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.

Karen Haggard
For most of my professional life I have been working with individuals who have experienced trauma, and who are struggling to manage their symptoms. As a seasoned clinician, I strive to provide culturally competent, trauma informed care to a diverse population of clients at all stages of the developmental spectrum. I specialize in providing a calm, warm, comfortable environment of healing, where my clients can begin to focus on their own healing journey, working at their own pace, starting wherever they are most comfortable starting their journey, and utilizing the treatment modalities that feel most comfortable for each client. I truly believe that each client must be in charge of their own healing journey, including being in charge of the pace and the way that we decide to approach their particular needs and issues. I have never and will never use a cookie cutter approach with my clients. I see my job as setting the stage and supporting my clients as their guide to a healthier life. I am trained in a variety of evidence based modalities, including cognitive behavioral therapy, cognitive processing therapy, Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR), CBT for Suicide Prevention, Problem Solving Therapy for Suicide Prevention, Advanced Safety Planning intervention for Suicide Prevention, Integrated Behavioral Couples Therapy, Behavioral Family Therapy, mindfulness meditation, hypnosis, guided meditation, and similar skills to help my clients to grow and heal. I prefer to work with adults or older teens and young adults, who have some ability to make decisions about their lives. I've worked with men, women, LGBTQ individuals, parent's of LGBTQ individuals who are struggling to come to terms with their child's orientation, Military personnel, Veterans, first responders and similar individuals who have experienced trauma in their work or their day to day lives. I have also worked with and supported individuals who are facing end of life decisions and serious illness, as well as their caregivers. I am comfortable with most issues that my clients present, and I'm open to exploring any issue that is impacting my client. I can interact with you in whatever manner you are most comfortable. I find it helpful to participate in video and telephone sessions so that we can get to know each other better. But I am also available to you via text or chat, if that is more comfortable for you. A majority of my availability is in the evenings and on the weekends, and I am located in CDT or CST, but I check messages at least once during each weekday. I know how hard it can be to find a counselor with whom you feel connected. I would be honored to work with you through this stage of your life. Right now I am seeking clients who are available during the evenings on Saturdays and Sundays in particular. I am located in Illinois, so my availability is CST.

Diane McClain
Hi My name is Diane I have more than 30+ years of experience doing therapy. I have worked in inpatient, outpatient settings as well as family service agencies and private practice. My approach is client centered with a strong focus on solution oriented short term therapy. I am a direct communicator, but use humor often to help clarify issues and to create an intervention that is easier to remember for my clients. Life sometimes is very hard, it is our reaction to it that makes it harder or easier. We can grow and learn to make our decisions based on our values and interests so that we are not fighting with ourself over the decisions that were always ours to make. We all make choices that have far ranging consequences for ourself and others- let us make them after a careful, honest self examination- therapy can provide a safe place for this self examination. . I have an interest in providing therapy and support for caregivers, clients with new medical challenges and families dealing with end of life issues. I have specialized in grief and loss as well as anxiety and depression. I am a direct communicator and have been able to " speak truth to power" so one of my subset of experiences is coaching executives who have lost their jobs and are going through emotionally challenging times. I am experienced at counseling cross cultural and interfaith families both at the pre-marital stage and further along in the marriage. I also have counseling experience ( as an ally) with GLBTQ+ counseling, coming out, managing the family disclosure and acceptance and straight spouse issues as well. Make no mistake, people need to work in therapy. A good therapist does not provide a NEST ( never ending supportive therapy) but rather a launching point. So if you are ready to launch ......contact me

Dr. Willie Harmon
I am an older male black therapist with a history of military experience. I have worked with teenagers and with adults. My approach is straight forward and solution focused. I am a great listener with a "can do positive" mentality to issues and problems. I am reality based and like to set goals for treatment. I am very drawn to couples therapy and enjoy working to find common ground, and/or highlight the needs for couples to determine the next step in their relationship. I have three male children, all boys, and enjoy my role as a father so I am always available to help improve someone's parenting skills. I have a blended family so I am aware of the challenges, dynamics, and issues associated with such a family model. I know that trust is essential for therapy to be successful. I will do all that I can to establish such a therapeutic relationship with you if you choose me as your therapist. Unfortunately , I have not had much experience working with the LGBTQ community . I am a licensed clinical psychologist and a licensed Clinical Therapist.

Fritz Gelin
I currently hold an LCPC (Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor) and a CADC (Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor), both from the State of Illinois. Professionally, I am the Program Coordinator at a crisis center, but I have over 15 years of experience working with clients presenting with a wide range of issues, including bipolar, schizophrenia, anxiety, depression, and relationship issues. I draw my counseling strengths from using a Person-Centered Therapy approach. I believe that the therapy space is for the client to have a voice and options available for adequate problem solving. I am certified in CBT, but I use an eclectic approach integrating various counseling models. At times, we are faced with a difficult task, and we may need some assistance. If you feel ready for therapy/counseling, I am here to provide you the help you need. Thank you.

Dr. Margarita Lopez
I am licensed in Illinois and South Dakota with 8+ years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse. I also have experience working with 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.

April Lacey
Welcome! My name is April Lacey and I am a licensed counselor in Illinois. Taking the first step to seeking a happier and fulfilling life takes courage. I am here to support you through that process. My vision for therapy is to create a safe and encouraging space for clients to share their experiences while recognizing their strengths to cope with life's challenges. I have worked in a wide range of therapeutic settings such psychiatric units, crisis lines, community mental health working with youth and families impacted by the juvenile justice system, and group practice. I have experience in helping clients with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma, anger management, self-esteem, and parenting concerns. I use an integrative approach of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Client-Centered, Trauma- Focused, Mindfulness, Trust-Based Relational Intervention, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution-Focused Therapy to help my clients. My approach focuses on fostering a strong collaborative relationship with clients to reach their goals. I value genuineness and believe in meeting clients where they are, treating everyone with respect and compassion.

Lisa Whittingham
I am licensed in Illinois with 15 years of professional work experience. In addition, I am a Yoga instructor, Mindfulness teacher, and am certified in Music & Sound Healing. My passion is to infuse these modalities into therapy. My specialties include: stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, coping with grief and loss, and issues around Parenting of LGBTQI+ children/teens/tweens/adult children. 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. 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.

Brittany Simons
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and have worked in the field of Social Work since 2010, with 6+ years of direct clinical experience. I have worked with individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, PTSD, and more severe mental health symptoms. I believe that everyone has their own path of healing and I pull from various modalities to explore what works for you. These modalities include, motivational interviewing, CBT, DBT, person centered therapy, somatic focused and strength based approach. I believe in using a holistic approach to understand the mind/body/spirit connection and seek to understand through a trauma-informed lens. The first step of healing can be through self-awareness and by signing up for therapy you are taking that initiative for yourself. Take pride in knowing that you are doing something to take care of you!

Danielle Cox
I am licensed in Illinois with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Teris Gosier
I am licensed in Illinois with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, trauma and abuse, & 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.

Lisa Leong
Hello! I am a trained clinical social worker with 16 years of experience. My experience is in major hospital systems in New York City, Houston, and New Jersey and the past three years specifically servicing BetterHelp subscribers. Most of my experience involves bringing tranquility, organization, and resolution to very complex and emotional situations. I utilize cultural sensitivity and my experience to navigate diverse backgrounds and work through the challenges being faced. In my work, I have been involved during times of stress and anxiety, challenging relationships, life changes, and many more. My goal is to listen to what is causing stress and offer the support needed to overcome it or manage it better. I hope to offer some tools to utilize in navigating these challenging situations for a more optimal outcome. I have traveled to various cities such as Bangkok, Paris, Madrid, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Cancun, Caribbean, London, Amsterdam, San Diego, Chicago, Oklahoma City, Memphis, Orlando, San Francisco, Montreal, Calgary, Banff, Edmonton, and more. During my travels, I mainly focus on learning about the culture and understanding the history of the area and its people. My passion is to help and coach people to be their best selves!

Amanda Halawa-Mahdi
I am licensed in Illinois with 23 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with trauma, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, motivation, self esteem, confidence, depression, & executive coaching. I have extensive experience working with teens and their families in the juvenile justice system with an emphasis on behavior change techniques ranging from general defiance to serious criminal activity including sexual offenses. I am also trained as a Professional Coach through the Co-Active Training Institute, where I empower leaders to develop confidence, align their values, develop increased self-awareness and enhance their decision making skills. I also have extensive knowledge in diversity, equity and inclusion and actively work to dismantle personal and systemic biases and promote fairness in my practice. 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. 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:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisis Text Line:Text HOME to 741741
- Veterans Crisis Line<:Call 1-800-273-8255 (and press 1) or text 838255. For support for the deaf and hard of hearing community, please use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.
- Trevor Lifeline(LGBTQ Lifeline): (866)488-7386
- SAMHSA National Helpline: (Substance Use): (800)662-4357
- National Eating Disorder Association Helpline:1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM-9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST
- Child Help Hotline Call 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat featur
- National Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Physician Crisis Support Line: Call 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to Covid-1
- Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673
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.
Popular cities in Illinois
- Chicago, IL
- Aurora, IL
- Joliet, IL
- Rockford, IL
- Naperville, IL
- Springfield, IL
- Peoria, IL
- Elgin, IL
- Waukegan, IL
- Champaign, IL
- Cicero, IL
- Bloomington, IL
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