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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Jack Richey
Welcome to Better Help! You may be wondering how this works and whether it would be right for you. My name is Jack Richey. I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Illinois. I earned my Master of Social Work degree, specializing in Interpersonal Communication and Change from the University of Iowa. I founded and directed an outpatient mental health clinic. I have worked on an inpatient behavioral healthcare unit. I had a private mental health counseling practice. I retired in August of 2021 after thirteen years of providing out patient mental health counseling services in a psychiatric wing of a local clinic under the direct supervision of a psychiatrist. I've worked with individuals, couples, and families who have had to address a variety of issues. These have included employment difficulties, depression, anxiety, stress, anger, family and relationship issues, self-esteem, divorce recovery, and parenting problems. My counseling style combines Cognitive Behavioral, Family Systems, and Solution focused approaches. I do not have a “cookie cutter” or “one size fits all” approach. Each person is unique with specific needs. I try meet clients "where they are". I believe we can all grow through challenging experiences by increasing self-awareness. Sometimes another person who isn't directly involved can offer a new perspective. Having additional support can guide people through a difficult situation when they feel stuck. People all want to be able to share their personal experiences, be accepted, and feel understood. I believe it's very important to be open-minded and non-judgmental when people share their personal stories or experiences. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life. Your life and your goals are important. If you are ready to take that step toward change, I am here to support, encourage, and empower you. I look forward to working with you!
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Lori Mattix
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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Jennifer Vandigo
My goal is to assist you in your journey to step into the power and truth of who you are. As you make this authentic transformation , you will develop skills to find the answers within, so that you can know your value. As a compassionate and loving person, I find joy in helping others improve their lives. I earned my Master of Social Work at Arizona State University in 1990. I have used my skills in so many settings. One of my significant experiences was my role as a Program Director at a residential treatment program for teens who had been in prison. I provided individual, group and family counseling and more. Another experience was my time in the Peace Corps in Jamaica working as a Medical Social Worker and then starting a Women's Crisis Center for domestic violence/sexual assault /and abuse. Most recently I completed a 2 year program in advanced spiritual psychology which has expanded the depth of my skills. I have provided counseling for a variety of personal issues such as depression/anxiety, stress, family problems, trauma/abuse, addictions, relationships/parenting issues, sexual assault and abuse trauma and more. Over the past years as a clinician, my experience has taught me that one of the most important aspect of counseling by far is the connection and comfort you feel with the person you choose to share your personal challenges. As a very compassionate and loving person, I am able create a safe and supportive connection with the people that I assist. I look forward to the opportunity to work with you to create a more loving and peaceful life. SPECIALTIES Stress, Anxiety Relationship issues Family conflicts Depression Also experienced in: Trauma and abuse , Grief , Parenting issues , Anger management , Self esteem , Career difficulties , Coping with life changes , Coaching , ADHD , Abandonment , Attachment Issues , Blended Family Issues , Caregiver Issues and Stress , Codependency , Communication Problems , Control Issues , Dependent Personality , Divorce and Separation , Domestic Violence , Drug and Alcohol Addiction , Family of Origin Issues , Family Problems , Guilt and Shame , Impulsivity , Isolation/Loneliness , Life Purpose , Mood Disorders , Posttraumatic Stress , Self-Harm , Self-Love , Sexual Assault and Abuse , Social Anxiety and Phobia , Women's Issues , Workplace Issues , Young Adult Issues Clinical approaches: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy Years of Experience: 15
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Lindsay Hager
I am licensed in Illinois with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, eating disorders, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & coping with grief and loss. 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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Kenneth Leggin
I am licensed in Illinois with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with family conflicts, parenting 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.
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Liala Slaise
I am licensed in Illinois with 19 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with 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. 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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Samuel Abraham
I am licensed in Illinois with over 25 years of professional clinical experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflict, coping with grief, & coping with loss. I also have experience working with coping with life changes throughout adulthood. Additionally, I have training and experience with Christian pastoral ministry and counseling. I am able to utilize both my clinical and pastoral training in sessions for those clients who prefer a faith based approach in addressing their psychosocial and spiritual needs. 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.

Latosha Fowlkes
I am licensed in Illinois and Missouri with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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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Wendy Van Keulen
I am licensed in Illinois with more than 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, trauma, abuse, coping with grief and loss, & parenting issues. I also have experience supporting people managing 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. Taking the first step to seek a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. It's an honor to support you in that process.
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Anna Mazek-Vann
I am licensed in Colorado, Illinois, North Carolina and Wisconsin with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, trauma, abuse, & executive coaching. I also have experience working with professional coaching. 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.
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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