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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Kristen Pavela

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW,MSW,CSAC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepression
6 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor licensed in Wisconsin with over 5 years of experience working as a clinical social worker, psychocounselor and Substance Abuse Counselor. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, other Mental Health concerns, relationship issues, parenting problems, Domestic Violence-both victims and predators, Anger Management, and addictions. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My counseling 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, motivational interviewing, psychodynamic and person-centered, and strengths based counseling. 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. I look forward to working with you!

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Marikay Gazda

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: MSW; LCSW
Stress, AnxietyGriefDepressionCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
35 years of experience

Hello! Welcome to our BetterHelp Community and congratulations in taking that courageous first step in feeling better! My name is Marikay Gazda and I have been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker since 1991. Through these many years I have provided counseling to those experiencing feelings of generalized anxiety, depressed thoughts, feelings of isolation, chronic or life threatening medical conditions, end of life issues, caregiver stress and fatigue and general life transitions. As a Certified Grief Counselor I have worked with individuals struggling in their feelings of grief and loss who feel stuck in moving on. But I have also found that those physical and psychological responses felt in grief is not unique to a death, as loss can be found across the board in relationships, health, a job or simply an empty nest. Those feelings of sadness, anxiety, depression and physical symptoms can certainly be generalized to any type of loss as it impacts an individual's ability to engage in a full and happy life. My demeanor is warm, compassionate, interactive and positive. I consider the client/therapist relationship to be the most important element to a successful therapy experience. As a clinician, my approach is client centered, goal oriented and grounded in a strengths perspective. I use the models of Emotional Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution Focused Brief Therapy in helping my clients understand the relationship between their thoughts, feelings and behavior and creating goals to effect a change. In my work with grief and loss the Duel Process Model teaches a client to regularly "take breaks" from their feelings of loss while the Continuing Bonds Model works towards creating new meaning and a new relationship within the loss. My goal as a therapist is to partner with you in an empathetic and safe space and that each interaction leaves you hopeful that change can occur. I wish you all the peace that your day can bring knowing that you have taken that first step in feeling better.

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Lydia Schatzel

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW,CADC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseBipolar disorderDepressionADHD
12 years of experience

I believe in maintaining a strong and positive rapport because through that trust, we can really get work done. I treat everyone with respect and compassion. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, harm reduction, and mindfulness with a solution focused approach that is client centered. I will tailor our dialogue and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. As a therapist, it is my job to provide the tools and coping skills to navigate this thing called life. I will work diligently to be that empathetic and supportive hand to help you through tough times and emerge on the other side feeling stronger and more capable to take on whatever new challenges come your way. I am a licensed clinical social worker in Illinois with over 10 years of experience working as a crisis worker, care coordinator, and therapist. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including various behavioral health conditions, substance abuse, history of trauma, relationships, and stages of development. I have additionally addressed abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

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Khalisha Wesley

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: MSW,LCSW,LPHA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepression
7 years of experience

My name is Khalisha D. Wesley and I am a fully Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Born and raised in the windy city, Chicago, Illinois. My experience dates back to 2011, where I worked with adults suffering from chronic and severe mental Illinois for an outpatient Behavioral Health facility. Since then, I have worked with a host of populations. As a LCSW, I am able to assess, diagnose, treat and prevent mental illness, emotional and other behavioral disturbances. I specialize in patients across the lifespan (0-99) experiencing trauma, anxiety, panic, depression, life transitions couples/family therapy, teen issues, life after institutionalization, and many others. I believe that mental health is a right and not a privilege. Everyone should have access to adequate services no matter their age, gender, socioeconomic status, criminal background, etc. Addressing mental health should not be uncomfortable nor embarrassing. At some point in all our lives we need this support and I want to be this for you.

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Wendy Schultz

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepression
11 years of experience

Everyone has periods in their life when they need professional help and I view therapy as an aspect of maintaining good health. Through my personal experience and in my practice, I focus on integration, skills training, and a strengths-based approach toward healthy living. When clients enter therapy, many are ambivalent about their goals, feel uninspired, unfulfilled or are facing a life crisis. I provide therapeutic support and creative processes to promote overall health and wellbeing, helping clients resolve their concerns and learn meaningful, easy to implement skills toward creating lasting happiness in their lives. This is an invitation for support as you deeply commit to yourself toward living your dreams. I offer challenging exercises, motivation and support as you discover a more fulfilling, engaged, joyful purpose in life. I am licensed in Illinois with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, 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 takes courage and you should feel proud for getting started!

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Michelle Curry

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

Thank you for reaching out. It takes a ton of courage and strength to make that first step for additional supports. I am a licensed clinical social worker and have assisted others through their therapeutic journey for approximately 17 years. I am compassionate about others emotional well-being and strive to provide a safe place without discrimination or judgement. Everyone has a voice and their own story to share. I have worked with families and children with varying ages, abilities, disabilities, while conceptualizing mental health struggles that people experience on a daily basis. As a therapist, my role is to listen, provide empathy, support and the necessary tools to reach your goals. In time, you will gain a better understanding of yourself and the dynamics that impact your life. Remember that this journey takes time but I hope to have the opportunity to work with you.

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Stuart Marcus

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
35 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida and Illinois with 35 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationships, family conflicts, trauma and abuse. 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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Dr. Melissa Chovan

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LPC Alabama,LPC Georgia
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepression
13 years of experience

I am an individual and family therapist with 19 years of experience in this field and 13 years as a therapist. I have experience in many areas of mental health and family and social issues including, but not limited to: generalized anxiety disorder, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, Oppositional Defiance Disorder, PTSD, parenting problems, domestic violence, sexual assault, and trauma. I have some experience working with gender dysphoria. I have worked in the areas of domestic violence, sexual assault, at risk youth (alternative education and a residential program), therapy for child protective services cases, community mental health, state prison, private practice, and teaching (online and in person). I am working towards specializing in trauma. I have learned three different types of trauma therapies this past year (Brainspotting, CPT, and Accelerated Response Therapy) and am working on getting certified in all three. Each of these therapies has it's place in an individual's abiity to overcome trauma. However, I deal with more than just trauma and I have more tools (i.e., CBT, motivational interviewing, reality therapy, family systems therapy, and DBT - to name a few). My therapy style is warm, respectful and interactive. I believe therapy is individualized (every person is different with different needs) and the therapy styles. Hope, empowerment, a good relationship and education are things I feel are integral to a successful therapeutic experience. If you want to be heard, learn, and work towards bettering yourself, I am here to support and assist you in this endeavor. I look forward to meeting you.

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Roseanne King

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteem
15 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois and Oregon with 15 years of professional work experience. I am a graduate of the University of California, Los Angles (UCLA) and have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, self-esteem issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & parenting issues. I have worked primarily within the child welfare setting, working with foster/adoptive parents, parents who were victimized as children , and parents who have been accused of abuse or neglect. I believe in treating everyone, regardless of your past or current problem, 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 -good job getting started!

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Donna Kasper

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteem
15 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Tricia Henkhaus

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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David Johnson

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
17 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 17 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with depression, stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, 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. 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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Erin Clark Benedict

Offering therapy in Illinois
Trauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
12 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence, & dealing with life changes. 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. I hope that we can collaborate to help you use your strengths and develop strategies to manage the issues you bring to the table. 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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James (Jimmy) Clifton

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW,Master of Science in Psychology,Doctor of Ministry in Biblical Counseling
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementDepressionCoping with life changes
35 years of experience

My name is James W. Clifton. I am licensed in the State of Indiana as a Mental Health Counselor and as a Clinical Social Worker. I am also licensed in Idaho (LCPC), Vermont (LCMHC), Utah (CMHC), and New Hampshire as a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker. I have a Master of Science in Psychology from California Coast University. I teach clients how to change their thinking, be responsible for their feelings, and make better choices. I look forward to working with you. I focus on the present and behaviors and not on the past and feelings. I do not work with anyone under the age of 25 or relationship issues, or family issues, or addiction issues of any kind.

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Lisa Valiente

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
7 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & 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. 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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