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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Teresa Adams
Hi, my name is Teresa Adams and I am passionate about marriage, family, relationships and the problems surrounding them. I am a graduate from Mississippi University for Women, with a B.S. in Food and Nutrition and a M.A. from Reformed Theological Seminary in Marriage and Family Therapy. I have been in the relationship field for over 20 years and have been a professional in the field for 10 years. I am Gottman I Certified, Prepare/Enrich Assessment Certified and SYMBIS Assessment Certified as well. I have been through me continuing education trainings in anxiety, depression, stress, conflict, communication, sexual issues and many more. In addition, my husband and I have written a marriage manual/book entitled Marriage: What To Do Before and After You Say, "I Do". When anxiety, depression and stress comes into the relationship/family, a feeling of uncertainty and hopeless erodes the mind. I want to help you eliminate the anxiety, depression, and stress in your relationship/family so life is manageable and peaceful. As a Christian counselor, with Biblical training, the answer to your problem is within your grasp. I have been married for 38 years and have raised four children. I believe the family is the fabric of your society and without the family our society is in deep trouble. Many issues have come to me and I am not afraid to ask the hard questions to help you through a difficult time. As a wife, mother, and counselor, I am caring, compassionate and warm in my delivery to my client. I am not judgmental and nothing surprises me. I can help!!
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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.
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Craig McIntosh
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in both Missouri and Illinois. I have been working with individuals, couples, and groups for 24 years. I completed a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology from Texas A&M University in 1992 and Master of Social Work from New Mexico State University in 1997. I have lived in St. Louis since 2004. I am also certified to provide licensure supervision in both Missouri and Illinois. I know that it takes something to decide to reach out for help. Clients feel supported, encouraged, and appreciated from the very first meeting with me. I want them to leave feeling they’ve made a good decision and looking forward to the next session. Having someone on your side and feeling hopeful about the process is a huge relief and provides momentum and motivation to get the process underway. I am well-versed in 12-Step recovery and have great respect for the rigors and rewards of sober living. I am a Gottman Level I Certified couple’s counselor, skilled at having couples learn to listen, talk, and connect with each other again. I also enjoy parent coaching, helping people learn how to get the best out of their children and learn to relax and enjoy those relationships again. And I am at home with existential conversations about Life’s big questions. I also have many years of experience working with domestic abuse and anger management. And I’ve worked for years with men around issues of relationships, fatherhood, masculinity, and abuse. I’ve spent the last twelve years as a social worker for the U.S. Air Force. I bring a great deal of both personal and professional experience to my work with clients. I draw from many different evidence-based practices. I can be straight-shooting, empathetic, serious, or funny as you need on any given day. But mostly, I will listen for what’s most important to you and then help you make that real in your life. I’ll look forward to hearing from you.
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Kristine Donaldson
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Illinois with over 24 years of experience working in the mental health field. Some very special people suffering with issues related to depression, anxiety, compassion fatigue, and so much more have entered my life. I am grateful for the opportunity to have walked their journeys with them. Building a relationship with trust and respect will aid us in determining a treatment plan that will be tailored to your individual needs. I am trained in and utilize therapies that will allow us to empower your courage to heal and succeed. These therapies include Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) combined with Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Solution Focused Therapy, and Strengths Based Therapy. Taking this first step was very courageous and I'm looking forward to walking next to you for the next part of your journey.
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Mary Creamer-Tate
I am licensed in Illinois with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, & trauma and abuse. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
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Dr. Taliah Ziyad-Nau
I have worked closely with adolescents, parents and families to help them move forward with improving social, emotional and learning outcomes. I use my experiences to deliver quality counsel and consultation. After working with children and families for over 10 years, there are a lot of accumulated experiences with concerns such as anxiety, parenting problems, career challenges, ADHD and learning difficulties. My counseling style is interactive and includes empowering others to invest in themselves. As a counselor, I understand the need for the space to be heard and understood. Learning styles and social, emotional needs call for different approaches. Client Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy are considered in determining a plan to meet your specific needs. You don’t have to process through it alone. I am here to take the next steps with you. I look forward to meeting with you.
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Tammy Frossard
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor licensed in Illinois with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, domestic violence, anxiety, depression, and anger management. I believe that counseling is beneficial for everyone and that identifying and working through areas that may be difficult or having a negative impact on functioning is a positive step. It takes courage and strength and you are worth it.
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Deborah Taylor
I am licensed in Illinois with 47 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & eating disorders. 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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Katherine "Katie" Saraga
Hi there!! My name is Katie, and I'm a licensed Clinical Social Worker. I specialize in child, teen (13-19y), & young adult (20-25y) therapy, and disability advocacy. My counseling style is pretty laid back. I have been described as supportive, thoughtful, and empathetic, with a pretty good sense of humor. I like to focus on identifying your strengths and helping you to maximize them to overcome your obstacles. I recognize that during these earlier stages of life where you are transitioning through school and into the "real world" can be intimidating! I'm here to help you sort through the things that are difficult right now, and offer you a safe place to be open and honest without fear of judgment. I am also a certified Animal Assisted Therapist, and my Therapy Dog Trekk is available to accompany our sessions on request! You have taken the first and most important step by reaching out for help. I'm sorry you are having a tough time right now, but I'm really glad you are reaching out. I'd like to help you work on the struggles you are facing; and offer you a safe place to explore your thoughts and feelings. I offer all services, but contact me prior to schedule video sessions please. Once you respond to this message, I will send you some additional general information about how this online counseling process works, and then we can get started. Please feel free to ask questions at any time! Should you feel in need of urgent help or that you are in crisis at any time during our work together; please call 1-800-273-TALK 24 hours a day; or 911. This forum does not provide any type of emergency services, so I want to be sure you know who to contact if you need immediate help. You are not alone. Things can and will get better. I'm really looking forward to working with you! Take care, Katie
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Selma Rodriguez Freijo
I have worked as a therapist for over 8 years, serving in both private practice and community mental health settings. I graduated with my masters degree in social work from Florida International University in 2016 and I am fully bilingual in English and Spanish. I specialize in using a range of evidence-based modalities including cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based approaches, and psychodynamic approaches. As a therapist I have learned the importance of endorsing a non-judgmental attitude, empathy and flexibility to help patients feel safe and comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings. As a therapist, I am passionate about empowering individuals heal and transform by providing a safe, supportive and non-judgmental space for them to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. My experience as a therapist has taught me the importance of collaboration in the therapeutic process to help uncover inner resources and strengths to overcome challenges and achieve goals.
How can a counselor support you?
Therapists can practice many types of counseling, from marriage and family therapy to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). They may also assist you with symptoms of depression, stress, or anxiety.
Therapists may help you set and achieve career goals, work on current issues you may be facing, or address your past. Over 11,181,370 people live in IL, and one out of five Americans has a mental health condition. Searching for local licensed professionals may help you find mental health support for personal growth, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health concerns. You do not need a mental health diagnosis to seek support from one of BetterHelp's licensed providers above.
The mental health field can include psychiatric medication management, online therapy, marriage counseling, couples therapy, clinical social work, licensed counseling, and other mental health services in person and online. Seeing a licensed provider can help you navigate mental health conditions and life circumstances through mindfulness and other specialized techniques.
Please note that a BetterHelp therapist does not offer diagnostic or medication management services.
Why do people choose to work with a licensed counselor?
People reach out for mental health support for a variety of reasons. Many individuals work with a counselor for general life advice, while others may attend therapy for a specific concern. Whether you live in a large city or a smaller county, BetterHelp can match you with a licensed professional tailored to your preferences noted when you sign up.
The mental health therapists in Illinois support clients with varying issues through therapy, such as:
- Challenging situations or life stressors
- Eating disorders
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression or depressive conditions
- Adjustment issues
- Emotional support for a terminal illness
- Chronic pain emotional support
- Grief
- Personality disorders
- Trauma
- Relationship conflicts and concerns
Finding a therapist that takes new clients in online therapy can be the first step in finding a treatment plan that works for you. Your therapist can provide a safe space for you to focus on self-care and well-being.
If you're interested in speaking to one of the therapists above or being matched with a counselor in 24 to 48 hours, consider signing up for BetterHelp. BetterHelp has over 35,000 providers, including those listed above.
Emergency services to contact in a crisis
If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use the BetterHelp site. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisis Text Line:Text HOME to 741741
- Veterans Crisis Line<:Call 1-800-273-8255 (and press 1) or text 838255. For support for the deaf and hard of hearing community, please use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.
- Trevor Lifeline(LGBTQ Lifeline): (866)488-7386
- SAMHSA National Helpline: (Substance Use): (800)662-4357
- National Eating Disorder Association Helpline:1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM-9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST
- Child Help Hotline Call 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat feature
- National Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Physician Crisis Support Line: Call 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to Covid-1
- Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Some of the most commonly asked questions about therapy can be found in the section below.
How much does a therapist cost?
Mental health professionals can differ in price. Forbes found that the average cost of in-person therapy in the US is around $100 to $200 per hour. Pricing can also vary based on your location.
BetterHelp offers payment plans of $60 to $90 per session, charged monthly in a lump sum. You can also take advantage of this pricing on one of BetterHelp's sister platforms, like ReGain for couples or TeenCounseling for teens aged 13 to 19.
Many therapists may be upfront about their pricing and whether or not they take health insurance from the beginning. Additionally, some in your area may offer a sliding scale plan to allow those with lower incomes to pay less for therapy. However, services online can often save individuals a few hundred dollars per month.
When should I get a therapist in Illinois?
Mental health services and mental health providers may help you navigate various concerns. You do not need a diagnosis or condition to attend therapy; You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general advice. A counselor may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.
Mental health issues don't always present as a crisis. Many professionals provide talk therapy and support for life transitions, skills learning, relationship problems, or life coaching. Online therapy sessions can allow clients seeking therapy to experience professional help through video, phone, or live chat sessions without commuting to an office.
Does insurance cover the cost of therapy?
Different counseling services can vary in cost. Therapists must apply to accept insurance through insurance companies, which may take time and money, so not every therapist offers services through insurance. If you cannot find a therapist that accepts your plan, BetterHelp may be cheaper than visiting an in-person therapist.
Is online therapy the safe option?
Online therapy through BetterHelp and its sister platforms is safe. Therapists are licensed, experienced, and vetted before being contracted with the platform. If you experience any concerns with your therapist, you change your counselor through the platform or app at any time.
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