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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Dr. Steven Hurley

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: Psy.D., MA, BA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
18 years of experience

Steven Hurley, Psy. D. Specialties: Anxiety, Depression, & other Mood Disorders; PTSD; Anger & Stress Management; Coping Mechanisms; Drug & Alcohol Abuse; Non-Substance Addictions; Dual Diagnosis; Behavioral Management; Couples/Marriage Therapy - including Pre-Marital Screening and Divorce Mediation; Geriatric Disorders; Sports Psychology; Sexual Issues including: Dysfunction, Abuse, & Offender; LGBTQ concerns; Self-Esteem; Prisoner issues; Life Coaching; and Career Counseling Mindset: Inspiration for the process of therapy can be drawn from one of the best movie quotes of all time, "No! Try not! Do or Do Not, There is no try." These are very powerful words telling people, especially to those in therapy that you must either willingly make your own necessary and sometimes critical changes in your life or you don't. Therapy is about actively regaining control of your personal energy. Therapy is a collaborative approach to healing and well-being between a client and therapist. The therapist helps guide a person into making better life decisions, but the client must intuitively think of new ways of managing their life stressors that they are comfortable starting and maintaining. Clients not willing to make changes for themselves will continue to spin helplessly and hopelessly out of control. The mind is constantly changing; people in therapy must also learn to continually adjust and adapt to new situations while keeping a mindful-eye on their past. Education and Training: Dr. Hurley received his Master of Arts (MA) in General and Theoretical Psychology at Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU) in Teaneck, New Jersey. He graduated with a Doctoral Degree (Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology at Forest Institute of Professional Psychology (FIPP) in Springfield, Missouri. At FIPP, Dr. Hurley specialized in Marriage and Family Counseling. Other areas of training include neuro-psychology, anger management, bio-feedback, and pre-marital counseling. During his doctoral program he worked in a children's psychiatric hospital. His internship was in community mental health, and he participated in a national study on Schizophrenia. Dr. Hurley's post-doc residency was in substance abuse and rehabilitation. After his post-doc residency he spent two years in private practice in Libertyville, IL. Dr. Hurley then became the medical director for a Chicago based firm doing home health care delivering mental health therapy to Chicago's south-side geriatric African-American population who live in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Dr. Hurley has taught undergraduate students at Robert Morris College in Aurora, IL and graduate students at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. He finds teaching to be a change of pace and a way of leading a new generation of therapists into the Health Services Industry. His career path changed when he moved to Knoxville, TN. Dr. Hurley was the Clinical Director for Mental Health for Tennessee's main intake prison facility. He worked with various criminals making sure that they received the help they needed and to minimize suicide attempts. Dr. Hurley's stance on his education, training, and career is to always strive to learn more, to do more, and to be the best therapist possible. Dr. Hurley has since moved and changed careers. He has worked in private practice dealing with individuals and couples while supervising trainees. He has also gone back into working with the criminal population in the Illinois Department of Corrections. Dr. Hurley is always looking for ways to help people become the very best version of themselves. Therapeutic Stance: My approach to therapy with my clients is multi-faceted. There is no one therapy to fit all. I like to approach issues from a psycho-dynamic, family systems, CBT, Gestalt, existential, and medical stance. When dealing with mental health disorders you have to consider the mind as well as the body for the root of a problem. Therapy needs to be understandable by those who seek help and I have spent years refining my technique to help clients understand the issues they're facing and the theories on how to resolve said issues. People feel more comfortable and understood if you can talk to them in the various places they are currently. I love to see individuals, couples, and groups in a calm, peaceful, and most importantly neutral environment. I love to make presentations to groups for psycho-educational purposes as well. Personal: Other psychological interests include neuro-psychology and brain imaging, music and movie therapy, sexual dysfunction and addictions, sports psychology, and psychopharmacology. I hope to further my training in psychopharmacology in order to receive prescribing privileges in Illinois. I love to use humor, music, movies and TV in sessions because they are examples of life experiences people can relate too. I have a wonderful wife and family who make me happy, and who help me strive to be the best person I can be.

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Diane McClain

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefCoping with life changesCoaching
46 years of experience

Hi My name is Diane I have more than 30+ years of experience doing therapy. I have worked in inpatient, outpatient settings as well as family service agencies and private practice. My approach is client centered with a strong focus on solution oriented short term therapy. I am a direct communicator, but use humor often to help clarify issues and to create an intervention that is easier to remember for my clients. Life sometimes is very hard, it is our reaction to it that makes it harder or easier. We can grow and learn to make our decisions based on our values and interests so that we are not fighting with ourself over the decisions that were always ours to make. We all make choices that have far ranging consequences for ourself and others- let us make them after a careful, honest self examination- therapy can provide a safe place for this self examination. . I have an interest in providing therapy and support for caregivers, clients with new medical challenges and families dealing with end of life issues. I have specialized in grief and loss as well as anxiety and depression. I am a direct communicator and have been able to " speak truth to power" so one of my subset of experiences is coaching executives who have lost their jobs and are going through emotionally challenging times. I am experienced at counseling cross cultural and interfaith families both at the pre-marital stage and further along in the marriage. I also have counseling experience ( as an ally) with GLBTQ+ counseling, coming out, managing the family disclosure and acceptance and straight spouse issues as well. Make no mistake, people need to work in therapy. A good therapist does not provide a NEST ( never ending supportive therapy) but rather a launching point. So if you are ready to launch ......contact me

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Janki Sevak

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 5 years of experience. I obtained my Masters in Social Worker at The University of Illinois at Chicago's Jane Addams College of Social Work. I have worked with individuals with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, grief, coping with life changing events, and compassion fatigue. Over the years, I have acquired many skills and experiences to provide supportive care to individuals and their families in coping with external factors, in addition to, acute and chronic medical conditions. I have also assisted individuals with navigating the system and facilitating their transition back into the community after a life changing event. My style of counseling includes several different types of psychotherapy like cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, strengths-based solution focused therapy, and humanistic therapy. Our sessions would be customized specifically for you to meet your needs. I believe in helping you be better and do better in a respectful and non-judgmental manner. I'm here for you whenever you are ready to reach out. I look forward to working with you.

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Kathee Foxan

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LISW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
14 years of experience

I am a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist with experience working as a professional therapist in the state of Iowa for the last fourteen years, counseling clients with concerns regarding mood, anxiety, anger based, and personality disorder symptoms. I have worked as a therapist in a community mental health center for the last thirteen years and as a therapist to residents in nursing home settings four the last six years. In my thirteen years of experience, I have counseled people of all ages, stemming from the age of three, to my oldest client, aged ninety-three. I work with a particularly large amount of people in oppressed situations, including those struggling with; poverty, substance abuse/addiction, history of trauma, legal involvement, people of color, and those struggling with the loss of independence.

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Mary Rodriguez

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: MSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
7 years of experience

Hello There! I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois, I have worked in crisis intervention for the past 7years which includes working hospital settings. I have worked with clients with a wide range of crises including, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, OCD, PTSD, post-partum depression, and life challenges. My counseling style is open, and interactive, I believe that not everyone falls under one certain labels and I treat everyone with respect, and compassion. Of course I will tailor our treatment plan and discussions to meet your uniquely specific needs, but approach combines cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, humanistic, and solution focused therapy. Its a very empowering and rewarding moment that you want to take in order to live a more health life, and I am ready to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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Douglas Cater

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefAnger managementDepression
30 years of experience

I have been doing counseling and psychotherapy for many years. I am also a retired Presbyterian minister. Much of the time before official retirement I was working full-time for a counseling agency and part-time for a church. Because I greatly enjoy working with people, I have continued to maintain a private counseling practice, working with both individuals and families. I have a MA degree from the University of Texas and another from the University of Chicago. I make use of several therapy styles, including client-centered, Imago, "emotionally focused," and cognitive/behavioral. I am a widower with three sons and three grandchildren.

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John Collins

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
13 years of experience

I have years of experience helping clients cope with both the symptoms as well as the underlying causes of their struggles with issues of anxiety, trauma and PTSD, depression, difficulty managing anger, alcohol or other substance use disorders, and relational difficulties that often stem from low self-confidence and the need for updated and enhanced communication skills. My clinical style combines a personal approach that aims to make the client feel genuinely understood, supported, and safe. I utilize a variety of therapeutic interventions that help to update coping skills and strategies, while operating from a psychodynamic base that can facilitate both shorter- and longer-term psychodynamic psychotherapy for deeper-reaching, more stable positive change. I am also certified to provide EMDR when appropriate. I received a Master's degree in Social Work from Loyola University Chicago in 2010. I currently reside in Louisiana.

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Johanna Westin

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseAnger managementCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

Hi. I am honored that you are looking at my profile. It can be overwhelming to reach out for help, and I am so glad you are here to take the first step! My name is Johanna and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years' experience working as a therapist. I have experience working with people of all ages and concerns, specifically trauma, stress management, anxiety, conflict and relationship issues. I have worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings providing individual, family and group therapy. My approach to therapy is down to earth and laid back. I firmly believe that change happens within the context of the relationship so it's important to connect with the right therapist. I want all the people I work with to feel safe, respected and accepted. I really enjoy working with individuals and helping them realize their potential and watching them reach the goals they set for themselves. I believe in starting where you are and working on the issues that are important to you. Healing is possible. Thank you and I look forward to working with you. Johanna

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Marcus Jack

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: MS,LCPC,CRC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsCareer difficultiesDepression
10 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with over 10 years of professional work experience. I assist clients with concerns relating to stress, anxiety, depression, relationships, family, career, and more. I work with 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 take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support and empower you in that journey.

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Dashawn Hunter

Offering therapy in Illinois
Relationship issuesCareer difficulties
10 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with career difficulties, depression, anxiety, grief and navigating through issues of everyday life. 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.

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heather hui

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefSelf esteem
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, relationship issues, family conflicts, & coping with grief and illness. 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!

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Delia Shaeffer

Offering therapy in Illinois
Family conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping 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 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. 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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Leslie Salmon

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
27 years of experience

I am licensed in Arkansas and Illinois with over 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with depression, grief, stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, family conflicts, & 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. 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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Porschia Johnson

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
7 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois and Texas with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, motivation, self esteem, confidence, depression, & coping with life changes. My clinical focus is with working with women and/or femmes. I also have experience working with compassion fatigue. 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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Rita Goldstein

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

I am licensed in Illinois with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with grief, coping with loss, & depression. I also have experience working with 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. 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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