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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Amy Wilder

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesDepression
30 years of experience

Thank you for sharing information about yourself. I'm so happy that you reached out for help. I am Amy Wilder, a licensed clinical social worker in the state of Illinois and have over 20 years experience. I have a private practice in the northwest suburbs of Illinois. I offer self-improvement in a safe and caring manor in order to work toward managing life situations and achieving goals. I believe that therapy is a process of learning about ones behaviors and developing new ways to move beyond places that hold us back from achieving our maximum potential in life. I work with children, adolescents and adults in a variety of settings including individual, family and marital therapies. Please feel free to reach out and message me in order to see if you think we would be a good fit. Also if there is a time that you are looking for and it doesn't match my availability, message me anyways because chances are I can meet what it is you are looking for.

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Alanna Goestenkors

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: M.S, Ed.S., LCPC
Stress, AnxietyDepressionCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

My name is Alanna Goestenkors and I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with over 22 years licensed experience in the medical and mental health field providing services for children, adolescents and adults. I have worked in the fields of medical and community mental health. Some of my experience includes treating issues relating to grief and loss, end of life issues, depression, anxiety disorders, adjustment disorders and stage of life transitions. My counseling style is warm and empathetic with roots based in trust and respect. I utilize a client centered, strength based, and solution focused approach to promote a positive therapeutic climate and build trust. I use an integrative perspective, utilizing cognitive behavioral and psycho-dynamic therapies, tailored to your particular needs and goals of counseling. I believe the goal of therapy is to see your own goals met and therefore I individualize treatment planning to meet your specific needs. Choosing to involve oneself in the counseling process is a step toward growth and reaching your full potential in life and I look forward to assisting you in this important journey.

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Rebecca Murray

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: MA,LCPC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefAnger managementCompassion fatigue
11 years of experience

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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Leah Little

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LMSW,CAADC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
12 years of experience

Leah Little, LMSW, CAADC is a fully licensed clinical social worker in the states of Michigan and Illinois, and a certified advanced alcohol and drug counselor. She obtained her MSW from the University of Michigan, with a concentration in mental health and interpersonal practice. Her graduate training was conducted at Michigan Medicine, in the Psychiatric Emergency Services. During this internship, she obtained extensive training in various evidence-based treatments, including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Later in her career, while in government service with the U.S. Veteran’s Health Administration, Leah was trained in Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET). Leah has over a decade of work experience providing individual, family, and group therapy to adolescents and adults in community non-profit, hospital, and private practice settings. Her areas of treatment focus include life transitions, grief/loss, relationship or family issues, general stress, depression, anxiety, ADHD, addiction, or coping with past trauma. Leah strives to create a safe, welcoming atmosphere where you can openly share thoughts and feelings, talk about your dreams and goals, be unashamed to cry, and maybe even laugh a little.

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Shelley Hill

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefIntimacy-related issuesDepression
25 years of experience

Hello! I am licensed in the state of IL (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) and have practiced as an individual and couples therapist for 25 years. My experience brings a breadth and depth of knowledge to the table with years of working with people experiencing depression, anxiety, life transitions, self-worth issues, addictions among other matters that may cause disturbance in one's life. Whether you are looking for safe space to support processing feelings or directive type of guidance I have the skill set to meet you where you are. Allow me to share with you a little about my style. I think people can tell us what they are thinking and feeling but people don't cause their thoughts and feelings. I think that happens from a place below the level of conscious awareness. More than likely if what you are presenting was something to figure out solely from an intellectual level you wouldn't be coming to a therapist. It would probably already be resolved, done and dusted. Intellectual understanding is valuable and will happen. My approach allows change to be natural and long lasting through several modalities we can utilize in our work together. I intend to show up with compassion, presence, respect and desire to fully understand (along with some well-placed humor) to make healthy shifts. I appreciate the time, initiative, and "lean in" it takes making steps toward a happier healthier life. I look forwarded to getting started!

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Kathleen Griffin

Offering therapy in Illinois
Relationship issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
14 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with life transitions. Additionally, I help with relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, career difficulties, & coping with life changes. 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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Loren Buford

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: MA,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
12 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with depression, anxiety, social anxiety, stress, relationships, communication and conflict, motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe that you are the best person to share your story and find solutions to the challenges that you face. I know you have core strengths that we can build on to assist you in overcoming trauma, setbacks and/or difficulties in your life. You are brave to reach out and take the first steps toward making positive change. I am here to offer support, knowledge, and empowerment on your journey, and I look forward to meeting you.

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Joseph Siegel

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSleeping disordersDepression
7 years of experience

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 the fact that you are starting in this process is a very real sign of strength and resilience. Thank you for looking at my biographical information. I have years of experience in helping clients with anxiety, depression, trauma, abuse, grief, relationship difficulties, coping with stress, and other behavioral health struggles. Additionally, my speciality is the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder.

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Teresa Yu

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

Hello! My name is Teresa Yu and I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and a Registered Art Therapist (ATR) in the State of Illinois. I have over 3 years of experience working with a diverse client population from children to adults and with concerns ranging from day-to-day stress, life transitions, anxiety, adjustment, to trauma. I specialized working in multicultural therapeutic spaces, interacting with culturally diverse, BIPOC clients focusing on adjustment, acculturation stress, family separation, and migration trauma. I am fluent in Mandarin. I am often described to have a calm, caring personality with moments of humor. I like to listen empathetically, clarify and summarize, before inviting processing. I recognize one approach does not fit all, I like to remain flexible and explore a working balance where you feel engaged while being challenged towards your identified goals. I like to highlight your strengths and achievements to empower positive changes. Depending on your needs, I frequently utilize Attachment, Regulation, Competency framework, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused processing, mindfulness, therapeutic, or art activities in my sessions. My goal is to hold a therapeutic space where you feel engaged to share what’s on your mind from your daily experiences to your concerns without feeling judged. It takes courage to open up your stories and seek support, and I am here to hear you and honor what you are going through.

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Artrice Brewer

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
15 years of experience

As a licensed therapist in Illinois with over 15 years of professional experience, I am passionate about helping individuals, teens, and families navigate life’s challenges. I specialize in supporting clients dealing with stress, anxiety, PTSD, depression, family conflicts, trauma, and grief. I believe you are the expert of your own story and have the strength to overcome obstacles, grow, and heal. Taking the first step toward therapy takes courage, and I am here to support you on your journey. Let’s work together toward positive change.

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:

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.

In today's fast-paced society, mental well-being has become a cornerstone of a fulfilling life. Amid the daily challenges and stressors that can overwhelm even the most resilient individuals, seeking professional guidance often offers a path to clarity and balance. The journey toward improved emotional health involves understanding personal triggers, embracing self-compassion, and developing effective coping strategies. While self-help books and online resources provide valuable information, nothing compares to the personalized support offered by a qualified mental health professional. One-on-one sessions with experienced experts can help uncover the underlying issues contributing to anxiety, depression, or other emotional hurdles. With a careful and empathetic approach, these professionals tailor their advice to suit individual needs, ensuring that each person receives strategies that work best for their unique circumstances. Whether through cognitive behavioral techniques, mindfulness practices, or other innovative methods, the aim is to foster resilience and empower individuals to take control of their inner lives. For those living in bustling urban centers, engaging in face-to-face sessions in a welcoming environment can be particularly beneficial. Access to a caring clinician provides not only a safe space to explore difficult emotions but also builds a support network essential for long-term recovery. The process encourages self-reflection and greater insight into behavioral patterns that might otherwise go unnoticed. While the journey can be challenging at times, the rewards include enhanced emotional stability, improved interpersonal relationships, and a renewed sense of self-worth. In one notable case, the guidance provided by a highly trained therapist proved instrumental in navigating a tumultuous period. Through structured sessions and tailored interventions, the individual learned to identify stressors and develop healthier responses to adversity. This experience underscored the transformative impact that dedicated support can have on one's overall quality of life. In a region like Texas, community-based initiatives and accessible mental health programs further reinforce the value of professional help. These efforts emphasize early intervention, preventive care, and continuous support, ensuring that more people are equipped to face life's inevitable challenges. Ultimately, investing in mental well-being is an act of self-care that yields lifelong benefits. By embracing professional support, individuals can unlock new levels of emotional resilience and discover pathways to a brighter, more balanced future. Each step taken toward healing represents a commitment to personal growth, enabling a life filled with renewed optimism and strength. Embracing this transformative journey consistently paves the way for deeper understanding, lasting peace, and meaningful personal progress.
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