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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Marissa Harris

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW,BCD
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTTrauma and abuseDepression
26 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical social worker in Illinois with specialization in addictions (substance use and sexual disorders), trauma and emotional conditions, LGBTQ concerns, depression, anxiety, relationship and parenting concerns, vocational challenges, legal issues, and serious mental health illnesses. Since I started in the field in 1998, I have always known I would be a counselor. Growing up, it came naturally to me to be compassionate, empathetic, and to listen with a non-judgmental stance. Over the past 20 years, I have helped hundreds of individuals improve their lifestyles through my work and passion for helping. What I love the most about working as a therapist is being apart of those quantum change insights; the ones that involve a shift in perception and the realization of a new life. It can be as simple as looking at ones self in a positive light, realizing they are capable of change. Recovery is about self-discovery, rediscovering the parts that you believe have become disconnected or lost. Authentic recovery allows you to achieve peace and satisfaction with your life. This starts with positive connections. I am here to guide you in the path of healing the root cause of your stress. With positive and loving connection, I will honor your path towards fulfillment. Currently as of 5/14/2020, I am no longer taking new clients due to a full schedule.

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Gabriel "Gabe" Seldess

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LMFT,LPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesCareer difficulties
18 years of experience

My goal is to help people better understand and accept themselves. I strive to identify barriers to happiness and develop a road map toward greater health. I like to begin with getting an understanding of presenting issues and current life circumstances and working toward an individual’s vision for the future. I use a blend of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Family Counseling Theory to explore experiences that shape our beliefs, expectations, and preferences. I help a client examine these thoughts and ideals and to challenge those concepts that may be detrimental, limiting, or no longer functional. I use Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness and Motivational Interviewing to assist with mood management, decision making, and problem solving. I also assist with developing communication skills to help with self-advocacy. I am a Marriage and Family Therapist currently living and working in Chicago. I graduated from the Family Institute at Northwestern., and throughout my 17 years as a counselor I have worked with many difficulties individuals, families, and couples can face. I have specific experience helping people navigate relationships, anxiety and mental illness, and general stress management.

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Phillip Barker

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW,CADC,CFSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTSelf esteemCoping with life changes
13 years of experience

My name is Phillip, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Chicago, Illinois with more than four years of experience working in private practice as a psychotherapist and coach. I have worked with clients who have come to me with a range of concerns, including sexual and gender identity, depression, anxiety, life transitions, relationship issues, career issues, and ADHD. I also have more than seven years of experience working with substance use issues and adolescents in a high school setting. My undergraduate work was in Communication, so I am equipped to work with a variety of people to meet their unique needs. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I am constantly checking my biases and treat everyone with respect and compassion. My treatment approach is client-centered and strengths-based, combining Humanistic and Cognitive Behavioral Therapies. We will work together to create an individualized treatment plan that focuses on your strengths and allows for you to maximize your therapeutic experience and our time together. I commend you on this courageous first step of reaching out to a therapist, and I look forward to working with you!

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Aquantonette Slaughter

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemBipolar disorderDepression
11 years of experience

Hello and Welcome, WELCOME!! My name is Aquantonette Slaughter, and I've been practicing therapy for the past 11 years. I truly enjoy working with and assisting people with making the changes they desire to see and attain in their lives. I received my Master's degree from Argosy University, Chicago in 2013, and my credentials include being a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC). I have a history of working with individuals with Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, Major Depressive Disorder, and Substance Abuse. I have also worked with individuals who have opted to be a part of the Assisted Out-patient Treatment program to reduce recidivism related to mental health issues. My treatment approach includes Adlerian, CBT, and Person Centered. However, I understand that each person is different, therefore, I would tailor my treatment approach to meet the individual need of each client in order to support and encourage positive change. I believe that I can assist and be the most effective by providing a nonjudgmental environment and being my authentic self. I pride myself on being an active listener and effective communicator, and I am passionate about what I do. Although I am a counselor, I believe in customer service and take it as an honor when given the opportunity to assist with changing lives.

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Monica Garnett

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCPC,LAADC,CADTP
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCompassion fatigue
3 years of experience

Hi I’m Monica, Are you feeling stuck, unsettled and ready to regain some normalcy in your life? Are you hoping to become the best version of yourself? Allow me to assist you in becoming more self-aware and regaining more control of your life. I am a licensed counselor for the state of Illinois and a certified substance abuse counselor for California. My experiences have allowed me to work with diverse clientele ranging from children and adolescents to adults with varying needs. My therapeutic style is collaborative and engaging and I assist you in learning to live an enriched and full life. I have fifteen years’ experience working with individuals who needed help with emotional regulation, developing coping strategies, struggling with alcohol, drug or behavioral addictions as well as with individuals or couples needing to enhance their communication skills. I also have several years of experience working with veterans. I offer phone and video sessions for clients who are distancing or quarantined. I have immediate openings for new clients. Allow me to assist you in taking the next step towards living a more fulfilled life!

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Kristina Marquez

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with over 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, 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.

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Holly Caruso

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida & Illinois with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbt-related issues, relationship issues, & 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. 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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Danae Ganos

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
24 years of experience

Hello, My name is Danae Ganos. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker practicing and able to work with clients who are in the state of Illinois during the times of their sessions. I received my Bachelor's degree from Judson University and my Master's degree from Loyola University in Chicago. I have over 23 years of professional work experience in both community mental health and private practice settings. My areas of expertise include: developing coping skills to manage anxiety and depression, moving through grief and loss, healing from abuse and trauma, dealing with transition, managing stress, and codependency. I am also well-versed and comfortable in working with multiple other issues such as family-of-origin, communication, self-love, isolation and loneliness, guilt and shame, recovery after divorce or separation, and women's issues. My treatment approach varies somewhat depending upon the issues being addressed, but most frequently I find client-centered and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to be the most effective. I strongly encourage clients to make use of homework assignments in-between sessions. I have found that most of the real work of therapy happens in between sessions when practicing what is learned during session takes place. It takes a lot of courage to take that first step in reaching out for help on a journey of growth and change. I believe that every person has many strengths that will help them in overcoming challenges along the way. If you think that working with me is a good fit, I look forward to listening to you, to learning your story, and to walking alongside you as you continue to move closer towards wholeness and health. "The world breaks everyone and afterwards many are strong at the broken places." ~ Earnest Hemingway

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Maria Daly

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

Hello and Welcome, I am Maria Daly, a skilled therapist licensed to serve clients who are residents of Illinois. My experience over the past 12 years has been counseling adults coping with grief, depression, anxiety, trauma, aging, and LGBTQ+ issues, as well as other areas. My approach to therapy is integrative, collaborative, and patient. I provide a safe and nonjudgmental space for clients to explore their experiences and discuss issues that they face and are seeking assistance with. My goal is to work together toward healing/acceptance or whatever the goal may be that promotes a happier and healthier functioning client. I believe that having an understanding of why we suffer emotionally is important to processing and working through our past and present experiences. Therefore, in guiding clients (you) with education, and then building on that knowledge, helps to promote psychological growth and mastery of your own life. I realize that, at times it takes courage to reach out for help and I admire you for taking a step toward a more fulfilled and happier life. I am here to support and empower you on that journey.

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Kristin Agnew

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
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, family conflicts, 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. 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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Tilaya Bradford-Hollins

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 36 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. 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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DeLena Byanski

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

I am a licensed Licensed Clinical Social Worker and hold Type 73 Certification as a School Social Worker in the state of Illinois with 10 years of professional work experience. I graduated with my master's degree in social work at Aurora University. I have experience supporting families through trauma, grief and loss, anxiety, and parenting. I have worked with individuals and families in a variety of settings such as crisis intervention, schools, and the residential setting. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I draw from various therapeutic methodologies, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). I aim to make each and every individual feel supported, safe, and heard in the therapeutic space. I think knowing the whole person and utilizing their strengths are key to empowering clients in reaching their goals. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. 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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