domestic Violence, Homelessness, Birth to 3 Services, Grief and Loss, Attachment Issues, Mental Illness, and more. Clinical approaches: Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Zones of Regulation, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy Years of Experience: 23
Dr. Mary Ann Dier-Zimmermann
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the State of Illinois with over 30 years of experience. Healing is a unique journey of transformation toward Wholeness, Peacefulness, and Happiness. I listen with full attention to show you compassion, empathy and care in a safe, confidential relationship. Your integrity will be respected. Whether you work on Depression, Grief, Relationships, LGBTQ+ issues or Faith/Spirituality/Religious concerns, we will journey toward healing of body, mind and spirit. Healing happens in connection,, so we can also focus on healing relationships with family and friends, and your support system. You will receive and assessment and a plan and together we can explore enhancing and expanding your awareness and your support systems. With specialized education in Religion, Spirituality and Psychology, I can help you integrate these powerful sources of healing to improve your life. Your beliefs, life situation and Gender orientation are respected, and honored as pathways to transformation. I meet people where they are, without judging.
Kathryn Douglas
I have worked in mental health since 2004. I have been employed in a variety of settings and worked with individuals struggling with addiction, chronic mental health issues, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, postpartum depression and anxiety. I work from a behavior context, largely utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and other behavioral techniques. I completed my Bachelor's degree in Psychology in 2004 from Quincy University, my Master's degree in Education in Counseling in 2007 from Quincy University, a Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis from Penn State in 2013, and a Master's degree in Sociology from Arizona State University in Spring of 2022.
Bradley Wolcott
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has over 30 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in a variety of settings. My experience working with adults includes individual therapy in an outpatient setting, as well as working in a medical setting and on an in-patient psychiatric unit. I work with adults who are facing issues related to personal growth, life transitions, relationships, sexuality, gender, and family issues. My clients have had a wide range of issues they have needed help with; from young adults transitioning from high school or college on to the next step of their lives, to clients' who have lost of a loved one, to older adults transitioning to retirement. I have significant experience working with clients who have diagnoses of Depression, Anxiety, Autism Spectrum Disorder, PTSD and ADHD. Change of career concerns, and stress from school, work or family issues, are some of the additional issues that I have helped clients with. I enjoy working with first responders, veterans, and members of the clergy by helping them with some of the specific issues they face. I use a relaxed approach to connect with my clients and then work together to help them build upon their strengths, and achieve their goals. Developing a strong therapeutic relationship is a key to my clients' success. My clinical approach is primarily psychodynamic, but I will also draw from family systems, cognitive behavioral therapy, and dialectical behavior therapy as well.
Deborah "Debbie" Aimone
I am licensed in Illinois and North Carolina with 30 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, & 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. 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.
Ji Min Kim
I am licensed in Illinois with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with depression, stress, intimacy-related issues, & motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. I believe that you are the expert on 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!
Felicia Parham
I am licensed in Illinois with over 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and 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. 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.
Andrea Taylor
I am licensed in Illinois with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
Brenda Rogers
I am licensed in Illinois with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, anger management, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. 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!
William Edleman
I am licensed in Illinois with 32 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, career difficulties, depression, & coping with 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. 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.
Joseph Mungai
I am licensed in Iowa with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Corby Jackson
I am licensed in Illinois and Texas with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, 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.
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:
- 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 featur
- 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 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.
Popular cities in Illinois
- Chicago, IL
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- Rockford, IL
- Naperville, IL
- Springfield, IL
- Peoria, IL
- Elgin, IL
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- Champaign, IL
- Cicero, IL
- Bloomington, IL
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