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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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.
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Nichole Tackett
My therapeutic lens sees you as your greatest resource; you are the expert on your life, therefore the work we do together is truly collaborative. Secondly, I understand that we humans are dynamic and complicated, made more so not just by our unique personalities and life experiences, but even by the environment in which we live and grow, as such I work to take all of these facets into consideration during our work together. I have worked with people challenged by life changes, financial limitations, workplace dysfunction, trauma, boundary creation/implementation/maintenance/violation, relationship issues, as well as anxiety, depression, and ADHD. My practice centers around the person in their environment, with an emphasis on social justice and the effects of systemic oppression. I advocate journaling and wholistic well-being practices which include self-care, collective well-being, mindfulness, meditation, self-love, and self-forgiveness to all. I use a combination of cognitive-behavioral, psycho education, psycho dynamic, solution focused, humanistic, and strength-based treatment approaches. I have a reputation for being genuine, direct, trustworthy, nonjudgmental, and easy to talk to.
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Barbara Barr
Hello and Welcome. My name is Barbara Barr and I am a Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor with over 25 years of experience. Throughout my years of providing professional counseling, I have worked with individuals, teenagers, families and couples. My counseling focus addresses an array of issues including depression, anxiety, sexual, physical and emotional abuse and trauma, eating disorders, addiction issues, individual and adolescent counseling, couples counseling, and family relationship issues. My counseling style has been described as warm, sensitive, supportive, helpful and effective. I strive to help my clients feel safe, comfortable and trusting in me as their clinician, and comfortable to explore thoughts and feelings in a safe and trusting place free of judgment. It is important to me that you feel understood, really listened to, and confident in my ability to help you achieve your goals. I believe in emphasizing each person’s internal feelings, thoughts and sense of basic human worth. It is important for me to help individuals understand their own potential, accept themselves and others as unique individuals, and help individuals to take a problem-centered approach to life situations. Online counseling may be new for many individuals, yet it is being described as extremely comfortable, convenient, and very effective. Our work together will be structured to meet your specific and individual needs and comfort level. Please feel free to ask any questions you may have, and I will be happy to respond with any information you may need, including reviewing the process with you. Live video sessions are scheduled between 6:00am EST. - 2:00pm EST; I am looking forward to this journey with you and look forward to hearing from you.
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Loni Nolte
Welcome to betterhelp, I am so excited for this opportunity to work with you. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 13 years of experience. I have worked with people of all ages from 3- 90 and with a wide variety of struggles, such as grief, chronic pain, adjusting to new life circumstances, woman's issues, parenting challenges, ADHD, teen independence, LGBTQ, anxiety and depression. I believe in speaking honestly and directly while meeting people where they are at in life. While I bring experience and knowledge no one knows you better than yourself so my aim is to understand the challenges you are facing and help you overcome them. Life is full of tests and challenges for which we can become stronger with the tools and resilience to master. I have a strong creative side and look for fun ways that are unique to you to make a tailor fit approach.
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Stuart Marcus
I am licensed in Florida and Illinois with 35 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationships, family conflicts, 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. 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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Chandra Dockery
I am licensed in Illinois with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with 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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Rachel Hoyt
I am licensed in Illinois with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & parenting issues. I have experience with adoption, foster care, and non traditional family arrangements. 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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James (Jimmy) Clifton
My name is James W. Clifton. I am licensed in the State of Indiana as a Mental Health Counselor and as a Clinical Social Worker. I am also licensed in Idaho (LCPC), Vermont (LCMHC), Utah (CMHC), and New Hampshire as a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker. I have a Master of Science in Psychology from California Coast University. I teach clients how to change their thinking, be responsible for their feelings, and make better choices. I look forward to working with you. I focus on the present and behaviors and not on the past and feelings. I do not work with anyone under the age of 25 or relationship issues, or family issues, or addiction issues of any kind.
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Selma Rodriguez Freijo
I have worked as a therapist for over 8 years, serving in both private practice and community mental health settings. I graduated with my masters degree in social work from Florida International University in 2016 and I am fully bilingual in English and Spanish. I specialize in using a range of evidence-based modalities including cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based approaches, and psychodynamic approaches. As a therapist I have learned the importance of endorsing a non-judgmental attitude, empathy and flexibility to help patients feel safe and comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings. As a therapist, I am passionate about empowering individuals heal and transform by providing a safe, supportive and non-judgmental space for them to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. My experience as a therapist has taught me the importance of collaboration in the therapeutic process to help uncover inner resources and strengths to overcome challenges and achieve goals.
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Vincent Saxon
I am a current Licensed clinical social worker in Wisconsin with more than 5 years of professional work experience. I specialize in working with clients who may struggle with anxiety, depression, substance use, persistent mental illness, LGBTQ+ related issues, & trauma and abuse. I truly believe everyone deserves compassion and a safe space to land. Therapy sessions are all about what you need and how I can facilitate you reaching your goals! I’m here to support & empower you in your ongoing journey of creating a life worth living.
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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