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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Deborah Beard

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: IL LCPC 180.006969
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
30 years of experience

My name is Deborah Beard. I am trained in Marriage & Family Therapy and have served as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor for over 25 years. I graduated in 1996 with a Masters degree in Science: Family Therapy from Friends University in Wichita, Kansas. My previous work experience as a Human Resource Manager and a Professor of Education bring relatable life skill experiences into each of my sessions. I have served as a counselor in both public and private mental health agencies, primarily for those seeking help with depression, anxiety, mood disorders, trauma and abuse recovery, relationships, and parenting skills. Any client who has the courage to seek counseling is someone worth celebrating. With gentleness and warmth, I try to focus on each of my clients' strengths to help them in the areas they desire to change. I utilize counseling tools from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Rational Emotive Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Systemic Therapy as appropriate. Each client's faith and moral values are recognized as a wonderful foundation for their desired growth. I look forward to meeting you!

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Debbie Chirikos

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: IL LCSW 149.011586
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
40 years of experience

I have been a career clinical social worker for 40 years. I have chosen to be a counselor my entire professional, adult life, because I love it! I have done this in multiple states across America, Hawaii and Canada. I am curious and driven to expand my skills and knowledge, and be a change agent for my clients. I want my skills to be fresh and relevant in a changing social landscape. To me, there no distractions when I am engaged with my clients. I am as fully attuned to my client as I can be and want nothing more than for my client's success and resolution of their problems, and the things in their life that are painful or self-defeating. I have a Bachelor's and Masters degree in Clinical Social Work. I attended universities in Colorado. I think I can best help clients who want to do the hard work, look at themselves and with my support and guidance, make real changes in their life that move them toward their authentic selves. Clients who embrace non-judgmental feedback will be comfortable with me. Clients who have repeated self-defeating behaviors will find me patient and tolerant of their struggles. Clients who understand that humor is a tool to heal will be comfortable with me. I think mental health is something that we groom. Finally, working with a motivated client and reaching those moments of confidence and calm together is a satisfaction like no other. I believe all people who are suffering have the seeds within them to solve their own problems. Sometimes we just need a partner in that journey . Sometimes, we just want to talk to someone who will listen to us!

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Christina Kunisch

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: IL LCSW 149030352, KY LCSW 256098
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepression
12 years of experience

Hello there! My name is Christina, and I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker. During the past decade of my professional practice, I have worked in a variety of care settings and different levels of care. My passion remains in providing individual therapy in a safe and healing space by joining with you on this journey. Whatever brings you into considering the therapy as a tool for improving your quality of life, my role is to create a space for exploring, questioning, learning, reducing distress, and building healthy coping skills to allow you to flourish. I have a great deal of experience with multiple mental health concerns. However, my areas of particular interest and skill, are anger management, addictions recovery, and recovery from the impact of traumatic stress. In our work, I offer different specialty therapies such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Life Stress Reduction, Cognitive Therapies, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. I look forward to meeting with you, hearing about what brings you to consider therapy, and how this process might fit into your healing journey.

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Benita Whitfield

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: IL LCSW 149013710, MA LICSW LICSW127501
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteem
26 years of experience

As a licensed therapist in Illinois and Massachusetts with over two decades of experience, I specialize in supporting individuals through complex life challenges. My practice centers on helping clients navigate stress, relationship dynamics, parenting struggles, and personal growth. I bring a compassionate, culturally responsive approach to addressing issues like social anxiety, self-esteem, communication barriers, and emotional healing. My therapeutic work spans diverse experiences, from supporting young adults and caregivers to addressing workplace challenges, trauma recovery, and midlife transitions. I'm deeply committed to creating a supportive environment where individuals can explore their unique experiences, develop resilience, and cultivate meaningful personal transformation. Drawing from extensive clinical expertise, I offer a holistic, person-centered approach that honors each client's individual journey. Whether you're confronting anxiety, relationship difficulties, or seeking deeper self-understanding, I'm dedicated to walking alongside you with empathy, respect, and professional guidance.

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Dorothy Carskadon

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: IL LCSW 149008764, TX LCSW 104727
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepression
26 years of experience

Hi: I am Dorrie or Dorothy, whichever you prefer. I have been a counselor for 28 years - 24 years working with Veterans and their families and the last 4 years on Better Help. I received my Master of Social Work degree from the University of South Carolina. The foundation of therapy I use is positive psychology, the cognitive behavioral approach, emotional literacy, and intentional living to guide you through your issues. Positive psychology helps you to explore yourself through recognizing the positives in your life and accentuating them. The cognitive behavioral approach enables you to examine your decisions through understanding the connection between your thoughts, beliefs, physical reactions/responses, and behaviors. The emotional literacy approach examines how your emotions influence your decisions. I call myself a resource counselor because I will provide you with a wealth of materials, including handouts, worksheets, articles, videos, and internet links, to review and hopefully apply to your life. I am a Christian and believe that the Bible expresses wisdom and encourages love. God made each of us unique, and "God saw that it was good." I am an LGBTQ+ counselor. As an experienced therapist, I will tailor my approach to meet your specific needs. My goal is to equip you with the tools to make informed decisions and help you enjoy life to the fullest.

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Heather Friend

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: IL LCSW 149026353, CO LCSW CSW.09927984
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefParenting issues
9 years of experience

Hello, and so glad you have come in for support! My name is Heather Friend and I am a licensed mental health therapist with years of experience working with people of all ages and all types of needs. If you have been struggling and not only need someone to talk to but also need guidance on how to move forward for healing, you have come to the right place. I specialize in working with clients experiencing significant stress, anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, parenting issues and more. It is my belief that everyone is able to work through what they need to, they may just need a safe and accepting space to be able to do that. We will work together to help you create this space and also to help you gain insight about your needs so that you can work to feel fulfilled and whole again. If you are new to therapy, know that feeling nervous about all of this is natural and it is part of my job to help you feel safe and grounded in therapy. So please reach out if you have questions and looking forward to meeting with you.

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Juanette Plato

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: IL LCPC 180014671, IN LMHC 39004915A
Trauma and abuseParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCoping with life changes
7 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with trauma and abuse, parenting issues, anger management, & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Sherry Coleman

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: IL LCPC 180.008033
AddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemCoping with life changes
30 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients coping with addictions, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence issues. I also have experience working with healthy boundaries and 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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Gloria Sanchez

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: IL LCSW 149008971
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteemCoping with life changes
25 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, 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. 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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Tilaya Bradford-Hollins

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: IL LCSW 149028538
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCoping with life changes
11 years of experience

As a licensed therapist serving clients in Illinois, I specialize in supporting individuals through complex life transitions and emotional challenges. My approach centers on empowering clients to cultivate self-love, improve communication, and develop resilient coping strategies. With over a decade of professional experience, I offer compassionate guidance for those navigating stress, relationship dynamics, trauma recovery, and personal growth. My practice focuses on addressing social anxiety, workplace challenges, and women's issues with cultural sensitivity and deep understanding. I create a supportive environment where clients can explore difficult emotions, heal from past experiences, and rediscover their inner strength. My therapeutic approach is rooted in respect, empathy, and a commitment to helping individuals build meaningful, authentic lives aligned with their personal values and goals.

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Leticia Boughton Price

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: IL LCSW 149.027076
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief, coping with loss, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience helping people to cope 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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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.

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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.

This is Cheryl Stampley's avatar and link to their profile

Cheryl Stampley

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: IL LCSW 149005065, NC LCSW C006511
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changesCoaching
23 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois, Indiana, North Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia with 23 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, confidence, 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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