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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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. Bernice Young

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: MA,LCPC
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementSelf esteemDepressionADHD
26 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical professional counselor in Illinois. I have worked in the field of counseling for 26 years. My experience is diverse in working with individuals, parents, individuals on parole and probation, and adults seeking strategies for change. I have held a dual career for nearly 20 years as a 911 operator and understand the challenges faced by first responders as well. I am a PhD candidate with research specific to African American men and strategies for success. My work as a psychotherapist include helping people with depression, anxiety, mood disorders, ADHD, parenting challenges, motivation and career challenges, race-based trauma, and beyond. I often work with high profile clients and understand the importance of your privacy in seeking therapy. My counseling style is warm and engaging. I truly enjoy helping people while treating everyone with respect and meeting them where they are. Together, we will establish goals that meet your needs. My counseling approach is based on the personality and need of the client, which include cognitive behavioral therapy, rational emotive behavior therapy, existential therapy, reality therapy, client-centered, and solution-focused. I look forward to working with you.

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Erin Taylor

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCPC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
15 years of experience

I am a professional counselor independently licensed in Illinois after moving back and practicing in Arizona for nearly a decade. I have over 15 years of experience in a wide range of services and populations both in Arizona and Illinois. I have both experience in crisis intervention and outpatient therapy. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, abandonment, abuse, bullying, parenting problems, grief, addiction and ADHD. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. I have worked with schools, DCFS, foster parents, Emergency Rooms, Police/Fire, Psychiatric Hospitals, Psychiatrists, Probation. My internship was completed at a shelter that provided counseling for women in need of therapy for domestic violence situations and sexual assault trauma. I completed an additional internship that focused on substance abuse and addictions. I served working with juveniles on probation/parole initially in Arizona and then entered the crisis world. I then changed to outpatient work with individuals and families for over 5 years before moving back to Illinois. I have been working in a combination of crisis work and outpatient therapy for almost 5 years now. My style is warm, empathetic, supportive and a little humor at times. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I have worked with all populations, including children, adults, LGBTQ+, people of various backgrounds, spiritual beliefs and appreciate diversity. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, crisis intervention, solution-focused therapy, mindfulness, humanistic, client centered and rational-emotive counseling. I will ensure the treatment plan is unique to you and your specific needs, so this is a team effort. I want you to feel heard, valued, and our interactions to feel genuine and promote your growth and wellness. I know this is difficult and I applaud you for reaching out to take care of yourself, it is so important to take care of mental health and learn tools and ways to carry with you the rest of your life.

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Lori Mattix

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsAnger managementSelf esteemADHD
37 years of experience

I have been a licensed clinical social worker for 35 years. I have experience providing individual , group, and family counseling to teens, adults and families. I have background in the areas of anxiety, depression, ADHD, anger management and foster care and adoption. I truly enjoy working with people and my goal is to assist my clients in managing a variety of concerns . It is important to me to establish a safe, non-judgmental environment, and to show respect to all my clients. I don't have one approach I utilize, as I feel everyone is an individual and it is important to develop a plan once I have your input and together we decide on the direction your counseling will take. I recognize that for some, deciding to attend counseling can be a challenge. I am here to provide the support, flexibility and trust you need to succeed. Once you choose to begin counseling to address the concerns you have, I will be there to assist and support you in the process.

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Kristy Scholtes

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW,MSW
Stress, AnxietyGriefParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
15 years of experience

Hello, I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has a passion for helping others. I have over 15 years experience with people of all ages, who come from various types of backgrounds and have struggled with many different types of challenges. Many of my clients have struggled with anxiety, stress, depression or trauma. I have a significant amount of experience working with young people on the Autism spectrum, with ADHD or with emotional disabilities. Supporting my clients as individuals, as parents or as a family through life experiences is my overall purpose. I strongly believe in building a strong connection first with clients. Our first session together will focus on your goals for treatment and the type of support you are looking for from a therapist. I have strong listening skills and an ability to support others towards whatever their goals may be. I am currently offering direct messaging and LiveChat sessions only. Video and phone session time slots are filled already, so I can not accept any additional clients with the preference for only those services. I know selecting a therapist can be a difficult decision and would be honored to work with you.

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Alisa Neary

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: MSW, LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCoping with life changes
9 years of experience

Hi! I am Alisa Neary (she/her). I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. More specifically, I am passionate about inspiring hope and empowering change. My 30-year career has been centered around helping adults free themselves of toxic relationships and heal from interpersonal violence. Whether abuse occurred in your childhood, in a past adult relationship, or is happening in a current relationship, you can reclaim your personal power and heal. I support individuals in reducing symptoms of PTSD, anxiety and depression; decreasing self-blame and isolation; building self-esteem; finding self-acceptance; and recognizing healthy and unhealthy relationships. In my person-centered approach, I strive to create a therapeutic experience that is comfortable, non-judgmental and empathetic. I believe that every human being strives for and has the capacity to fulfill their own potential. The steps you have taken thus far, exploring services through BetterHelp, demonstrate your “readiness” for change. A trusted therapist can provide support and guidance on your journey toward self-discovery and healing. If you think I may be that person, let’s connect! I look forward to meeting you!

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Bridget Bauersfeld

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepression
23 years of experience

Bridget primarily practices from an integrated psychodynamic and relational foundation. She believes that therapy can help foster resilience and one’s innate capacity for self-healing. She strives to create a safe and empathic environment to support a client’s attainment of personal goals. Bridget supports clients in their movement towards change and growth as they navigate the journey of life. Her therapy approach incorporates client centered interventions, including cognitive therapy modalities, mindfulness techniques when appropriate and other evidence based treatment practices. Bridget is a licensed clinical social worker with additional training in the following treatment modalities: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), Equine Assisted therapy (EAGALA model) and introductory training in Somatic Experiencing (SE). Bridget has twenty years of experience working with children, families, adolescents and young adults with a wide range of concerns. She has experience in the treatment of trauma, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), mood and anxiety disorders. Education and career background Bridget has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Bucknell University and a Masters of Social Work degree from the University of Maryland in Baltimore. Bridget began her career as a therapist in a residential treatment facility for children and adolescents in Maryland. Following this experience in her home town of Baltimore, Bridget moved to Chicago and provided early intervention therapeutic supports to young children and families at St. Vincent de Paul Center. She also worked with children and families in the Denver area where she was employed by Denver Health Hospital in a school based mental health program. Additionally, she worked at Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore Maryland as an outpatient mental health therapist for several years providing trauma treatment. She currently works full time as an outpatient therapist at Advocate Children’s Hospital in Park Ridge, Illinois.

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Jonique Young

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

I am licensed in Illinois and Texas with 7 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 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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Meg Skrypkun

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsBipolar disorderDepression
25 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, & bipolar disorder. I also have experience working with depression as well as grief and loss. I tailor my approach 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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Rachel Hoyt

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & parenting issues. I have experience with adoption, foster care, and non traditional family arrangements. 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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Stephanie Czarnecki

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepression
10 years of experience

I am an accomplished Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience providing direct patient care and clinical therapy. I specialize in Crisis Management, trauma, substance abuse, co-occurring, and various other mental and behavioral health concerns. I have experience in comprehensive patient care services, including case management, individual therapy, group therapy, marital and family therapy, anger management, medication management, long-term recovery, and suicide prevention education and intervention. I am skilled with clients with a wide range of concerns from depression, anxiety, addiction, trauma, OCD, ADHD/ADD, and many others. I have also assisted those with serious mental health issues such as schizophrenia, bipolar, dissociative disorder, traumatic brain injuries, and those on the spectrum. My approach is often friendly and collaborative. I believe in meeting the client where they are in the moment. I believe it’s imperative everyone is treated with respect, compassion, and understanding. I don't believe a diagnosis makes a person, but I do think that if we can understand a diagnosis and the symptoms, we can identify more individualized solutions. Since no one strategy works for everyone, my approach is eclectic and frequently customized for each scenario and each person. My therapy style is typically warm, and interactive, and believes in meeting the client where they are currently at. I believe that everyone should be treated with dignity, respect, compassion, and understanding. I don't believe in labels but that in understanding a diagnosis that fits the symptoms we may be able to find solutions and peace while moving forward. My approach is eclectic in that not one approach is right for all and therefore my approach is often tailored to the situation and the individual. I often use cognitive behavioral techniques to assist in processing and furthering treatment. Treatment plans will be completed collaboratively as it takes courage to seek counseling and look inside; therefore what you wish to accomplish or where you wish to go is up to you. I want to help you achieve the best version of you that you can be! I look forward to meeting you and taking this journey with you.

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Mike Driscoll

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyGriefAnger managementDepressionCoping with life changes
14 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Katie Wooldridge

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

Hello! My name is Katie Wooldridge. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois. I currently have 5 years of professional work experience. I’m excited that you are here and wanting to make the first step towards a positive change. It is my hope that we can work together to help you navigate life’s challenges, make meaningful changes, and work towards a greater well-being and sense of self. Together we can explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors as we work on strategies that align with your values and goals. I understand that therapy can be a personal journey, and it is my goal is to create a safe space for you to feel heard and understood. I believe each person is the expert of their own life. I encourage clients to build upon their strengths in order to create a life they enjoy and are proud of. I will be here to support and empower you as you discover your goals and make meaningful steps in achieving them. If you’re ready to take the first step, I’m here to support you every step of the way. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or to schedule an appointment.

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Elizabeth Brach

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepression
4 years of experience

I believe in a client-centered approach, tailoring my therapeutic interventions to meet the unique needs and goals of each individual. Through a collaborative and empathetic process, you can expect a caring and respectful therapeutic relationship based on mutual trust and respect. I support you by creating a secure and non-judgmental space where vulnerability is considered a strength, empowerment flourishes, and goals are met so you can get your life back. I bring over four years of experience in my field, particularly in the areas of addiction and mood disorders. I am a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor. I am currently earning a certification Certified Clinical Trauma Professional through IATP. Whether you're returning to therapy or embarking on this journey for the first time, please feel free to reach out.

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Daphne Martin

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

"Change your thoughts. Change your life." I'm Daph, a bilingual psychotherapist (I speak English and Spanish) who was born and raised in Chicago. I work with adults ages 25 and up. I incorporate ACT (Acceptance Commitment Therapy) CBT (cognitive based therapy) into my sessions as I help clients to process and reflect upon their life journey. My goal is always to provide each client with coping mechanisms to navigate life's challenges. The first session can be awkward, right? Trust me, it'll be ok. I'll spend time gathering information about your background (place of birth, family, etc), ask what you'd like to accomplish in therapy and ask if you've ever been in therapy before. Think of it as a informal conversation. The best part is that you can share as much or as little as you would like. I'm an empathic listener, a transparent therapist and will hold you accountable for taking control of your life.

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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