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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Aldo Hernandez

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: MSW, LCSW
Stress, AnxietyLGBTIntimacy-related issues
29 years of experience

Hello! I am Aldo P. Hernandez LCSW, a bilingual Spanish speaking therapist with 26 years of social work experience. I understand the range of emotions clients deal with when it comes to individual issues, parenting, and relationship issues. You will find me to be an active listener, a creative and critical thinker to address any issue in Interpersonal communication. I am interested in understanding your perspective, so you can feel heard and understood. I look forward to working with you to address the issues that you may be facing in your life. As a therapist I provide a sobering experience, as I have been told by my clients. My methods are Cognitive Behavioral and psychoanalytic. I provide therapy via: Phone, Video, Live chat. I can also provide you with practical and useful information that can be put into practice quickly to address any immediate concerns. You will find me friendly and engaging, and on this platform very often for your convenience. I will end by giving you reassurance that things will be fine in the end. "Therapists don't let friends drink and drama." (Due to high demand, I am sorry to report I no longer have evening availability: 5pm CT to 8pm CT)

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Marissa Harris

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW,BCD
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTTrauma and abuseDepression
26 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical social worker in Illinois with specialization in addictions (substance use and sexual disorders), trauma and emotional conditions, LGBTQ concerns, depression, anxiety, relationship and parenting concerns, vocational challenges, legal issues, and serious mental health illnesses. Since I started in the field in 1998, I have always known I would be a counselor. Growing up, it came naturally to me to be compassionate, empathetic, and to listen with a non-judgmental stance. Over the past 20 years, I have helped hundreds of individuals improve their lifestyles through my work and passion for helping. What I love the most about working as a therapist is being apart of those quantum change insights; the ones that involve a shift in perception and the realization of a new life. It can be as simple as looking at ones self in a positive light, realizing they are capable of change. Recovery is about self-discovery, rediscovering the parts that you believe have become disconnected or lost. Authentic recovery allows you to achieve peace and satisfaction with your life. This starts with positive connections. I am here to guide you in the path of healing the root cause of your stress. With positive and loving connection, I will honor your path towards fulfillment. Currently as of 5/14/2020, I am no longer taking new clients due to a full schedule.

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Chiralaine Natschke

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: MA, LCPC
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCompassion fatigue
18 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and have over 15 years of experience in the behavioral healthcare field. Over the years, I have served as a Mental Health Therapist, Child Welfare Supervisor, School Counselor, and Crisis Screener/Therapist. I am experienced with the adults, adolescents, children and families who struggle with adjustment issues, depression, mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, dual diagnosis, and chronic mental illness. Finally, I have been trained in a number of therapeutic evidenced-based practices that I use when working with clients; including but not limited to: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Experiential Therapy, and Stress Management/Mindfulness. I believe in providing goal-directed treatment. This means that a goal or several goals are established after a thorough assessment. All treatment is then planned with the goal in mind and progress is made toward the goal in a time-efficient manner. I use a collaborative approach and supportive stance when working with clients and clients tell me that I am easy for them to talk to. I assume you wish to begin therapy because you desire certain changes in your life. I will do my best to help you achieve your goals, but I cannot guarantee any particular results. You are likely to gain the most benefit from counseling if you are committed to the process and actively engage. You and I will agree upon a frequency that will work best for your needs. I look forward to working with you.

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Christine Savas

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: NCC,LCPC,CMHIMP
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCompassion fatigue
8 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of Illinois and earned my M.Ed. in Counseling from DePaul University. I received my undergraduate degree from the University of Iowa in Psychology and Human Relations. I have experience working in non-profits with at-risk young adults in the city of Chicago as well as experience in private practice working with a myriad of diagnoses including depression, anxiety, adjustment, ADHD, among several others. However, I am less concerned with the clinical diagnosis and more focused on how that impacts your social, occupational, and intrapersonal functioning. I strive to tailor all sessions individually to meet your unique needs. While working with me, you can expect a safe and confidential setting to help accomplish your goals. I am well versed in CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and psychodynamic approaches to treatment. I appreciate an integrative approach to best suit your needs. Further, as a Certified Mental Health Integrative Medicine Provider I understand the effects nutrition, activity, and environmental factors can and do have on mental health. Looking through a holistic lens we can explore how best to keep your mind, body, and spirit balanced while achieving your individualized goals. I look forward to working together.

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Shariece Hastings

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: MS,CRC,LCPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsParenting issuesAnger managementDepression
7 years of experience

Welcome! I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois with over 5 years of experience working as a psychotherapist and life strategist. My expertise is with clients who have wide varieties of concerns including depression, anxiety, substance abuse issues, parenting problems, mental health, and co-occurring disorders. I have experience assisting many people who have experienced crises in an array of settings (schools, communities, correctional facilities, and hospitals). As a Children and Family Services Advocate and Substance Abuse Counselor, I've worked with both children and adults. My experience highlights but is not limited to working with individuals suffering from mental health, substance abuse, parenting issues, and many other immediate crisis challenges. My counseling style is empathetic and interactive. I offer a judgement free, genuine environment. Active listening and unconditional positive regard are incorporated in every session. My clinical approach combines client-centered, Cognitive Behavioral techniques, Solution-Focused counseling. I will meet you where you are and assist you in getting to where you want to be. My motto is I'm here to HELP YOU HELP YOURSELF. You've made the first steps, don't stop here. Are you ready to walk a new path in your life? Great, I am here to help!

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Todd Nelson

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCPC
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepression
30 years of experience

Hello, my name is Todd Nelson. I grew up and currently live in Central Illinois. I began work in as a millwright/carpenter until the job market faltered in the early 80s. It was time to go back to school. With a wife and child, I opted to join the Air Force to help with those expenses. After Desert storm and 10 years of active duty, I left the military. While working on my Master's degree in counseling, I worked as an on-call therapist for an out-patient mental health clinic. I went on to become a full-time therapist with that clinic until I went on as a therapist at an in- patient facility for youth. After a few years there, I went back to my former clinic. In 2009, I took a full time position as Mental Health Professional within the Illinois Department of Corrections. In total, I have 29 years of experience in the mental health field. If I were to describe my counseling approach, I would have to say that everyone has their own "ship to sail throughout life and my purpose is to help the captain navigate". Within that description, I would say I use a person centered, solution focused approach. I am very laid back and I don't get caught up in citing any schools of psychology or therapy; what I call psychobabble. My other interests outside the field are motorcycling and wood working. Currently, I am accepting new clients, though there are no evening openings. If you are interested in setting an appointment, please let me know your preference for time to meet. Do not schedule appointments, as I do my own scheduling. Let's chat.

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Samantha Gehrig

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseEating disordersDepression
10 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & eating disorders. I have worked with both adults and adolescent, empowering my clients to advocate for themselves both within the therapeutic relationship and in their other relationships. I believe that authenticity is an essential tool in the therapeutic process. I use an integrative approach with a focus on Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. I work with my clients to identify what their meaningful life looks like and to set goals that will move them towards that meaningful life. I look forward to working with you!

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Leah Pavela-Mullins

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW,C-ET
Relationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical social worker with over 15 years of experience in helping people find solutions to their problems. Over the years, I have been told by clients that they really feel that I am listening to them and trying to understand what is going on in their lives and how they feel. Clients have also told me that they do not feel any sense of judgment, but rather that I accept them for who they are and where they are in their life’s journey. My style is empathetic and solution focused. I will spend time asking you questions in order to get to know you and try to find out what is at the heart of your issue. Together, we will talk about possible avenues you may want to take, or changes you may want to consider. I may give you some “homework” assignments…things to write out or think about, worksheets to complete, or even techniques/exercises to practice in your own time so that some of what we discuss in our sessions is reinforced. Most of all, I will be an objective listener, helping you to gain insight into what is going on with you, so that you are able to make the choices and changes you want to, in your own time. I look forward to working with you!

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Angelo Georgacopoulos

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoaching
13 years of experience

Hi. My name is Angelo Georgacopoulos. I am licensed in Illinois as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with over 12 years experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, family conflicts, self-esteem, confidence and 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. 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 help navigate & empower you in that journey.

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Lindsay Hager

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsGriefSelf esteemDepression
20 years of experience

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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Susan Flynn

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

I am licensed in Illinois with 5 years of professional counseling work experience, numerous years in the corporate world with many years of life experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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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Brenda Rogers

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepression
10 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, anger management, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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. 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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Anne Kaeding

Offering therapy in Illinois
GriefParenting issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with grief and loss, parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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. 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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Aleksander Casas

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesDepression
7 years of experience

Life stressors and managing different areas of our life can sometimes become heavy to hold alone. Many times, there is nothing "wrong" with us, we are just learning to navigate life and ourselves. It is beneficial when we have a designated time to devote to this process via a guided telehealth setting. Let's explore the unknown and get to the root of what you are feeling and thinking.

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Kenyotta Eugene Cross

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with more than 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, career difficulties, & 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.

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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