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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Anne Douglas

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: FL LMFT MT5261, IL LMFT 166.000554
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefCoaching
25 years of experience

I am a psychotherapist who is licensed in Marriage and Family Therapy, as well as individual psychotherapy. I am a graduate of Northwestern University (Evanston, Illinois), The Family Institute at Northwestern University, and The Institute for Psychoanalysis (Chicago). I have been mentored personally by several of the top Family Therapy theorists in the United States. While obtaining my graduate degrees and certifications at Northwestern, I was awarded with an Honorarium to lecture and teach a 300 student 11 week psychology course at Northwestern because of my expertise in counseling. In addition, I have served as a faculty member at Lake Forest College, where I have counseled, taught, and supervised students. I have been a Clinical Fellow at the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy for over 20 years. I have been associated with Betterhelp since 2014. Tele-Medicine Psychotherapy allows my clients/patients more access to me through their virtual visits and unlimited email, which is far more helpful, convenient, and safe then weekly or bi-weekly office visits, as well as, less expensive in cost. My clinical experience includes, but is not limited to, individual, couple, and family therapy. The patients that I have successfully treated include people who present with issues relating to Life Transitions, Relationship and Marital Counseling, Child and Adolescent Issues and Concerns, PTSD & Trauma Resolution, Anxiety and Stress Disorders, Depression, Bipolar, Grief and Loss, Personality Disorders, Military-Veterans, Career Challenges, Weight Loss/Maintenance, Family Therapy, Family of Origin Healing, and Personal Growth & Self Awareness. I also work with clients who need assistance in life coaching. I am licensed to advise clients on issues and matters that come up as they navigate parenthood. My goals for each patient are individually thought-out according to a collaboration between patient and therapist. I can teach you how to become your own best advocate. My objective as your counselor is to assist in making you the best that you can be. I am extremely prompt in responding to all of the Betterhelp subscribers who are assigned to me. If you want my assistance on a daily basis, I am available to work with you. I am here for you as often as you'd like me to be. My objectives are to help you to exist in the environment in which you live and to assist you in getting to the next place in your life. For those of you who are in relationships that have ended, I will assist you with survival skills which focus on THE WHY, THE HOPE, THE WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN, and THE LETTING GO, a system that I have developed that has helped hundreds of my clients. The modalities that I use in my counseling approach are Psychodynamic, Family of Origin, Humanistic, Behavioral, Cognitive, CBT, Systemic, Solution Focused, Trauma Focused, Gottman, as well as others. I set up a compassion-focused alliance with my clients. I offer Live Camera Sessions, Live Phone Sessions, and Email Chat Sessions, as well as continuous email communication, to my clients. The choice is yours. People start to heal the moment they feel heard. I look forward to joining with you as your counselor.

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Bernice Banks

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: IL LCSW 149009745
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
18 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical social worker with an extensive and diverse experience working with adults, children, couples, and families. I earned my master’s degree from the University of Chicago in Illinois in 1997. I also hold a Bachelor’s degree from Roosevelt University in Illinois with a major in psychology. I enjoy the work I do and have worked in both the public and private sectors in the fields of social services and mental health. Having worked with children and families and the many challenges they face for more than 20 years, I know that the decision to seek professional help can often be a very difficult one. If you are trying to make that decision right now, it may help you to know that I am someone who is not here to judge you, and who really believes that there is a way out for you that together we can find. You have already taken the most important step by acknowledging that, for now, this is something you cannot handle alone. I have been in private practice for the past 12 years and currently specialize in marriage, couples and family therapy. I also have a background in child and adolescent mental health and have worked with families extensively around these issues. Other areas of expertise include Grief and Loss, Depression, Stress, and Anxiety, My approach to therapy is that it should be used as a tool to provide the knowledge, help, and support needed to understand problems and develop skills to cope with them. I use Cognitive Behavioral techniques to help clients develop insight and new skills.. Most importantly, I want to empower my clients so that they are able to gain a deeper understanding of their experiences, make informed choices about what actions they need to take, and develop skills that will help them handle difficult situations in the future. Working together, I believe we can accomplish those goals.

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Janice Nass

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: IL LCSW 149014364, FL LCSW SW18054
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
40 years of experience

For those of us experiencing anxiety, depression, chronic illness/disability, grief and loss, relationship issues, and work/life balance difficulties, trying to adapt to the changes these issues inevitably bring is a common thread that binds us all together. Change is a natural part of life, but it has ways of bringing up feelings of fear, uncertainty, doubt, and sometimes even apathy and pessimism. Since we cannot control change – we can only control how we respond to it – we often feel “stuck”. Together, we can work to address these feelings and adjust our mindsets so we can become stronger from the inside out. Realizing that we have the power to “course correct” our circumstances can be empowering. Our aim in the therapeutic process is to address change by: *learning to “reframe” the situation and see it differently. We can become more aware of what our minds are saying to us and change the narrative to something that is more aligned with our needs. Sometimes we don’t see the possibilities that change can bring because we are locked in a mindset that this is how things are supposed to be. *re-examining our core beliefs about ourselves and the world around us. When we know ourselves, our truths, our current beliefs, we can weather change more effectively. Sometimes difficulty comes when we are living out of alignment to our core values. *acknowledging that it can be uncomfortable but that difficult moments to not define us. Although social media may have us believe otherwise, life is not meant to be lived perfectly. We can learn from our mistakes, alter our actions, and see where we can do better. Avoiding discomfort can lead us to miss out on amazing experiences. Together, through the therapeutic process, we can discover what might be on the other side. *identify supports and health self-care practices. We can explore those relationships and practices that are reflections of our worth and learn to let go of those that don’t. The therapeutic process can also address how our communication styles can either enhance or diminish our support systems. These are my beliefs. I blend cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), person centered therapy (PCT) and solution focused therapy tailored to each person’s needs. In the past 4 decades as a social worker (yes, it has been that long!), I have worked with individuals in long term care and hospice, both as a social worker and as an administrator, and as a mental health practitioner in group practice settings. If I have learned anything over those years it is this: It is never too late to try something new, to start again, and to create a life we truly desire. We are all connected. Our journeys may look different and feel different, but we are all here on this earth for a reason and for a purpose. Let us discover yours – together.

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Dr. Cassandra April

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: IL LCPC 180002527
Family conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
30 years of experience

I am an African American female located in the Chicago land area. I am a licensed clinical professional counselor, adjunct professor, and author that has been in the field of counseling for over 30 years. As a therapist who is also a Christian, I assist people in the areas of faith and spiritual matters, if requested. I do not operate according to the medical model and don't work with issues pertaining to psychotropic medications or imbalanced brain chemistry. I operate from the perspective that we all have choices and need to make healthy ones in order to live mentally, emotionally, and spiritually healthy lives.

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Angela Mitchell

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: IL LCPC 180014052
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
14 years of experience

Hello, my name is Angela Mitchell and I have Master’s Degree in Professional Counseling from Lindenwood University and I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) who has had the privilege of gaining counseling experience for over 14 years in a variety of Mental Health settings. I have experience in counseling individuals, couples and facilitating groups. Some of the modalities that I may include in therapy are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution Focused Therapy. My goal is to encourage you and walk with you in order to help aid you with finding balance in your life. Change for the better can sometimes be challenging but the payoff has the potential to resolve issues, experience greater clarity, confidence, and certainty. I look forward to meeting and working with you!

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Erika Luhn

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: IL LCPC 180006714
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
22 years of experience

As a licensed therapist in Illinois with over two decades of experience, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My practice focuses on addressing challenges such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and relationship dynamics. I bring deep expertise in helping clients work through issues like isolation, guilt, shame, body image concerns, and interpersonal struggles. My approach is compassionate and tailored, with a particular commitment to supporting women, young adults, and individuals experiencing life transitions. I understand the intricate ways trauma, mood disorders, and family dynamics intersect, and I'm dedicated to creating a supportive environment where clients can explore their experiences and develop meaningful strategies for healing and growth. Drawing from extensive clinical experience, I offer a nuanced, empathetic approach that honors each person's unique journey. Whether you're dealing with relationship challenges, processing past experiences, or seeking to enhance personal resilience, I'm here to provide thoughtful, professional guidance.

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Gregory Jenkins

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: IL LCPC 180.014538
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

Greg specializes in trauma-focused therapy for children ages 5 & up, adolescents, and adults. For those who have experienced childhood trauma, relational trauma, or complex trauma, life often feels overwhelming. Their sense of self, relationships, & view of the past, present, & future become rocky at best. As a result many trauma survivors live in chronic state of anxiety, depression, numbness, fatigue, burn out & suffer from illness. In addition to trauma survivors, Greg works closely with children, teens, young adults, & adoptive families struggling with depression, anxiety, dissociation, mood disorders, behavioral issues & more. By utilizing a variety of approaches and interventions, such as: EMDR, Theraplay, TRBI, Mindfulness, CBT, Sand Tray-based Therapy, and Neurofeedback, Greg equips trauma survivors with the space, support, and skills necessary to identify triggers, develop healthy coping skills, decrease traumatic symptoms, and practice trauma processing and integration. With his supportive & caring nature, a touch of fun & humor, Greg creates the warm, stress-free, & compassionate environment required for survivors to re-establish safety, a sense of self, & self-trust. Grounded in neuroscience & attachment theory, Greg believes that trauma happens in relationships & thus, a portion of healing also occurs in relationships.

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Pamela Barrigar

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: IL LCSW 149019841, MO LCSW 2018012129
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepressionCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with extensive experience working with individuals of all ages. I am licensed in Illinois, Missouri, Florida, Georgia and Arizona with over fourteen years of experience in helping individuals of all ages with depression, stress, anxiety, anger management, self-esteem, and relationship issues. I use a variety of modalities, for example, client centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy. I practice as a Christian Counselor, however, I work with individuals from all faith backgrounds with a non-judgmental approach. I know that taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage. I am proud of you for taking this step and look forward to walking along side of you on your journey.

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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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Sarah Lamie

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: IL LCSW 149016693
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
18 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 16 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.

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Neel Mehta

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: IL Psychologist 071009624
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesCoaching
19 years of experience

I am a doctorally licensed clinical psychologist in the greater Chicagoland area with 19 years of professional experience in working with children, adults, couples and families. I have worked in many settings providing direct help with distress in many forms, as well as working through relationship and life issues such as those that arise in youth, intimacy, and family life. I am also available as a performance coach and consultant across multiple domains including personal, team, educational, and executive. I have been continuously integrating new life experiences and knowledge through time in addition to training and practice so that I can influence clearly evident change for people who need or want it. I understand that this is a time where skepticism and disdain for so-called expertise is understandable and too often required. I will not likely tell you our work is easy but I am very confident in finding a way to improve any given situation together.

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Jamie Smith

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: IL LCSW 149017940
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepression
12 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working 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 it is great that you are getting started!

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Dr. Mary Weeden

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: IL LCSW 149006727, WI LCSW 9075 - 123
Stress, AnxietyGriefEating disordersSelf esteemDepression
30 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical social work therapist in both Wisconsin and Illinois with three decades of professional experience, including as a registered nurse. My clinical experience includes eating disorders, depressive disorders, issues with anxiety, stress, loss and grief, motivation, self-esteem, & 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 will support and empower you in that journey.

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Ferrara Lund

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: IL LCSW 149027079
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
10 years of experience

As a licensed therapist in Illinois, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My professional approach centers on helping clients work through challenges like depression, anxiety, relationship dynamics, and trauma. I'm deeply committed to creating a compassionate, affirming therapeutic environment where individuals can explore their inner experiences and develop meaningful strategies for healing. My clinical expertise focuses on addressing social anxiety, panic disorders, post-traumatic stress, and attachment-related concerns. I'm particularly passionate about guiding clients through journeys of self-love, healing from guilt and shame, and developing healthier relationship patterns. Whether you're experiencing life transitions like divorce, struggling with body image, or seeking to build stronger self-esteem, I offer supportive, personalized guidance. I believe in meeting each person exactly where they are, honoring their unique experiences and inherent strengths. My goal is to collaborate with you, providing a safe space for growth, understanding, and transformative healing.

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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