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 Vicki Marcum's avatar and link to their profile

Vicki Marcum

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefParenting issuesDepression
40 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical social worker with two Master's degrees, one in Community Health and one in Social Work! I have 40 plus year of clinical experience. I am a registered play therapy supervisor with extensive training in the use of Play therapy with all age populations. I have had clinical training and certification in EMDR. I have worked in every clinical setting, inpatient psychiatric, outpatient community mental health. In outpatient community mental health I have worked in Emergency/Crisis Intervention Services. I have been a Qualified Examiner. I have worked with Adults with chronic mental illness in Outpatient Day treatment and Extended Day Treatment Programs. I have worked Case management with Adults and Children and Families. addressing parenting, developmental growth and development and behavioral problems. i have worked Ih-home programs and in private practice. . I have provided services in Emergency rooms, school settings, churches, social service agencies and community settings. I have worked with all age populations, birth to Seniors in individual, family and group therapy in community mental health and in the child welfare system. My initial style is client centered until a trusting relationship has developed and then will switch to whatever theoretical approach which addresses the treatment issue and what fits your personality and understanding. I am compassionate, supportive, and sensitive to you but when that right moment comes I will challenge your belief system. I do not fix people and tell them what to do. You are in charge of your treatment. I help people explore their options and find their own way. We will laugh a little, cry a little and disagree at times but you will feel better.

This is Karen Henderson's avatar and link to their profile

Karen Henderson

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
23 years of experience

I have had the pleasure of serving the community and individuals for over 20 years. I have a Masters Degree in Social Work and am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois. I have had the opportunity to lead a Hospice counseling team, teach at a community college, provide inpatient and outpatient counseling, and work along side an amazing team as Director of a counseling and foster care agency. My style is a strength based approach utilizing cognitive-behavioral and humanistic therapy to focus on rapport building and solution focused outcomes. Taking time to invest in yourself is critical to your overall health. Most people at some point in their life can benefit from having another person to share their experiences with along with sharing their reactions to those experiences. I look forward to meeting you, discussing your counseling goals, and working towards healthy next steps together. Counseling can be a path to a healthier you.

This is Kenneth Stall's avatar and link to their profile

Kenneth Stall

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementSelf esteemDepressionADHD
53 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I received my masters degree at the Jane Addams Graduate School of Social Work in Chicago, and my LCSW license in 1990, after taking the first clinical exam ever offered. I have extensive experience working with many different age levels. My post graduate training includes the basic principles of Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT) with Dr. Albert Ellis. I am selective about this style of therapy but also am eclectic about using different techniques such as mindfulness exercises. I have worked extensively counseling children and teenagers troubled with Asperger's Disorder, ADHD, depression, and impulse disorders. My work with adults has included counseling for adult ADHD, career coaching, depression/anxiety and parenting skills, as well as couples counseling. I generally see clients M-F 12 upto 8 PM. Currently, I have a keen interest in working with tennis and golf competitors on the mental side of their sport.

This is Kristen  Wilson's avatar and link to their profile

Kristen Wilson

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW
Trauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteemADHD
14 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in both Illinois and Florida with 8 years of clinical experience. I graduated with my Master's degree in Social Work 14 years ago and have spent most of my professional career as a school social worker. Since residing in Florida, I have provided psychotherapy to adults and children while offering clinical supervision to candidates seeking licensure in Florida as a qualified supervisor. I have worked with students and adults with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, ADHD, drug and alcohol dependence, grief and loss, and Bi-Polar Disorder. I have also helped many people who have experienced trauma. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused, humanistic, and psychodynamic 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!

This is Monica McCabe's avatar and link to their profile

Monica McCabe

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
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 addictions, anger management, & 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.

This is Cristy Bixler's avatar and link to their profile

Cristy Bixler

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
7 years of experience

I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois. With more than 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients experiencing depression, stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, unresolved grief, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also have experience working with those that self harm and struggle with self defeating behavior as well as adults and children with intellectual disabilities and their families. My therapy style is person centered and strengths based. I believe in meeting the client "where they are at" and utilize Motivational Interviewing, active and empathetic listening as well as CBT and DBT therapies. I believe in treating everyone with respect, dignity, 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.

This is Christianna Sullivan's avatar and link to their profile

Christianna Sullivan

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with over 20 years of working with children and families both professionally and personally. I have over 10 years of volunteer experience working specifically with divorce recovery and family/ adjustment issues and years of professional work experience in various capacities. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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. I utilize several therapeutic approaches and I strive to provide an empathetic environment for all individuals. I provide cognitive behavioral therapy and my style is client driven and and solution focused. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

This is Lawrence Haas's avatar and link to their profile

Lawrence Haas

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepression
3 years of experience

I am a licensed professional counselor in Illinois with 3 years of experience specializing in addressing a wide range of mental health and personal development concerns. My expertise includes providing effective support to individuals dealing with issues such as stress, anxiety, depression, motivation, self-esteem, confidence, and career difficulties. I firmly believe in a strengths-based approach, viewing each client as the expert of their own life story. I am dedicated to helping you harness your unique strengths and abilities to overcome challenges and embark on a journey towards a more fulfilling and happier life. Taking that crucial first step towards personal growth and positive change requires courage, and I am here to provide support throughout your journey.

This is Alison McCandless's avatar and link to their profile

Alison McCandless

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseBipolar disorderDepressionCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

Hi all! I am Ali and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I have worked for a community mental health agency in Chicago for the past 3 years and I am originally from Southern California. I just recently moved to Denver, CO this summer. I am currently licensed in Illinois and Colorado. My experience is working in community mental health, I engaged with low-income folks with various mental health needs, such as life stressors, mood and psychotic disorders, anxiety, depression and trauma. I believe everyone has a story to tell and that each one matters. I use different approaches depending on client’s needs. I engage Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic model and strengths-based approach. In addition to building in coping skills or behavioral modification, I take time gathering client’s history in order to help the client make connections and meaning of their past experiences. I value using biopsychosocial assessment which gages client’s level of functioning and prevalence of symptoms. In 2023, the world can be and feel like a messed-up place… getting support for your mental health is important. I serve my clients without judgment and with hope. If you think we would be a good fit, I would love to meet you and support you in your therapy journey!

This is Michael Dubose's avatar and link to their profile

Michael Dubose

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyDepressionCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

I am licensed in Michigan with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence, & depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. Mind over mood. I believe that everyone can change & grow at any time in their lives. I don't believe that there is a limit to human capacity. Together we will work to regain a sense of normalcy in the lives of those who I serve. 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.

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