Bernice Banks
I am a licensed clinical social worker with an extensive and diverse experience working with adults, children, couples, and families. I earned my master’s degree from the University of Chicago in Illinois in 1997. I also hold a Bachelor’s degree from Roosevelt University in Illinois with a major in psychology. I enjoy the work I do and have worked in both the public and private sectors in the fields of social services and mental health. Having worked with children and families and the many challenges they face for more than 20 years, I know that the decision to seek professional help can often be a very difficult one. If you are trying to make that decision right now, it may help you to know that I am someone who is not here to judge you, and who really believes that there is a way out for you that together we can find. You have already taken the most important step by acknowledging that, for now, this is something you cannot handle alone. I have been in private practice for the past 12 years and currently specialize in marriage, couples and family therapy. I also have a background in child and adolescent mental health and have worked with families extensively around these issues. Other areas of expertise include Grief and Loss, Depression, Stress, and Anxiety, My approach to therapy is that it should be used as a tool to provide the knowledge, help, and support needed to understand problems and develop skills to cope with them. I use Cognitive Behavioral techniques to help clients develop insight and new skills.. Most importantly, I want to empower my clients so that they are able to gain a deeper understanding of their experiences, make informed choices about what actions they need to take, and develop skills that will help them handle difficult situations in the future. Working together, I believe we can accomplish those goals.
James Clifton
As a licensed therapist in multiple states with more three decades of experience, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My approach centers on understanding each person's unique journey, with particular expertise in addressing depression, anxiety, stress management, and life transitions. I offer compassionate support for individuals struggling with various emotions, communication challenges, isolation, and distorted thinking. My practice focuses on helping clients develop worth, worth, value, and dignity while discovering meaningful life purpose. I have experience supporting veterans, individuals facing discrimination, and those working through many of life's challenges. My therapeutic style is collaborative and adaptive, drawing from years of professional experience to create a supportive environment where clients can explore their emotions, develop healthy coping strategies, and move towards personal healing and empowerment. I welcome individuals from all backgrounds and belief systems, committed to providing respectful, personalized care.
Troy Gibson
I hope this finds you well. I am a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC) in IL with many years of experience working in mental health counseling. I have worked with a diverse range of clients dealing with a variety of concerns including trauma, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, self-esteem, as well as relationship concerns. I have also helped many clients experiencing minority stress and or minority trauma. I approach therapy with a sensitivity and predilection for multicultural factors. I have varied experience in multiple settings, including providing individual and group therapy at an inpatient hospital unit and an outpatient hospital unit; as well as providing individual and couples therapy at a private practice. I would describe my style as conversational, strengths based, insight-oriented, and fun. I am dedicated to creating a safe space for us to explore and gain insight while promoting self empowerment. My clinical approach draws from Gestalt therapy and also incorporates Solution-Focused and mindfulness interventions. With me you can expect to be challenged to explore the origin of your problems, develop new awareness, identify pattern behaviors, work through unfinished business and create new strategies for change. Overall, I want to meet you where you’re at and collaborate to make sure our time together works best for you and your needs. I value your courage in taking the next steps on your path to wellness. When you are ready, I am here to support and empower you along your journey. "When we talk about our feelings, they become less overwhelming, less upsetting, and less scary. " - Fred Rogers
Dr. Shelia Williamson Collins
Hello, I am Dr. Shelia Williamson Collins, PhD, NCC, LCMHC, CCMHC, LCAS, CCS, SAP, MAC. I am a board certified clinical mental health counselor and addiction counselor with nearly 20 years of experience in behavioral health. I am licensed as a clinical counselor in the states of North Carolina, Illinois, and Alaska. I have a PhD in General Psychology from Northcentral University. I also have a master's degree in Community Counseling and a bachelor's degree in psychology from Chicago State University. I have worked in an adult inpatient psychiatric unit, outpatient behavioral clinic, community-based mental health services, and residential substance abuse treatment programs. My counseling style is person-centered. I have a diverse therapeutic approach to counseling. However, my primary approach includes cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy. I specialize in mood disorders, anger management, addictions education, and relapse prevention. I believe that everyone has a story to tell; and I am here to listen. Giving voice to your concerns and issues is the first step to healing. We can accomplish this together. It would be my honor to work with you to assist you in reaching your healthy goals. Please let me know if you would prefer weekly sessions, and I will do my best to accommodate.
Skip Dettman
As a licensed therapist in Illinois, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on helping clients work through challenges like depression, anxiety, trauma, and relationship dynamics. I bring a compassionate, inclusive approach that honors each person's unique journey and lived experience. My therapeutic work spans a wide range of focus areas, including social anxiety, self-esteem, mood disorders, and personal growth. I'm particularly committed to supporting individuals through life transitions, relationship challenges, and healing from past experiences. My approach is collaborative, empowering clients to develop stronger self-understanding and resilience. I strive to create a welcoming, non-judgmental space where clients can explore their emotions, develop healthy coping strategies, and move toward meaningful personal transformation. Whether you're dealing with stress, processing trauma, or seeking personal growth, I'm dedicated to walking alongside you with empathy and professional support.
Dr. Tuwana Wingfield
ReIax, Refocus, Restore, Recalibrate! These are words that would describe my approach to helping your work through challenges that arise in one's life. I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in the State of Arizona and Illinois. I have worked in the field of social work for 25 (12 years direct practice; 13 years in higher education). I take a solution focused, client centered approach to working with individuals and families. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, and day-to-day adjustments to life's challenges. My direct practice experience includes head start/early head start, schools, community based agencies, non-profits, child welfare, and employee assistance programs (EAP). My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone dignity, respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I believe in working with the client to identify the issue or challenge and not labeling the client; thus destigmatizing seeking help! My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic, and dialectical therapy. However, I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan based upon your needs. I practice with a sense of cultural humility that situates the client as the expert in her/his life and my role is to help you build on the strengths that you already possess to address the challenges you face in your life. It takes courage to seek help! If/when you are, I am here to be a support to you. I look forward to building a strong therapeutic relationship. Dr. Tuwana T Wingfield, LCSW
Brian Stella
I am licensed in Illinois with 20 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. 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.
Susan Rick
As a licensed therapist in Illinois, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My professional approach centers on helping clients develop self-compassion, improve communication skills, and overcome challenges related to anxiety, depression, and trauma. I offer a compassionate, evidence-based approach to mental health that addresses a wide range of emotional experiences. My expertise includes supporting individuals struggling with social anxiety, panic attacks, attachment issues, and mood disorders. I'm committed to creating a supportive environment where clients can explore their inner world, build resilience, and cultivate meaningful personal growth. My therapeutic style emphasizes understanding each person's unique journey, focusing on strengths and providing practical strategies for emotional healing. Whether you're dealing with isolation, self-esteem challenges, or complex emotional patterns, I'm dedicated to walking alongside you with empathy and professional guidance.
Denise Mercherson
I am licensed in Illinois with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. 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.
Malisha Webber
I am licensed in Illinois with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, abuse, & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Noah Nelson
My name is Noah Nelson, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I received my masters of social work from The University of Michigan, and have 15 years of experience working with various age groups, ethnicities, and backgrounds, all the way from Elementary school age children to adults. I work with the LGBTQIA+ population as well, and pride myself on taking a non-judgemental approach with each individual that I work with. I work primarily with severe trauma, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and body image. I am a trauma informed therapist and primarily use elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in my work. My approach to therapy is very empowerment based, and I make sure to meet each individual where they are currently with no pre-conceived notions or thoughts, and my goal is to help you navigate through your therapeutic journey with me to accomplish your goals. I am very open-minded, encourage individuality and embrace what makes us unique, and promote being our true and vulnerable selves. I know that therapy is a journey, and there is not always a right or wrong way to solve a problem, but through this therapeutic journey, we will work to find a way to navigate through when there doesn't feel like there is a solution. Clients can expect to feel supported, valued, and that they have been heard and respected during each session. My goal is to help you better process and understand how to manage your mental health, not to tell you what you are doing wrong, or how to live your life. I want to empower you to take the important steps to accomplish your goals with me as your therapeutic tour guide.
Rachel Keefer
I have over 10 years of experience as a dual licensed therapist and psychiatric registered nurse. In addition to helping with depression, anxiety, coping, and focus, I have extensive experience working with individuals experiencing the challenges associated with chronic illness, pain, debilitating fatigue, end-of-life, hospice, rehabilitation, elder care, dementia, and psychiatric issues. I am able to provide support, insight, and education regarding health, wellness, and navigating the complex and oftentimes confusing world of health and psychiatric care. My passion is helping people integrate mind-body and holistic health integration, including goal setting and integrating healthy habits into life. 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.
Worsham El
Many people come to therapy feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or disconnected from themselves after years of carrying too much. You may be navigating chronic stress, past experiences that still live in your body, or the pressure of holding everything together while caring for others. Therapy with me is a space to slow down, breathe, and feel supported as you begin to make sense of what your nervous system has been responding to all along. My approach is trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and rooted in both clinical experience and real-world understanding. I work with adults who are managing anxiety, burnout, complex trauma, and life transitions, especially when stress feels constant or healing feels out of reach. Together, we focus on building safety, strengthening emotional regulation, and reconnecting you to your body’s natural capacity for resilience—at a pace that honors your lived experiences. I integrate talk therapy with somatic and mindfulness-based practices to help reduce overwhelm, increase clarity, and support sustainable change. Our work is collaborative and practical, centered on tools you can use in everyday life—not just in session. Whether you’re learning how to set boundaries, process long-held experiences, or simply feel more present in your own life, therapy is a space where you don’t have to carry it alone. Healing doesn’t mean pushing harder or “fixing” yourself. It means being met with care, understanding, and respect as you learn new ways to relate to stress, your body, and your story. My role is to walk alongside you, offering guidance, information, tools, structure, and compassion as you move toward greater ease, balance, and self-trust.
Jacqueline "Jacquie" Morrey
I approach therapy with warmth, collaboration, and compassion, guided by evidence‑based practices. My goal is to create a safe, supportive space where clients feel heard, respected, and comfortable sharing their thoughts, challenges, and hopes for the future. I believe that a trusting therapeutic relationship is at the heart of meaningful change, and I take time to truly understand each client’s unique experiences so that treatment feels personal and empowering. Life can sometimes feel overwhelming, making even small tasks seem hard to manage. I have extensive experience helping individuals navigate concerns such as depression, anxiety, low self‑esteem, stress, and anger. I work from a place of compassion, validation, and acceptance, helping clients feel supported as they build insight, develop coping skills, and move toward positive change. While distress can feel isolating and confusing, you don’t have to face it alone—I am here to support and guide you as you learn to understand your emotions and move forward with greater confidence and balance.
Find a Therapist Near You in Belknap , Illinois
Finding a licensed therapist near you in Illinois can be an important step toward improving your mental health and overall well-being. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, stress, or major life changes, working with a qualified mental health professional can offer meaningful support.
Illinois is home to people with diverse mental health needs across urban, suburban, and rural communities. Online therapy makes it easier to connect with a therapist near you without being limited to nearby offices. BetterHelp connects you with licensed therapists authorized to practice in Illinois, allowing you to attend sessions online from the comfort of your home.
Why work with a licensed therapist near you?
Working with a licensed therapist near you ensures that your provider meets state licensing requirements and professional standards in Illinois (IL). Licensed therapists use evidence-based approaches to help individuals manage emotional challenges, develop coping skills, and work toward personal goals.
People seek therapy for many reasons. Some are navigating ongoing mental health concerns, while others want guidance during stressful periods or major life transitions. You do not need a mental health diagnosis to work with a therapist. Many individuals seek therapy to improve communication, strengthen relationships, manage stress, or gain greater self-awareness.
Online therapy can be especially helpful for people living across Illinois, where access to in-person mental health care may vary by location.
What concerns can therapists help with?
Therapists on BetterHelp support adults across Illinois with a wide range of mental health concerns and life challenges, including:
- Anxiety and stress
- Depression and mood-related concerns
- Trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Grief and loss
- Relationship and family challenges
- Life transitions and adjustment concerns
- Self-esteem and confidence
- Job stress and burnout
- ADHD-related challenges
- Sleep concerns
- Parenting stress
- Eating disorder support
Therapists use approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and other evidence-based methods tailored to individual needs.
Online therapy vs. in-person therapy in Illinois
When searching for a therapist near me in Illinois, many people compare online therapy with traditional in-person care. Online therapy offers several potential advantages:
- Greater accessibility: Attend sessions from anywhere with an internet connection
- Reduced wait times: Many people are matched in as little as 24-48 hours, faster than typical in-person availability
- Flexible scheduling: Sessions that fit around work, family, or school commitments
- Expanded provider options: Access licensed therapists across Illinois, not just nearby offices
Research shows that online therapy can be effective for many mental health concerns. Online therapy may also reduce barriers such as transportation challenges, long commutes, or limited local availability, especially in larger or more rural counties across Illinois.
Finding a therapist near me that accepts insurance
Many people looking for a therapist near me in Illinois want to know whether insurance is an option.
Many providers on BetterHelp now accept major insurance carriers in select states. In many states, certain therapists on BetterHelp may be in-network with specific insurance plans. Coverage depends on your plan, provider, and therapist availability.
When sessions are covered, insured members typically pay an average copay of about $19 per session. Coverage varies by state and provider availability, so it’s important to check your in-network status directly on the BetterHelp site.
If insurance coverage is not available, BetterHelp’s flexible subscription model remains an option, with online therapy typically costing $70 to $100 per week, billed weekly or monthly. Additional discounts or financial aid may also be available for a lower price.
How BetterHelp helps you find the right therapist in Illinois
BetterHelp simplifies the process of finding a therapist near you in Illinois without requiring you to search through tons of profiles on your own.
Here’s how it works:
- Complete a brief questionnaire about your needs, preferences, and goals
- Get matched with a licensed therapist authorized to practice in Illinois (IL)
- Begin online therapy sessions through video, phone, or live chat
BetterHelp works with one of the world’s largest networks of licensed therapists, with over 30,000 qualified providers globally. Many members are matched in as little as 24 to 48 hours, and 93% of user preferences are met during the matching process.
You can request a new therapist at no additional cost if your needs or preferences change.
Therapists near you in Illinois
Below, you’ll find licensed therapists authorized to provide online therapy to adults across Illinois, including residents in Belknap.
Each provider meets state licensing requirements and has experience supporting clients with a wide range of mental health concerns using evidence-based therapeutic approaches.
Please note: Therapists on BetterHelp in Illinois do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses.
Frequently asked questions about finding a therapist near me
How much does therapy cost near me?
Therapy costs vary depending on provider and location. In-person therapy sessions may cost $100 to $200 or more per session. BetterHelp offers online therapy subscriptions that typically range from $70 to $100 per week, billed weekly or monthly, depending on factors such as location, source, preferences, and therapist availability. Additional discounts or financial aid may also be available for a lower price. BetterHelp now accepts major insurance plans in select states and members pay an average copay of $19 per session. Coverage varies by plan, provider, and therapist availability. You can check coverage on the BetterHelp site.
Does BetterHelp accept insurance?
Yes. Many providers on BetterHelp now accept major insurance carriers in select states. In many states, certain therapists on BetterHelp may be in-network with specific insurance plans. When sessions are covered, insured members typically pay an average copay of about $19 per session. Coverage varies by plan, provider, and therapist availability. You can check coverage on the BetterHelp site.
Is online therapy effective?
Yes. Research shows that online therapy can be effective for many mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, stress, and relationship challenges. Online therapy allows you to connect with a licensed therapist without commuting to an office.
Do I need a diagnosis to see a therapist?
No. You do not need a mental health diagnosis to seek therapy. Many people work with a therapist for stress management, relationship concerns, grief, life transitions, or personal growth.
How quickly can I start therapy?
Many people are matched with a licensed therapist in as little as 24 to 48 hours after completing the initial questionnaire. Match times may vary based on preferences and therapist availability.
Can I switch therapists if it’s not the right fit?
Yes. If you feel your therapist is not the right match, you can request to be matched with another licensed provider at no additional cost. You are able to do so through the BetterHelp user portal and select switch therapists if needed.
Is online therapy private and secure?
Online therapy through BetterHelp allows you to communicate with your therapist in a discreet setting through video, phone, or messaging tools.