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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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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Stephen Edwards
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, with experience in the social services field for over 10 years. My passion is working with people to help them grow, reach their potential, set healthy boundaries with others, and know their worth. I enjoy working with men and women. I believe that there are times in life when a little extra help and support can be tremendous, and a therapeutic relationship can truly make a difference in a person’s life during those times. In regard to scheduling, I tend to schedule my meetings with people directly as I have limited availability. Additionally, I require video sessions to meet with clients that I am working with. Please be prepared to meet by video, be stationary, and in a private location. I don't complete sessions while people are driving or with others around to protect privacy and reduce the possibility of a distracted driver incident.
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Rebecca Murray
My name is Rebecca Murray, and I have been a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Illinois for 8 years. My experience is working with individuals struggling with grief and loss, compassion fatigue/burnout, low self-esteem, boundaries, anxiety and depression, and anger management. I primarily use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and tie in person-centered therapy. I believe that every person has the capacity for positive change, and that everyone deserves a safe and compassionate place to work through issues in their life.
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Amanda Kim
Hello! I am Dr. Amanda Kim and I am a licensed clinical psychologist with over twenty years of experience. Whether you have a specific concern, are facing a particularly difficult time in your life, or are uncertain about your future, I am here to listen, support, and challenge you to move forward. I believe in authenticity and genuinely meeting every person where they are with respect, appreciation and dignity. Based on your specific situation and what you know about yourself, we will identify the best way to move forward. Deciding to seek help is the first step. I wish you the best in discovering where your journey takes you next.
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Julie Wechsler
I am licensed in Illinois with 17 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I also have experience working with 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!
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Melissa McHenry
I am licensed in Illinois with 23 years of professional work experience. I have a master's degree in adult psychology and a master's degree in child psychology. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, & trauma and abuse. I also have experience working with depression, self-injurious behavior, PTSD and domestic violence. 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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Stacie Carr
I am licensed in Illinois with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, & 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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Carrie Vine
Hello and welcome to my profile! My name is Carrie and I use she/her pronouns. I am a cisgender woman that lives in Illinois. I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) and have over 8 years of experience in the field. My specialties include LGBTQ issues and those living with HIV. Another one of passions is Harm Reduction and substance misuse. I use a non-judgmental approach to all of my counseling and therapy. I also have experience working with elders and aging and have a specialty niche of LGBTQ elders and those aging with HIV. I attended Southern Illinois University where I received a Bachelor's in Music, a bachelor's in Social Work, and a Master's in Social Work. I am currently still working on my Master's in Public Health and finishing my Gerontology degree. As a therapist I am very focused on small steps toward progress and primarily use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in my work. I find this the most versatile and easiest for most clients to understand. I have also been studying ACT Therapy (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) and have been using that a bit as well. I look forward to working with new clients in this format in our own time. I hope to lend some of my expertise to help guide people to meaningful connections and rich, full lives.
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Valerie Roland
I am licensed in Illinois with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with family conflicts, coping with grief and loss, depression, & coping with life changes. 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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Pamela Ely
I am a licensed clinical counselor in Illinois with over 25 years of professional work experience. My full time job is working with court ordered juveniles and their families, however I have also worked in a psychiatric unit and in an outpatient setting. My experience includes working with at risk children including abuse and neglect, sexual abuse, juvenile delinquency and substance abuse issues. I attend a minimum of 60 hours of continuing education per year including teaching at a local university. I believe that you are the expert of your story. I believe that you have many strengths and I hope to 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 toward a change. I am here to support and empower you in that journey. In my personal life, I have been married for 30 years and have two grown children. I am an adoptive parent, love rescue dogs and enjoy helping others.
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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