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.

 

This is Lindsay DeMarlie's avatar and link to their profile

Lindsay DeMarlie

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LISW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
10 years of experience

Welcome, I'm so glad that you have reached out for help! My name is Lindsay, and I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois and a Licensed Independent Social Worker in Iowa. Currently, I'm a therapist that works for a local community mental health center where I provide individual, family, and couple's counseling. Most clients I work with have been diagnosed with depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder different personality disorders, or bipolar disorder. I have extensive training in trauma, both with trauma occurring in childhood, such as physical, sexual, or emotional abuse, and adult trauma, such as sexual assault or domestic violence. My approach in therapy is client centered, open, and non-judgmental. I use cognitive behavioral, rational emotive, dialectical behavior, strength-based and trauma informed therapy. Clients identify their goals and desired outcomes, and I'm there to assist in the therapeutic process. Each client I work with is met with understanding and empathy. I look forward to working with you.

This is Troy Johnson's avatar and link to their profile

Troy Johnson

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW
LGBTRelationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteemCoaching
8 years of experience

Welcome! Are you ready for a truly transformative therapy experience? I’m Troy—a therapist who “gets it.” In a world often shaped by heteronormative expectations and conservative viewpoints, I offer a refreshingly affirming and queer-centric approach to therapy. Rooted in inclusivity and guided by a socially conscious, non-religious framework, I specialize in helping clients find authenticity and empowerment. Whether you're navigating personal challenges, exploring your identity, or working through systemic barriers, my practice is a space where you can feel safe, valued, and understood. What I Offer: I work with individuals seeking clarity, growth, and empowerment. My areas of focus include: Exploring and affirming queer identities Addressing anxiety, depression, and life transitions Supporting polyamorous relationships and alternative lifestyles Gender Dysphoria Assessments and Letters of Support for gender-affirming surgery (available through my private practice) My Approach on BetterHelp: I use BetterHelp as a way to meet new clients and introduce myself in a safe, no-commitment environment. It’s an opportunity for us to see if we’re a good match for longer-term work together. My focus here is short-term, goal-oriented care, typically lasting anywhere from 2 to 6 sessions. I don’t provide long-term care on BetterHelp because my availability on this platform is limited; I only accept new BetterHelp clients once or twice a year. If we both agree that continued work together would be beneficial, I’ll help transition you to my private practice, where we can develop a personalized, in-depth approach tailored to your needs. Transition to Private Practice: For long-term therapy, I offer comprehensive services in my private practice, including: Flexible cash rates comparable to subscription costs Insurance options, including United/Optum, BCBS, and Aetna A limited number of discounted session rates for those who qualify Access to my full therapy schedule for greater flexibility To learn more about my private practice, visit www.queertalktherapy.com. About Me: Beyond my professional expertise, I bring warmth, understanding, and a deep commitment to creating a space where you can feel truly seen and heard. My clients describe me as approachable, insightful, and someone who genuinely "gets it." Whether you're working through a challenging time or simply looking to better understand yourself, I’m here to guide you with empathy and evidence-based strategies. Let’s work together to make meaningful, lasting change. I look forward to connecting with you!

This is Patti Hampsten's avatar and link to their profile

Patti Hampsten

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: MA,LCPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesEating disordersDepression
3 years of experience

I have a Master's degree in clinical psychology and am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of Illinois. I have worked in the field in one capacity or another since 1988, mostly in the community mental health arena which provided me the opportunity to develop skills in a variety of areas, even though I began my career as an addictions counselor. I am currently part of a private practice group as well as providing clinical supervision to our local problem solving court clients including participants in drug court, mental health court and veterans court. I believe that in order to help people make positive changes, one must first acknowledge and accept where they are without judgement or shame. I think people need to have their feelings validated and it must be understood that there is a logic and motivation behind every human behavior. A client centered approach is vital to building a trusting relationship to help people move from where they are to where they want to be. I use a variety of approaches along the way as people grow and change. I typically start off with a client centered approach and motivational interviewing. From there, I like to tailor the counseling to best fit the client's goals and what they want to achieve. The strategies I most commonly draw on are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and other skills building approaches. My counseling style is casual and inviting. I want for clients to feel comfortable and safe to discuss whatever they need to and to leave each session feeling like they at least received compassionate care and hopefully a new tool for their tool box of coping skills. I would be honored to embark on your healing journey with you and look forward to working with you to help you reach your goals!

This is Maria "Patti" Lorenzo's avatar and link to their profile

Maria "Patti" Lorenzo

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCPC
Trauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changesCoaching
12 years of experience

Often times, a crisis occurs when a client experiences a duality between his or her inner world and the external environment in which he or she lives in. This client may be going through a life transition related to loss of a loved one, job loss, aging, or even changes in health conditions. He or she may even be struggling internally to make a decision more aligned with their authentic selves such as gender, relationship styles, and vocational interests. The goal for this client is to achieve quality of life and fulfillment without denying himself or herself of his or her true identity and human condition. Being an artist, I use creativity when interacting with clients. My approach is a mix of talk therapy, strength-based approaches, and alternative techniques such as play, art-making, and meditation. My role as a therapist is to provide a safe, validating space for the client. The goal is to assist clients in finding and designing their own individual blueprint for building a quality life for themselves.

This is Laura Sollenberger's avatar and link to their profile

Laura Sollenberger

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCPC,NCC,FT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
30 years of experience

Hello. My name is Laura Sollenberger and I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in the state of Illinois. I am also a Fellow in Thanatology (FT), which is the specialty counseling focus on dying and bereavement. I graduated from Bradley University with a master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and have clinical experience in private practice, not-for-profit and hospital and hospice settings. While I hold specialty credentials in the area of grief and loss, I have 30 years of experience helping clients with a variety of issues when life becomes challenging. I have had the honor of companioning people through some of the hardest, most vulnerable times of their lives. I can help you with relationship concerns, parenting, adjustment to health and life circumstance changes, compassion fatigue, career motivation, grief and loss, and personal growth. You will find that I am easy to talk to, yet will hold you accountable for what you want to achieve through counseling. Your time is valuable and I can help you move from where you are to where you want to be. Together, we can partner to work towards your goals. I draw from a variety of theoretical approaches and promise to meet you where you are on your life journey. Reach out to me today and let's get started on you!

This is Daffaney Burnside's avatar and link to their profile

Daffaney Burnside

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
8 years of experience

I am a individual and family therapist licensed in Illinois with over 5 years of experience working as a psychotherapist in both inpatient and outpatient settings. I have specialized experience working in residential based treatment providing long term care-treatment as well as short term crisis outpatient-field work. I have worked with clients with a range of concerns and diagnoses including depression, anxiety, parenting problems, abandonment issues, grief and loss, trauma, mood disorders, etc. As a child, I always wanted to pursue a career where I could assist with an individual’s growth, creativity and happiness. I learned at a young age the struggles that life can bring, not only through the inevitable, but also through situational traumas that we at times have to face and endure. Being an active member in the clinical field of helping professionals, I have certainly learned the importance of patience, empathy and peace. Identifying and securing ones’ purpose in life, creates the true masterpiece of one’s story. My goal is to assist you in your journey to self-actualization. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I meet my clients where they are using therapeutic approaches that will better meet their needs. I often use client centered, CBT, DBT and mindfulness therapeutic approaches in my practice. Are you struggling with issues related to trauma, grief, anxiety, or major life changes? There comes a time when help is wanted and needed from a certified professional to cope with many of life’s challenges. I’m a licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and I’m here to support you on your journey toward healing and self-discovery.

This is Gretchen Shay's avatar and link to their profile

Gretchen Shay

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LICSW,LCSW,CADC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsFamily conflictsEating disordersDepression
14 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical social worker licensed in Illinois and Alabama with over 13 years of experience working as a social worker/therapist. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, addiction, co-dependency, interventions and family dynamic issues. I also have experience working with individuals going through various medical diagnosis as well their caregivers from diagnosis to end of life and grief and loss therapy. I have worked with children, adolescents and adults. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic and rational-emotive therapy. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

This is Luqretia Stuckey's avatar and link to their profile

Luqretia Stuckey

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW,CADC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
19 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I began my experience working with individuals in families in 2003. I have the honor of working with all populations including children, adolescents, young adults, middle age adults, older adults and seniors. I am trained to look at situations in a holistic way, bringing people together with others & their communities. As a practitioner, I help individuals address personal & systemic barriers to optimal living. I'm determined to effect positive change with individuals, families, groups and entire communities. I have had the honor of helping individuals live with various mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, high risk psychiatric conditions and personality disorders. My mission it to help individuals & families conquer their personal journey of connecting with their best self through their challenges & truly be honest & genuine with themself as they navigate their life.

This is Raegan Caras's avatar and link to their profile

Raegan Caras

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

I am licensed in Illinois with 20+ years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, depression, coping with grief and loss, and dealing with everyday life stressors. 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.

This is Lawrence Haas's avatar and link to their profile

Lawrence Haas

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepression
3 years of experience

I am a licensed professional counselor in Illinois with 3 years of experience specializing in addressing a wide range of mental health and personal development concerns. My expertise includes providing effective support to individuals dealing with issues such as stress, anxiety, depression, motivation, self-esteem, confidence, and career difficulties. I firmly believe in a strengths-based approach, viewing each client as the expert of their own life story. I am dedicated to helping you harness your unique strengths and abilities to overcome challenges and embark on a journey towards a more fulfilling and happier life. Taking that crucial first step towards personal growth and positive change requires courage, and I am here to provide support throughout your journey.

This is Arielle Valentine's avatar and link to their profile

Arielle Valentine

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyDepression
3 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety & depression. 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.

This is Dr. John Reid's avatar and link to their profile

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.

This is Mary Murdoch's avatar and link to their profile

Mary Murdoch

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepression
28 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 28 years of professional work experience. 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.

This is Christine Barnes's avatar and link to their profile

Christine Barnes

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW-S,LISW-S
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
17 years of experience

I am a seasoned, clinical social worker with ten years of experience with the Department of Veterans Affairs, where I treated veterans with PTSD, depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Prior to my work at the VA, I worked in nursing homes and community mental health centers where I provided psychotherapy and crisis intervention to individuals of all different ages and backgrounds. First and foremost, I consider myself to be a trauma therapist, and I subscribe to the notion that most diagnoses are rooted in adverse experiences from the past. I've been described as "blunt" and "caring" by my clients due to my no-nonsense - yet compassionate - approach to therapy. I consider the greatest compliment that I've ever received to be "You are the person that tells me the truth that I don't want to hear." If you appreciate being called out when you're not being completely honest with yourself, then I just might be the right therapist for you. I look forward to working with you!

This is Kelly Fitzgerald's avatar and link to their profile

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.

Find the right therapist for your needs
Match with a qualified therapist