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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Mary Miller
I have been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for 21 years working with individuals, couples, families and adolescents. I began my career working with high school students in a church setting which I enjoyed, but realized that young people needed so much more for their social and emotional well-being than I knew at that time. During the years, I discovered the power of family dynamics in the mental health of children and adults. This led me to pursue my Master's in Social Work from Aurora University in Illinois and become licensed in Illinois,. I am also licensed in Montana where I lived and worked on the Blackfeet Reservation in a small school and now in Indiana where I currently reside. I have experience with people who have depression, anxiety, PTSD and grief issues. I have also done therapy with survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence and have experienced other trauma in their lives. I have a therapy style that draws on several therapeutic approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness Based Therapies. I believe that holistic approaches that acknowledge the mind, body and spirit connection can be very effective with people who are dealing with today's fast paced lives that often lead to stress related problems. Finding balance as we go through life transitions can come by attending to our mental and physical health on a daily basis. I enjoy working with people who are actively engaged in their own health and well-being and have been told that I connect well with people of all ages. I am eager to help you work towards health and balance in your life.
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Amy Bareiter
Hello! My name is Amy. I am a professional counselor with years of experience working with adults, families and adolescents. I have had the pleasure of working with youth and families with a range of concerns including parenting problems, family conflict, anxiety, depression, ADHD and career counseling. I have had specialized training to work with individuals who have experienced trauma. My counseling style is one of compassion and respect. I believe it is important to build a rapport with my clients and demonstrate respect, empathy and encouragement. I offer services that include a warm, empathetic and trauma informed approach while working with clients to improve their situation and support them with the goals they have for living their best life and improving their relationships. My approach is tailored to each person and their individual needs with styles that include solution-focused , person centered and cognitive behavioral counseling. Taking steps to care for yourself and making changes can be very scary and overwhelming. I know from experience how much life can change for the better when you accept support and be more intentional about taking care of yourself! I look forward to being that supportive and encouraging person in your life to empower you to live your best life!
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Alanna Goestenkors
My name is Alanna Goestenkors and I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with over 22 years licensed experience in the medical and mental health field providing services for children, adolescents and adults. I have worked in the fields of medical and community mental health. Some of my experience includes treating issues relating to grief and loss, end of life issues, depression, anxiety disorders, adjustment disorders and stage of life transitions. My counseling style is warm and empathetic with roots based in trust and respect. I utilize a client centered, strength based, and solution focused approach to promote a positive therapeutic climate and build trust. I use an integrative perspective, utilizing cognitive behavioral and psycho-dynamic therapies, tailored to your particular needs and goals of counseling. I believe the goal of therapy is to see your own goals met and therefore I individualize treatment planning to meet your specific needs. Choosing to involve oneself in the counseling process is a step toward growth and reaching your full potential in life and I look forward to assisting you in this important journey.
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Beverly Smith
Beverly (Ann) Smith Bio In addition to being a therapist, I am a licensed clinical social worker (MSW, LCSW), certified dementia practitioner and former Baccalaureate trained nurse. This unique background enables me to empower others in multiple ways. My over 20 years of experience includes working in hospitals, clinics, adoption/foster care agencies, assisted living facilities, and teaching as an adjunct professor at local junior colleges. I have counseled children, teens, foster parents, grandparents, young parents, members of the LGBTQ community, and cisgender adults using cognitive behavioral therapy, narrative therapy, and mindfulness-based therapy. I believe that good outcomes with therapy are significantly linked to being matched with the therapist best suited for you. My goal is to be caring, honest, compassionate, committed and effective.
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Nancy Neukomm
I am a compassionate and caring counselor who loves to help people navigate through difficult times. Through CBT, emotional and solution focused based therapies, I can help you create and achieve milestones one small step at a time to recognize your own potential. I have 15 years experience with a wide range of clients from all areas of life. For example I have volunteered and worked paid positions for individual counseling, groups therapy as well as teaching with the homeless in shelter programs, male ex felons at a prison ministry and regularly serve at a local food pantry. I have ran specific counseling programs as well as supervised other counselors. I also have my own private practice on the side and am currently supervising a counselor in internship with Walden University. I am a respectful counselor with a good listening ear that encourages clients to incorporate self reflective and stress management activities in between sessions. I am creative at problem solving and love counseling. Hope to support you to achieve milestones soon!
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Anita Thomas-Bua
I am a mental health/psychotherapist licensed in Illinois and Wisconsin with over 20 years of experience in the human service field- all of my adult life. With over 20 years of experience working as a psychotherapist/counselor and life coach, I have worked with adolescents, Adults and geriatric populations, clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, OCD, and ADHD. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. I am a seasoned therapist whom you can turn to for change, emotional support, personal empowerment and self-growth. I assist adolescents and adults, people going through changes in relationships, marital and divorce, adult and child relationships, employer or employee relationships. Also, I help people in the area of mind, body, and spirit with empathy and compassion. My history is working with ADHD, Mood Disorders, including but not limited to Depression, Anxiety, Panic Disorder, and bipolar disorder. I work with trauma, abuse emotional and physical, infidelity, divorce, marriage, conflict resolution, and any developmental changes over the lifespan, new medical diagnosis, new child, marriage, and adjustment issues. If you are looking for someone who is helpful, non-judgmental, and human then please choose me. I will be there for you, and we will work together. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, rogerian, adlerian, psychodynamic and rational-emotive behavioral therapy. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. 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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Juanette Plato
I am licensed in Illinois with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with trauma and abuse, parenting issues, anger management, & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
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Sujata De
I am licensed in Illinois with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, anger management, & 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! I am looking forward to our work together.
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Susan Broderick
I am an Illinois Licensed Clinician Social Worker (LCSW) with 20 years of professional work experience. Throughout those years, my clients have ranged from age 5 to adulthood. I have worked with clients with a wide variety of concerns including stress , anxiety, depression, trauma/abuse, parenting issues and grief. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. My therapy style is warm, encouraging and focused on personal growth. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started! I look forward to meeting you and embarking on the journey of a healthy, happier you.
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Deborah Palmer Thomas
Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Colorado with over 10 years of experience working as therapist. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and parenting problems, with a special focus in adoption and foster care issues. I worked in the public child welfare system for over 20 years. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I consider the client/therapist relationship to be the most important thing in counseling. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I believe everyone has strengths and with a little hope all can be resilient.. My approach combines trauma-focused, solution focused and motivational interviewing counseling styles. . I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you.
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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