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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Grant Barlow

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: MA,LCPC
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
6 years of experience

Greetings, and thank you for considering me as your counselor! My name is Grant Barlow, and I’m a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor living and working in the Chicago-land area. First, a bit about my experience. During my six years in the mental health field I’ve worked with a wide variety of clients, all with different backgrounds and unique concerns. Some of my more recent experience has been working with individuals who have few resources or external support. From this experience, I’ve learned how critical it is to draw out a person’s inner-strengths and abilities to help them reach their goals or manage their concerns. I believe that each individual is, in many ways, the chief expert on themselves. It’s my goal to align with them, so I can better coach and guide them to find solutions. Secondly, some information about my approach. With each client, I approach using a person-centered model. This means I work hard to foster a trusting relationship as we identify areas of specific focus. My approach tends to be solutions-oriented, while also drawing quite a bit from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I’ve also received training in adopting different modes of spirituality into counseling, if this is something that is of interest to you. Whether you’re dealing with recent stressful life transitions, anxiety or depression, relational concerns, addiction, trauma, or any other challenges -- I’ve found that having a counselor present can be monumental in helping a person regain purpose, joy, and vitality in life. The first step can oftentimes be the most intimidating, so again I say thank you for your courage and willingness to take that first step. I look forward to working with you soon.

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Linda Gonzalez

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefAnger managementDepression
20 years of experience

Hello, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with extensive experience counseling individuals and groups in residential and community-based settings. If you are struggling to cope with addiction, anxiety, depression, grief, loneliness, stress, or new or worsening health issues - I can help. I will provide a safe space for you to express your needs and desires, work with you to examine, explore and expand your understanding of your situation and help you align your actions and intentions. My approach is collaborative and strength-based and my techniques are influenced by cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness. I believe that you have the power to make decisions and take actions that will lead to a more fulfilling life. Let's get started today!

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Lauren Madden

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCoaching
13 years of experience

Clinical Supervisor and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, serving nonprofit agencies for the past 8 years, highlighting practice in Responsible Eclecticism and the Contextual Model for treatment of Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders. Currently, I am serving the addiction community working primarily with men and young adults. Prior experience includes work with sex offenders, chronic mental illness, crisis management, and life change support. Picking a counselor is a tough thing, especially when you are unsure what you fully need. Let me help! Individualized care begins by leading clients into self-awareness, with emphasis on overall wellness and exploration of interests, strengths, and abilities among the various domains of life. Coining terms like the “Treatment Crush”, importance is placed on developing rapport and the significance of the therapeutic relationship in bettering client outcomes.

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Rochelle McGhee

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: MA,LCPC,CADC
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemBipolar disorderDepressionCoping with life changes
18 years of experience

Hello! My name is Rochelle McGhee and I applaud you for reaching out to take care of yourself. Here is a bit of information about me and my therapy style. My master’s degree is in Clinical Psychology. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) for Illinois and have over 15 years of experience providing counseling services. In 2018, I obtained certification (CADC) to assist people working to address alcohol and substance abuse issues. I incorporate a variety of modalities into the therapeutic process, based on your needs; however, my overall approach is based on the principles of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) – a form of cognitive behavior therapy. This type of therapy places a heavy emphasis on learning mindfulness skills to help you manage your thoughts and attention. DBT also helps you develop a toolbox of other skills to manage emotions, address interpersonal challenges, and relieve chronic distress. I have supported individuals with a variety of challenges such as depression, anxiety, conflicts within families and other relationships, traumatic histories, and difficulties regarding forgiveness. Every therapist has a personal style. Mine is anchored in respect for the client and your innate ability to grow and meet goals. I have a patient approach while maintaining the focus needed to move forward. My intention is to always assist clients in feeling empowered, heard, and valued. I consider us to be partners on a journey, figuring out what works best in creating a life for you that is manageable and meaningful. I check for messages throughout the day, as my schedule allows. This means that if you reach out to me on one of my scheduled workdays, my goal is to respond within that same day. On other days, it may take up to 24 hours for me to respond. I also offer morning and afternoon appointments for live sessions, 3 days per week. I am ready to support you and look forward to our work together!

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Bethany Porter

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: MSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesCoping with life changesADHD
7 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Illinois. I have worked with clients with various concerns including anxiety, depression, emotional and physical trauma, family conflict, and attention disorders such as ADHD. I have significant experience in adoption and foster care related issues as well. I have worked in group therapy, individual psychotherapy as well as working in community services. I am a strengths focused counselor which means I focus on what you naturally do well at and help you build on those strengths to reach your goals. Your goals are important to the healing process and together we will create a plan to help you identify what is most important to you. I meet each of my clients where they are at and provide a safe space to explore what you need for better mental and emotional health. This is YOUR journey and you have strengths inside of YOU that will propel you forward to find peace of mind, true happiness and contentment inside of you. I commonly use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Solution Focused Therapy however there are other modalities that I am familiar with and will implement them when it best fits the client. Life can be tough but I believe there is always hope for a better future. I am excited to go on this journey with you and watch you excel in your mental and emotional health!

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Karen OBrien

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: MSW,LCSW,CADC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
15 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years’ experience working with individuals, families, and couples. I encourage a therapeutic relationship based on respect, compassion, and sensitivity. Additionally, I encourage clients to utilize their strengths as tools to address their needs, life challenges, and enable progressions. Some common themes clients and I have worked through are depression, anxiety, communication skills, addiction, loss, grief, relationship issues, divorce, LGBTQ struggles and domestic violence. I approach therapy with an eclectic perspective by utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Family Systems, Motivational Interviewing, Client-Centered Therapy, and Narrative Therapy. While also incorporating my professional and academic background in trauma, addiction, crisis intervention, domestic violence, divorce mediation, and community mental health during the session. I strive to meet you where you are and collaboratively develop a treatment plan to address your needs. Taking the first steps toward change takes courage, if you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you!

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Kristy Scholtes

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW,MSW
Stress, AnxietyGriefParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
15 years of experience

Hello, I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has a passion for helping others. I have over 15 years experience with people of all ages, who come from various types of backgrounds and have struggled with many different types of challenges. Many of my clients have struggled with anxiety, stress, depression or trauma. I have a significant amount of experience working with young people on the Autism spectrum, with ADHD or with emotional disabilities. Supporting my clients as individuals, as parents or as a family through life experiences is my overall purpose. I strongly believe in building a strong connection first with clients. Our first session together will focus on your goals for treatment and the type of support you are looking for from a therapist. I have strong listening skills and an ability to support others towards whatever their goals may be. I am currently offering direct messaging and LiveChat sessions only. Video and phone session time slots are filled already, so I can not accept any additional clients with the preference for only those services. I know selecting a therapist can be a difficult decision and would be honored to work with you.

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Karen Roach

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf esteem
20 years of experience

Hi there! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois with over 20 years experience working with kids, adults, and families. My passion is helping you resolve stress and anxiety that impacts your day to day life. I especially love supporting women, moms and educators to better understand the behaviors and emotions of kids that causes disruption to the family or school environment. My therapeutic approach is understanding, non-judgmental and collaborative. I lean into my expertise of the stress response system and use a variety of modalities to help balance the stress response while also building a client's toolbox of strategies. Other professional work includes school social work and teaching graduate level students in a Master of Social Work program. As a full-time school social worker, my general availability for phone and video sessions will be early mornings and mid to late afternoons during the typical school year. Messaging is also convenient and accessible throughout each day! I'm excited to get to know you and support you on your journey!

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Cassandra Laskowski

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

I work best with neurodivergent, gen X and Z, and self-identified queer individuals. I have experience in helping clients with anxiety, lgbt-related issues, & trauma and abuse. I believe 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! Please reach out for availability. I have very few evening and no appointments available Friday -Sunday. Feel free to visit my Psychology Today or my web page for information about in person therapy, virtual therapy and ketamine assisted psychotherapy. https://theroadlesstraveledcounseling.net/ https://www.psychologytoday.com/profile/1016375

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Nicole Krause

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemCoping with life changes
14 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 12 years of clinical experience; most recently specializing in addictions for the past 6 years. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I use a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Solution Focused Therapy. I work closely with my clients to create goals based on the achievements they are looking to attain and to identify techniques which can change their debilitating thoughts, feelings and behaviors. I play a very active role in therapy by listening and offering empathic feedback. 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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Anthony Kokalj

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

I am licensed in Illinois with 14 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. 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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Tasleem Pierce

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepressionCompassion fatigue
6 years of experience

Hello! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & 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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Dr. John Reid

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyLGBTAnger managementDepressionCoping with life changes
21 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois and Kansas with 21 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with lgbtq+ related issues, anger management, & 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.

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Dr. Entisar Hamid

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: Maa,Edd,Loc
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
12 years of experience

I am licensed in Arizona with 10 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 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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Abani Dhewajoo

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteemCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

I have been working as a professional social worker for the past 13 years and I am licensed in Illinois with 6 years of experience as a therapist. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, anger management, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. My therapy style is warm and interactive and I use strength based perspective. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, dialectic-behavior, humanistic and psychodynamic therapy. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. 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.

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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