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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Stephanie Dixon

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: IL LCSW 149.024669, NC LCSW C013323
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsGriefSelf esteemDepression
10 years of experience

Has the COVID-19 create anxieties or other mental health challenges for you? Do you need a safe place to share your thoughts and feelings? I am a licensed clinician, who would love to be able to meet 1:1 with you to address your mental health needs. I truly believe in shared decision-making approach to therapy. I approach therapy from a collaborative approach, building relationships, and using evidence-based practice. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Work as well as a Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist. I’ve been working in behavioral health since 2003. I have experience in providing individual, group, and family counseling. I have been trained in CBT Therapy, ACT Therapy, DBT Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focus therapy, harm reduction model, Gestalt therapy, and other evidence-based model. Preference: I prefer to work with adults ages 19 and above. I help people with dealing with all types of transitioning, life stressors brought on by relocating, career changes, new mothers, balancing work and life, relationships building, grief and loss, and setting boundaries.

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Shayna Rayman

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: FL LMHC MH11511, IL LCPC 180.012090
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefAnger management
11 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida and Illinois with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialogue 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. Please message me to inquire about scheduling.

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Donna Beichel

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: IL LCSW 149.006051
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
33 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 33 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, & relationship issues. I also have experience working with 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. 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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Monica McCabe

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: IL LCPC 180009863
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
6 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.

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Lawrence "Larry" Westenberg

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: IL LCSW 149008012
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
42 years of experience

Thank you for sharing information about yourself here. I'm glad that you reached out for help. My name is Larry Westenberg, and I am a licensed therapist with over 40 years of experience in counseling. You can read more about my background, education, experience, and therapy approach by clicking on my name on this page. I have been a professional counselor for over 40 years. I started out on a 'back ward' of a state mental hospital, counseling extremely mentally ill people and helping them to access their resources, use their strengths and improve the quality of their lives. It was a tremendous challenge. At that time, I had my bachelor’s degree in psychology, and no other training. The State system allowed people to do counseling who had no training in counseling whatsoever. In fact, many of them had never been to college. I discovered the 'uneducated counselors' were usually MUCH more effective at helping their clients. They were not 'full of themselves' and their degrees. Instead, they used what they knew about helping people, did what they could, and learned to help people by figuring out what worked as they went along. They also expected the same from the people they were counseling - that they would use the resources they had, do their best, and get better at improving their lives. Meanwhile, the majority of the 'professional therapists' were lost in their long explanations and mythologies that tried to explain the patient's behavior, and they often developed bizarre theories and treatment methods they imagined would make the patients get better. When you make a connection to another person in counseling, you offer them a safe space to "step out of themselves," and discuss their own behavior from a different perspective of detached observation. Recognizing their own skills and the tools they have can help them make meaningful changes strategically, that utilize their own abilities. I specialize in trauma, anxiety and panic, ADD, relationships and finding meaning in life. I have extensive training in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) - which is bashed as unscientific non-sense on the internet. This criticism is thrown from the allegedly "Scientific field" of psychology which is founded on the idea of repressed urges of the id and wanting to kill your father to take possession of your mother. Not the best scientific theory for validating your experiences of life. I am a published author in the field of Belief Change, Ericksonian Hypnosis and NLP. I enjoy helping others uncover treasure within themselves. I don't work with lab rats. I work with people. I would appreciate the opportunity to work with you. I have worked in inpatient, outpatient, partial hospitalization and crisis intervention treatment. I have worked with LGBTQ+ individuals since long before we had an acronym. I have supported individuals in compartmentalizing alternative lifestyles so that they don't embarrass themselves at work or in social situations. I help some people accept the fact their family may be a toxic gaggle of illnesses and it really is okay to not be in contact. I help others discover how they create anxiety in themselves and teach a variety of skills for managing emotional states. My passion is helping people find insights into HOW they do the behaviors they do, so they can more easily shift the behaviors to get the same results - or different results. I also like helping people discover how past traumas and negative events can "echo" into present interactions and circumstances. Rather than label this a disease, I show people how to notice these connections and respond less to the resonance in the present. I laugh frequently and I may even tease about symptoms as an attempt to help you shift your perspective on your issues. I do not make fun of problems. I take my work seriously, but I will never take LIFE seriously - because it has this surprise-ending feature. I would be delighted to meet with you and find out if I can support you in making the shifts and changes that will help you build the life you desire.

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Aleksander Casas

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: IL LCPC 180.013764
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesDepression
7 years of experience

Life stressors and managing different areas of our life can sometimes become heavy to hold alone. Many times, there is nothing "wrong" with us, we are just learning to navigate life and ourselves. It is beneficial when we have a designated time to devote to this process via a guided telehealth setting. Let's explore the unknown and get to the root of what you are feeling and thinking.

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Taleatha Welch

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

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

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Nisha Paliwal

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: IL LCPC 180012019
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
12 years of experience

I am Nisha Agmata Paliwal, Clinically Licensed Psychotherapist & Healing Professional My deepest honor is to be able to authentically energize & utilize my heart, spirit, & global healing expertise in order to enhance your personal, unique, & transformative journey towards true & total mental wellness. If you feel like you are "not okay", tell me what you really need. I'm here for your pain, your goals, your amazing potential, & your GROWTH. I am a multicultural human, & it is important to me to practice cultural humility & provide unconditional positivity towards you, no matter what. I take respectful responsibility of your allowance of my presence in your personal wellness journey, & continue evolving myself specifically to serve our humanity. I honor & respect you as a whole; Your personal wisdom, various inner & outer experiences, & true Self finds home. If you’re on your mental wellness journey, I’d be honored to join you - to be by your side, supporting you with my expertise and authenticity. My approach is to keep you at the center of all we’re doing - this is YOUR space! We can journey forward towards your growth & healing, safely & honestly...

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Donna Iverson

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: IL LCSW 149000854
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsGrief
36 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 39years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, & coping with grief and loss. 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. After working a couple of years, online with clients, I have a positive feeling this is a strategy that can help more people access assistance. Sometimes, it's having someone to talk to and sort out changes in your life, other times, it's to assist people desiring to make self-improvements for their lives.

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Vasiliki Stratikopoulou

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: IL LCSW 149027865
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
7 years of experience

As a licensed therapist in Illinois, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My approach centers on compassionate, holistic care that addresses a wide range of life challenges. I have extensive experience helping clients work through depression, relationship dynamics, family conflicts, trauma, and grief. My therapeutic practice focuses on empowering individuals to develop deeper self-understanding and resilience. I'm particularly passionate about supporting clients through transitions like workplace challenges, midlife shifts, and personal transformations. Whether you're struggling with social anxiety, processing difficult life experiences, or seeking to enhance personal growth, I offer a supportive, non-judgmental space. I believe in tailoring treatment to each person's unique journey, drawing from evidence-based approaches to help you build meaningful connections, overcome emotional barriers, and rediscover your inner strength. My goal is to walk alongside you as you develop healthier coping strategies and move toward greater emotional well-being.

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OBrain Agwanihu

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: IL LCSW 149027628
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
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, relationship issues, anger management, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with 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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Cathalene Silver

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: IL LCPC 180002821, IL LMFT 166000506
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesDepressionCompassion fatigue
30 years of experience

As a seasoned therapist with three decades of experience, I specialize in supporting individuals through complex life transitions and emotional challenges. My practice focuses on creating a compassionate, affirming space for clients navigating diverse experiences, including LGBTQ+ identities, relationship dynamics, and personal growth. I bring deep expertise in addressing depression, anxiety, stress, and interpersonal challenges. My approach is particularly attuned to the unique needs of individuals experiencing social anxiety, workplace stress, life purpose exploration, and emotional healing. I'm committed to supporting clients through transitions like midlife changes, young adult challenges, and relationship transformations. My therapeutic style centers on building self-love, improving communication, and helping clients overcome feelings of isolation and shame. I offer a warm, non-judgmental environment that honors each person's individual journey, with specialized understanding of multicultural experiences and diverse life circumstances.

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Aisha Smart

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: IL LCSW 149029324
Relationship issuesParenting issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & career difficulties. I also have experience working with 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. 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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Tanya Johnson

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: IL LCSW 149030443
Relationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCompassion fatigue
17 years of experience

As a licensed therapist in Indiana, I bring 17 years of dedicated experience supporting individuals through complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on creating compassionate, culturally responsive spaces for healing across diverse life experiences. I specialize in addressing challenges related to depression, relationship dynamics, trauma recovery, and personal growth. My therapeutic approach honors each person's unique journey, with a deep commitment to understanding individual experiences of social anxiety, isolation, life transitions, and interpersonal struggles. I offer supportive guidance for women, young adults, and individuals navigating multicultural experiences, workplace challenges, and personal transformation. Drawing from evidence-based practices, I help clients develop resilient communication skills, process difficult emotions, and cultivate self-compassion. My work is grounded in respect, empathy, and a collaborative approach that empowers clients to discover their inner strengths and create meaningful change.

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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