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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Andrew Mercer

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: MA,LCPC
Stress, AnxietyLGBTGriefDepression
10 years of experience

I'm so happy you're here and so happy that you're taking an important step towards positive change in your life. Nothing brings me more joy than to be able to be a part of your journey while we work towards your goals. I've been partnering with adults for the past 8 years in private practice as a licensed therapist and 3 years as a life coach working with college-aged adults. Former and current clients appreciate my honest straightforward approach to counseling as well as my ability to patiently and compassionately hold space for answers to emerge. The struggles of life are not meant to be all-consuming or overwhelming and as self-sufficient as most of us are, we all need help at some point. I know I've benefitted from being able to talk through my worries and concerns with the help of a trained therapist and know what the experience is like in either seat. I was trained in pastoral counseling and at Loyola University in Chicago and can assist if your concerns are more spiritual in nature and when they are not take a more traditional approach. I draw from relational schools of thought- psychodynamic, humanistic and Adlerian but apply them in a straightforward pragmatic fashion to keep the process brief and effective. Having been trained and educated in diverse settings, I have experience working with many different types of people with many different concerns. In particular, spiritual and religious questions, LGBT issues, anxiety and coping with grief and loss are areas that I can support you the most. I look forward to working with you as we take the next steps in your journey together.

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Kathryn Klein

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepressionADHD
12 years of experience

Hello and thank you for reading my biography! I have over 20 years of experience working with troubled youth and adolescents as a school counselor and 12 years of experience working in private practice. In private practice, I have worked with young children, adolescents, adults, and couples. I love working with people to help improve their lives and to help people become more insightful as they navigate the waters of life. I also consider myself rather philosophical and naturally inquisitive and I bring these qualities to my practice. If you have any questions for me, please do not hesitate to ask!

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Carly Gelb

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: MSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepression
5 years of experience

Are you struggling with something internally that is holding you back to living your fullest potential? I may be able to help you uncover that strength that lies within you. My name is Carly Gelb and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have experience in the areas of depression, anxiety, panic disorder, substance use/addictions, stress, anger and relationship issues and much more. I use a non-judgmental client-centered approach that allows you to be in the drivers seat of your own therapy session. I love to use art, guided meditation, worksheets, journaling and other methods you may be open to using, to guide our experience together. If you need an unbiased ear to listen to you, and support you, then take the first step today in your journey.

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Kathryn Douglas

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCPC
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepression
3 years of experience

I have worked in mental health since 2004. I have been employed in a variety of settings and worked with individuals struggling with addiction, chronic mental health issues, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, postpartum depression and anxiety. I work from a behavior context, largely utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and other behavioral techniques. I completed my Bachelor's degree in Psychology in 2004 from Quincy University, my Master's degree in Education in Counseling in 2007 from Quincy University, a Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis from Penn State in 2013, and a Master's degree in Sociology from Arizona State University in Spring of 2022.

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Troy Johnson

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW
LGBTIntimacy-related issues
9 years of experience

I’m so glad you reached out—welcome! My name is Troy Johnson, and I’m a psychotherapist and LGBTQ+ advocate based in Chicago. I run Queer Talk Therapy, a private practice specializing in LGBTQ+ mental health, non-conventional relationships, and gender-affirming care. I provide remote therapy sessions across multiple states, offering affirming, identity-focused support. I enjoy being on BetterHelp periodically because I love meeting new people and offering short-term, focused support to help clients get started on their journey. Whether you're working through challenges, seeking clarity, or looking for a space where you can be fully yourself, I’m here to help. Here’s what you can expect from me: A laid-back, collaborative space where you can be yourself. Support that’s tailored to what you need right now. Tools and insights to help you feel more confident and in control. Options for continued care beyond short-term support, for those who want to dive deeper into this work. I’d love to hear about what brought you here and what you’re hoping to get out of this experience. Let’s work together to tackle what’s most important to you right now and set a strong foundation for moving forward. You can also learn more about me and my Telehealth private practice at www.queertalktherapy.com. Looking forward to working with you, Troy

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Margaret Couch

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW,MSW,MEd
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesBipolar disorderDepressionADHD
39 years of experience

I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker practicing in the state of Illinois. I also have a Masters Degree in Education. I have over 30 years of experience working in the field of mental health. I consider it a privilege to have been invited into the lives of others as they seek to improve their daily lives. I believe in meeting my clients where they are. Not where they are ‘expected’ to be. I will work with you as a whole person, not just as a diagnosis. I believe in an individual’s inherent dignity and right to self determination. I would love to join you on your journey to positive change.

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April Lacey

Offering therapy in Illinois
Relationship issuesTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
7 years of experience

Welcome! My name is April Lacey and I am a licensed counselor in Illinois. Taking the first step to seeking a happier and fulfilling life takes courage. I am here to support you through that process. My vision for therapy is to create a safe and encouraging space for clients to share their experiences while recognizing their strengths to cope with life's challenges. I have worked in a wide range of therapeutic settings such psychiatric units, crisis lines, community mental health working with youth and families impacted by the juvenile justice system, and group practice. I have experience in helping clients with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma, anger management, self-esteem, and parenting concerns. I use an integrative approach of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Client-Centered, Trauma- Focused, Mindfulness, Trust-Based Relational Intervention, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution-Focused Therapy to help my clients. My approach focuses on fostering a strong collaborative relationship with clients to reach their goals. I value genuineness and believe in meeting clients where they are, treating everyone with respect and compassion.

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Gregory Jenkins

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

Greg specializes in trauma-focused therapy for children ages 5 & up, adolescents, and adults. For those who have experienced childhood trauma, relational trauma, or complex trauma, life often feels overwhelming. Their sense of self, relationships, & view of the past, present, & future become rocky at best. As a result many trauma survivors live in chronic state of anxiety, depression, numbness, fatigue, burn out & suffer from illness. In addition to trauma survivors, Greg works closely with children, teens, young adults, & adoptive families struggling with depression, anxiety, dissociation, mood disorders, behavioral issues & more. By utilizing a variety of approaches and interventions, such as: EMDR, Theraplay, TRBI, Mindfulness, CBT, Sand Tray-based Therapy, and Neurofeedback, Greg equips trauma survivors with the space, support, and skills necessary to identify triggers, develop healthy coping skills, decrease traumatic symptoms, and practice trauma processing and integration. With his supportive & caring nature, a touch of fun & humor, Greg creates the warm, stress-free, & compassionate environment required for survivors to re-establish safety, a sense of self, & self-trust. Grounded in neuroscience & attachment theory, Greg believes that trauma happens in relationships & thus, a portion of healing also occurs in relationships.

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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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Holly Anderson

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
13 years of experience

With over 13 years of clinical experience I understand that successful treatment outcomes occur when the foundation of one’s therapeutic approach is holistic. We now know that our feelings, beliefs, attitudes, spiritual life and physical well-being are all intrinsically intertwined and thus essential to address all of these areas together and not separately like once believed. I practice with a variety of evidence based therapeutic methods some of these included: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT); Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT); Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT); Family Systems among additional long-standing effective interventions. From our initial session you will find I work collaboratively with each of my clients. We work together to address pressing stressors; identify treatment goals and objectives; develop a treatment plan that is tailored specifically for the individual; explore any underlying/contributing factors; work together to identify new healthy coping skills that fit the individuals' certain coping style. It is my belief that a sound therapeutic alliance is a critical part of effective treatment outcomes. I have found successful clients are actively involved in this joint effort, stick with it even when it is not always easy to do so and who are committed to their individualized plan of care. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state Illinois with over 13 years of clinical work. I have worked with number of populations with various disorders including: Anxiety Disorders (with and without trauma histories); Mood Disorders; Behavioral Disorders; Personality Disorders; Substance Abuse/Co-Occuroing Disorders; Grief/Loss; Internal Family Systems. My Bachelor's degree is in Psychology from the University of Massachusetts. I was also a Research Assistant at the University of Massachusetts for 2 years researching mindfulness skills and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques applied to Anxiety Disorders. I obtained my Master’s degree in Social Work at the University of Iowa.

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Essence Lee

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
9 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I also have experience working with 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!

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Charlotte Kauffman

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
12 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 32 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, life transitions and motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also have experience in career counseling, counseling persons experiencing divorce and working with persons experiencing mental illness and their families. I have had the personal experience of dealing with mental illness in two family members, divorce and grief in the loss of one of my children. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. I am qualified to incorporate spirituality into the counseling if the client desires. 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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Matthew Lehman

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsAnger managementDepression
10 years of experience

I am licensed in California and Illinois with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, 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. 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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Reginald Wince

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementSelf esteemDepressionADHD
5 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, anger management, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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. 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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Kelly Fitzgerald

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LPC
Stress, AnxietyCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Missouri, holding this credential since 2001. I've worked with people at various stages of their lives, with various issues; the common denominator has been a sense of feeling "stuck" in some aspect. My approach is integrative, attending to the whole person, physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. I use meditation and relaxation techniques as well as cognitive approaches. I believe all healing is self-healing; Client and Therapist work together toward client goals. I am a proponent of 12-step programs, Energy Medicine, Positive Psychology, Journaling, and Movement. I look forward to working with you.

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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