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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Mary Jennifer Meister
I am an individual, family and marriage counselor licensed in Illinois with over 10 years of experience working as a social worker. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, and ADHD. I also have helped many people who have experienced sexual, physical trauma or emotional abuse. Honestly, I tell my patients if they can tell me something I haven't heard or experienced before I'll give you my Mickey Mouse watch. Mickey has stayed on my wrist a long time so far... My counseling style is warm, interactive and holistic. I will help you to explore your physical, emotional and spiritual needs in an effort to bring harmony and balance into your life. That sounds fancy! It isn't. It just means I like helping people to get comfortable in their own shoes, having their inner personality match their outer personality. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels (so I highly doubt I will try to diagnose your problem, rather I try to find solutions to difficulties). My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, solution based/ brief counseling, and common sense (I'm heavy on the common sense!). I approach each person as an unique individual and don't mind using a little humor to help look at things from a different perspective. 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. This program works like email so you wont get responses right away like text messages so please be patient and I will respond within 24 hours if possible. I am available for phone calls or live chat by appointment only. I look forward to working with you! MJ
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Gabriel "Gabe" Seldess
My goal is to help people better understand and accept themselves. I strive to identify barriers to happiness and develop a road map toward greater health. I like to begin with getting an understanding of presenting issues and current life circumstances and working toward an individual’s vision for the future. I use a blend of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Family Counseling Theory to explore experiences that shape our beliefs, expectations, and preferences. I help a client examine these thoughts and ideals and to challenge those concepts that may be detrimental, limiting, or no longer functional. I use Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness and Motivational Interviewing to assist with mood management, decision making, and problem solving. I also assist with developing communication skills to help with self-advocacy. I am a Marriage and Family Therapist currently living and working in Chicago. I graduated from the Family Institute at Northwestern., and throughout my 17 years as a counselor I have worked with many difficulties individuals, families, and couples can face. I have specific experience helping people navigate relationships, anxiety and mental illness, and general stress management.
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Tim (Timothy) McNichol
“Where you are, is where we will start” is a saying that has always resonated with me. I welcome you into the practice. I focus on a collaborative approach that hopefully will allow you to see the strengths that you already possess from your life experiences. Life can be hard. Having time to sit down, share stories, listen and work together to help with your present concerns is my hope for you. I incorporate many different styles into my work and together we will find the one that works best for you. If this is something that speaks to you, please feel free to contact me. I look forward to meeting you soon. Some things that I have found work well for myself in creating a balanced life are gardening, spending time in nature, running, movement/dance and reading fiction. Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony. -Gandhi
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Tressey Adams
I am passionate about helping individuals, families and couples strategically use the skills they already embody to move them closer towards their goals. With training in cognitive, solution and nutrition based counseling, I work with individuals, families and couples to ensure they take an active role in creating positive changes in their lives, emphasizing, and building confidence in their own abilities. It is my mission to partner with individuals, families and couples, in a supportive relationship, providing guidance as they navigate self-guided action steps. I’ve worked with youths, adults, families and couples in the greater metropolitan area for over 15 years, in a supportive partnership capacity, providing guidance as they navigate self-guided action steps. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and graduate from the University of Illinois at Chicago, with a Masters Degree. My approach embodies cognitive behavioral, client-centered, solution-focused therapies to reinforce the clients strengths and instill their confidence in themselves to make the best supportive daily choices for their well-being. Treatment is tailored to match your unique and specific needs. I'm here to coach you toward a more productive life for sustainable change.
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Margaret Wilson
I am licensed in Illinois with 15 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.
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Wendy Gatewood
Greetings! I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois and Indiana. I have over 20 years of experience in my specialization. My work experience includes multiple settings such as, residential, foster care, treatment centers, schools, and private practice. For the first half of my career, I mostly worked with ages 2-22, and for at least the past four years I have helped others up to age 80. Areas I have expertise with are managing stress and anxiety, Autism Spectrum, ADHD, Conduct Disorder, self-worth, trauma and abuse, anger management, & Bipolar Disorder. 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.

Valerie Harris
I am licensed professional clinician in Illinois with 5+ years helping clients with stress, depression, anxiety, addictions, relationships, trauma and abuse. I believe that you are the expert of your story and have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming challenges. Taking this step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes willingness and courage. My goal is to help navigate and support you in throughout this process.
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Hannah Chapman
I am licensed in Illinois with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, & intimacy related issues. 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!

Rosann Emerson-Fox
I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker (Illinois) with 28 years of professional work experience serving children, adolescents, and adults. My approach includes developing practical and effective strategies to respond and manage the symptoms of mental health. Areas of expertise include psychoeducation, special education advocacy, stress/anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse recovery, grief and loss, and confidence building. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared, validated, and receive no judgment. I recognize the courage it has taken to visit this resource and look forward to helping you take the steps towards your goals in reaching your personal wellness. I am here to support and empower you in that journey.

Crystal Epps
I am a licensed social worker in Illinois with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, intimacy related issues, career difficulties, & coping with life changes. 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!
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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