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.

 

This is Aquantonette Slaughter's avatar and link to their profile

Aquantonette Slaughter

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemBipolar disorderDepression
6 years of experience

Hello and Welcome, WELCOME!! My name is Aquantonette Slaughter, and I've been practicing therapy for the past six years. I truly enjoy working with and assisting people with making the changes they desire to see and attain in their lives. I received my Master's degree from Argosy University, Chicago in 2013, and my credentials include being a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC). I have a history of working with individuals with Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, Major Depressive Disorder, and Substance Abuse. I have also worked with individuals who have opted to be a part of the Assisted Out-patient Treatment program to reduce recidivism related to mental health issues. My treatment approach includes Adlerian, CBT, and Person Centered. However, I understand that each person is different, therefore, I would tailor my treatment approach to meet the individual need of each client in order to support and encourage positive change. I believe that I can assist and be the most effective by providing a nonjudgmental environment and being my authentic self. I pride myself on being an active listener and effective communicator, and I am passionate about what I do. Although I am a counselor, I believe in customer service and take it as an honor when given the opportunity to assist with changing lives.

This is Dr. Thomas Kadela's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Thomas Kadela

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: Ph.D.,LCSW,BCD
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSleeping disordersAnger managementDepression
26 years of experience

Hi – I’m Dr. Kadela and it’s nice to “meet” you. They wanted me to write a little about myself so here you go! Note – if you have insomnia this might just put you to sleep – so enjoy that perk at no charge! - Why are you on BetterHelp? I have over 26 years of assessment and treatment experience. I only work with 1-2 clients at a time on BetterHelp since I work full time with the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) and am also a United States Army National Guard Behavioral Health Officer (neither of which I formally represent here). BetterHelp allows me to work with cool people like you in a more casual setting. Before coming to the DVA I specialized in children and families. - What would our sessions look like? Well – that’s really up to you! I may have gone to school for a long time to be called “Dr.” but you’ve spent a long time being you – and you’re the expert of you! So we are both experts, and therefore equals, in this partnership. So YOU get to pick how we spend our time together. Do you want Executive Coaching? Or to use me as more of a sounding board for your thoughts and feelings (sometimes known as Gestalt Therapy)? Do you want to target an issue like Depression, Trauma, Anxiety, Sleep, Communication or Anger? If that’s the case you can choose an Evidenced Based Psychotherapy (EBP). EBPs are well researched and have proven outcomes. They almost always involve homework in-between our sessions. You can see you have a lot of choices and we can talk about what’s right for you, and what you think would be best, but I am formally trained in: • Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) • Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Depression (CBT-D) • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Chronic Pain (CBT-CP) • Social Skills Therapy (SST) • Anger Management (AM) • Solution Focused Brief Psychotherapy (SFBP) • Problem Solving (PS) No matter what we do I take a holistic approach. I believe we need to balance Body, Mind and Spirit (however you define Spirit). When one of them is out of whack (not a technical term) the other two go wonky (again not a technical term). It’s like driving a vehicle with three round tires and one square – it’s very clunky and uncomfortable! - Resume/Curriculum Vita OK – here is the boring stuff. I’ve been practicing for over 26 years and during that time I’ve taught/teach at University at both the Graduate and Undergraduate levels. I’ve published in a few journals. I’m Board Certified in my discipline. I’ve worked and/or supervised inpatient, outpatient and residential treatment programs. I’ve been on the conference circuit and given many workshops and keynote speeches. I’ve held job titles such as Chief Clinical Officer of National Programs, State Director, Chief Administrative Officer, Training Director, Supervisor of Specialty Programs, etc. I am a US Army Combat Veteran. Let me know if you want more details as I’m happy to share. I hope I get to meet you!

This is Jane Rhea's avatar and link to their profile

Jane Rhea

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyLGBTSelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepression
7 years of experience

I am a self-advocate and activist with over ten years personal and professional experience working with adults and children in the Disability Community. I am trained in Social Work and Disability Studies and have an interdiciplinary practice orientation. I call New Orleans home again after a three years in Chicago, and am dedicated to involvement in local and global Disability communities. As a Coach and Counselor in Queer and Disability communities I understands the specific structural barriers people with diverse identities face. I bring a Neurodiversity and Disability pride perspective to coaching and counseling by sharing knowledge of history, theory, and social models. I believe employment or occupation seeking is a great place to begin exploring any change you want to make in your life. Employment counseling can bring up issues related to anxiety, depression, Autism, ADHD, chronic pain, and other Neurodiversities and Disabilities. I am Queer, Trans, and Non-Binary allied.

This is Todd Nelson's avatar and link to their profile

Todd Nelson

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCPC
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepression
30 years of experience

Hello, my name is Todd Nelson. I grew up and currently live in Central Illinois. I began work in as a millwright/carpenter until the job market faltered in the early 80s. It was time to go back to school. With a wife and child, I opted to join the Air Force to help with those expenses. After Desert storm and 10 years of active duty, I left the military. While working on my Master's degree in counseling, I worked as an on-call therapist for an out-patient mental health clinic. I went on to become a full-time therapist with that clinic until I went on as a therapist at an in- patient facility for youth. After a few years there, I went back to my former clinic. In 2009, I took a full time position as Mental Health Professional within the Illinois Department of Corrections. In total, I have 29 years of experience in the mental health field. If I were to describe my counseling approach, I would have to say that everyone has their own "ship to sail throughout life and my purpose is to help the captain navigate". Within that description, I would say I use a person centered, solution focused approach. I am very laid back and I don't get caught up in citing any schools of psychology or therapy; what I call psychobabble. My other interests outside the field are motorcycling and wood working. Currently, I am accepting new clients, though there are no evening openings. If you are interested in setting an appointment, please let me know your preference for time to meet. Do not schedule appointments, as I do my own scheduling. Let's chat.

This is Amanda Kim's avatar and link to their profile

Amanda Kim

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: PhD
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

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.

This is Brook Linenfelser's avatar and link to their profile

Brook Linenfelser

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefParenting issues
18 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. 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.

This is Catherine Valentine's avatar and link to their profile

Catherine Valentine

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
24 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

This is Chandra Dockery's avatar and link to their profile

Chandra Dockery

Offering therapy in Illinois
Depression
25 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

This is Malissa Watters's avatar and link to their profile

Malissa Watters

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
23 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical social worker in Illinois with over 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, coping with grief and loss, & 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.

This is William [Bill] Morgan Jr's avatar and link to their profile

William [Bill] Morgan Jr

Offering therapy in Illinois
AddictionsTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepression
40 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 40 +years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with addictions, trauma and abuse, chronic mental illness, anger management and depression. I work with my clients to create an environment where thoughts and feelings can be safely shared without fear of judgment. I am only available during the days on Tuesday. I prefer video sessions. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I congratulate you for getting started!

This is Dr. Jenna Lebersfeld's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Jenna Lebersfeld

Offering therapy in Illinois
LGBTSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementADHD
8 years of experience

Hi there. I know how challenging it can be to handle the stresses and difficulties life throws at you. I want you to know I am here to support you and walk this path alongside you. I am a licensed clinical psychologist in Illinois with 8 years of experience working as a therapist. I specialize in working with neurodiverse individuals, such as those with autism, ADHD, and behavioral challenges, as well as LGBTQAI+ individuals. I have also worked with clients with a wide range of other concerns including anxiety, family relationship difficulties, and parenting challenges. My therapy style is very warm, understanding, and collaborative. I believe that you are the expert on yourself, and I am an expert in psychology, so when we work together, we can figure out what will work best for you to help you live a life that is happy and fulfilling. My approach combines cognitive behavioral therapy and acceptance commitment therapy with elements of mindfulness and meditation within the family and community contexts. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you! -Dr. Jenna

This is Dr. Suzanne Degges-White's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Suzanne Degges-White

Offering therapy in Illinois
LGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemCoping with life changes
22 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois, North Carolina, and Indiana, with 22 years of professional work experience. I am also a licensed clinical addictions counselor in Indiana. I have experience in helping clients with lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, family conflicts, & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. Each of us holds the power to make choices that will enhance our lives and move us closer to our goals. Sometimes we are able to move towards change with deliberation and intent and other times we find ourselves in situations and circumstances where we feel an urgent need to change our thoughts, behaviors, or feelings. Change can be difficult, but my role is to provide you with the support you need to manage planned and unplanned transitions and changes. I believe that enhancing wellness and increasing a client’s sense of empowerment to make better choices will help clients become more capable of finding happiness and contentment in their lives. Helping clients learn to better manage life stressors and develop strategies for coping with developmental transitions and relational challenges are emphases in my work. In our work together, I may employ a variety of therapeutic techniques to encourage you to take new perspectives and engage in new behaviors that will help you better manage the challenges that have brought you into my office. Using a humanistic framework, and depending on the nature of the concern, I may use techniques from cognitive and behavioral therapy, existential counseling, choice theory, and feminist theory. I often incorporate client homework assignments into therapy including bibliotherapy, journaling, or other brief writing assignments.

This is Paula Randant's avatar and link to their profile

Paula Randant

Offering therapy in Illinois
Family conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
30 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with family conflicts, parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

This is Kathleen Carter's avatar and link to their profile

Kathleen Carter

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, relationship issues, addiction & depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will work with you to overcome whatever issues are holding you back from living your best life ever. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

This is Fernanda Morales-Veloz's avatar and link to their profile

Fernanda Morales-Veloz

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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.

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.

Find the right therapist for your needs
Match with a qualified therapist