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.
Laura Salazar
My name is Laura Salazar, and I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor for Illinois and Texas with over nine years of experience. You are the expert on your own life. I am an expert in helping you outline and achieve your goals. Therapy is intended to prepare you for working through your life's issues as they happen with empowerment and knowledge. I would be honored if you would choose me to provide you with the tools to build the kind of life you want to have. Together, we will create treatment plans outlining what you would like to accomplish in therapy. Based on those goals, I will use evidence based treatments that match with each goal. What I tend to use most often are Rogerian Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialetical Behavioral Therapy, Constructivism, and Art Therapy techniques. I have the most experience with depression, anxiety, stress management, grief/loss, trauma/abuse, self-esteem, intimacy/couples issues, and behavior change.
Jennifer Morris
Hi! I have been a social worker since 2010 and I feel privileged everyday that people allow me into their lives on such a personal level. If you are reading this, you have made a HUGE step in deciding to focus on yourself and give yourself some time and attention which is brave and scary. Social workers, therapist, counselors all receive training to do what we do and many are extremely skillful and knowledgeable. The key to therapy being successful is finding the therapist who you feel comfortable with. I am not everyone's cup of tea but I may be the right person for you. I have worked with a variety of people in my years of practice. I have worked with court mandated clients, birth mothers placing their babies for adoption, adoptive families, hospice patients and their families, homeless Veterans, medical social work with Veterans and justice involved Veterans who are in prison, jail or on probation. I have experience providing group and individual therapy related to trauma, addiction, depression, anxiety, anger management, grief and loss, domestic violence, end of life concerns, life transitions and parenting. I believe that everyone is capable of instituting change in their life and sometimes don't know how to take the first steps. I believe my role as a therapist/social worker is to look at everything going on with that person, ask questions and assist them in creating a plan and working through the steps. I am not a "textbook" type therapist in the sense that I do not follow a script based on what my client identifies as their concerns. I approach everyone individually and create a plan that works best for each person. Everyone has strengths and abilities and I am always so excited when someone realizes their strengths and draws on them to help themselves move forward. That is my joy - seeing the people I work with grow and flourish. I am someone who will challenge you, be honest with you and push you to work toward you goals. I look forward to hearing from you if you think we sound like a good fit and if not, I wish you the best of luck on your journey. The right therapist is out there... just a click away.
Meghan Howie-Timmel
Greetings. Congratulations on taking this first step. I believe that counseling is one of the greatest gifts you can give to yourself. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois who has worked in healthcare settings for 20 years. I have experience working with persons with chronic illness, grief and loss, as well as anxiety, depression, high risk pregnancy, reproductive issues, parenting, issues of self-worth, life transitions, and compassion fatigue. I am also a certified Nia dance teacher. Nia is a practice that incorporates the healing arts, the martial arts and the dance arts. I like to work from a strengths-based approach utilizing elements of humanistic and positive psychology. I incorporate mindfulness techniques and elements of gentle healing movement as I believe that through movement we find health. I also utilize elements from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to re-pattern habitual behaviors that may no longer serve the individual. Collaboratively, we will explore what emotions come up, begin to access and investigate feelings and learn to nurture self. The work will allow those who are vulnerable to find meaning, purpose, and joy leading to a more harmonious well-balanced daily life. I look forward to going on this journey with you.
Stephanie Arzavala-Reed
Welcome to the first step in feeling better! My name is Stephanie, I am a licensed clinical professional counselor with 8 years of experience. I knew I wanted to be a counselor at the age of 13 years old and have always enjoyed helping others. For me, working with others is the most rewarding experience and I'm thankful to each person who feels comfortable enough to share their stories with me. Being vulnerable isn’t easy and my goal is to provide a safe space, completely judgement free, to enable an open, honest exchange to begin the healing process. I enjoy working with a wide variety of people with varies presenting concerns. I easily relate and connect with teens and young adults with life transition struggles. I have several years of experience with women who have experienced various levels of trauma as well as members of the LGBTQ community. I also thoroughly enjoy working with couples. I tailor my therapeutic treatment approach to fit each individual’s needs and primary source of distress for each session. Generally, I lean towards person centered, cognitive behavioral, and solution focused therapy approaches. With each client I explore their goals and together we form a treatment plan. I am skilled in treatment and psychoeducation of: stress, anxiety, depression, communication, coping skills, self care, family conflicts, marital support, and more. Thank you for taking the first step, I would be honored to be a part of your healing process. I look forward to working together working towards the life and goals you’ve always dreamed of. Stephanie
Queena Howard
Queena Howard is a Board Certified, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA who specializes in helping her clients overcome depression, anxiety, stress, anger, loss and substance use in a matter of months rather than years. She has been practicing for more than 20 years. Her therapeutic style incorporates: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Mindfulness, so that clients can once again live purposeful, joy-filled lives while honoring past losses and struggles. Today Queena offers individual services and couples counseling. She has worked with diverse populations from couples, families, adults with substance abuse, depression through geriatric population. Her feedback from clients and colleagues supports her demeanor of calmness, empathy, compassion and insightfulness that have assisted others with resolving some of their most complex dilemmas. She strives to meet her clients where they are on their journey and challenges them to make their courageous next steps on the road to to recovery and wellness.
Dr. Penny Brower
In this giant Carnival of Life, are you on the Roller Coaster full of ups and downs, on the repetitive slow-motion Carousel, on the Tilt-A-Whirl feeling unbalanced and squashed by outside forces, in the House of Horrors where every view is distorted and you can hardly find the exit, or on the Raging River where everyone else stays dry while you get drenched? Are you here by choice and enjoying the adventure, hanging on for dear life and fearing disaster ahead, or confused about how someone was able to drag you here against your better judgement? Though everyone's Carnival visit is unique, if you invite me to join this part of your journey, I can help you explore the decision-making processes and life events that have led you to this place. I will assist you in building skills and finding resources to thrive beyond the dangerous curves, the jarring stops and reverses, and the nauseating spins and loops. You will be empowered to choose and create more positive, adaptive ways forward, to better enjoy the ride and have a more fulfilling adventure. Because the best outcomes are achieved with a good client/counselor fit, I always welcome feedback regarding what has been helpful, as well as not helpful, so that methods can be adapted to achieve the best results. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I received my doctoral degree from The University of Iowa and I have worked for over 30 years helping individuals and couples become more intentional and response-able in their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. I began my career doing in-home therapy with complex, multi-problem families, and I have worked in Community Mental Health Centers and Private Practice settings. In addition, I worked for 8 years with the Air National Guard, helping to institute a new program that focused on reducing suicide risk and increasing resilience, while reducing the stigma of using mental health services to maximize personal functioning. When describing people, my least favorite word is NORMAL. I believe that each individual is unique, and deserves to be treated in caring and respectful ways that help them grow, versus being treated like a diagnostic label that needs to be fixed. It is the difference between: "It sounds like you may be struggling with depressed feelings. Let's explore the conditions that seem connected to when those feelings hit really hard, compared to when they seem to lighten up." versus "You are depressed. Here is what you need to do to change."
Amber Johnson
Hello and welcome! My name is Amber and I am a licensed clinical social worker in Illinois. I bring 7 years of professional work experience, working with clients across the life cycle (3 years old to 80+ years young)! I understanding that finding a "good fit" in a therapist is much like finding that perfect pair of shoes. You may have to try on several before you find the ones meant for you. Reading through these profiles can be a part of that "try on" process. As a therapist I believe that my role in the relationship is to assist you on your journey to wellness through compassionate care and genuine empathy. I utilize a client-centered approach and include my clients in every part of the planning process. I have experience in helping clients with navigating depression, stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & coping with life changes. 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!
Herbert Stricklin
I am licensed in Illinois with 33 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy related issues, & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Kristena Partridge
I am licensed in Illinois with 2 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, intimacy related issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Carlton Hemphill
Hello and welcome! My name is Carlton Hemphill, a 33-year-old Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in the state of Illinois who is also board certified (NCC). I received my Master’s degree from Roosevelt University in Clinical Psychology-Counseling Practice, with a concentration on child and family dynamics. I have been working in the field since 2015 and practicing as an independent clinician in my own private practice since June 2023. My therapeutic approach is grounded in behavioral and cognitive theories, focusing on how your recent experiences, environment, and thought patterns shape your current emotions and behaviors. Together, we’ll explore how these elements influence your present life, helping you make meaningful changes and move forward with confidence. I also integrate existential perspectives to help you explore your purpose, values, and fulfillment. I provide a warm, supportive environment where we focus on what’s happening in your life right now. Through direct, thought-provoking questions and unbiased feedback, I’ll help you gain clarity and make informed decisions. This process is centered on your insights, growth, and goals, and I’ll respect your pace and direction as we work together.
Marsha Broers
I am licensed in Illinois with 24 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, and self-esteem issues. 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 and goals. 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 talking with you!
Sarah Stiefel
I am licensed in Illinois with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, bipolar disorder, & 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.
Maria Camila Camacho
I am a bilingual licensed clinician in Illinois with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I work with my clients as a team 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!
Dr. Cyntoya Campbell
Are you yearning to feel truly heard and make meaningful progress on your journey to healing? Whether you're grappling with anxiety, addiction, complex trauma, or depression, know that there is genuine hope for recovery. Everyone holds the key to their own solutions. With the right tools and support, you can unlock your inner potential and achieve your goals. In addition to my expertise in addressing these challenges, I'm also equipped as a coach to guide you through significant life decisions or career transitions. My mission is to forge a collaborative partnership with you, fostering an environment where you can feel both comfortable and empowered to pursue your aspirations. If you're ready to embark on this transformative journey, I warmly welcome new clients. Let's embark on this journey together towards healing and growth.
Abani Dhewajoo
I have been working as a professional social worker for the past 13 years and I am licensed in Illinois with 6 years of experience as a therapist. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, anger management, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. My therapy style is warm and interactive and I use strength based perspective. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, dialectic-behavior, humanistic and psychodynamic therapy. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. 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 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:
- 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 featur
- 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 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.
Popular cities in Illinois
- Chicago, IL
- Aurora, IL
- Joliet, IL
- Rockford, IL
- Naperville, IL
- Springfield, IL
- Peoria, IL
- Elgin, IL
- Waukegan, IL
- Champaign, IL
- Cicero, IL
- Bloomington, IL
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