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.
Thomas "Tom" Malczyk
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois with over 10 years of experience counseling adults who are experience stressful life transitions, adjusting to recently diagnosed illnesses, or grieving a loss, questioning relationships and having difficulty engaging with others. My style as a therapist is warm, empathic, non-judgmental and client-centered. I work best with clients who are and open and willing to engage in the process of therapy. My counseling techniques consist of an eclectic mixture including existential theory, psychodynamic, narrative and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Clients have their own very personal and unique challenges so there is never a one size fits all approach to treatment. Often in therapy, as you begin to experience inner grow, so too do the potential solutions that were previously deemed impossible challenges. One of my key roles is to empower you to connect, explore and apply your inner wisdom. You're sick and tired of wearing that mask and feel like you're starring as an extra in the lives of others. It's so easy to fall into a role that others expect of you. You don't want to let family and friends down so you fake that smile for their sake. You feel stuck and just want to feel better. I'm here to help you start making that happen! I look forward to our work together . Tom Malczyk
Jewel Kristine (Kristy) Hemmele
Hello, my name is Kristy. I have been a licensed clinical professional counselor for over 25 years. Everyone has a story to tell. Everyone also has encountered struggle of some type.. I use primarily solution focused techniques and my faith to help individuals, couples and families find help and feel empowered. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes a great deal of courage to take that first step to reach out and ask for help when going through struggles and attempting to make life changes. I commend you for taking that step and I look forward to hearing your story.
Nichole Molnar
I have extensive experience helping those with depression, anxiety, trauma, and behavioral issues. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who works with individuals, groups, couples, and families. I have a lot of expertise in helping my clients with stress management, self-esteem issues, communication skills, peer conflict, women's issues and men's issues. I believe in building a strong therapeutic relationship and I approach each client individually to determine their course of treatment. I use Cognitive-behavioral therapy/behavioral modification. Both have been researched and supported for the treatment of depression, anxiety, and behavioral problems. I also use Mindfulness techniques to help individuals be present in the moment and learn to take a step back and empower themselves to handle any situation. My philosophy is that clients already hold the skills/tools necessary to improve. I work collaboratively with the clients to help them to achieve their goals. I prefer to see clients as quickly as I can.
Felicia Nicosia
Hello! Making the choice to move towards change takes courage, and inviting someone to support you through that change is an even bigger step. As you consider what type of counselor would be a good fit for you, here is what you need to know about me... I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of Illinois, and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida. I am a graduate of Adler University in Chicago, Illinois. I have a Masters’s degree in Counseling and Art Therapy, and 19 years of experience working in various treatment settings. I have experience in traditional counseling, inpatient psychiatric treatment, foster care and parent coaching, working with at-risk youth, emergency crisis counseling, equine assisted psychotherapy, and Art therapy. I am also a person of faith, and believe that all people have an awareness of the spiritual no matter how it finds expression in their lives. I am comfortable and able to work with people at any stage of their spiritual journey, and whether or not they subscribe to an organized religion. I am comfortable and have experiencing working with both men and women, young, middle age and older adults, and people of all gender and sexual orientations. My theoretical orientation is Adlerian Psychotherapy, however I do employ a eclectic approach to therapy and utilize other theoretical approaches as appropriate based on the needs of the person I am working with. I have a wholistic view of a person’s functioning that takes into consideration environmental factors that include: health conditions, stress level, diet, exercise, rest, relaxation, recreation, sexual function, and spiritual and self expression. When working with me you can expect a helper that respectfully supports you with enthusiasm, hopefulness, warmth, genuineness, cultural sensitivity, care and concern.
Kenneth Stall
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I received my masters degree at the Jane Addams Graduate School of Social Work in Chicago, and my LCSW license in 1990, after taking the first clinical exam ever offered. I have extensive experience working with many different age levels. My post graduate training includes the basic principles of Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT) with Dr. Albert Ellis. I am selective about this style of therapy but also am eclectic about using different techniques such as mindfulness exercises. I have worked extensively counseling children and teenagers troubled with Asperger's Disorder, ADHD, depression, and impulse disorders. My work with adults has included counseling for adult ADHD, career coaching, depression/anxiety and parenting skills, as well as couples counseling. I generally see clients M-F 12 upto 8 PM. Currently, I have a keen interest in working with tennis and golf competitors on the mental side of their sport.
Sara khaledpour
I am licensed in state of Illinois and Missouri with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, eating disorders, & 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. 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.
Cassandra Laskowski
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
Sally Kapela
I am licensed in Illinois with 25 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.
Wade Stark
I am licensed in Illinois with 6 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Andrea Bercos
I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker as well as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor in Illinois with over 20 years of professional work experience. I have a depth of experience working in community mental health, substance abuse treatment centers, domestic violence and sexual assault centers, the public school system and private practice. I have extensive experience working with issues related to childhood trauma and abuse, addictions, low self-esteem, depression, anxiety and LGBTQIA issues, including supporting individuals through the gender transition process. I strive to create an open, safe, and supportive environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared openly without fear of judgment. My clients have described me as safe, free of judgment, empathic, affirming empowering and warm. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy takes courage and I am proud of you for getting started! I look forward to working with you!
Karen Banea
I am licensed in Illinois with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with a wide range of issues including stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, & depression. I also have experience working with people coping with life changes and associated concerns. I have worked in a variety of settings including employee assistance, outpatient mental health clinics, and schools, and have worked with clients ranging in age from young children to adults. I believe strongly in approaching every client from a place of non-judgment and compassion, and my style in therapy is warm and attentive. I primarily operate from a person-centered perspective, but often combine cognitive behavioral, psychodynamic, and attachment-centered approaches as well, depending on your particular needs. I also believe in keeping a sense of humor in session- don't be afraid to laugh or joke with me! I respect the courage that it takes to seek therapy and open up about difficult subjects, and I feel honored to be part of that journey with my clients. I look forward to working with you!
Inga Kriltchev
I am licensed in Illinois with 20 + years of professional work experience. Multifaceted challenges assisting youth and families involved in the foster care system, work with elderly and disabled population have prepared me to help clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I like to frame my work as a life coach, using eclectic and most appropriate treatment approach, but always moving towards an identified goal. 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!
Elif "April" Ilkmen
Nisan Ilkmen, Ph. D., LMFT is the Clinical Training Director of Northern Illinois University department of Marriage and Family Therapy. Dr. Ilkmen’s teaching and clinical interests are related to attachment in romantic relationships and issues of social justice in the field of psychotherapy. Dr. Ilkmen grew up in Turkey, has lived in Canada, and now resides in the U.S. Her immigration experience, and multi-cultural background allowed her to become a culturally sensitive clinician and professor. Her clinical approach is the attachment-based model, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), a model that permeates her clinical practice as well as her teaching and supervision methods. Her approach to therapy is informed by psychodynamic models, helping each individual to understand their unique struggles in the past and present in order to facilitate internal change. Dr. Ilkmen practices in Turkish, French and English.
Marilyn Medow
I have 35 years of professional experience and am licensed in Illinois. My expertise includes helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, and parenting challenges to name a few. I work with clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings are shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy is courageous. I am proud of you for getting started! I began by specializing in domestic violence, child welfare and crisis intervention . I have extensive experience with trauma. During my career, my skills have expanded to include many varied modalities and specialties. As a psychotherapist , I have acquired a body of knowledge that I daily integrate into my professional practice. My approach is distinct with each client depending on their individual issues and circumstances. I provide a fresh approach on life’s challenges. A new perspective often brings relief to clients and allows them to be open to a new direction with new behaviors. I have overcome various experiences in life with the help of psychotherapy. This led me into the profession; helping people to heal. I received my undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point and earned my master's degree from Smith College. I welcome new clients with open arms. I am with them throughout each phase of their journey of healing and self-discovery.
Amanda Straka
I am licensed in Illinois with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with addictions, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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.
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:
- 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 featur
- 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 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.
Popular cities in Illinois
- Chicago, IL
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- Rockford, IL
- Naperville, IL
- Springfield, IL
- Peoria, IL
- Elgin, IL
- Waukegan, IL
- Champaign, IL
- Cicero, IL
- Bloomington, IL
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