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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This is Dr. Rachel Kinison's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Rachel Kinison

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: Ed.D,LCPC,LMHC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

Hello! My name is Dr. Rachel Kinison. You can call me Rachel or Dr. Rach, as my friends lovingly call me. I have my doctorate degree in Pastoral Community Counseling. I have a masters degree in Counseling. I have been counseling for 20 years. I have a few disabilities that I don't let get me down. I have Cerebral Palsy (mild), Dystonia (a movement disorder that is related to Parkinson's), and I suffer from migraines. All of this is managed well with Botox treatments every three months. I live in Illinois and I plan of moving to Florida, where the winters are a lot more milder for me. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Illinois. I am also just recently licensed in the state of Florida as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC). I am very excited about that. I am a fan of classic rock. I love to spend time with my friends. I also enjoy a nice quiet evening at home with my Beagle. I also like to travel, cook, and enjoy a great rock concert. I have worked with children and adults at a community counseling agent. I have also worked in a behavioral health unit at a local hospital. I also have experience in being a counselor in adult probation programs. I have done individual therapy, group therapy, and have training in PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and I usually use Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, but not everyone fits just one mold. So, I am a fan of an eclectic form of therapy techniques. I am well rehearsed in relaxation techniques that I am excited about. I am excited to be a part of BetterHealth. I think that I can bring a lot of functioning skills to the table. I believe that how we think, behave, and feel can be improved by just changing one thing to the positive. The rest tends to fall in line. You are the problem solver. I am your compass.

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George Brassea

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: MA,LCPC
Stress, AnxietyLGBTGriefSelf esteemDepression
9 years of experience

Embarking on this journey together, we'll delve deep into understanding your essence. Through thoughtful questioning, we'll unravel the intricacies of your systems and behavioral patterns. Exploring your family roots will be a recurring theme, shedding light on your upbringing's influence. From discussing your sleeping habits to dissecting matters of the heart, no topic is off-limits, including the inevitable conversation about mortality. Our collaboration will peel back layers of your human experience, granting you the invaluable opportunity for introspection. Research underscores that the bond between therapist and client is paramount for therapeutic success. It transcends methodologies, emphasizing the therapist's ability to connect with you on a profound level. I aspire to be more than just your guide; I aim to be your confidant, your reflection, and your advocate. While I can provide direct feedback, my approach is imbued with warmth and empathy. I don't shy away from addressing trauma head-on; every individual, regardless of past experiences, deserves healing and growth. George stands out as one of the few mental health professionals in the entire country who also hold an MBA. This unique blend of knowledge provides a deep insight into both the psychological and business aspects of individual issues. He strives to create a safe and supportive environment where individuals can explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences. His unique perspective, dedication to fostering personal growth, and healing have made him an invaluable asset to our practice and the clients we serve.

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Dr. Willie Harmon

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: PsyD,LCPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesBipolar disorder
40 years of experience

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

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Carla Dumas

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefParenting issuesDepression
31 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 31 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief, coping with loss, & parenting issues. I also have experience working with depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

This is Benita Whitfield's avatar and link to their profile

Benita Whitfield

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteem
26 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois and Massachusetts with 26 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, abuse, & parenting issues. I also have experience working with anger management. 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 Mellema

Offering therapy in Illinois
AddictionsFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefParenting issues
30 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & 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. 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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Thomas Buckner

Offering therapy in Illinois
Trauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteemBipolar disorderDepression
11 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with trauma and abuse, anger management, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & bipolar disorder. My practice style is interactive with a strength-focused that involves active participation. 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. “My practice hours are 6am - 6:30pm Monday - Thursday, Friday 6am-12pm and 2pm - 5pm Sunday. I generally can respond at least once per morning and once per evening, sometimes more! You can also book a live session with me ahead of time. Please remember that Better Help (or specialty site!) is not appropriate if you are in crisis or in immediate need of support. In crisis situations, please call 911 or local emergency services. You can also call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to talk to someone right away! I will check my messages several times a day Monday thru Sunday and I will reach to you within 24 hours. 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 Ajibola Obajimi's avatar and link to their profile

Ajibola Obajimi

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefAnger management
4 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients in coping with addictions, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & anger management. 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!

This is Leslie Zarker's avatar and link to their profile

Leslie Zarker

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois and Missouri with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. 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!

This is Danielle Zavala's avatar and link to their profile

Danielle Zavala

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesDepression
4 years of experience

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

This is Courtney Holbrook's avatar and link to their profile

Courtney Holbrook

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
10 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence .Are you at a place where you are feeling overwhelmed and not sure where to go from here? Are you struggling with navigating life’s challenges and feeling like you need some additional support? First, let me give you the praise you whole-heartedly deserve. It takes a lot of courage to rise up and ask for help. I have the utmost respect for you allowing yourself to experience that vulnerability and I would be honored to walk with you and guide you on your journey to personal wellness. I am dedicated to creating a safe, supportive environment for my clients. I take pride in my client-centered, holistic approach. I do not believe therapy is an one-size fits all process. You are the expert of your own life, and very deserving to share your story. I am here to listen and help you narrate the story you want to represent to the world. It takes a lot of courage to rise up and ask for help. I have the utmost respect for you allowing yourself to experience that vulnerability and I would be honored to walk with you and guide you on your journey to personal wellness.

This is Benjamin Harris's avatar and link to their profile

Benjamin Harris

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyDepression
20 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois and Montana with 20 years of professional training and work experience. I have expertise in helping clients with OCD, anxiety, & 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.

This is Daphne Martin's avatar and link to their profile

Daphne Martin

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

"Change your thoughts. Change your life." I'm Daph, a bilingual psychotherapist (I speak English and Spanish) who was born and raised in Chicago. I work with adults ages 25 and up. I incorporate ACT (Acceptance Commitment Therapy) as well as CBT (cognitive based therapy) into my sessions as I help clients to process and reflect upon their life journey. My goal is always to provide each client with coping mechanisms to navigate life's challenges. The first session can be awkward, right? Trust me, it'll be okay. I'll spend time gathering information about your background (place of birth, family, etc), ask what you'd like to accomplish in therapy and ask if you've ever been in therapy before. Think of it as a informal conversation. The best part is that you can share as much or as little as you would like. I'm an empathic listener, a transparent therapist and will hold you accountable for taking control of your life.

This is Jose Angel Diaz's avatar and link to their profile

Jose Angel Diaz

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changesADHD
3 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 3 years of professional work experience and a masters from the University of Chicago. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, depression, coping with life changes, & concentration, memory. I utilize ACT therapy and Trauma -informed treatment and I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming many challenges that you may face while creating a life worth living based on what’s important to you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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 $65 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 insurance cover the cost of in-person or online therapy with a therapist in Illinois?

Different counseling services can vary in cost. Therapists must apply to accept insurance through insurance companies, which may take time and money, so not every therapist offers services through insurance. If you cannot find a therapist that accepts your plan, BetterHelp may be cheaper than visiting an in-person therapist.

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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