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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Terra Ogle

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepression
21 years of experience

I have been working in Behavioral Health for over 20 years. I received my undergraduate degree and Master of Social Work degree from the University of Illinois. Since then I have primarily treated issues such as suicidal ideation, depression, anxiety, and trauma history. My style is warm and supportive. I see myself as your tour guide as we navigate through the issues you want to work on. Being a social worker, I believe that the change has to happen both within a person and in their environment. I focus on capitalizing on existing strengths, or building new ones. I use a lot of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy which primarily means that we learn how our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected and how to deal with that. I try to help a person get to the core of where their anxiety derives from in order to quiet the body and the mind. My newest area of passion is trauma. We have all been through “stuff” and often we minimize the effects of that in our lives. However with my knowledge of how trauma affects our brain and therefore our moods and behaviors, I can assist you in coming at things from a direction you might not have thought of in the past. Please note: while I will provide assistance, guidance, and support, this is YOUR therapy and you should expect to do most of the talking :) My style is reflective with gentle nudging, and a dash of humor :) I look forward to working with you!

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Paula Moore

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: MSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
8 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois and Missouri. I graduated from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville in 2016, and have been working with a variety of clients and issues. I live and work in Alton, Illinois, about 30 miles north of St. Louis on the Mississippi River. My treatment approach is client-centered, goal-oriented, collaborative, and strengths-based. I believe that most mental health issues can be traced back to trauma; it’s not what is wrong with you, but what has happened to you. I use CBT and EMDR as my main therapy modalities, but also incorporate somatic processing, motivational interviewing, exposure therapy, and positive psychology. Once the negative beliefs are identified, the work is to create more adaptive beliefs, and process the actual traumas. Self-care, and coping skills for symptoms are extremely important, too, especially in the beginning of therapy. I am affirming, and believe that people get to decide who they are. I also believe that growth and evolution are inherent in our human nature. Reaching out for help with life’s challenges is one of the most important things one can do for their long-term health and well-being. I walk with you, never judging, and always supporting you with your goals. I look forward to helping you find relief from symptoms, needed solutions, and ultimately, true healing.

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Cheri Sinnott Springer

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesDepressionCoping with life changesCoaching
15 years of experience

Hello! Thank you for choosing to read my profile. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois with experience serving a wide variety of populations. I teach Introduction to Counseling and Introduction to Social Work (wrote the text for that class) at a local community college. I have been a Board Member of NASW (National Association of Social Workers) and am an instructor for the Licensure Exam Preparation Class. I received my Master of Social Work degree from Washington University in St. Louis. Although I draw from a variety of therapeutic approaches, I do lean heavily on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution Focused Therapy. I also incorporate effective communication strategies and provide support in identifying additional resources outside of our time together. Thank you for taking the time to read this, and I look forward to the possibility of working with you. Cheri Sinnott Springer, LCSW

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Craig McIntosh

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: MSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesAnger managementDepression
24 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in both Missouri and Illinois. I have been working with individuals, couples, and groups for 24 years. I completed a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology from Texas A&M University in 1992 and Master of Social Work from New Mexico State University in 1997. I have lived in St. Louis since 2004. I am also certified to provide licensure supervision in both Missouri and Illinois. I know that it takes something to decide to reach out for help. Clients feel supported, encouraged, and appreciated from the very first meeting with me. I want them to leave feeling they’ve made a good decision and looking forward to the next session. Having someone on your side and feeling hopeful about the process is a huge relief and provides momentum and motivation to get the process underway. I am well-versed in 12-Step recovery and have great respect for the rigors and rewards of sober living. I am a Gottman Level I Certified couple’s counselor, skilled at having couples learn to listen, talk, and connect with each other again. I also enjoy parent coaching, helping people learn how to get the best out of their children and learn to relax and enjoy those relationships again. And I am at home with existential conversations about Life’s big questions. I also have many years of experience working with domestic abuse and anger management. And I’ve worked for years with men around issues of relationships, fatherhood, masculinity, and abuse. I’ve spent the last twelve years as a social worker for the U.S. Air Force. I bring a great deal of both personal and professional experience to my work with clients. I draw from many different evidence-based practices. I can be straight-shooting, empathetic, serious, or funny as you need on any given day. But mostly, I will listen for what’s most important to you and then help you make that real in your life. I’ll look forward to hearing from you.

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Sharonda Giles

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsAnger managementDepression
9 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 8 years of professional work experience. Throughout those years, I have gained experience providing therapy to individuals who may be dealing with substance use, anger/stress management, anxiety, depression, grief & loss, as well as trauma. I have experience working with teens, young adults, BIPOC, and adult men. I believe in the necessity of cultural competence and sensitivity when working with clients from diverse backgrounds and populations. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and discuss how thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are connected. I also focus on empowering clients by using empathy and a strength based approach. 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. It will sometimes be challenging, frustrating, and complicated, but also very rewarding and reflective. I do want you to know that throughout the therapeutic process, I am here to support you along this journey. With some hard work and dedication, you will be on a path of growth that will truly make you happy. Congrats on being an advocate for your own mental health and wellbeing! I look forward to working with you.

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Marcelo Gonzalez

Offering therapy in Illinois
LGBTSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCoaching
10 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with many issues. From feelings of isolation to managing the day to day stress, there are times when you need help finding a new lens view life's experiences. Working from a holistic perspective, my goal is to always provide an encouraging, empathetic and affirming environment to explore new perspectives. I'm experienced in aiding those who are struggling with issues of identity (gender, race, nationality, etc.), low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, phase of life issues, career transitions, LGBTQ-related issues, and acculturation issues. Meeting people where they are at with a judgment-free and authentic approach, I help individuals, couples, and families create room to find new ways to achieve their goals and create insight into the challenges, barriers, and patterns. To help create growth. People represent so many individual identities, from gender, culture, ethnicity, geographic location, etc. I strive to engage and assist each individual in exploring how the culmination one's identities within our society may affect how one walks through the world and the lens they use.

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Maria Daly

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

Hello and Welcome, I am Maria Daly, a skilled therapist licensed to serve clients who are residents of Illinois. My experience over the past 12 years has been counseling adults coping with grief, depression, anxiety, trauma, aging, and LGBTQ+ issues, as well as other areas. My approach to therapy is integrative, collaborative, and patient. I provide a safe and nonjudgmental space for clients to explore their experiences and discuss issues that they face and are seeking assistance with. My goal is to work together toward healing/acceptance or whatever the goal may be that promotes a happier and healthier functioning client. I believe that having an understanding of why we suffer emotionally is important to processing and working through our past and present experiences. Therefore, in guiding clients (you) with education, and then building on that knowledge, helps to promote psychological growth and mastery of your own life. I realize that, at times it takes courage to reach out for help and I admire you for taking a step toward a more fulfilled and happier life. I am here to support and empower you on that journey.

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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.

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Tricia Henkhaus

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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. 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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Susan Broderick

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseBipolar disorderDepressionADHD
20 years of experience

I am an Illinois Licensed Clinician Social Worker (LCSW) with 20 years of professional work experience. Throughout those years, my clients have ranged from age 5 to adulthood. I have worked with clients with a wide variety of concerns including stress , anxiety, depression, trauma/abuse, parenting issues and grief. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. My therapy style is warm, encouraging and focused on personal growth. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started! I look forward to meeting you and embarking on the journey of a healthy, happier you.

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Lisa Calloway

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

I am licensed in Illinois with 24 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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Octavia Scott

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
7 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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.

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