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.
Aili Wachtel
Hello and welcome - I appreciate your visit to my page! I see counseling as a collaboration between client and counselor - clients want to feel their best and function at full potential, and my role is to provide quality, customized care to help them do that. I am a big believer that even small changes can significantly impact internal well-being and external influence. I partner with clients to identify and build on strengths so they can face challenges, create solutions, and feel better. Licensed in Illinois and Connecticut for 20 years, I have worked as counselor, consultant, coach, and advisor in both higher education and private practice. Much of my work has been with clients transitioning from one life phase or role to another. Change can be hard, and people who ask for help as they face it are brave. With an approach specific to each individual, consisting of a personalized set of strategies drawn largely from humanistic, cognitive, acceptance and commitment, and solution focused therapies, I support and encourage clients as they work to adjust to new roles, situations, expectations, and realities and help them cope with the resulting symptoms and feelings. It is a privilege to help clients work through a difficult time as they progress through life’s inevitable changes, and I would be honored to work with you!
Stephanie Haywood
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.
Chiralaine Natschke
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and have over 15 years of experience in the behavioral healthcare field. Over the years, I have served as a Mental Health Therapist, Child Welfare Supervisor, School Counselor, and Crisis Screener/Therapist. I am experienced with the adults, adolescents, children and families who struggle with adjustment issues, depression, mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, dual diagnosis, and chronic mental illness. Finally, I have been trained in a number of therapeutic evidenced-based practices that I use when working with clients; including but not limited to: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Experiential Therapy, and Stress Management/Mindfulness. I believe in providing goal-directed treatment. This means that a goal or several goals are established after a thorough assessment. All treatment is then planned with the goal in mind and progress is made toward the goal in a time-efficient manner. I use a collaborative approach and supportive stance when working with clients and clients tell me that I am easy for them to talk to. I assume you wish to begin therapy because you desire certain changes in your life. I will do my best to help you achieve your goals, but I cannot guarantee any particular results. You are likely to gain the most benefit from counseling if you are committed to the process and actively engage. You and I will agree upon a frequency that will work best for your needs. I look forward to working with you.
Megan Prior
Everyone needs help sometimes and it takes strength and courage to admit when we are struggling. Seeking support through counseling is a brave step and I am here to assist you in this step by providing resources, strategies and support to help you through whatever difficulty you may be facing. As a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with 9 years of experience in the mental health field; I am dedicated to supporting you along this counseling journey and want you to know that you are not alone. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns, some of which include but are not limited to: depression, anxiety, relationship issues, attachment difficulties and parenting problems. I also have extensive experience in working with clients who have experienced and/or been exposed to trauma. My goal as a therapist is to walk along with you through the counseling process by offering hope, healing, support and interventions to utilize in coping with difficulties and challenges. My therapy approach is supportive, engaging and compassionate. I modify my theoretical orientations specifically to fit each of my clients and utilize an electric approach. I look forward to working with you towards meeting your therapeutic goals. There is no better time than the present to seek help.
Vicki Marcum
I am a licensed clinical social worker with two Master's degrees, one in Community Health and one in Social Work! I have 40 plus year of clinical experience. I am a registered play therapy supervisor with extensive training in the use of Play therapy with all age populations. I have had clinical training and certification in EMDR. I have worked in every clinical setting, inpatient psychiatric, outpatient community mental health. In outpatient community mental health I have worked in Emergency/Crisis Intervention Services. I have been a Qualified Examiner. I have worked with Adults with chronic mental illness in Outpatient Day treatment and Extended Day Treatment Programs. I have worked Case management with Adults and Children and Families. addressing parenting, developmental growth and development and behavioral problems. i have worked Ih-home programs and in private practice. . I have provided services in Emergency rooms, school settings, churches, social service agencies and community settings. I have worked with all age populations, birth to Seniors in individual, family and group therapy in community mental health and in the child welfare system. My initial style is client centered until a trusting relationship has developed and then will switch to whatever theoretical approach which addresses the treatment issue and what fits your personality and understanding. I am compassionate, supportive, and sensitive to you but when that right moment comes I will challenge your belief system. I do not fix people and tell them what to do. You are in charge of your treatment. I help people explore their options and find their own way. We will laugh a little, cry a little and disagree at times but you will feel better.
Karen Henderson
I have had the pleasure of serving the community and individuals for over 20 years. I have a Masters Degree in Social Work and am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois. I have had the opportunity to lead a Hospice counseling team, teach at a community college, provide inpatient and outpatient counseling, and work along side an amazing team as Director of a counseling and foster care agency. My style is a strength based approach utilizing cognitive-behavioral and humanistic therapy to focus on rapport building and solution focused outcomes. Taking time to invest in yourself is critical to your overall health. Most people at some point in their life can benefit from having another person to share their experiences with along with sharing their reactions to those experiences. I look forward to meeting you, discussing your counseling goals, and working towards healthy next steps together. Counseling can be a path to a healthier you.
Karma Lynn Carpenter
Specializing in Therapists, Legal Professionals, Healthcare Providers, Military, Clergy Providing support with Relationships and Goal-setting as you navigate quality of life. It takes courage to focus on solutions. I am here to empower your ability to make decisions to help yourself and your family. My approach is to view challenges thru the lens of your values and beliefs. Whether or not your Situation requires a diagnosis, you’ll receive Support that moves you forward. We may be a good team if you are facing: • compulsive eating, medical obesity • chronic pain or illness • caring for an aging parent or disabled child or both • inter-faith family gatherings or workplace • sensory processing disorder or autism • caring for someone who is dying Expertise • Impaired Professionals • Religions Sexual Abuse • Music therapy, Nutrition, Garden therapy, Assistance Dogs
Nicole Allen
I am an LCSW and I work with young-adult clients, aged 18-35 years old. This is a very unique period of life, when one is solidifying their identity and trying to forge a path into their future. Life goals often include establishing a meaningful relationship, career, friendships, passions, hobbies and overall wellness. I love to help young adult clients understand how their past can contribute to challenges, but also how they can move forward in their life and use their experiences to find purpose. I empower clients with skill-building, such as re-framing, gratitude and self-care so they can live a more vibrant and fulfilling life.
Deborah Jost-Beauford
I am a licensed professional counselor in Chicago with over 15 years of experience working as a psychotherapist, art therapist and pet therapist. I have extensive experience working with children, adults and seniors with a wide range of concerns including depression, acute and chronic pain, anxiety, Perinatal mental health (pregnancy, after delivery) impulsivity, relationship issues, self-esteem, PTSD, trauma, transitions and end-of-life fears. I am trained in a multitude of modalities such as CBT, DBT, art therapy, pain management, post-traumatic growth, mindfulness training, positive affirmations and guided meditation. I am also a certified Grief counselor. It’s important to know you are not alone, that there is a way through whatever pain, fear, or adverse circumstances you may be in. No situation is beyond hope for healing and change. I believe whole heartedly in the potential of every client to live a fulfilling life, and I meet you where you are, honoring your unique identity and experiences while helping you to understand, process and grow after trauma. My counseling style is warm and holistic, using an adaptable and personalized toolkit of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual practices to assist you in reaching your goals, healing and flourishing. It takes courage to take the first steps towards change. When you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. “I define connection as the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued; when they can give and receive without judgment; and when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship.” — Brené Brown
Holly Caruso
I am licensed in Florida & Illinois with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbt-related issues, relationship issues, & trauma and abuse. 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.
Lisa Whittingham
I am licensed in Illinois with 15 years of professional work experience. In addition, I am a Yoga instructor, Mindfulness teacher, and am certified in Music & Sound Healing. My passion is to infuse these modalities into therapy. My specialties include: stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, coping with grief and loss, and issues around Parenting of LGBTQI+ children/teens/tweens/adult children. 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.
Colin Overton
I am licensed in Illinois with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & parenting issues. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Donica Reints
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois with over fifteen years of professional work experience. I was raised in a very small farming community about two hours outside of Chicago. I attended undergraduate school at Judson University and my Masters of Social Work at Aurora University. I have experience in many areas including grief, crisis, mediation, parental conflicts, depression, anxiety, and mood disorders. Having clients share their stories with me is a responsibility that I do not take lightly. I focus on listening and understanding what they are going through, helping them to carry the challenges they face in life so that they are less alone. I believe that meaningful conversations can truly be the catalyst for major change, and a trusting relationship with an objective therapist can make a huge impact. I push my clients to grow and strive to be the best version of themselves through a combination of empathy, authenticity, relatability, and directness. My empathy, transparency and humorous nature allows clients to quickly establish a therapeutic connection with me. My objective is to help my clients achieve their goals, whether independent or relational, in the most efficient way possible while feeling supported throughout the whole process. I strongly believe in validating my client’s experiences and emotions in therapy while also challenging them in order to promote growth. My therapeutic style is based on the individual that I’m working with. I prioritize rapport building and using the therapeutic relationship as a starting point for change. I tend to use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to focus on how our thinking affects our lives, as well as a strengths-based and solutions-focused approach which offers concrete action items to use here and now. I understand that a person’s desire to improve their life is all that is needed to get started. I work to validate client’s feelings while also pushing them to reach the potential that they have set forth for themselves. If a client is inclined to dig deeper, I typically take a Psychodynamic approach which allows the client to reflect on patterns that may have a deeply rooted history. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Anna Evans
I am licensed in Illinois and Wisconsin with 24 years of professional work experience. I help clients cope with depression and anxiety, grief and loss, chronic insomnia, substance use, chronic illness and disability, caregiver stress, and life changes such as relationship loss. I have experience with and value working with first responders and other mental health providers. My training includes certificates in grief work, insomnia, and cognitive behavioral therapy. Engaging in therapy is a courageous act. I am here to support you with meeting your life goals.
Karla Suarez
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) with over 9 years of experience in the mental health field. I am passionate about helping individuals navigate life's challenges. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working with clients of all ages, from children to adults, and have a strong focus on supporting minority communities. 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! I understand that each person's journey is unique, and I strive to provide a safe, compassionate, culturally sensitive, and client-centered approach to therapy. Whether you're managing anxiety, depression, trauma, or navigating life transitions, I am here to offer support and tools for growth and healing. Let's work together to create a path toward well-being.
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:
- 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 featur
- 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 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.
Popular cities in Illinois
- Chicago, IL
- Aurora, IL
- Joliet, IL
- Rockford, IL
- Naperville, IL
- Springfield, IL
- Peoria, IL
- Elgin, IL
- Waukegan, IL
- Champaign, IL
- Cicero, IL
- Bloomington, IL
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