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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Celeste Souza

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: MSW, LCSW,LICSW
LGBTTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesDepression
20 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years of experience. I work with people who are facing challenging times in their lives. Sometimes the most valuable think I can do for you is to listen and care. Other times, you might need help identifying the underlying cause of a feeling or conflict in your life. I am trained as a Relational-Cultural Therapist and believe the work of healing happens in relationship (between the client and the therapist as well as in relationships in day-to-day life). I utilize therapeutic skills from a variety of models including Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). No matter how big or small the issue you want to discuss, I believe that my therapeutic techniques will be helpful to you. Contact me when you're ready to get started.

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Stephanie Haywood

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteem
21 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical professional counselor with a Master’s Degree in Community Counseling. I have more than 20 years experience counseling individuals, couples and families. I enjoy working with people toward meeting their goals and working through their painful experiences. I find that most people don't seek help when they first need it because they believe they can "do it themselves". We live in a DIY (do it yourself) kind of society but I believe God never meant for any of us to go it alone. I am a Christian and God has gifted me to do this kind of work. He led me to become educated in the field but my relationship with Him is what ultimately helps others get through their problems. It takes courage to take the first step in asking for help, so you should be proud of yourself. I don't believe it's an accident that you reached out for help and got me. I look forward to working with you.

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Joseph Stanfill

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in treating post-traumatic stress, substance use issues, anxiety, infidelity, phobias, and sleep problems. I also have experience developing leaders as a performance coach. My experience as a military leader and a student of the military culture uniquely equips me to work with our military veterans and their families. I have worked with hundreds of veterans and their families suffering from post-traumatic stress, substance abuse problems, secondary trauma, and other related disorders such as anxiety, grief, and loss. My therapy style is rooted in the practice of mindfulness, experiencing the present moment with intention. I believe that anyone can learn, practice, and eventually develop trait level mindfulness, incorporating the practice into every facet of their life. Developing these new habits of mind is key in achieving peace in one's life, in realizing the tranquility which is possible when the mind is allowed to experience feelings and thoughts, as opposed to avoidance and attempts to shut thoughts out and push them away. I take a holistic approach to helping others, focusing not just on the problem at hand, but also on the everyday parts of life which contribute to and complicate the problems. I use cognitive behavioral therapy modalities as well as other evidence-based practices. I believe a therapist should be a lifelong student of the field, and as such I am a voracious reader of research in the fields of health, wellness, and mental health. I don't have all of the answers, but then, that's not why I'm here. I'm here to help you find the answers to your problems, and I do so through a collaborative approach, walking side-by-side with you on this journey. Please note that my availability on the calendar are set and accommodations outside of those hours may not be possible.

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Robert Hickson

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCPC,LMHC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCompassion fatigue
3 years of experience

Hello! My name is Robert. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Illinois and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in New York. I graduated from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology in 2014 and have since worked in multiple settings with a variety of amazing people. I tend toward a client-centered or existential approach to therapy, thus I believe therapy is a mutual process unique to the individuals involved. Additionally, I believe positivity and empowerment are important factors in finding and maintaining one's health. I am happy to work with anyone interested. If you have a question or something on your mind, then please do not hesitate to contact me. I'm open to all inquiries big or small.

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Luanne Maniacek

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: MSW,LCSW,CADC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsFamily conflictsGriefDepression
40 years of experience

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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Tim (Timothy) McNichol

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

“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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Dr. Michelle Turnbough

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: Ed.D.,MA,LCPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
13 years of experience

I am Dr. Turnbough and I have worked in the social service field for over 20 years. As a counselor licensed in Illinois I have over 18 years of experience working as an addiction counselor and holding positions of Clinical Leadership. I have worked with those that have experienced concerns from domestic violence, addiction, depression, stress, anxiety, parenting and relationship problems. I have provided counseling to adolescences, individuals, couples, and families. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My counseling style is warm, empathetic and solution focused. I believe in treating everyone with respect, dignity, and care. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, client-centered, strength based and motivational interviewing. I will work with you to meet your desired goals. In life people experience many challenges and circumstances that can shape how they feel or think and impact them in negative ways. I can help you navigate through life challenges to gain hope and strategies for an empowered future. I believe people can overcome their challenges and become their best selves. I look forward to working with you!

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LaShara Shaw

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemBipolar disorderDepression
10 years of experience

Hello. My name is LaShara, and I am a licensed clinical professional counselor and certified rehabilitation counselor. I am also a Doctoral candidate for Pastoral and Christian Counseling. It has been my pleasure working with consumers of varied ages, from children to senior citizens. My aim is to discover areas of difficulties and build strengths to foster a flourishing and meaningful life. I endorse an integrative perspective of treatment to acknowledge the contexts of the body, mind, environment, and spirituality within treatment settings. I work in secular and Christian settings, and I respond to the goals of the consumers. I embrace compassion, empathy, and recognition that life has moments of suffering, but through value-driven committed action, there can be beautiful outcomes. It will be wonderful to hear from you soon. Thank you.

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Jason Rohacs

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: MS
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
25 years of experience

I am licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist in Illinois and North Carolina with over 20 years of professional work experience helping clients with stress, anxiety, depression, couple, family and relationship issues, trauma and abuse, and grief and loss. I get to know you as a unique individual and this understanding powers your path forward. I listen more than I talk, but I also frequently give out of session assignments that are tailored just for you. I am deeply spiritual yet I make our sessions solely about you, what you believe and what you want to address and change. You are always put first and will feel heard, understood and welcomed.

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Nikki Suits

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsGriefSelf esteemDepression
8 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, coping with grief and loss, & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Cristy Bixler

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
7 years of experience

I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois. With more than 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients experiencing depression, stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, unresolved grief, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also have experience working with those that self harm and struggle with self defeating behavior as well as adults and children with intellectual disabilities and their families. My therapy style is person centered and strengths based. I believe in meeting the client "where they are at" and utilize Motivational Interviewing, active and empathetic listening as well as CBT and DBT therapies. I believe in treating everyone with respect, dignity, 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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Rita Singh

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepressionADHD
25 years of experience

Real help starts here... Life can be hard so you deserve GOOD THERAPY with the RIGHT THERAPIST! Unfortunately, not everyone will have a good therapy experience or know what to expect. Good therapy includes feeling safe, accepted (not judged), supported and listened to. Good therapy will help you move forward with your needs and goals in mind a little bit every session and, if you don't know what those goals are, you should be assisted in sorting that out. Good therapy is not about just talking or wanting you to take the lead all of the time. Good therapy is a collaborative process. I strive to provide the people I work with that model of good therapy. I want you to feel like we are a good fit, that you feel connected and safe in talking with me, that you feel you are striving for something important for yourself and working your way to it, that you feel understood and never judged, that you are being educated on issues and given specific scientifically and clinically backed tools to address those things, and that you feel supported and cared about along the way. I like to think of therapist and client as Sherpa and traveler. You have a destination in mind to try to get to and I, as your Sherpa, am there to guide you and get you there as quickly and safely as possible since I know the terrain and pathways. Don't settle for less. You deserve to find your happiness! With my 25 years of professional work experience and have run my own private practice since 2006. I would love to be your therapist Sherpa for your personal journey. Please reach out to see if we are a good fit and, if not, I will be happy to help you figure out who might be better suited for you. Feel free to schedule yourself in any opening I have. If none of the times/ days work for your schedule just message me and we can find an alternative time that I can schedule you in between my private practice insurance and self-pay clients. I hope to hear from you soon. Best to you on your 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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Teris Gosier

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, trauma and abuse, & 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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Yolanda Ortega

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyDepression
10 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, & 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. 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 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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