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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Sandra Roberts

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: IL LCPC 180008852
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesSelf esteemADHD
17 years of experience

I am a Christian counselor licensed in the State of Illinois. I attended Lincoln Christian College and Seminary (now Lincoln Christian College) where I earned both my BA and an MA in Counseling. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with over 15 years experience with with all ages in various settings, including in person and online telehealth, office. Everyone deserves to be treated with respect. When you reach out for help, I will be supportive and non-judgmental. My style is warm and approachable. While I am a Christian counselor and lean heavily on God's truth, it is not my goal to force people into what I believe. While I enjoy working with a variety of people and situations, I have extensive experience with parenting and anger management, including classes for those ordered by the court or for those completing a service plan with DCFS. I also prepared and taught a curriculum for dating (red flags, what to look for, what to avoid, etc.) I have helped clients with depression, anxiety, and healing from domestic violence, childhood abuses and traumas.

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Gina Spielman

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: IL LCSW 149007857
Relationship issuesGriefCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changes
27 years of experience

As a licensed therapist in Illinois with nearly three decades of experience, I specialize in supporting individuals through complex emotional landscapes. My approach is compassionate and versatile, addressing a wide range of challenges including depression, relationship dynamics, grief, trauma, career transitions, and personal growth. I offer a supportive environment where clients can explore their deepest concerns, from anxiety and isolation, to issues of self-love, communication, and purpose. My expertise spans diverse areas including workplace concerns, midlife transitions, and emotional healing after significant life changes (including trauma). My therapeutic style is adaptive and client-centered, drawing from extensive clinical experience to help individuals navigate complex emotional terrain. Whether you're struggling with mood concerns, relationship difficulties, or seeking personal transformation, I'm committed to walking alongside you with empathy, compassion, understanding, and professional guidance. I welcome clients from various backgrounds, creating a safe and respectful space for healing. My goal is to support you in developing resilience, self-understanding, and meaningful strategies for positive change in your life. I can offer faith-based care (if desired), however that looks to you. I welcome discussion around your needs and how to fulfill them. My website: www.ginaspielman.com

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Washington Cisco

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: IL LCSW 149.005632
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSleeping disordersDepression
39 years of experience

I began working with children and youth in 1986 and continued until 2003. As indicated on my resume, I returned to working with a client base providing therapy to the children, and adult population in 2013 at an outpatient mental health facility. Presently, I am employed in the prison system where I am working with the adult population, 19 years old to 70 years. As therapist, I use a caring and supportive style with my clients, believing that they are coming because they need assistance in being able to function and cope with various stressors impacting each lives. My treatment approach is one of understanding and not judgmental. I understand that the client's self-determination is most significant in the counseling relationship. I believe that the client is the most important person in the session and hence in order to help, I need to listen to rather than to tell each what to do.

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Myrna Pledger

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: IL LCPC 180.006251
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
21 years of experience

I was trained as a Community Counselor and as such, I am prepared to work with the issues and concerns that occur with individuals and families in the community, and everyone lives in a community. As you can imagine, there are not many individual situations I have not encountered. In the beginning of my career, I worked with children behaving violently or inappropriately in school environments primarily. I realized that the child experiencing mental health difficulties is a member of a family experiencing mental health difficulties as a system. I believe that most maladaptive behavior is learned from the family environment or may be from inherited tendencies. I also believe that many problems you see in both children and adults are the results of having to be in close proximity to someone who is a narcissist or someone who is exhibiting enough narcissistic traits to be dangerous to those with whom they associate. I am licensed in the state of Illinois as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and have over 10 years of experience working as a Counselor. I specialize in treating survivors of narcissistic abuse both mental, spiritual and physical. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, OCD, and ADHD. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. I am faith-based as I myself believe it is important to recognize The Creator when attempting to offer help to His people. My therapy style is truth-based, educationally focused and kind. I believe in treating anyone in the manner that I would want to be treated if I was in their situation. I don't believe in labels, but I do believe in presenting examples of others who have overcome similar circumstances. I am primarily faith or Christian based. I am solutions focused and combine cognitive-behavioral and rational-emotive therapy. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. 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!

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Benita Whitfield

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: IL LCSW 149013710, MA LICSW LICSW127501
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteem
26 years of experience

As a licensed therapist in Illinois and Massachusetts with over two decades of experience, I specialize in supporting individuals through complex life challenges. My practice centers on helping clients navigate stress, relationship dynamics, parenting struggles, and personal growth. I bring a compassionate, culturally responsive approach to addressing issues like social anxiety, self-esteem, communication barriers, and emotional healing. My therapeutic work spans diverse experiences, from supporting young adults and caregivers to addressing workplace challenges, trauma recovery, and midlife transitions. I'm deeply committed to creating a supportive environment where individuals can explore their unique experiences, develop resilience, and cultivate meaningful personal transformation. Drawing from extensive clinical expertise, I offer a holistic, person-centered approach that honors each client's individual journey. Whether you're confronting anxiety, relationship difficulties, or seeking deeper self-understanding, I'm dedicated to walking alongside you with empathy, respect, and professional guidance.

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Lauren Oestmann

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: IL LCSW 149.014605
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepression
15 years of experience

Welcome! First I would like to commend you on reaching out for help, as I know this can be the most challenging part. It takes a lot of courage to share your story and struggles. My name is Lauren and I am a licensed clinical social worker in the state of Illinois. I have over 15 years of experience working in a wide range of settings. I have worked with families, children and teens, in residential substance abuse, private practice, adoption preservation and corrections. My style can be described as client centered, strength based and solution focused. I use cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, motivational interviewing, trauma focused therapy, mindfulness and solution - focused therapy. If you have any questions feel free to reach out by message through Better Help. I look forward to working with you soon.

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Ellice Lewis

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: TX LPC 92598, IL LCPC 180017495
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseCoping with life changes
9 years of experience

Catholic Christian providing pastoral counseling, in love with the LORD, and looking forward to walking pathways drenched in grace with you!

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Tamela Polanin

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: IL LCPC 180.012372
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
20 years of experience

Hello, Thank you for taking the first step in better living. Our mental health is very important. My name is Tamela, I would love to be your therapist. I look forward to working with you. Just a little about me to help break the ice, I am a mom of 3 boys, one is grown and has a son of his own, the other 2 are 16 and 15. I am married to my second husband now for 17 years. We live in the country and raise registered pygmy goats. I have worked in mental health for 20 years. We all want to live our best life. I know trauma on a personal level and treating trauma has become my passion. I use a client centered approach where you are the master of your own life; I am merely here to walk beside you as a guide. My hope is to empower you to work through your trauma and life’s challenges. I provide trauma-focused, client-centered therapy to all ages and all backgrounds. I am well versed in EMDR, TF-CBT, and Reproductive loss Counseling. I believe that trauma is a journey and not one person’s journey will be the same as the next. You are not alone. I will traverse this journey beside you.

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Shelia Cisco

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: IL LCPC 180.017063
Relationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteemDepression
12 years of experience

As a licensed therapist serving clients in Illinois, I specialize in supporting individuals through complex life transitions and emotional challenges. My practice centers on empowering women, particularly those navigating relationship dynamics, personal identity, and healing from past experiences. With expertise in addressing depression, trauma, self-esteem, and intimacy-related concerns, I offer a compassionate, culturally responsive approach. My work focuses on helping clients develop self-love, improve communication, explore life purpose, and work through difficult experiences like divorce, body image struggles, and interpersonal challenges. Drawing from a holistic perspective, I create a supportive environment that honors each person's unique journey. I'm committed to walking alongside my clients as they cultivate resilience, understanding, and personal growth. Whether you're seeking guidance through relationship issues, processing past trauma, or exploring your identity, I'm dedicated to providing thoughtful, affirming support.

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Taleatha Welch

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: IL LCSW 149.024535
Stress, AnxietyGriefDepressionCompassion fatigue
7 years of experience

It has always been my desire to serve and bring out the best in people. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Practitioner of the Healing Arts, holding a Master’s in Social Work and a Bachelor’s in Psychology. Growing up in a home where addiction was present, I faced anxiety and depression at an early age. Those experiences shaped my understanding of pain, resilience, and the importance of breaking cycles. I chose a different path; one dedicated to healing, understanding, and helping others do the same. My journey into the human mind and functioning began with curiosity and has evolved into a lifelong passion for guiding others toward growth and balance. My therapeutic approach honors the unique experiences of each individual, particularly focusing on self-love, stress management, and healing through grief and challenging life stages. Drawing from evidence-based practices, I create a supportive environment where clients can explore their emotional well-being and develop meaningful strategies for personal growth. I am dedicated to walking alongside clients during their most vulnerable moments. My work is grounded in understanding, respect, and a genuine belief in each person's capacity for resilience and transformation. If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and do the work, I would be honored to join you on that journey. Specialties • Anxiety • Trauma • Grief & Bereavement Evidence-Based Approaches • Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

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Vadim Sitnyakovskiy

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: IL LCPC 180.008673
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
7 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self-esteem, confidence, and depression. I also have experience working with 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. 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 Francine Anderson's avatar and link to their profile

Francine Anderson

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: IL LCPC 180.006477
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesBipolar disorderDepressionADHD
15 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, bipolar disorder, & depression. 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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Dr. Teresa Moore

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: IL LCSW 149.028400, RI LCSW CSW03126
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
20 years of experience

I am licensed in Rhode Island with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

This is Joseph Stoyas's avatar and link to their profile

Joseph Stoyas

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: IL LCSW 149.030221
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsGriefSelf esteemDepression
3 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with addictions, coping with grief, coping with loss, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with depression. 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!

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 BetterHelp therapists in Illinois does not offer diagnostic or medication management services in therapy.

Why do people choose to work with a licensed counselor or therapists?

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, working with:

  • Challenging situations or life stressors
  • Eating disorders requiring therapy
  • Anxiety disorders in need of therapeutic support
  • Depression or depressive mental health conditions
  • Adjustment issues in need of therapeutic support
  • Emotional support for a terminal illness
  • Chronic pain emotional support
  • Grief therapy
  • Personality disorders
  • Trauma therapy
  • Relationship conflicts and mental health concerns

Finding a therapist in Illinois 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 therapy site. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the therapy 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 therapy with a licensed therapist cost?

Mental health professionals can differ in price. Forbes found that the average cost of in-person Illinois therapy in the US is around $100 to $200 per hour. Pricing can also vary based on your location. 

BetterHelp offers payment plans of $70 to $100 per week. 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.

Is it possible to find a therapist, counselor, or psychology practitioner that offers affordable therapy?

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.

What can a psychologist help me with in therapy?

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 BetterHelp accept insurance?

Yes. BetterHelp has joined with major insurance carriers in select states to provide in-network therapy coverage. Coverage may vary by plan, provider, and therapist availability. Insured members pay an average co-pay of $19 per session. Average co-pay is based on current insured BetterHelp members. Explore insurance coverage in major cities like ArlingtonCorpus ChristiPlanoLubbockJacksonvilleMiamiTampaOrlandoSt. PetersburgPort St. LucieHialeahCape CoralTallahasse and Fort Lauderdale.

Are online therapy sessions 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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