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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Celeste Souza

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: MSW, LCSW,LICSW
LGBTTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesDepression
20 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years of experience. I work with people who are facing challenging times in their lives. Sometimes the most valuable think I can do for you is to listen and care. Other times, you might need help identifying the underlying cause of a feeling or conflict in your life. I am trained as a Relational-Cultural Therapist and believe the work of healing happens in relationship (between the client and the therapist as well as in relationships in day-to-day life). I utilize therapeutic skills from a variety of models including Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). No matter how big or small the issue you want to discuss, I believe that my therapeutic techniques will be helpful to you. Contact me when you're ready to get started.

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Joshua "Josh" Jouza

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: MS,LCPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesDepression
8 years of experience

Joshua (Josh) Jouza earned his Bachelor’s degree in Applied Sociology and Political Science in 2011 from Lewis University where he achieved the highest of honors. Josh furthered his education, earning his Master’s of Science degree in Counseling from National Louis University in 2014. Josh embarked on a one year internship at the Counseling Center of Illinois. During this time Josh worked with the substance abuse population facilitating State mandated groups and counseling to DUI offenders in addition to running anger management groups. Post intern Josh has been working within the mental health field for the last four years, doing community outreach and crisis work. Currently Josh is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor where he works with the population aged thirteen (13) and up specializing in the treatment of Depression and Anxiety, including, BiPolar, Schizoaffective Disorder and Schizophrenia, among others. Josh prides himself on having a passion for his work and treating all individuals suffering from mental health afflictions with the utmost empathy. Josh continues to pursue opportunities that allow him to bring awareness to others of mental health issues and the opportunities for treatment that are available to all.

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Dr. Daniel Goldberg

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: Psy.D.
Family conflictsTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepression
3 years of experience

As an individual therapist for over 10 years, my background combines psychodynamic understanding with cognitive-behavioral techniques and approaches. I specialize in helping my clients to make connections, and to better identify and understand the patterns of decisions and actions that can often have unwanted consequences on their lives. With this insight, they often have much greater success with breaking negative and harmful cycles in their lives and making more thoughtful decisions. More recently, I have guided my clients through the challenges of quarantine, helping them to identify effective ways to manage their moods and anxiety, to stay connected with others, and to stay informed with limited resources. My strengths lie in being a warm, attentive, and empathic listener, ensuring that my clients feel heard, understood, and respected, and providing insights that help them to better understand themselves. I ensure that therapy remains focused on the client's goals, meets each client where they are at, and lets the client stay in control of the pace. I look forward to getting to know you and providing you with support and understanding.

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David Vaccaro

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW,CADC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
10 years of experience

Experienced therapist with over 10 years of experience working with a wide range of client issues. I specialize in several mental health therapies for depression, anxiety and panic, self esteem, trauma and obsessive compulsive disorder. I have also worked with clients from adolescent age, to adult and geriatric. Therapy specializations include client centered therapy, trauma focused therapies (TFCBT), mindfulness based therapies, cognitive behavior therapy, solution focused therapy, crisis counseling, and brain injury therapies. In addition to mental health treatment, I also specialize in substance use treatments such as mindfulness based sobriety and harm reduction counseling. I received my undergraduate degree in psychology from Southern Illinois University and went on to receive my graduate degree in mental health social work. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my wife and cat (Molly), running, and traveling to new places. It takes courage to seek out counseling and I am looking forward to hearing from you.

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Diane Fuhs

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: MA, LCPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

My Approach to Counseling WHEN LIFE CHANGES OR NEEDS TO CHANGE, you want to figure out what this means for you on a personal level and for others in your life. This is true whether you merely feel stuck, you are maybe overwhelmed by various problems, or you feel your life is in crisis. I work very effectively with adults of all ages to overcome tough problems - especially life transitions and all types of relationship issues, including personal, partner, professional, or parent/teen - and help enable you to move through your deeply felt emotions of disappointment, upset, loss, or frustration. I can also effectively help you get through periods of depression, sadness, or stress - as well as unhelpful, or sometimes, seemingly paralyzing anxiety. Your progress will help you experience improved personal functioning and well-being. Based on goals conveyed as important by you, the client, I prioritize your near-term relief from the most serious symptoms and help you gain insight regarding your emotions, physical symptoms, and behaviors. I encourage exploration of alternative thoughts and brainstorm new options available to improve overall quality of life; and we work together to help activate new skills that build on personal strengths by generalizing those current strengths and skills to new areas. We will focus primarily on present-day related issues and problems, yet consider how past experiences might influence your perceptions, expectations, and/or behavioral patterns that are no longer helpful - and try out fresh coping strategies. *** My primary counseling mode via BetterHelp is through phone sessions because I strongly believe talking voice-voice allows us to collaborate more quickly regarding what will likely help you based on interactive feedback about the issues and the strategies we explore. I use messaging primarily for sharing information and maintaining contact (background information, or about what is happening currently - to provide information to support the next session). If you prefer counseling via messaging (written therapy), a BetterHelp therapist focusing on that method is another option for you. Therapy will be provided in most circumstances within our voice-to-voice sessions. [Some therapists at BetterHelp do focus on messaging as a primary counseling tool and choosing one of them is always an option (or perhaps you need a therapist offering evening session times as my available times are during the day). For me to focus on therapy via messaging would require reducing the available voice-to-voice session times (which I believe helps you meet your needs more quickly)]. *** WHEN YOU ARE READY TO FEEL BETTER, I am here ready to work with you. Therapy is provided within a safe, kind, supportive and non-judgmental environment wherein you always have the option to make choices. My personal goal is to create an experience where you can find healing and encouragement. I am committed to helping you feel better, realize your best self, and achieve goals meaningful to you.

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Ajibola Obajimi

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefAnger management
4 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients in coping with addictions, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & anger management. 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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Jendaya Clark

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
7 years of experience

Hello! I'm Jendaya, and I have several years of experience in community mental health and individual/group counseling. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes such as quarantine, graduation, weddings/marriage, aging parents, illness/cancer and fertility concerns . 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'd be happy to assist if you'd like to meet.

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Dr. Janice Hodge

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
30 years of experience

As a licensed counselor in Illinois with 30 years of professional experience, I am also board certified as Pastoral Psychotherapist. My wide experience includes working with anxiety, depression, relationship , marriage, family and parenting concerns. We will join together to develop a trusting and safe relationship.. Living a more fulfilling life requires commitment. As beginning counseling is a courageous decision, it has been stated that ‘healing begins as soon as you call.’

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Anna Bruno

Offering therapy in Illinois
Family conflictsGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
7 years of experience

Hi there! I am both a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) as well as a Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional (QIDP). I completed my Bachelor's degree in Social Work, with a minor in Sociology, from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2013. I then continued on to get my Master's in Social Work, with a concentration of Mental Health, also from the U of I, graduating in August 2014. I participated in internships at The Autism Program and Skill Sprout, both clinics designed to support children and adults who identify as autistic. In January 2020, I was awarded Outstanding New Social Worker from the University of Illinois School of Social Work. For 4 years, I served as the President of the downstate chapter of the Illinois Society for Clinical Social Workers. I have spent my career working with, and advocating for, individuals and families who are navigating an uncertain path. I have worked with individuals, parents, college students, and families. Much of my professional career has involved supporting individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities, including autism & ADHD. I also have expertise in supporting parents and families who are involved in caregiving and may be coping with life changes. I have had the privilege of supporting individuals to determine goals in life and set actionable steps to achieve those objectives. I believe in the right to self determination and that everyone has the choice to carve out their own path. Everyone has innumerable strengths; I hope to help bring these to light in our work. I will support our work by serving as a sounding board, confidant, and respectful consultant as you navigate through life's changes. I applaud you for seeking this step and look forward to our work together. - Annie

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Elizabeth Toussaint

Offering therapy in Illinois
LGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseCoaching
15 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with LGBTQ+ related issues, relationship issues, family conflicts, and trauma & abuse with a focus on working with teens and young adults. I also have experience working with professional coaching. 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.

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 BetterHelp therapists in Illinois does not offer diagnostic or medication management services in therapy.

Why do people choose to work with a licensed counselor or therapists?

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, working with:

  • Challenging situations or life stressors
  • Eating disorders requiring therapy
  • Anxiety disorders in need of therapeutic support
  • Depression or depressive mental health conditions
  • Adjustment issues in need of therapeutic support
  • Emotional support for a terminal illness
  • Chronic pain emotional support
  • Grief therapy
  • Personality disorders
  • Trauma therapy
  • Relationship conflicts and mental health concerns

Finding a therapist in Illinois 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 therapy site. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the therapy hotlines below:

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Some of the most commonly asked questions about therapy can be found in the section below.

How much does therapy with a licensed therapist cost?

Mental health professionals can differ in price. Forbes found that the average cost of in-person Illinois therapy in the US is around $100 to $200 per hour. Pricing can also vary based on your location. 

BetterHelp offers payment plans of $65 to $100 per week. 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.

Is it possible to find a therapist, counselor, or psychology practitioner that offers affordable therapy?

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.

What can a psychologist help me with in therapy?

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 in-person or online therapy with a therapist in Illinois?

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.

Are online therapy sessions 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.

In today's fast-paced society, mental well-being has become a cornerstone of a fulfilling life. Amid the daily challenges and stressors that can overwhelm even the most resilient individuals, seeking professional guidance often offers a path to clarity and balance. The journey toward improved emotional health involves understanding personal triggers, embracing self-compassion, and developing effective coping strategies. While self-help books and online resources provide valuable information, nothing compares to the personalized support offered by a qualified mental health professional. One-on-one sessions with experienced experts can help uncover the underlying issues contributing to anxiety, depression, or other emotional hurdles. With a careful and empathetic approach, these professionals tailor their advice to suit individual needs, ensuring that each person receives strategies that work best for their unique circumstances. Whether through cognitive behavioral techniques, mindfulness practices, or other innovative methods, the aim is to foster resilience and empower individuals to take control of their inner lives. For those living in bustling urban centers, engaging in face-to-face sessions in a welcoming environment can be particularly beneficial. Access to a caring clinician provides not only a safe space to explore difficult emotions but also builds a support network essential for long-term recovery. The process encourages self-reflection and greater insight into behavioral patterns that might otherwise go unnoticed. While the journey can be challenging at times, the rewards include enhanced emotional stability, improved interpersonal relationships, and a renewed sense of self-worth. In one notable case, the guidance provided by a highly trained therapist proved instrumental in navigating a tumultuous period. Through structured sessions and tailored interventions, the individual learned to identify stressors and develop healthier responses to adversity. This experience underscored the transformative impact that dedicated support can have on one's overall quality of life. In a region like Texas, community-based initiatives and accessible mental health programs further reinforce the value of professional help. These efforts emphasize early intervention, preventive care, and continuous support, ensuring that more people are equipped to face life's inevitable challenges. Ultimately, investing in mental well-being is an act of self-care that yields lifelong benefits. By embracing professional support, individuals can unlock new levels of emotional resilience and discover pathways to a brighter, more balanced future. Each step taken toward healing represents a commitment to personal growth, enabling a life filled with renewed optimism and strength. Embracing this transformative journey consistently paves the way for deeper understanding, lasting peace, and meaningful personal progress.
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