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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Luanne Maniacek
Hello! I applaud you for taking this step to move forward in your life seeking alternative solutions and support. My name is Luanne Maniacek and I have over 25 years of experience helping those motivated who struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, addictions or those of family members, co-dependency, and care giving concerns. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of Illinois and Certified Alcohol and Drug Addictions Counselor, I’ve worked successfully with a wide spectrum of age groups, cultural back grounds, sexual orientation, and beliefs. I also have experience supervising graduate level therapist interns and therapist counselors working in community mental health centers as well as leading crisis intervention teams. My approach to therapy is strength based. I’d like to help you identify and capitalize on your strengths and find ways create new resources and skills in order to overcome your struggles. I use Interpersonal and Humanistic Modalities of treatment. For those struggling with addictions, I encourage either a disease model or harm reduction, whichever is clinically appropriate. My style is empathic and supportive, yet I'll challenge you at times, to promote your growth and movement towards positive change and success. I’m highly skilled at Motivation Interviewing and "listening between the words." In working with you, my first priority is coming to a complete understanding of your perspective, struggles, history, style, expectations, goals, and needs in therapist. Moving forward, open communication about your progress is vital, essential, and ongoing. Let’s get started working together!
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Alisa Neary
Hi! I am Alisa Neary (she/her). I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. More specifically, I am passionate about inspiring hope and empowering change. My 30-year career has been centered around helping adults free themselves of toxic relationships and heal from interpersonal violence. Whether abuse occurred in your childhood, in a past adult relationship, or is happening in a current relationship, you can reclaim your personal power and heal. I support individuals in reducing symptoms of PTSD, anxiety and depression; decreasing self-blame and isolation; building self-esteem; finding self-acceptance; and recognizing healthy and unhealthy relationships. In my person-centered approach, I strive to create a therapeutic experience that is comfortable, non-judgmental and empathetic. I believe that every human being strives for and has the capacity to fulfill their own potential. The steps you have taken thus far, exploring services through BetterHelp, demonstrate your “readiness” for change. A trusted therapist can provide support and guidance on your journey toward self-discovery and healing. If you think I may be that person, let’s connect! I look forward to meeting you!
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James Michehl
Licensed since 2008, James earned his master’s degree in education from DePaul University in Chicago. Upon graduating he was accepted into the community counseling program at DePaul University. James has worked with children (5-12), adolescents (13-18), young adults (19-24), adults, families, and couples. He has facilitated groups for Autism spectrum patients. He supports first responders including Firefighter Behavioral Health which assist in suicidal prevention for first responders. In addition, he works assisting police departments with Critical stress debriefings. As a trained mediator through DePaul University, James can assist couples who may have differences which require more than just couples’ therapy. James believes therapy is a joint effort between therapist and client. He has a proven track record of success as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and as your therapist, he is committed to provide you the best care possible. Every person is unique which is why there are many different treatments approaches available to you. James is committed to make every effort to provide effective care, your commitment is needed as well to achieve success. Together you and James will create a treatment plan that will be a roadmap to your successful journey. Any barriers to success will be discussed and the plans adjusted as needed. You and James will discuss progress and challenges in an honest, trusting, and confidential manner in order to achieve your desired outcome. James is a certified hypnotherapist and can help with the cessation of smoking, anxiety reduction, weight loss, and gaining confidence. In his spare time James is a wildlife artist and wood carver. His work is displayed in art galleries and online.
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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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Jenelle Hoyt
Hello, My name is Jenelle Hoyt, I am an award winning Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) with over 10+ years of experience in the helping profession. Thank you for beginning this journey with Better Help. As a therapist, I am proud that you've decided to take steps that you believe will enhance your life and allow yourself to heal. I would like to assure you the counseling process is here to foster your growth. I will listen to you as you share your struggles and your strengths and challenge you to identify whether your thoughts are positively serving you so that you can view life more positively. We will process strong emotions and certain aspects of experiences that you have not dealt with to obtain a greater awareness. My primary focus is to assist clients with developing strategies and tools to perhaps re-frame your story to cope with the past and create a bright future. As a therapist, I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including anxiety, depression, self-esteem and career challenges, as well as emotional and physical trauma to cite a few. I specialize in helping individuals who are not only feeling the stressors of life but also unsure of how to cope with or change these stressors in a positive way. We will work together to create attainable goals that will be reviewed and assessed consistently to ensure that they align with the vision of who you are and want to continue to be. I maintain a judgment-free space that is challenging, encouraging and enlightening. I believe in a process that is positive and retrospective. My approach integrates a multiplicity of practices such as Solution-Focused, Cognitive-Behavioral, Motivational Interviewing and Psychodynamic interventions. I personalize each treatment to meet your individual need. Congratulations on taking time to empower yourself by employing therapy to make significant changes in your life. I look forward to working with you.
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Andrea Taylor
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, & 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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Deanna MacDonald
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Illinois with over 10 years of professional work experience in the mental health field, and I have been working with clients seeking individual therapy for the past 6 years. I have experience in helping clients who struggle with anxiety and depression, stress, body image issues, & self-esteem struggles. I believe in a collaborative approach to counseling as well as treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage, and I am here to support you in that process. I look forward to working together to create a treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs.
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Katie Kolzow
I am licensed clinical social worker in Illinois with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage and I am here to support you in that process!
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Dr. Antaniece Carter
I am licensed in Illinois with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. I believe in treating everyone holistically with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My goal is to focus on YOU within your environment to guide conversations to initiate change and better life outcomes. We will work together to ensure that your treatment plan meets your unique and specific needs. I am here to support your motivation for change and lifelong growth.
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Thomas Youngberg
I am licensed in Illinois with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma, & abuse. I also have experience working with 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.
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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