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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Donald Shawler

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: IL LCPC 180005917
Stress, AnxietyLGBTAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
20 years of experience

Donald (Don) Shawler ia a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) who uses an integrative approach to working with adults dealing with depression, anxiety and other mental health problems. This integrative approach involves a person centered technique to help clients identify and address issues in an accepting, non-judgmental and safe environment. Using Cognitive based techniques, clients are taught to re-frame thoughts that hold them back and impact emotional and mental well being. Mr. Shawler also helps clients address anger issues by teaching anger management skills. With over 20 years of experience, Mr. Shawler has been successful working with many individuals dealing with a wide range of issues.

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Susan Haarman

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: IL LCPC 180.016579
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
4 years of experience

So, you've already done the scariest part of this whole process, which is deciding that you want support and taking action. That takes incredible strength and humility, even if you may not feel that way right now. From here, it's my job to work together with you to find ways to channel that strength towards the goals you have and help reframe the way you're approaching challenges through support, humor, and compassion. I have experience working with adults and couples dealing with anxiety, depression, LGBTQ+ issues, grief, identity development, and navigating major life changes. As a queer therapist committed to social justice, it's my mission is to create a space in therapy where all folks feel affirmed and heard, especially if that is not their experience in daily life. My practice is client centered and I believe that mental health and wellness also includes finding ways to include your passions and priorities into treatment. We can also incorporate meditation or spirituality into therapy if that's important to you. You've done the hardest part by starting this process

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Diane Henning

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: IL LCPC 180007123
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTTrauma and abuseDepression
15 years of experience

As a licensed therapist in Illinois, I bring 15 years of dedicated experience supporting individuals through complex life challenges. My practice centers on creating compassionate, affirming spaces for healing across diverse experiences. I specialize in addressing depression, anxiety, trauma, and LGBTQ+ concerns, with a deep commitment to understanding each client's unique journey. My therapeutic approach is holistic and person-centered, focusing on areas like self-love, communication, life purpose, and personal growth. I work closely with clients navigating relationship dynamics, workplace stress, identity exploration, and emotional wellness. Whether you're experiencing isolation, processing past trauma, or seeking meaningful personal transformation, I'm here to support your path forward with empathy and professional expertise. I welcome individuals from all backgrounds and life stages, offering a non-judgmental environment where you can explore your challenges, strengths, and potential for healing and growth.

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Michelle Curry

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: IL LCSW 149.015555
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
20 years of experience

Thank you for reaching out. It takes a ton of courage and strength to make that first step for additional supports. I am a licensed clinical social worker and have assisted others through their therapeutic journey for approximately 17 years. I am compassionate about others emotional well-being and strive to provide a safe place without discrimination or judgement. Everyone has a voice and their own story to share. I have worked with families and children with varying ages, abilities, disabilities, while conceptualizing mental health struggles that people experience on a daily basis. As a therapist, my role is to listen, provide empathy, support and the necessary tools to reach your goals. In time, you will gain a better understanding of yourself and the dynamics that impact your life. Remember that this journey takes time but I hope to have the opportunity to work with you.

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Dr. William Keating

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: IL Psychologist 071.001764
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changesCoaching
35 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 35 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, depression, & coping with life changes. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Jendaya Clark

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: IL LCPC 180.012915
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
7 years of experience

Hello! I'm Jendaya, and I have several years of experience in community mental health and individual/group counseling. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes such as quarantine, graduation, weddings/marriage, aging parents, illness/cancer and fertility concerns . 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'd be happy to assist if you'd like to meet.

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Sanjuana Meza

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: IL LCPC 180015605
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
6 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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DeAnna Hall

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: IL LCSW 149025393
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
9 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma, abuse, & 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. 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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Carrie Wallace-Onifade

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: IL LCSW 149028458
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
13 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & career difficulties. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

This is Marianne Hutchison's avatar and link to their profile

Marianne Hutchison

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: IL LCSW 149026435
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I am licensed Social Worker in Illinois. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with grief, coping with loss, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & depression. I also have experience working on coping with life changes. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Valorie James

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: IL LCSW 149011450, MI LMSW 6801119326
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
25 years of experience

My name is Valorie James, and I hold licenses to provide counseling services in Illinois, Michigan and Indiana. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief, coping with loss, motivation, self-esteem, & confidence and much more. I also have experience working with individuals coping with life changes. My counseling approach is both focused and professional but also relaxed. I am known for being supportive, attentive, and impartial. I focus on identifying your strengths and helping you maximize them to overcome obstacles and/or manage them effectively in your life. I am available to assist you in addressing current challenges and provide a safe space for honest communication. You have taken the first and most crucial step by reaching out for help. After your review of this message, should you choose to move forward, feel free to view my calendar and choose a day an time that fits you best. Cheers on taking steps to participate in counseling, regardless of whether this is your first go around or not. I recognize it takes courage and thank you for considering me to help you on this journey.

This is Aimee Dinschel's avatar and link to their profile

Aimee Dinschel

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: IL LCSW 149014432
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
16 years of experience

I help clients navigate life’s challenges with compassion, curiosity, and a deep understanding of how trauma shapes the mind and body. Whether you’re coping with PTSD, complex trauma, anxiety, relationship stress, or major life transitions, therapy with me offers a safe space to feel seen, understood, and supported. My approach is trauma-informed and integrative. I draw from DBT (I’m DBT-certified), Internal Family Systems, mindfulness, and motivational interviewing to help you build emotional regulation, strengthen your inner resources, and reconnect with parts of yourself that may feel overwhelmed, shut down, or stuck in survival mode. Together, we’ll work at your pace to make sense of your experiences, reduce the intensity of trauma responses, and move toward healing, stability, and meaningful growth.

This is Hannah Herrin's avatar and link to their profile

Hannah Herrin

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: IL LCSW 149026656
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
11 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with extensive experience in working with juveniles and individuals struggling with substance use disorders. Specializing in both adolescent development and addiction recovery, I combine evidence-based therapeutic techniques with a compassionate, client-centered approach. With a deep understanding of the challenges faced by young individuals in vulnerable situations, I am committed to helping clients navigate complex emotions, build resilience, and achieve lasting recovery.

This is Erin Osborn's avatar and link to their profile

Erin Osborn

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: IL LCPC 180.016002
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCoaching
13 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, motivation, self esteem, confidence, career difficulties, coping with life changes, & executive coaching. I also have experience working with professional coaching. 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 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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