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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Brittany Vaughn

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
12 years of experience

Welcome to BetterHelp. Life events can cause anyone to experience symptoms of anxiety and/or depression. How you respond to these symptoms makes all the difference in your overall health. Together we will work to identify your goals of managing these symptoms and develop steps to reduce their affect on your day to day life. Sometimes these life events are traumatic, which can cause much longer term effects on your health. Processing trauma, no matter how long ago it happened, is vital to moving forward past the traumatic event. A little bit about me personally. I am a Southern Illinois native. I attended SIU and completed my Bachelor’s of Social Work in December of 2012. After taking a semester off, I moved forward to obtain my Masters of Social Work which I completed in May of 2014. Since completing my education, I have worked as a therapist with adolescents with extreme trauma in a residential setting. I then worked with the public schools in Williamson County to provide therapy in the schools to students with a variety of disorders, including behavior disturbances. I have worked with children, adolescents, and adults in an outpatient setting for the past 3 years. I have found that therapy is my passion and I look forward to helping you discover how therapy can improve your quality of life.

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Dr. James Geidner

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: PhD,LCPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepression
20 years of experience

Dr. Jim Geidner has over 20 years of clinical experience working in a wide variety of settings, including psychiatric rehabilitation, child treatment centers and universities. He is currently a Professor of Health and Counseling and also works in private practice. With vast experience as a Clinical Supervisor at a wide variety of institutions, including Rush Memorial Hospital, University of Chicago, University of Wisconsin, among others, Dr. Geidner is well versed in numerous modes of therapy. His approach to therapy emphasizes finding the right treatment modality to meet each client's unique needs.

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Dr. Pamela Vernon Stewart

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: Psy.D., CADC, LCPC
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepression
7 years of experience

Hello, I am pleased to introduce myself to you. My name is Dr. Pamela Vernon Stewart. I hold a doctorate in Clinical Psychology with a minor in Health Psychology. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) in the State of Illinois. I am well experienced in individual therapy with adults 18 years and older. I earned my degrees (B.S., M.A. and Psy.D.) at Loyola University and the Illinois School of Professional Psychology. Some of my experience includes hospital practice, residential facilities and outpatient clinics. I have five years of intensive experience covering a wide range of concerns. These include trauma (emotional and physical), grief, depression, anxiety, alcohol and substance abuse, stress, neglect, discrimination, cultural identity difficulty, personality disorders, eating disorders, OCD, ADHD, college issues, and health issues including chronic pain, AIDS, Lupus and Diabetes across genders and age groups. In addition, I have experience working with individuals for anger management, communication problems, and relaxation and meditation for stress reduction. I enjoy working with people of all cultures. I believe in a holistic biopsychosocial approach to assessment and treatment that attends to the client’s mind, body and spirit. My therapy style is integrative (motivational interviewing, psycho-dynamic, behavioral, cognitive-behavioral, DBT, EFT, and so on) collaborative and client-centered at the core. I also have clinical training and experience in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprogramming (EMDR). My therapeutic style is interactive and driven by warmth, sensitivity and empathy. Stalwart ethical principles guide me. Together we will develop your unique treatment plan, one that will meet your specific needs. I applaud you for seeking help. This takes strength and courage. If you are ready to take the first step, I am here to empower you and help you reach the fulfillment of a happier life. I look forward to a rich clinical therapeutic experience with you. With great enthusiasm, Pamela Vernon Stewart, Psy.D., CADC, LCPC

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Jessica Grayer-Brumfield

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyGriefDepression
10 years of experience

Greetings and Salutations! I am Jessica Brumfield, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Being proactive by seeking help during challenging times is an act of strength. As we progress through life, our perspectives, needs and goals change, which can cause stress, even lead to feeling unfulfilled. Experiencing difficulties in relationships, at work, pressure from family or being uncertain about the future are common issues that often lead people to therapy. You are not alone. Many clients seek to learn coping skills, how to foster healthy relationships, become motivated or want to figure out how to strike a balance in their lives. Therapy has a learning curve and it requires effort, patience, and openness. Results are reflective of the work that is put into it. The goals and pace of sessions will be by your design. I am committed to creating a non-judgmental space and partnering with you to explore your challenges, build on your strengths and make progress towards the changes that you want to see. I look forward to learning more about you and working together. ;)

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Dorian Turner

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsDepressionCoping with life changesADHD
12 years of experience

Hello! Welcome to the BetterHelp community! My name is Dorian Turner and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker practicing in Chicago, IL. I have been providing psychotherapy for a wide variety of issues and populations for 5 + years. I graduated from Chicago State University with a Master in Social Work. I have spent most of my career working with youth in the school setting, seniors and the disabled in the community mental health setting as well as in the hospital setting. I would describe my approach as goal oriented, and client centered. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). Both modalities are hands-on, practical approaches to problem-solving. CBT treatment usually involves efforts to change thinking patterns and or behaviors. The goals are to change patterns of thinking or behavior that are behind difficult situations, and so change the way they feel. This helps people identify faulty or unhelpful ways of thinking and learn better ways of coping with life's full variety of stressors.

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Ana Herrera

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCoaching
15 years of experience

Hello, I'm so glad that you have taken on this journey of growth and healing. I am excited to be the person who will walk this path with you. My name is Ana and I have been in the helping profession for over 15 years, working with teens and adults. I use an eclectic approach to build our therapeutic relationship and best meet your needs through active listening and empathy. I draw from a variety of methods to create a tailored approach for each individual and situation, which includes training in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing), CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), Solution Focused Treatment, and Mindfulness. I also incorporate nature walks into practice as part of talk therapy. I also have extensive experience with trauma, anxiety, depression, mindfulness, and first generation college and career work as well as life transitions. I am glad you are here and hope to be able to join you on your journey.

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Dr. Benjamin Lough

Offering therapy in Illinois
GriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
19 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 18 years of professional work experience. I specialize in helping clients to cope with life changes as they navigate the big questions of life. My therapeutic approach is integrative, with a focus on existential-humanistic, solution-focused, and strengths-based therapy methods. I operate on the understanding that each person is unique, and that different approaches work best for different people. My counseling style is interactive and holistic. We will work on resolving your present challenges by looking at schemas or "life traps" that you developed in your past but continue to carry into your current ways of thinking about the world. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. I look forward to working with you as you navigate your journey.

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Brenda Post

Offering therapy in Illinois
AddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepression
25 years of experience

I have been a clinician for 25 years and am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of Illinois as well as the State of Tennessee. I have both Bachelors and Masters degrees from the University of Illinois Social Work, Urbana, IL. I provide counseling and assessment for adults and have extensive experience working with elderly and Veteran individuals with diverse and complicated issues. I have experience in helping clients coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, motivation, relationships, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. 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 change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey by providing a secure, attentive, and supportive environment.

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Jennifer McNamer

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois with over 5 years of professional work experience. I obtained a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of the Cumberlands and have worked as a clinician in community mental health and private practice. I have experience providing mental health services to adults who have experienced depression, stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, and career difficulties. I believe that therapy is a collaborative process that helps to increase self-awareness, gain new perspectives, decrease symptoms, and increase personal strengths to create more meaningful life experiences. I strive to create a warm and welcoming environment in order to promote a safe space for you to heal. 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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Angelo Georgacopoulos

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoaching
13 years of experience

Hi. My name is Angelo Georgacopoulos. I am licensed in Illinois as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with over 12 years experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, family conflicts, self-esteem, confidence and 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. 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 help navigate & empower you in that journey.

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David Mingus

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
35 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 30 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 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.

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Andrienne Horton-Smith

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

I am a licensed clinical professional counselor in the state of Illinois with over 20 years of clinical experience. I am adept in the implementation of individual & group counseling, life coaching, and mentoring, specifically focusing on the importance of understanding one’s concept of self-worth. My expertise is in helping clients with processing emotional stressors triggered by anxiety, depression and unresolved generational trauma. I believe that you are the expert of your life story with many strengths and emerging strengths that will assist you in processing the emotional stressors that challenge you. Taking the first step towards seeking a more fulfilling and joyous life takes courage. I am here to support you in that journey, and I look forward to working with you!

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Tade Akere

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefDepression
8 years of experience

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!

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Debra Wallace

Offering therapy in Illinois
Relationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesDepression
21 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy related issues, & parenting issues. 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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Laurie Gray

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesSelf esteemADHD
16 years of experience

I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois with over 16 years of experience working working with teens, adults, and families. I have helped clients with a variety of presenting issues, including stress anxiety, relationship issues, parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, and ADHD. I believe that you are the expert of your own story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming challenges. I am passionate about empowering individuals and families through a strength-based, solution-focused approach to care. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am excited to partner with you on this 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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