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.

Richard Rodgers
About Me: I'm Rick, an Afghanistan veteran whose journey into mental health began upon returning from service with the Army National Guard. Witnessing friends struggle with substance abuse, depression, and PTSD inspired me to dedicate my career to supporting veterans and others navigating tough times. Education and Experience: Holding a Bachelor's in Community Health, I pursued my passion further by obtaining a Master of Social Work (MSW) and becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), a process that took five dedicated years. I've been working in the mental health and addiction field for about 10 years, starting in the military and moving through both inpatient and outpatient settings. My specialization is in addiction, but I have extensive experience with depression, anxiety, and trauma. I am also a Certified Trauma Therapy Professional. Treatment Approach: My approach is deeply personal and holistic, combining talk therapy with techniques like EMDR, Internal Family Systems, and iRest Yoga Nidra. I tailor my methods to meet your unique needs, whether you're dealing with addiction, PTSD, or the aftermath of abuse. I aim to listen, understand your perspective, and collaboratively develop a plan for positive change. My focus is on empowerment, helping you navigate your past to build a stronger, more resilient future. How I Can Help: I understand that everyone's journey is different; some seek support, while others look for structured therapy. I'm here to provide what you need, from someone to talk to, to giving encouragement, or formal therapeutic interventions. My goal is to be a positive influence, helping you through whatever challenges you face, whether they're related to relationships, career, or other life issues, including working with individuals with criminal backgrounds. Personal Life: In my free time, I cherish moments with my family and pets, and I enjoy attending sporting events and concerts. This balance outside of work keeps me grounded, ensuring I bring a compassionate, empathetic approach to my practice. I'm committed to meeting you where you are on your journey, offering a space where healing, growth, and positive change are not just possible but achievable.

Ednina Welters
Hi! My name is Ednina, and I am an Illinois Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, and Professional School Counselor with over 6 years experience working with adolescents, adults, and couples with concerns ranging from anxiety, depression, and social/ relationship issues, to academic/ career challenges, and substance abuse problems. My experience also includes working with those in the LGBTQ community and with individuals suffering from abuse and PTSD. My counseling approach is Person-Centered, meaning that I believe that everyone has a natural motivation to grow in positive ways and the ability to carry out that growth process. I use theories and interventions primarily from Cognitive Behavior Therapy, which addresses changing thoughts, feelings and behaviors which cause distress; Rational Emotive Therapy, which focuses on changing beliefs so that they reflect more moderate, healthy emotions and behaviors; and aspects of Reality therapy, which involves exploring and evaluating wants and choices to determine if they are realistic and attainable. I enjoy working with individuals from various cultural backgrounds and strive to create an environment that is accepting, caring, and safe. I believe that counseling should be interactive, and is best viewed as a collaborative venture wherein clients feel free to express themselves, are guided in determining achievable goals, and are assisted in finding more adaptable ways of thinking, feeling, and behaving which lead to a more harmonious and satisfying life. I look forward to walking with you along this journey!

Sara Gonzalez
I am licensed in Illinois with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety & parenting issues. I also have experience working with coping 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. 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.

Julianna Murphy
I am licensed in Illinois with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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.

Laura Rubenstein
I am licensed in Illinois with 22 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. 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.

Camille Sears
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Licensed Art Therapist with 10 years of professional work experience. Do you feel like everyone else received a set of instructions on how life operates that you are missing? Do you feel like you are always playing catch up just to meet normal expectations? I am here to translate the manual of life. We together will navigate every intersection in life while discovering your best self. I specialize in art therapy as a modality of counseling because it encourages processing emotions through creative expression. Art therapy accesses the right hemisphere of the brain where all emotional and traumatic memories are stored. Each session I create an individualized approach through combining traditional talk therapy techniques with specialized art therapy prompts in order to help individuals release life's emotional and mental blocks. I am excited to begin this journey with you.

Tade Akere
I am licensed in Illinois with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & coping with grief and loss. 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!

Cyd O'Neal
I am licensed in Illinois with 25 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 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.

Karla Suarez
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) with over 9 years of experience in the mental health field. I am passionate about helping individuals navigate life's challenges. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working with clients of all ages, from children to adults, and have a strong focus on supporting minority communities. 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! I understand that each person's journey is unique, and I strive to provide a safe, compassionate, culturally sensitive, and client-centered approach to therapy. Whether you're managing anxiety, depression, trauma, or navigating life transitions, I am here to offer support and tools for growth and healing. Let's work together to create a path toward well-being.

Kelly Fitzgerald
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 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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