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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James Gibb

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: MA, LCPC,NCC
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

It was Irvin Yalom who said something to the effect that "psychotherapy is like a dress rehearsal for life". With this said, it is my intention to not only offer you support in therapy but to also help you generalize the skills you learn in therapy and apply them in your outside life and relationships. I specialize in anger, depression, and anxiety management for adults and adolescents. I also enjoy working with highly intelligent adults and teens who have a difficult time adjusting and adapting socially. This includes working with individuals on the high functioning end of the Autism scale. I employ many different therapeutic techniques such as client centered, mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, and Existential. I try to offer a balance of insight and sensitivity to each client and family that I see, and get client feedback each session. Given my training in philosophy, I also offer philosophical counseling when relevant. This includes incorporating the philosophical works of Nietzsche, Sartre, Schopenhauer, Kant, Yalom, Spinoza, Heidegger, etc. I can also administer various personality and intelligence tests.

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Amelia Lambert

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: MSW,LCSW,CADC
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepression
16 years of experience

• B.A. in Human Services from National-Louis University • MSW from Loyola University Chicago School of Social Work • Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” – Arthur Ashe Throughout our lives we are challenged by obstacles that can be difficult to manage on our own. Reaching out for help in those times can be incredibly difficult. Working with a therapist during those struggles in life can help find the insight into some of the most rewarding and positive changes we make; leading to a more fulfilling and peaceful life. The first step in making changes in your life begins now. I have been working the mental health field for over 16 years with clients struggling with depression, anxiety, grief & loss, addiction & co-dependency issues, and relationship or family dynamics. I have provided services in outpatient, inpatient, residential, as well as rehabilitation long-term care settings to clients ranging in age from adolescent to geriatric, both in individual and group sessions. My professional philosophy stems from the belief that every person deserves to live fully; with hope for the future and the self-respect to believe you are worthy of it. I believe every individual is capable of change and possesses the resiliency within ourselves to improve our lives. We will work together to identify the aspects of yourself that are not working for you and discover a healthier direction for your life.

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David Fox

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW, JD
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesTrauma and abuse
3 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical social worker in Illinois and Indiana, I have spent most of my career working to help people that have experienced trauma understand their own narrative. Sometimes, life events occur in adulthood that necessitate short term intervention to assist us to process, understand and reset. My treatment approach involves not only listening, but more importantly, hearing exactly what each person chooses to tell me so that I can understand their unique issue and help them move forward. Your treatment plan will be created by you and for you so that the piece of you that has been impacted is made whole. I look forward to meeting you and working together to empower you to be excited about today, tomorrow and your future.

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Latechia Hester

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCPC,CRADC,NCC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
24 years of experience

I am an African American female Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois and I started my career in the counseling field in 2001, as a group home counselor for at-risk male youths, homeless young male adults, and their families, where we worked on family reunification, substance abuse, LGBTQ+ Issues, job skills, life skills, and independent living. From there I moved more into the substance abuse field working with DUI offenders, court mandated persons ordered to do anger management, and as an interventionist for families, and individuals who struggle with all forms of addiction and co-dependency. Since then, I returned to school to obtain my masters in Clinical Mental Health, during which time I worked with individuals who struggled with family issues, depression, suicide, grief and loss, schizophrenia disorder, bi-polar disorder, anxiety disorder, PTSD, dually diagnosed individuals, and those with other co-occurring disorders in an outpatient hospital clinic setting. I then furthered my career and obtained a second master's degree in School Counseling, where I enveloped experience in working with students in an inner-city school setting who struggled with body image, depression, suicide, self-harm, substance abuse, LGBTQ+ issues, ADHD, ADD, OCD, neighborhood trauma, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, physical abuse, and post-traumatic stress disorder. My primary therapeutic orientations are cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused therapy; however, I strongly believe that it is essential to meet a person "where they are at" and establish a therapeutic alliance using my developed professional skills and eclectic abilities to provide each individual with a therapeutic orientation is necessary to move them toward a place of peace and healing. I believe in the purpose of counseling and I believe that even the most skeptical can become a believer! METAMORPHOSIS is the process of change into something adult, mature and breathtaking. I would like to think that I've been entrusted by clients to help them transition into living a better life, so that they may spread their wings and fly! My goal is to uplift, empower, teach, and motivate those who struggle to work toward living a healthy and happy lifestyle. My commitment is to provide the best clinical services each person deserves with dignity and respect and there has been no greater pleasure for me other than to be blessed with the opportunities to work with individuals in this field of healing and the transformation of lives.

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Murray Manus

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW
Trauma and abuse
9 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of Illinois and have been a social worker for over 15 years. I provide personal counseling/therapy based upon the principles of humanistic therapy and positive psychology, which focus upon your strengths and what is right with you rather than what is "wrong" with you. In working with clients my approach is to be overwhelmingly positive, supportive and encouraging. I focus almost exclusively upon working with people who experienced childhood trauma due to ongoing abuse and neglect. I was a victim of substantial emotional abuse and neglect throughout my own childhood and have spent many years dealing with the negative consequences of those experiences, so I have tremendous empathy and understanding of the difficulties that others who have gone through this might have faced over the years. I can easily relate to people’s struggles to learn who they really are and identify their core self which had to be hidden in order to survive childhood. I will help you identify your needs, wants and desires, which have been buried for so many years. The ultimate goal is to heal the emotional wounds you carry within you so you can begin to lead the kind of life that you want that meets those needs and desires and is no longer ruled by the internalized fear of your abuser.

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Monica Williams

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

I am licensed in Illinois with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. 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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Margaret Couch

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW,MSW,MEd
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesBipolar disorderDepressionADHD
41 years of experience

I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker practicing in the state of Illinois. I also have a Masters Degree in Education. I have over 30 years of experience working in the field of mental health. I consider it a privilege to have been invited into the lives of others as they seek to improve their daily lives. I believe in meeting my clients where they are. Not where they are ‘expected’ to be. I will work with you as a whole person, not just as a diagnosis. I believe in an individual’s inherent dignity and right to self determination. I would love to join you on your journey to positive change.

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Kimberly Ramsay

Offering therapy in Illinois
AddictionsSelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changes
17 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, career difficulties, & 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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Felicia Wallace

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
15 years of experience

I am licensed in Rhode Island and Illinois with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Essence Lee

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Colleen Quinn

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

Welcome! I am a warm and inclusive therapist dedicated to helping children, adolescents, and adults navigate life's challenges. With experience supporting clients through anxiety, OCD (including specialized Exposure and Response Prevention - ERP), and depression, my approach is rooted in understanding your unique story. I utilize evidence-based modalities like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) techniques, and Motivational Interviewing, all wrapped in a compassionate, person-centered framework. My goal is to create a safe space where you feel truly heard and empowered to develop the skills needed to live a life that feels meaningful and fulfilling to you. I believe in fostering autonomy, respecting diverse identities, and supporting your journey towards well-being.

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Chaniqua Bryant

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
7 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical professional counselor in Illinois with 7 years of professional work experience. I have worked with the youth and young adult ages 13- 19 years old as well as with their parents. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, parenting issues, 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. 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 Christina Garcia's avatar and link to their profile

Christina Garcia

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemCoping with life changes
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, relationship issues, family conflicts, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

This is Jamie Smith's avatar and link to their profile

Jamie Smith

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepression
12 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and it is great that you are 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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