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.

Michelle Hoff
I am Christian Marriage and Family Therapist. I am licensed in Iowa and Illinois as Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and in the state of Nebraska I am a Licensed Mental Health Practitioner with a Marriage and Family Certification. I am a National Certified Counselor. I am a Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional. I am a member of American Association of Christian Counselors and American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy. I have been working in the mental health field since 2015 and doing clinical work since 2017. I own my own private practice Unfolding With Truth Counseling, LLC as well as work with BetterHelp part time. I have worked with individuals, couples, families, and groups. I have experienced with helping individuals who suffer with depression, anxiety, addiction, family dynamic issues, relational conflicts, stress, trauma and abuse, personality issues, spiritual and military issues. My counseling style is warm and understanding. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, solution-focused, mindfulness, and family dynamics. I believe in providing the best approach to meet your needs and will do my best to tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. If you would like to schedule a session please feel free to reach out in a message and let me know when you are available and what times work best for you. I look forward to working with you!

Lauren Oestmann
Welcome! First I would like to commend you on reaching out for help, as I know this can be the most challenging part. It takes a lot of courage to share your story and struggles. My name is Lauren and I am a licensed clinical social worker in the state of Illinois. I have over 13 years of experience working in a wide range of settings. I have worked with families, children and teens, in residential substance abuse, private practice, adoption preservation and corrections. My style can be described as client centered, strength based and solution focused. I use cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, motivational interviewing, trauma focused therapy, mindfulness and solution - focused therapy. If you have any questions feel free to reach out by message through Better Help. I look forward to working with you soon.

Mark Beiser
I have been working at helping people since 1988. I received a Masters in counseling in 1995 and got the Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor certificate in Illinois in 2002. I'd like to begin by saying I feel very fortunate to be able to walk with people on their path to healing. I will try to engender trust with you by being genuine and respectful. I've had some success at helping people overcome trauma, depression, and anxiety. Mostly I start by helping people change their choices a little at a time. The hope is that these changes will lead to changes in thoughts; and eventually changes in feelings. Along the way, we often work through resolving issues of motivation and confidence. To accomplish all of this we will likely use a number of proven tools such as mindfulness practice and thought regulation. My goal is to help you make changes as we go along working with you to guide the process and help you develop and accomplish your goals.

Anita Thomas-Bua
I am a mental health/psychotherapist licensed in Illinois and Wisconsin with over 20 years of experience in the human service field- all of my adult life. With over 20 years of experience working as a psychotherapist/counselor and life coach, I have worked with adolescents, Adults and geriatric populations, clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, OCD, and ADHD. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. I am a seasoned therapist whom you can turn to for change, emotional support, personal empowerment and self-growth. I assist adolescents and adults, people going through changes in relationships, marital and divorce, adult and child relationships, employer or employee relationships. Also, I help people in the area of mind, body, and spirit with empathy and compassion. My history is working with ADHD, Mood Disorders, including but not limited to Depression, Anxiety, Panic Disorder, and bipolar disorder. I work with trauma, abuse emotional and physical, infidelity, divorce, marriage, conflict resolution, and any developmental changes over the lifespan, new medical diagnosis, new child, marriage, and adjustment issues. If you are looking for someone who is helpful, non-judgmental, and human then please choose me. I will be there for you, and we will work together. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, rogerian, adlerian, psychodynamic and rational-emotive behavioral therapy. I will tailor our dialog and 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. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

Karen Roach
Hi there! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois with over 20 years experience working with kids, adults, and families. My passion is helping you resolve stress and anxiety that impacts your day to day life. I especially love supporting women, moms and educators to better understand the behaviors and emotions of kids that causes disruption to the family or school environment. My therapeutic approach is understanding, non-judgmental and collaborative. I lean into my expertise of the stress response system and use a variety of modalities to help balance the stress response while also building a client's toolbox of strategies. Other professional work includes school social work and teaching graduate level students in a Master of Social Work program. As a full-time school social worker, my general availability for phone and video sessions will be early mornings and mid to late afternoons during the typical school year. Messaging is also convenient and accessible throughout each day! I'm excited to get to know you and support you on your journey!

George Becker
I am licensed in Illinois with many years of professional experience. Over the years I have helped clients from many cultural and ethnic backgrounds who struggle with difficulties of stress and anxiety, depression, parenting and relationship issues, family conflicts, & coping with grief and loss. I am bilingual in English and Spanish and serve clients in both languages. In addition, I have worked extensively in public schools. 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. I am here to support you in that process. Soy bilingüe en español y inglés y tengo muchos años experiencia trabajando con la comunidad Latino. He ayudado a muchos clientes que luchan con estrés y ansiedad, dificultad con las relaciones importantes y el papel de ser padre, conflictos familiares y situaciones de luto y perdidas. También, he servido mucho tiempo en las escuelas públicas. Entiendo bastante de las dificultades de adaptación a una vida bastante diferente de su cultura ancestral. Creo que todos merecemos ayudo con respeto, sensibilidad y compasión. Va ser mi placer ayudarles.

Lisa Allen
I am licensed in Illinois with 23 years of professional clinical work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, LGBTQIA+ related issues, relationship issues, & trauma and abuse. Prior to my most recent clinical experience, I have ten years of working in the Foster Care system 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Christina Reed
I am licensed in Illinois with 24 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, parenting issues, & 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. People come to counseling for many different reasons. For you, it may be an unresolved past issue, a current relationship problem, a clearly defined challenge or an undiscovered struggle. Regardless of your reasons, you should be proud of yourself for taking that step to begin therapy. Counseling should be a confidential, safe place for people to receive support, examine challenges and obstacles, explore relationships, reduce stress, facilitate healing, and discover a path to a meaningful and satisfying life. I look forward to helping you on that journey!

Dr. Dr. Antonio Champion
I am licensed in Illinois with 17 years of professional work experience. I have my Ph.D. in community psychology and master degree in clinical social work. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. 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.

Heather Jackson Brown
I am licensed in Texas with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with lgbt-related issues, relationship issues, intimacy related issues, & parenting issues. 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.
How can a counselor support you?
Therapists can practice many types of counseling, from marriage and family therapy to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). They may also assist you with symptoms of depression, stress, or anxiety.
Therapists may help you set and achieve career goals, work on current issues you may be facing, or address your past. Over 11,181,370 people live in IL, and one out of five Americans has a mental health condition. Searching for local licensed professionals may help you find mental health support for personal growth, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health concerns. You do not need a mental health diagnosis to seek support from one of BetterHelp's licensed providers above.
The mental health field can include psychiatric medication management, online therapy, marriage counseling, couples therapy, clinical social work, licensed counseling, and other mental health services in person and online. Seeing a licensed provider can help you navigate mental health conditions and life circumstances through mindfulness and other specialized techniques.
Please note that a BetterHelp therapist does not offer diagnostic or medication management services.
Why do people choose to work with a licensed counselor?
People reach out for mental health support for a variety of reasons. Many individuals work with a counselor for general life advice, while others may attend therapy for a specific concern. Whether you live in a large city or a smaller county, BetterHelp can match you with a licensed professional tailored to your preferences noted when you sign up.
The mental health therapists in Illinois support clients with varying issues through therapy, such as:
- Challenging situations or life stressors
- Eating disorders
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression or depressive conditions
- Adjustment issues
- Emotional support for a terminal illness
- Chronic pain emotional support
- Grief
- Personality disorders
- Trauma
- Relationship conflicts and concerns
Finding a therapist that takes new clients in online therapy can be the first step in finding a treatment plan that works for you. Your therapist can provide a safe space for you to focus on self-care and well-being.
If you're interested in speaking to one of the therapists above or being matched with a counselor in 24 to 48 hours, consider signing up for BetterHelp. BetterHelp has over 35,000 providers, including those listed above.
Emergency services to contact in a crisis
If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use the BetterHelp site. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisis Text Line:Text HOME to 741741
- Veterans Crisis Line<:Call 1-800-273-8255 (and press 1) or text 838255. For support for the deaf and hard of hearing community, please use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.
- Trevor Lifeline(LGBTQ Lifeline): (866)488-7386
- SAMHSA National Helpline: (Substance Use): (800)662-4357
- National Eating Disorder Association Helpline:1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM-9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST
- Child Help Hotline Call 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat feature
- National Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Physician Crisis Support Line: Call 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to Covid-1
- Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Some of the most commonly asked questions about therapy can be found in the section below.
How much does a therapist cost?
Mental health professionals can differ in price. Forbes found that the average cost of in-person therapy in the US is around $100 to $200 per hour. Pricing can also vary based on your location.
BetterHelp offers payment plans of $60 to $90 per session, charged monthly in a lump sum. You can also take advantage of this pricing on one of BetterHelp's sister platforms, like ReGain for couples or TeenCounseling for teens aged 13 to 19.
Many therapists may be upfront about their pricing and whether or not they take health insurance from the beginning. Additionally, some in your area may offer a sliding scale plan to allow those with lower incomes to pay less for therapy. However, services online can often save individuals a few hundred dollars per month.
When should I get a therapist in Illinois?
Mental health services and mental health providers may help you navigate various concerns. You do not need a diagnosis or condition to attend therapy; You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general advice. A counselor may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.
Mental health issues don't always present as a crisis. Many professionals provide talk therapy and support for life transitions, skills learning, relationship problems, or life coaching. Online therapy sessions can allow clients seeking therapy to experience professional help through video, phone, or live chat sessions without commuting to an office.
Does insurance cover the cost of therapy?
Different counseling services can vary in cost. Therapists must apply to accept insurance through insurance companies, which may take time and money, so not every therapist offers services through insurance. If you cannot find a therapist that accepts your plan, BetterHelp may be cheaper than visiting an in-person therapist.
Is online therapy the safe option?
Online therapy through BetterHelp and its sister platforms is safe. Therapists are licensed, experienced, and vetted before being contracted with the platform. If you experience any concerns with your therapist, you change your counselor through the platform or app at any time.
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