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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Pat (Patrick) Granada
Hello my name is Pat Granada I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 20 years of experience. I am licensed in Illinois. I earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Truman State University and a Master’s Degree from The University of Illinois School of Social Work. I have worked in many disciplines and populations of Social Work working with children, the physically disabled, the chronically and severe mentally ill, and people with medically induced life changes such as dialysis, and people in hospice. When working with my clients, I provide a warm, supportive and welcoming space that is free from judgement or rejection. I am often told that I am easy to talk with. I enjoy helping individuals meet their desired outcome and I would be delighted to help you reach yours. I have trained social workers to work in the clinical field as well and emphasize the importance of client self change with therapeutic assistance. My therapeutic approaches include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Behavioral Modification, and Mindfulness. These modalities have proven to be highly effective throughout my years of helping others. "This first message may seem very formal, but it is absolutely necessary that I share with you your legal rights for self-care should you experience a crisis or need a higher LOC (level of care). It includes my availability to you to support you along your counseling journey; and, discusses your HIPPA rights which ensure and protect your right to privacy and confidentiality. These therapeutic requirements for Informed Consent and Duty to Warn are a part of the development of the therapeutic relationship; and, although it may not necessarily apply to you I am required to share this information immediately (Informed Consent) in the event the steps outlined below become necessary so that you understand your rights, feel validated, and know what steps to take: -I am committed to responding to you within 24 hours–I do check my messages at least twice a day, but cannot provide sessions until the evening— with the exception of weekends and holidays; as I am committed during the AM hours to work in my private practice. I will respect your personal time with not interrupting you after 9pm CST daily. If you decide to schedule a live video/phone/chat session with me, you are able to schedule your appointments based on my availability schedule from your dashboard as well under the “SCHEDULE’ tab; I will receive a notice anytime that you schedule an appointment ;It is strongly encouraged that we discuss a time to meet. I cannot guarantee that I can make an appt if not agreed upon by us together. -The platform or dashboard where we communicate for services is open 24 hours a day/7 days a week, with asynchronous messaging where you can chat-in at any time. Please keep in mind that I will respond to you within 24 hours, in the evening at the latest., except on weekends and/or holidays, however, you can respond or initiate contact for when it is convenient to you; -Sharing ‘Duty to Warn’ with you is part of your Informed Consent as it is an ‘ exception’ to your rights to privacy and confidentiality. This means that I am required to inform you that you should call 911 to report an emergency if you are having or begin to have thoughts of suicide or if you are planning suicide. Suicidal Ideation or Planning is an emergency for us both because it involves preservation of your life; my professional and therapeutic duty is to first preserve life. You should inform your love ones and your Emergency Contacts so that they can support you in accessing the help you may need to engage level of care within your community for crises of any nature. “Duty to Warn” also includes thoughts or plans of Homicide (killing or hurting someone else); and, the Abuse or Neglect of the Elderly or Children including indecency or other sexual acts; -If you share any information with me (verbally or written) that falls under the guidelines of “Duty to Warn,” I am required, by Law, to inform the legal authorities and possibly your Emergency Contact immediately if you have not communicated intent to do so or have not already done so. In some cases, if you do have experiences which fall under the “Duty to Warn’ guidelines, you may be required to submit your follow-up evaluation of receiving adequate care within your community to BetterHelp for continued counseling via LOC Tele-therapy; **-Finally, because we are not a crisis center, we can’t provide the counseling services/support that are required in a crisis situation. You can dial 911, 211, or 411; and/or, also call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). The following website can be accessed, as well, to help you if you are in need of immediate support: http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ ***This is the end of your Informed Consent and Duty to Warn for me as your Therapist; please let me know if you have any questions as we prepare to move forward in your counseling journey…" I applaud you for taking the first step on your path to improving your emotional well being. I look forward to working with you along the way.
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Dr. Cassandra April
I am an African American female located in the Chicago land area. I have been a licensed clinical professional counselor in the state of Illinois for over 25 years. I also have many years of experience teaching counseling and psychology as an adjunct professor at eight different colleges and universities. As a therapist who is also a Christian, I assist people in the areas of faith and spiritual matters, if requested. I am the author of the book "Tending to Broken Hearts: Reflections from Three Decades in the Counselor's Chair" available on Amazon. I do not operate according to the medical model and don't work with issues pertaining to psychotropic medications or imbalanced brain chemistry. I operate from the perspective that we all have choices, and need to make healthy ones in order to live mentally, emotionally, and spiritually healthy lives.
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Sally Herschman
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois with over 12 years of experience working with young children, adolescents, adults and families. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including abuse, trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety, and relationship challenges. I have also helped people with organization methods and daily routines that help lead to desired outcomes. My practice style is warm and interactive. I have profound respect for my clients and approach my work with compassion, non judgement, authentic curiosity, and a genuine interest in your well being. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic and mindfulness. I am a sex positive, strengths based therapist. I will co-navigate our time together, and will work to ensure your needs for healing are being met. Most of all, you will not be in this alone! It takes so much courage to even consider talking with someone about challenges (large and small) and I am here to support and empower you. I truly look forward to meeting with you and learning more about what you are hoping for.
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Dr. Cindy Cook
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience working with children, teens and families. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, OCD and ADHD. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and starting where they are at. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic and rational-emotive counseling. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!
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Mary Creamer-Tate
I am licensed in Illinois with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, & trauma and abuse. 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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Rakhi Shingala
Rakhi Shingala, Licensed Clinical Professional Counsellor (LCPC) and Board Certified Dance/Movement Therapist (BC-DMT). Rakhi has received a double masters degree, she has MA in Counseling psychology from Mumbai India and Masters in Dance/Movement Therapy and Counseling from Columbia College Chicago. Rakhi has over 15 years of experience working as a mental health professional and over 10 years of experience working as movement therapist. Rakhi has worked with kids, adolescents, adults and older adults. Her expertise includes working with clients who may have anxiety, depression, history of trauma and abuse. Rakhi has also worked with clients who have eating disorder, ADHA, OCD and other behavior difficulties. Rakhi uses a client-centered approach and collaborates with client to develop treatment plans in a safe, open and trusted environment. Building creative intervention within traditional cognitive-behavior techniques, Rakhi encourages emotional expression and mind-body connection to facility change and healing.
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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
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Stephanie Armanetti
I am licensed in Illinois with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbt-related issues, relationship issues, & coping with grief and loss. 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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Stacie Carr
I am licensed in Illinois with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
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Maria Camila Camacho
I am a bilingual licensed clinician in Illinois with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I work with my clients as a team 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!
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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