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
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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Terra Ogle
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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Dr. Shelia Williamson Collins
Hello, I am Dr. Shelia Williamson Collins, PhD, NCC, LCMHC, CCMHC, LCAS, CCS, SAP, MAC. I am a board certified clinical mental health counselor and addiction counselor with nearly 20 years of experience in behavioral health. I am licensed as a clinical counselor in the states of North Carolina, Illinois, and Alaska. I have a PhD in General Psychology from Northcentral University. I also have a master's degree in Community Counseling and a bachelor's degree in psychology from Chicago State University. I have worked in an adult inpatient psychiatric unit, outpatient behavioral clinic, community-based mental health services, and residential substance abuse treatment programs. My counseling style is person-centered. I have a diverse therapeutic approach to counseling. However, my primary approach includes cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy. I specialize in mood disorders, anger management, addictions education, and relapse prevention. I believe that everyone has a story to tell; and I am here to listen. Giving voice to your concerns and issues is the first step to healing. We can accomplish this together. It would be my honor to work with you to assist you in reaching your healthy goals. Please let me know if you would prefer weekly sessions, and I will do my best to accommodate.
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Crystina Wells
I am licensed in Illinois and Utah with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with a variety of lifes challenges. 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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Jacqueline (Jacqui) Taub
I am licensed in Illinois with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients, specifically teens and young adults, with stress and anxiety, eating disorders, & 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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Robert Mount
I am licensed in Arizona with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & parenting issues. I also have experience working with depression. 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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Dr. Lisa Page
I am a Health Psychologist who approaches clients with empathy. I primarily use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with an influence of Adlerian theory, to be goal-oriented and positive-focused in treating depression, anxiety, physical illnesses, sleep problems, weight management, recovery from substance use and other lifestyle conditions. Currently, I am working toward becoming a Diplomate with The American College of Lifestyle Medicine and the Board of Behavioral Sleep Medicine. This will further my expertise in treating the six pillars of ‘Lifestyle Medicine’. Lifestyle Medicine covers the following areas which contribute to a healthy lifestyle and improved quality of life: (1) Healthy sleep, (2) Nutritious eating, (3) Stress management, (4) Balanced Social Life, (5) Reducing Negative Behaviors, and (6) achieving adequate activity on a regular basis. I help people overcome their fears and resistance to change through the use of Motivational Interviewing (MI). This helps remove barriers to achieving goals and achieving them successfully. My purpose in my work is to help each client become the best version of their 'self'. In order to make this happen, I strive to create an individual and exceptional experience for every client. I am a ‘straight-shooter’ as necessary to help people overcome barriers to achieving their goals. My doctorate degree was earned through the Colorado School of Professional Psychology which is now the University of the Rockies in Colorado Springs. In addition to practice, I have 10 years of experience as an adjunct professor at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. I support local organizations fighting for social justice reform. Most recently, I co-authored an Audiobook on Burnout (available on Amazon).
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Wende Pannell
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, & 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. 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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Dr. John Jones
I am a licensed psychologist in Illinois with over 20 years of experience. My clinical focus is working with clients who report a wide range of concerns related to addictions and recovery, depression and anxiety; trauma and grief; relationship conflicts and concerns; anger management; adult ADHD challenges; and job and career challenges. Both my therapy and coaching styles are person-centered, values-based, and solution-focused. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and unconditional positive regard. My multimodal approach to therapy combines focused acceptance and commitment (FACT), cognitive-behavioral, humanistic-existential, harm reduction, and self-help facilitation therapies. I provide psychoeducation sessions so clients thoroughly understand the issues they are facing. I tailor all therapy sessions and treatment plans to meet clients' unique and specific needs. With solution-focused therapy, it takes openness, awareness, and committed action to increase psychological flexibility and to achieve a more fulfilling life. I look forward to working with you to support and facilitate such change efforts. Respectfully, John Jones, Ph.D. Licensure & Certifications: • Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Illinois (#071002712) • Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (NBCC) • Certified Professional Counselor (NBCC) • Certified Clinical Telemental Health Provider (Evergreen) • Diplomate in Organizational and Consulting Psychology (ABPP) Received PSYPACT Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology in 40 States (APIT #16582; https://psypact.org/mpage/psypactmap).
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Elizabeth Stone
Whether it is a single event or a life time of struggles, our thoughts and emotions can become so overwhelming that every day tasks are difficult to complete. For some, it is hard to reach out for help but once you have taken the first step of acknowledging you need help and you cannot do it alone, the journey of emotional healing begins. It is learning to confront life's adversities rather than allowing them to define you. It is a journey of self-discovery, self-awareness, and learning to trust intuition while building inner strength to embrace and love who you are. As your therapist, I will walk that journey with you. I use a trauma-informed, strengths-based approach as well as Cognitive Behavioral therapy, however, I adapt interventions to meet clients' needs. I also apply a holistic approach with Mindfulness-based practices to integrate the mind-body connection.
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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