Chicago. The windy city is home to hot dogs, the Willis/Sears Tower, and a whole assortment of historical sites. Sometimes, wind can be the perfect representation of your mental health. When it blows the right way, it pushes you towards your goal. When it blows the wrong way, it’s chilly and it can hold you back. 

A counselor can control your wind and make sure you’re blowing in the right direction. Speak to a therapist and see where you it can take you. 

 

This is Sandra Lancaster's avatar and link to their profile
Illinois
LCPC
Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Parenting issues, Self esteem, ADHD
Years of Experience: 15

I am a Christian counselor licensed in the State of Illinois. I attended Lincoln Christian College and Seminary (now Lincoln Christian College) where I earned both my BA and an MA in Counseling. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with over 15 years experience with with all ages in various settings, including in person and online telehealth, office. Everyone deserves to be treated with respect. When you reach out for help, I will be supportive and non-judgmental. My style is warm and approachable. While I am a Christian counselor and lean heavi...

This is Anthony Dykes's avatar and link to their profile
Illinois
LCSW
Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, LGBT, Self esteem, Depression
Years of Experience: 8

"Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen." - Brené Brown I appreciate the courage and vulnerability it takes to seek therapy, and I'm glad you're here. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has experience working with a wide range of issues. My specialties include helping with depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, low motivation, LGBT issues, and addictions. I believe that each person is the expert of their own experiences and has their own unique strengths and abilities. Unfortunately, sadness, shame, fear, or other emotional road blo...

This is Kaitlin Naatjes's avatar and link to their profile
Illinois
MA,LCPC
Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship issues, Intimacy-related issues, Self esteem, Depression
Years of Experience: 5

Hi! My name is Kaitlin Naatjes. I am a licensed clinical professional counselor, yoga instructor, and reiki practitioner. I have great experience working from an integrative and holistic perspective. This means allowing space to find new and creative ways for change while integrating mind, body, and spirit nurturance for healing the whole person. My approach as a therapist is to create space for you to feel safe and explore your needs. Each session will be tailored to meet these needs and focus on the areas of growth where you seek change. I commit to diligen...

This is Theresa Presley's avatar and link to their profile
Illinois
LCSW, RPT-S
Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, LGBT, Family conflicts, Trauma and abuse, Depression
Years of Experience: 11

Hi, I am Theresa Presley and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Missouri and Kansas. I have been practicing social work for 11 years. I have worked in a variety of settings to include inpatient/outpatient mental health, domestic violence and private practice. I work with a variety of ages and various populations. Much of my experience has been working with people who are struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, LGBTQ+ issues, and the challenges of parenting. I work with a Strength-based theory using elements of Cognitive Behavioral Theory....

This is Nora Bishop's avatar and link to their profile
Illinois
LCPC
Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Grief, Anger management, Depression
Years of Experience: 20

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois and have 20 years of experience in the mental health field. I have worked with children, adolescents and adult who are struggling with managing symptoms of mental illness. Helping people maintain their self-worth while they learn to overcome their struggles is very important to me. I believe in meeting a client where they are and helping them determine what healthy looks like for them and then help them move towards that goal. I utilize several therapeutic techniques that include cognitive behavioral ...

This is Nestor Flores's avatar and link to their profile
Illinois
LCPC,MA
Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Self esteem, Depression
Years of Experience: 10

Therapy is a confidential space for you to organize your thoughts and feelings. If you are experiencing problems and symptoms that are affecting your Mental, Emotional, and/or Behavioral Health, it can be a valuable source of support. In session we can address the depressive, stressful, and/or anxious sensations that are interfering in your day to day activities. I will work on supporting your stability, helping you identify areas of growth, and working collaboratively on a plan to improve the quality of your life. Let's work together to help you cope and feel bet...

This is Erin Taylor's avatar and link to their profile
Illinois
LCPC
Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Grief, Self esteem, Depression
Years of Experience: 15

I am a professional counselor independently licensed in Illinois after moving back and practicing in Arizona for nearly a decade. I have over 15 years of experience in a wide range of services and populations both in Arizona and Illinois. I have both experience in crisis intervention and outpatient therapy. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, abandonment, abuse, bullying, parenting problems, grief, addiction and ADHD. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emo...

This is Aimee  Bequette-Chaney 's avatar and link to their profile
Illinois
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC),Licensed Associate Sex Offender Treatment Provider (LASOP),Master of Science (MS)
Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Parenting issues, Anger management, Depression
Years of Experience: 12

I am a licensed clinical professional counselor in Illinois with more than ten years of professional experience working with clients of all ages (including families). I have provided years of crisis intervention in schools and emergency rooms. I have provided individual and group therapy in various settings including outpatient, residential, and corrections. My approach to therapy is secular, apolitical, and based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). This is a very concrete, time-limited, client driven approach that allows individuals to develop a skill set tha...

This is Jenny Marder's avatar and link to their profile
Illinois
LCSW
Specialties: Trauma and abuse, Parenting issues, Career difficulties, Coping with life changes, Compassion fatigue
Years of Experience: 10

I obtained my Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credential in 2016. I have 24 years of experience in social work. My experience includes working with adults, children, teen parents, and teens who face challenges in their lives to reach their fullest potential. My belief is therapy is a safe space to explore and work toward positive outcomes, assisting clients to achieve their therapeutic goals and alleviate stress. I have worked with clients regarding domestic violence, co-dependence, anxiety issues, and parenting topics. In the past I have advocated o...

This is Azra Husain's avatar and link to their profile
Illinois
MA,LCPC
Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Self esteem, Depression
Years of Experience: 6

There is nothing wrong with finding ourselves struggling in life. Whether that be due to relationships, career or self esteem, lifes challenges can be overwhelming and difficult to manage all on our own. Finding the right help can be life changing. My passion is to help people find what they are seeking within themselves to improve and enhance their lives and their relationships. I focus on offering trauma informed care that utilizes an eclectic theoretical approach and tailors treatment based on each individual client’s personal needs and strengths. I enjoy work...

This is Michelle Locke's avatar and link to their profile
Illinois
LCSW
Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Grief, Depression
Years of Experience: 10

My name is Michelle Locke. I am an LCSW with over 20 years of experience ranging from work in the fields of child welfare, corrections, mental health, domestic violence, medical social work and hospice care. I am a practicing Christian who enjoys the use of scripture along with CBT, Strength's Based Therapy and Trauma Informed Care when helping people work through areas of pain in their life.

This is Srimayi Devulapalli's avatar and link to their profile
Illinois
LCPC
Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Grief, Depression
Years of Experience: 10

My name is Srimayi Devulapalli and I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology. I speak English, Hindi, Urdu and Telugu. I have over 11 years of experience in providing individual therapy to diverse populations, including children, adolescents, adults and older adults. I specialize in providing therapy to individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, PTSD, trauma, grief, adjustment issues, relationships problems and mood disorders using cognitive behavioral therapy, solution focused therapy and client centered ...

This is Kristen  Wilson's avatar and link to their profile
Illinois
LCSW
Specialties: Trauma and abuse, Anger management, Self esteem, ADHD
Years of Experience: 14

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in both Illinois and Florida with 8 years of clinical experience. I graduated with my Master's degree in Social Work 14 years ago and have spent most of my professional career as a school social worker. Since residing in Florida, I have provided psychotherapy to adults and children while offering clinical supervision to candidates seeking licensure in Florida as a qualified supervisor. I have worked with students and adults with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, ADHD, drug and alcoho...

This is Ana Herrera's avatar and link to their profile
Illinois
Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Self esteem, Career difficulties, Coping with life changes, Coaching
Years of Experience: 15

Hello, I'm so glad that you have taken on this journey of growth and healing. I am excited to be the person who will walk this path with you. My name is Ana and I have been in the helping profession for over 15 years, working with teens and adults. I use an eclectic approach to build our therapeutic relationship and best meet your needs through active listening and empathy. I draw from a variety of methods to create a tailored approach for each individual and situation, which includes training in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing), CBT (Cognitiv...

This is Anita Schmidt's avatar and link to their profile
Illinois
MSW, LCSW
Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Grief, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Coping with life changes
Years of Experience: 11

I am licensed in both Illinois and Colorado with 11 years of professional work experience. I am an older adult, therefore I often draw upon my life experience to inform my clinical practice. I utilize evidence based practices to help clients with life transitions, stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, bipolar disorder, psychotic disorders, mood disorders, and the challenges of caregiving, I believe every person is the expert in their own experience and support them to become the architect in their own life. I appreciate the courage it takes to reach o...

This is Monica McCabe's avatar and link to their profile
Illinois
Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Anger management, Self esteem, Depression
Years of Experience: 5

I am licensed in Illinois with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, anger management, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

This is Dr. RICHARD (RICK) ALFORD's avatar and link to their profile
Illinois
PhD,BCN
Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Grief, Anger management, Self esteem
Years of Experience: 40

My training, life, and clinical experiences have taught me that we are complex and dynamic/changing beings with unique abilities to re-organize and change. This process that is engineered in each of us is referred to as "neuro-plasticity." My aim in clinical psychotherapy is that we listen and partner in this process in how to best harness and use these abilities for ongoing understanding of how to make best use of these abilities. As for my formal education, I graduate from Loyola University Of Chicago, (a formal scientist-practitioner model) with a P...

Specialties: Addictions, Parenting issues, Self esteem, Coping with life changes, Coaching
Years of Experience: 20

I am licensed in Illinois with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & coping with life changes. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

This is Olivia Brooks's avatar and link to their profile
Illinois
Specialties: Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Self esteem, Coping with life changes, Compassion fatigue
Years of Experience: 6

I am licensed in Illinois with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & coping with life changes. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

This is Renita Willis's avatar and link to their profile
Illinois
Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Grief, Depression, Coping with life changes, ADHD
Years of Experience: 3

I am licensed in Illinois with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, depression, & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

How Can Therapists In Illinois Support You?

therapist in Illinois 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 Illinois, and one out of five Americans has a mental health condition. Searching for a licensed therapist in Illinois 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 does not offer diagnostic or medication management services.

Why Are Many Residents In The State Of Illinois Working With A Licensed Counselor?

The reason for reaching out to a therapist can be a personal experience for each person. Many individuals work with a therapist for general life advice, while others may attend therapy for a specific concern. Whether you live in a large city or a specific county in Illinois, BetterHelp can match you with a licensed therapist tailored to your preferences noted when you sign up.

A few topics that therapists in Illinois may support clients with can include:

  • Challenging situations or life stressors
  • Eating disorders
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Depression or depressive conditions
  • Adjustment issues
  • Emotional support for a terminal illness
  • Chronic pain emotional support
  • Grief
  • Personality disorders
  • Trauma
  • Relationship conflicts and concerns

Finding a therapist 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 offers potential access to over 30,000 providers, including those listed above.

Emergency Services

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:

·      National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

·      National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

·      Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

·      Veterans Crisis Line: Call 1-800-273-8255 (and press 1) or text 838255. For support for the deaf and hard of hearing community, please use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.

·      Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQ Lifeline): (866)488-7386 

·      SAMHSA National Helpline (Substance Use): (800)662-4357

·      National Eating Disorder Association Helpline:1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM-9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST)

·      Child Help Hotline: Call 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat feature

·      National Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293) 

·      Physician Crisis Support Line: Call 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to Covid-19

·      Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Some commonly asked questions can be found below.

How Much Does A Therapist Cost?

Mental health professionals can differ in price. Forbes found that the average cost of in-person therapy in the US is around $100 to $200 per hour. Pricing can also vary based on your location. 

BetterHelp offers payment plans of $60 to $90 per session, charged monthly in a lump sum. 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.  

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.

How Do I Know If I Should Get A Therapist?

Mental health services and mental health providers may help you navigate various concerns. Although therapists often support people with mental health conditions, 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 therapist may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.

Mental health issues don't always present as a crisis. Many therapists provide talk therapy and support for life transitions, skills learning, relationship problems, or life coaching. Online therapy sessions in Illinois can allow clients seeking therapy to experience professional help through video, phone, or live chat sessions without commuting to a therapist's office.

Does Insurance Cover Therapy?

Different counseling services can vary in cost. Private practice 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.

Is Online Therapy Safe?

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.