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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Thérèse Fletcher
Welcome! My name is Thérèse Fletcher, I have dedicated my life to the service of helping others. About Me: The majority of my career has been focused on working with extremely vulnerable communities in urban settings. I enjoy helping all types of people with problems big and small. Relationship issues, life transitions, grief and loss, emotional stress, and chronic illnesses, are among the many areas that I have helped my clients effectively deal with and overcome. I believe therapy is a collaborative process and it's my responsibility to meet a client where they are and to help them set appropriate, beneficial goals for themselves. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), I am a licensed independent clinician with more than 11 years in medical and social services fields. I also have supervised and trained other social workers. I believe a successfully therapeutic relationship is one based on respect. I believe in a strength based approach which uplifts confidence and empowers you as an individual. My approach includes working together to develop specific methods and perspectives that will not only help you resolve your current issue, but give you the tools to make your life from today onward more fulfilling and satisfying. I know that the decision to seek professional help can often be a very difficult one. If you are trying to make that decision right now, it may help you to know that I am someone who is not here to judge you, and who really believes that there is a way out for you that together we can find. You have already taken the most important step by acknowledging that, for now, this is something you cannot handle alone. So if you feel overwhelmed or unfulfilled, your online search has brought you to the right place. I can help you with emotional issues such as self-esteem, depression, anxiety, anger, and stress. I also help you with other areas of your life that become affected by these issues such as relationships, communication, work or your education. I can provide accountability as you work through the growth process. I can provide short-term solution oriented treatment as well as long-term emotional processing. Your treatment goals and how much you will benefit from services are completely up to you but I will be here to guide you every step of the way. I'm grateful to BetterHelp for giving a therapeutic resource to people that may otherwise not have access to counseling services, and I applaud individuals that are currently looking to make changes they need in their lives. It takes a lot of strength and courage to critically think about what you need. You’ve already taken the first, and most difficult step, so contact me if you are ready to start the course towards a better You. I look forward to helping empower you to live your best life!
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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!
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Dr. Lucy Parker-Barnes
Greetings! My name is Dr. Lucy Parker-Barnes. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Pennsylvania and a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois. I have provided clinical care for over 11 years. I find this career very personally and professionally meaningful! I am also very passionate to help my clients find meaning in their lives, healing in their struggles, and confidence in themselves! Specifically, I work from an Existential, Client-Centered Approach. One of the foundational concepts that guides my work includes that "the best counseling happens, not just in, but outside of sessions." In other words, I hope to help provide my clients with metaphorical tools and the confidence to believe in themselves to tackle their issues. I have worked with many clients including clients with depression, anxiety, legal issues, relationship problems, experiencing trauma and grief, and clients who identify in the LGBTQIA+ population. I specifically facilitated group counseling for two years for clients who identified as transgender and experienced oppression in the Chicagoland area. I have worked in telehealth counseling for about three years, as well. If you are in need of genuine support, clinical competence, and a passionate counselor, please know I am happy to help. Sincerely, Dr. Parker-Barnes
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Emily Cadman
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with experience in treatment of PTSD, stress management, and life changes. I have worked in the fields of residential treatment, case work, individual therapy, children and family services, and incarcerated individuals. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and have experience in using mindfulness. I look forward to seeing what we can do together on your way through life.
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April Balzhiser
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of Illinois as well as a Certified Domestic Violence Professional. I have over 15 years of experience in social services/mental health settings working with a variety of individuals, children, families and couples from various backgrounds. I have worked extensively with domestic violence, sexual assault, mental health, child welfare/foster care, alternative schooling, trauma/abuse, and family issues. I work with my clients to ensure that they feel comfortable to share in a safe and open environment. The key to a healthy therapeutic relationship is meeting the client where they are and then growing from there. I look forward to working with you!
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Chandra Dockery
I am licensed in Illinois with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with 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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Carrie Stoner
I am licensed in Illinois and in Massachusetts with over 19 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 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!
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Robert Mount
I am licensed in Arizona with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & parenting issues. I also have experience working with depression. 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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Donica Reints
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois with over fifteen years of professional work experience. I was raised in a very small farming community about two hours outside of Chicago. I attended undergraduate school at Judson University and my Masters of Social Work at Aurora University. I have experience in many areas including grief, crisis, mediation, parental conflicts, depression, anxiety, and mood disorders. Having clients share their stories with me is a responsibility that I do not take lightly. I focus on listening and understanding what they are going through, helping them to carry the challenges they face in life so that they are less alone. I believe that meaningful conversations can truly be the catalyst for major change, and a trusting relationship with an objective therapist can make a huge impact. I push my clients to grow and strive to be the best version of themselves through a combination of empathy, authenticity, relatability, and directness. My empathy, transparency and humorous nature allows clients to quickly establish a therapeutic connection with me. My objective is to help my clients achieve their goals, whether independent or relational, in the most efficient way possible while feeling supported throughout the whole process. I strongly believe in validating my client’s experiences and emotions in therapy while also challenging them in order to promote growth. My therapeutic style is based on the individual that I’m working with. I prioritize rapport building and using the therapeutic relationship as a starting point for change. I tend to use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to focus on how our thinking affects our lives, as well as a strengths-based and solutions-focused approach which offers concrete action items to use here and now. I understand that a person’s desire to improve their life is all that is needed to get started. I work to validate client’s feelings while also pushing them to reach the potential that they have set forth for themselves. If a client is inclined to dig deeper, I typically take a Psychodynamic approach which allows the client to reflect on patterns that may have a deeply rooted history. 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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Jamie Ryan
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.
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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