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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Dr. John Cooley

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: IL LCPC 180007169
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
32 years of experience

My name is Dr. John Cooley. I have a Master of Arts Degree in Psychological Counseling from Southeast Missouri State University and Ph.D in Psychology from California Southern University. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois and I am a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist. I have 25 years of counseling experience working with Adults and Families who present with a variety of mental health and substance abuse problems. I have worked in outpatient and hospital settings. My treatment approach is very eclectic. I draw from a lot of counseling theories that can best fit a person's needs. Some of those include Humanistic, Psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Trauma Focused Treatment. I believe that clients have the resources within them to make positive changes so as to improve the quality of their lives. I provide a warm compassionate approach to counseling and want my clients to feel that they have been heard, validated and understood. At the same time I help clients find solutions to their problems and learn valuable coping skills to manage the problems they are experiencing. I look forward to working with you!

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Gina Spielman

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: IL LCSW 149007857
Relationship issuesGriefCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changes
27 years of experience

As a licensed therapist in Illinois with nearly three decades of experience, I specialize in supporting individuals through complex emotional landscapes. My approach is compassionate and versatile, addressing a wide range of challenges including depression, relationship dynamics, grief, trauma, career transitions, and personal growth. I offer a supportive environment where clients can explore their deepest concerns, from anxiety and isolation, to issues of self-love, communication, and purpose. My expertise spans diverse areas including workplace concerns, midlife transitions, and emotional healing after significant life changes (including trauma). My therapeutic style is adaptive and client-centered, drawing from extensive clinical experience to help individuals navigate complex emotional terrain. Whether you're struggling with mood concerns, relationship difficulties, or seeking personal transformation, I'm committed to walking alongside you with empathy, compassion, understanding, and professional guidance. I welcome clients from various backgrounds, creating a safe and respectful space for healing. My goal is to support you in developing resilience, self-understanding, and meaningful strategies for positive change in your life. I can offer faith-based care (if desired), however that looks to you. I welcome discussion around your needs and how to fulfill them. My website: www.ginaspielman.com

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Dr. Sha-Rhonda Green

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: NY LCSW 099805, IL LCSW 149028404
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
23 years of experience

As a licensed therapist with over two decades of experience, I specialize exclusively in supporting Black women through complex emotional landscapes. My work centers on helping Black women navigate challenges such as depression, anxiety, self-esteem struggles, relationship stress, role strain, and major life transitions. I am deeply committed to creating a compassionate, affirming therapeutic space where Black women can explore their inner worlds, heal from past wounds, and cultivate self-love. My approach is culturally responsive and honors the intersectional realities that shape Black women's experiences—including identity, systemic stress, family dynamics, and workplace trauma. My therapeutic work focuses on communication skills, life purpose exploration, boundaries, managing guilt and shame, understanding attachment patterns, and building emotional regulation. I support clients in developing resilient coping strategies and reclaiming their personal narrative through insight-based work. By maintaining a focused caseload of Black women, I provide care that is ethically grounded, sustainable, and aligned with both my expertise and capacity. Actively licensed and currently accepting clients residing in the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia.

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Dr. Christina Rudawski

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: IL Psychologist 071.008059
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefDepressionADHD
16 years of experience

I specialize in therapy with Adults. I am proficient in psychological assessment and psychotherapy. I also utilize Bibliotherapy as needed. Therapy requires work and consistent attendance and participation in weekly sessions. It is an investment you make in yourself. My clients are provided psychoedducation to understand their condition better and also homework to develop new skills to assist them in coping with issues in a more adaptive manner. I believe in the power of self-knowledge. As a psychologist, my goal is to help you uncover your true potential in order to lead a life that is worth celebrating. My goal is to provide you with a safe, secure judgment free environment and to assist you in giving voice to the thoughts and feelings which are difficult to realize and give voice to. I am a lifelong learner and am updating my skills through continuing education classes in order to provide you with the most up to date techniques and services. Difficult situations of the past can’t be changed, however, we can work together to improve your personal self-understanding and resolve challenges in your life. in the present and for the future. Together we will unearth long-standing behavior patterns or negative perceptions that may be holding you back from experiencing a more fulfilling and meaningful life. I look forward to meeting you and working with you!

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Janet Craig

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: IL LCSW 149-000531
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsGriefParenting issuesSelf esteem
35 years of experience

Hello! Janet Craig here. I come to Betterhelp with 30+ years of social work/advocacy/counseling experience. I am a licensed clinical social worker in the state of Illinois. I have worked in a variety of settings (child welfare, hospice, and the schools), and am comfortable helping people of all ages explore what makes them tick, what causes them pain, and how they can best take care of themselves. Being a human being is hard work no matter your age or life experience. I am especially skilled in helping parents with a variety of parenting issues, and have a passion for working with parents of teenagers. Raising a family is one of life's biggest and most important challenges. I'm here to help parents navigate new territory as their kids grow through adolescence. As a bereavement counselor, I have helped individuals and families cope with loss and it's resulting aftermath. Grief can feel very lonely and overwhelming at times. Sometimes it helps to sort out thoughts and feelings with someone outside the family. That's where I come in. My approach is one of compassion, careful listening, and guiding individuals toward meeting goals that they set for themselves. I firmly believe that people have the capacity to heal themselves, and that no one has to make that journey alone. My approach to my life and profession is that of acceptance, respect and kindness. The bumper sticker on my car says, “Human kind (be both).” My life's motto. EXPERTISE parenting grief/loss stress management relationship issues self-esteem anxiety coping skills

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Neal Harris

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: IL LCPC 180001053
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
40 years of experience

Neal Harris is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, with a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology. He has practiced the art of psychotherapy for 40 years. Neal has been a workshop leader in the holistic health and self-enrichment fields since 1985. He owned/directed his own holistic education center for 25 years. Neal's experience stems from training in the United States, China and India. In 1986, he was a member of the first bodywork team invited to a teaching hospital in China to study Tuina, a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine and massage. In 1991, he traveled to India to study with the meditation master and sage, H.W.L. Poonja (Papaji). Neal, until recently, had been teaching Reiki (energy therapy) for almost 30 years and providing Reiki therapy for almost 40 years. He is the author of the book, Pocket Stress Manager & Labyrinth Guide, as well as the relaxation CD, Exit The Storm. Neal as well as his holistic work has been featured on national television including WTTW, Fox, NBC, Discovery Channel and more. He has also been featured in several national magazines including Better Homes & Gardens, Spa Finder, New Age Magazine, Utne Reader and others. In 1997, Neal was the originator of the Earth-Wisdom Labyrinth; Illinois’ first permanent outdoor labyrinth located in Elgin, IL. He has been a consultant on, and the creator of other public labyrinths, fabric traveling labyrinths, finger labyrinths (including his patented brain balancing, communication enhancing double finger labyrinth design known as the Intuipath®) and manuals for creating outdoor labyrinths. For nearly 40 years, Neal led labyrinth workshops around the country and is a founding member of The International Labyrinth Society. In his private therapy practice, Neal assists those individuals who are experiencing a variety of concerns including life-affirming conditions such as Diabetes, Cancer, Heart Disease as well as anxiety, depression, relationship issues, LGBTQ+ concerns and a host of other issues. To promote healing on many levels, he uses relaxation and meditation training, the Emotional Freedom Technique, Graphotherapy and other targeted practices to assist his clients. This work explores integrative medical options, as well as the psychology and spirituality of illness and recovery. Neal also headed up a 4-year national research study to determine the behavioral effects of his Intuipath® design on children and adolescents with ADHD. Besides his counseling practice, he is also a Certified Pickleball Coach; teaching folks to play smarter not harder for the past 11 years.

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Dr. Hollie Campbell

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: IL LCPC 180015266
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issues
9 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, & trauma and abuse. I also have experience working with intimacy related issues. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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John Collins

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: IL LCSW 149015862, LA LCSW 16951
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
14 years of experience

I have years of experience helping clients cope with both the symptoms as well as the underlying causes of their struggles with issues of anxiety, trauma and PTSD, depression, difficulty managing anger, alcohol or other substance use disorders, and relational difficulties that often stem from low self-confidence and the need for updated and enhanced communication skills. My clinical style combines a personal approach that aims to make the client feel genuinely understood, supported, and safe. I utilize a variety of therapeutic interventions that help to update coping skills and strategies, while operating from a psychodynamic base that can facilitate both shorter- and longer-term psychodynamic psychotherapy for deeper-reaching, more stable positive change. I am also certified to provide EMDR when appropriate. I received a Master's degree in Social Work from Loyola University Chicago in 2010. I currently reside in Louisiana.

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Stuart Marcus

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: IL LCSW 149002046, FL LCSW SW19916
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
35 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida and Illinois with 35 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationships, family conflicts, trauma and abuse. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Susan Rick

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: IL LCPC 180013829
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionADHD
8 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 develop self-compassion, improve communication skills, and overcome challenges related to anxiety, depression, and trauma. I offer a compassionate, evidence-based approach to mental health that addresses a wide range of emotional experiences. My expertise includes supporting individuals struggling with social anxiety, panic attacks, attachment issues, and mood disorders. I'm committed to creating a supportive environment where clients can explore their inner world, build resilience, and cultivate meaningful personal growth. My therapeutic style emphasizes understanding each person's unique journey, focusing on strengths and providing practical strategies for emotional healing. Whether you're dealing with isolation, self-esteem challenges, or complex emotional patterns, I'm dedicated to walking alongside you with empathy and professional guidance.

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Lapree Crawford

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: IL LCSW 149028999
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
4 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, family conflicts, motivation, self-esteem, confidence, & depression. 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. 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.

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Maria Osmanski

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: IL LCSW 149020523
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
7 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 depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, and challenges with self-esteem. I understand that emotional healing is a deeply personal journey, and I'm committed to creating a compassionate, non-judgmental space where you can explore your experiences. My therapeutic work focuses on addressing communication difficulties, feelings of isolation, guilt, shame, and struggles with personal control. I believe in empowering clients to develop healthier emotional patterns and build resilience. Through collaborative, evidence-based techniques, I support individuals in understanding their inner experiences and developing meaningful strategies for personal growth. Every person's path to healing is unique, and I'm dedicated to walking alongside you with empathy, respect, and professional expertise. Together, we can work towards understanding your challenges and creating positive, sustainable changes in your life.

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John Michael Quinn

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: IL LCPC 180006854
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesDepression
22 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 22 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, LGBTQ+ related issues, & relationship issues. I also have experience working with depression. My life motto is "Life in Balance". 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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