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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Jose Baltazar

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: MSW/LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesDepression
3 years of experience

Hello and thank you for taking time to review my information. I am a therapist and an educator with over 20 years of experience. My formal training is as a social worker. This is a role I take great pride in. I have had the honor of having clients from the age of 5 to 95. Also, I have had clients from all walks of life and from every color of the rainbow. A key aspect of how I practice, is what I nurture with a client while we work together. What I mean by this, is that I strive to have a safe, non-judgmental, environment where important work can be done. In doing this, I hope to work toward my client's acceptance and peace that they may require for their lives to better flourish. They style in which I work with clients is best described as eclectic. Meaning that I draw skills from psychoanalytic, humanistic, cognitive-behavioral, and dialectical behavioral therapeutic approaches. No doubt you have your reasons for seeking support. My humble advice for you during this time is to not let anything keep you from reaching your highest of human potential and growth. Again, thank you for reviewing my information, Areas of Focus: Anxiety Depression Trauma Family/relationship issues Life Transitions

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Tim (Timothy) McNichol

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

“Where you are, is where we will start” is a saying that has always resonated with me. I welcome you into the practice. I focus on a collaborative approach that hopefully will allow you to see the strengths that you already possess from your life experiences. Life can be hard. Having time to sit down, share stories, listen and work together to help with your present concerns is my hope for you. I incorporate many different styles into my work and together we will find the one that works best for you. If this is something that speaks to you, please feel free to contact me. I look forward to meeting you soon. Some things that I have found work well for myself in creating a balanced life are gardening, spending time in nature, running, movement/dance and reading fiction. Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony. -Gandhi

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Jennifer Hoffman

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: MSW,LCSW
Family conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesSelf esteemADHD
19 years of experience

Hello, I am a Licensed Clinical Social worker with over 19 years of experience working with children and families. I have worked with individuals with a wide range of concerns such as behavioral problems, anger issues, ADHD, parenting issues, as well as trauma and abuse. I believe in client centered practice using an empowerment approach to help you gain the tools you need to be successful. My counseling style is compassionate and caring. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion . My approach encompasses cognitive behavioral therapy with a solution focused approach. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek help and I am honored to be someone to guide you along in this process. I am here to help and support your needs. I look forward to meeting you!

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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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Lauren Oestmann

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepression
15 years of experience

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.

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Dale Barrett

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: MA, LCPC, LPC-S
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
30 years of experience

Let's move forward together! Sometimes we feel our life is out of control and the first thing we need to do is to identify how and why. Once we can identify how we feel our life is out of control, we can work on the why. Now we can begin to identify what we want our life to be and what we need to do to move forward toward our goals. We will work as a team and I will provide a safe, secure and non-judgemental environment for you to share and explore your world in order to develop goals and a plan to move forward. I have over thirty years of experience and am licensed in Illinois as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor(LCPC), Texas as a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor(LPC-S), and Wisconsin as a Licensed Professional Counselor(LPC). Everyone is unique and the therapy must be tailored to fit the individual. I have experience working with anxiety, depression and other mood disorders, forgiveness, grief, trauma and abuse, psychosis, life transitions and addictions. Clinical Approaches: Client-Centered therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy, Reflective and Reframing

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Madison Brawley

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
6 years of experience

I am licensed in Missouri, Utah, and Idaho with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. I also have experience working with 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. I specialize in EMDR, women’s issues, and LGBTQ+ populations. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started! Note: I only have live sessions available on Friday afternoons. If this does not work with your schedule, please rematch with another therapist. Thank you!

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Dr. Ashley Mitich

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
14 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence, & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Mackensey Carter

Offering therapy in Illinois
LGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefCoping with life changes
9 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 7 years of experience providing psychotherapy to individuals. My work largely focuses on recovery & healing from past and present traumas as well as work around self-discovery, identity, and positive growth. I see my job as providing support, validation, & relational safety. You are an expert in your life and experience; therefore, my therapeutic approach is flexible so that each session can be client-centered and client-directed. 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!

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Alyson Hu

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
5 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical social worker in Illinois. Since entering the social work profession 17 years ago, I have worked in the areas of healthcare, schools, and early childhood programs. For the past 3 years, I have focused on behavioral health. I have experience in helping clients who are coping with stress, life changes, chronic disease & compassion fatigue. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Renee St. Clair

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
22 years of experience

I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Illinois and Wisconsin with 22 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, motivation, self-esteem, self-compassion, and self-confidence. 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. I use many types of interventions such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Acceptance Commitment Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Couples Therapy, and Mindfulness Practices. I am a therapist who believes in working on providing solutions from Day 1 and together we will find solutions for your situation.

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Susan Mellema

Offering therapy in Illinois
AddictionsFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefParenting issues
30 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, family conflicts, 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. 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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Jamie Ryan

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

I’m an LCSW with 8 years of experience helping clients navigate trauma, loss, and the complexities of new or existing medical conditions. I use a strengths-based approach to help you make sense of what feels overwhelming and to support you through the challenges you face. I believe that the only way out is through, and while this journey can be challenging and painful, I’m here as a guide to help you reach the other side. Seeking help takes courage, and I’m truly grateful that you’ve chosen to take this important step.

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Amanda Halawa-Mahdi

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepressionCoaching
23 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 23 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with trauma, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, motivation, self esteem, confidence, depression, & executive coaching. I have extensive experience working with teens and their families in the juvenile justice system with an emphasis on behavior change techniques ranging from general defiance to serious criminal activity including sexual offenses. I am also trained as a Professional Coach through the Co-Active Training Institute, where I empower leaders to develop confidence, align their values, develop increased self-awareness and enhance their decision making skills. I also have extensive knowledge in diversity, equity and inclusion and actively work to dismantle personal and systemic biases and promote fairness in my practice. 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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Kelly Crumrine

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementBipolar disorderDepressionCoping with life changes
12 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, anger management, bipolar disorder, & depression. I also have experience working with 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.

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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