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.

 

This is Mary Jennifer Meister's avatar and link to their profile

Mary Jennifer Meister

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: MSW, LCSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
16 years of experience

I am an individual, family and marriage counselor licensed in Illinois with over 10 years of experience working as a social worker. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, and ADHD. I also have helped many people who have experienced sexual, physical trauma or emotional abuse. Honestly, I tell my patients if they can tell me something I haven't heard or experienced before I'll give you my Mickey Mouse watch. Mickey has stayed on my wrist a long time so far... My counseling style is warm, interactive and holistic. I will help you to explore your physical, emotional and spiritual needs in an effort to bring harmony and balance into your life. That sounds fancy! It isn't. It just means I like helping people to get comfortable in their own shoes, having their inner personality match their outer personality. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels (so I highly doubt I will try to diagnose your problem, rather I try to find solutions to difficulties). My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, solution based/ brief counseling, and common sense (I'm heavy on the common sense!). I approach each person as an unique individual and don't mind using a little humor to help look at things from a different perspective. 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. This program works like email so you wont get responses right away like text messages so please be patient and I will respond within 24 hours if possible. I am available for phone calls or live chat by appointment only. I look forward to working with you! MJ

This is Gary Reeves's avatar and link to their profile

Gary Reeves

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: MA, LCPC
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
12 years of experience

I seek to empower my clients to engage the world through their unique strengths. I work with individuals and couples who are struggling with emotional well being, life transitions, and relationships. In working together, I utilize a person-centered, integrative and collaborative approach to therapy, with the understanding that each person is distinctive and individual. I have experience with many issues ranging from mild to severe. I have worked in private practice, community mental health, and residential settings. My goal is to meet clients where they are and to create a comfortable, safe space for growth, exploration and self-healing. My education includes a Bachelor’s from DePaul University, a Masters from Loyola University Graduate School of Business in Human Resource Management, and a Masters from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in Counseling Psychology. I hold a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) licensure in the State of Illinois and have over 10 years of clinical experience. I am very compassionate, kind and open to working with any one that has interest in helping themselves.

This is Joni Spohn's avatar and link to their profile

Joni Spohn

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
34 years of experience

I am an experienced clinician with years of practice. I enjoy working with individuals, couples and families. I have had extensive experience both in and out of hospital settings and enjoy working with people to problem solve and affirm their experiences. I often give homework assignments which can be done during sessions.

This is Richard Watson's avatar and link to their profile

Richard Watson

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: MA, NCC, LCPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepression
7 years of experience

I believe that in the therapeutic relationship, the therapist is the professional but the client is the expert. It is through empowerment, understanding, and collaboration that people can best heal and reach their goals. My areas of expertise include mood disorders (i.e., depression and anxiety) and substance use disorders. I take a trauma-informed approach, respecting the differences in life experiences and resiliency that we all have. For therapy to be effective, there must be trust, openness, and authenticity. As therapy can be quite uncomfortable, and even painful, one must be willing to lean into the discomfort to find growth. My practice is based largely on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy approaches. I guide individuals as they practice identifying, challenging, and replacing unhealthy ways of thinking and behaving that have contributed to the development, and perpetuation, of their problems. One of the most difficult things to do is to put our hand up and admit that we need help. Whether we are struggling with loneliness, sadness, or uncontrollable worry, it can be challenging to talk about the thoughts and the feelings we are experiencing and I respect the difficulty one faces in asking for help. May you find peace, happiness, and wholeness.

This is Curtis Boehne's avatar and link to their profile

Curtis Boehne

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefAnger managementDepression
28 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 28 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, parenting, anger management and other issues. 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.

This is Yvonne Petito's avatar and link to their profile

Yvonne Petito

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefParenting issuesDepression
10 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & parenting issues. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

This is Angele Villalobos's avatar and link to their profile

Angele Villalobos

Offering therapy in Illinois
Trauma and abuse
4 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with trauma and abuse. 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. 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.

This is Angelo Georgacopoulos's avatar and link to their profile

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.

This is James Seminaroti's avatar and link to their profile

James Seminaroti

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
17 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical social worker with 17 years of professional work experience in a multitude of settings with different populations. I have worked with clients dealing with various stressors, depression and anxiety, substance use concerns and other addictions, trauma and abuse, and working through grief and loss. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialogue and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the steps to begin therapy can be a very difficult decision for some people. I pride myself on creating a safe place for you to share, heal, and grow.

This is LaTonya Hill's avatar and link to their profile

LaTonya Hill

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
22 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 22 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, 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. 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.

This is Katie Tapert Mercado's avatar and link to their profile

Katie Tapert Mercado

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyGriefDepressionCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
29 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 23 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, depression, & coping with life changes. 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.

This is Mike Driscoll's avatar and link to their profile

Mike Driscoll

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyGriefAnger managementDepressionCoping with life changes
14 years of experience

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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

This is Cheryl Watson's avatar and link to their profile

Cheryl Watson

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
3 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, family conflicts, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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.

This is Lee Scott's avatar and link to their profile

Lee Scott

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCompassion fatigue
3 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical social worker with 10 years of field experience working with the homeless population, individuals struggling with mental health conditions, and elderly victims of abuse, neglect, and exploitation. In the past 3 years my focus has shifted from case management to direct therapy. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with grief, coping with loss, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & depression. I also have experience working with compassion fatigue. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My approach to therapy is to establish a healthy and constructive therapist/client relationship by listening to your experiences and then examining how those experiences shape the way you think about yourself and the world and how those thoughts impact your behavior and your beliefs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

This is Benita Whitfield's avatar and link to their profile

Benita Whitfield

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseParenting issuesAnger management
26 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois and Massachusetts with 26 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, abuse, & parenting issues. I also have experience working with anger management. 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!

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.

Find the right therapist for your needs
Match with a qualified therapist