Benton’s claim to fame is as the vacation spot of George Harrison, the first Beatles member to visit U.S. soil. The visit is commemorated by both a mural and a hotel in the home he stayed in. Life is often full of music, and music can tell a story of your own life. But sometimes the music of your life is sad and full of disharmony.
If you are feeling as though the music of your life is fading or becoming depressing, you should contact Benton-area counselors for support. These confidential therapists can help you to work toward making sure that you are happy and ready to enjoy upbeat music again. Contact a counselor today.
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.
Brittany Vaughn
Welcome to BetterHelp. Life events can cause anyone to experience symptoms of anxiety and/or depression. How you respond to these symptoms makes all the difference in your overall health. Together we will work to identify your goals of managing these symptoms and develop steps to reduce their affect on your day to day life. Sometimes these life events are traumatic, which can cause much longer term effects on your health. Processing trauma, no matter how long ago it happened, is vital to moving forward past the traumatic event. A little bit about me personally. I am a Southern Illinois native. I attended SIU and completed my Bachelor’s of Social Work in December of 2012. After taking a semester off, I moved forward to obtain my Masters of Social Work which I completed in May of 2014. Since completing my education, I have worked as a therapist with adolescents with extreme trauma in a residential setting. I then worked with the public schools in Williamson County to provide therapy in the schools to students with a variety of disorders, including behavior disturbances. I have worked with children, adolescents, and adults in an outpatient setting for the past 3 years. I have found that therapy is my passion and I look forward to helping you discover how therapy can improve your quality of life.
Lydia Schatzel
I believe in maintaining a strong and positive rapport because through that trust, we can really get work done. I treat everyone with respect and compassion. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, harm reduction, and mindfulness with a solution focused approach that is client centered. I will tailor our dialogue and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. As a therapist, it is my job to provide the tools and coping skills to navigate this thing called life. I will work diligently to be that empathetic and supportive hand to help you through tough times and emerge on the other side feeling stronger and more capable to take on whatever new challenges come your way. I am a licensed clinical social worker in Illinois with over 10 years of experience working as a crisis worker, care coordinator, and therapist. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including various behavioral health conditions, substance abuse, history of trauma, relationships, and stages of development. I have additionally addressed abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
Marilyn Traynor
As a seasoned therapist with four decades of clinical experience in Illinois, I specialize in supporting individuals through life's complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on helping clients navigate challenges like depression, anxiety, grief, and significant life transitions. I offer compassionate, depth-oriented counseling for adults seeking understanding and healing. My approach is particularly attuned to issues affecting midlife and older adults, including caregiver stress, aging-related concerns, chronic health challenges, and emotional well-being during major life changes. My therapeutic work addresses a wide range of emotional experiences—from workplace stress and relationship dynamics to trauma recovery and self-esteem building. I create a supportive environment where clients can explore difficult feelings, develop resilient coping strategies, and rediscover personal strength and purpose. I'm committed to providing thoughtful, individualized care that honors each person's unique journey and supports meaningful personal growth.
Charles Beard
I am trained in Marriage and Family Therapy and have served as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor for over 25 years. I have served in both public and private mental health agencies, primarily for those seeking help with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, addiction and domestic violence. Any client who has the courage to seek counseling is someone worth celebrating. With gentleness and warmth, I try to focus on each of my client's strengths to help them in the area they desire to change. My approach combines Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotional Focused Therapy, Systemic Therapy and Solution Focused Therapy as appropriate. I will tailor my dialog and treatment plan to meet the client's concerns. Each client's faith and moral values are recognized as a foundation for their desired growth. I look forward to meeting you.
Susan Hoffstetter
I am licensed in Illinois with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & bipolar disorder. 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!
Dr. Taliah Ziyad-Nau
I have worked closely with adolescents, parents and families to help them move forward with improving social, emotional and learning outcomes. I use my experiences to deliver quality counsel and consultation. After working with children and families for over 10 years, there are a lot of accumulated experiences with concerns such as anxiety, parenting problems, career challenges, ADHD and learning difficulties. My counseling style is interactive and includes empowering others to invest in themselves. As a counselor, I understand the need for the space to be heard and understood. Learning styles and social, emotional needs call for different approaches. Client Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy are considered in determining a plan to meet your specific needs. You don’t have to process through it alone. I am here to take the next steps with you. I look forward to meeting with you.
Sergio Ayala
I am licensed in Iowa and Illinois with 9 years of professional clinical work experience. I have a Masters of Science in Mental Health Counseling, a Masters of Divinity with 4 Units of Clinical Pastoral Education, and over 15 years of Ministerial/Pastoral Practice. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & dementia caregiver stress. 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.
Bryan Manion
As a licensed therapist in Illinois, I bring over two decades of professional experience supporting individuals through complex life challenges. My approach is deeply compassionate and tailored to each client's unique journey. I specialize in addressing a wide range of emotional experiences, including depression, anxiety, relationship dynamics, and personal growth. My therapeutic work focuses on helping clients navigate significant life transitions, overcome social anxiety, and develop stronger self-understanding. I'm particularly skilled at supporting individuals struggling with isolation, self-esteem challenges, and complex emotional patterns. Whether you're dealing with workplace stress, relationship difficulties, or seeking deeper personal insight, I offer a supportive and non-judgmental space for exploration and healing. I believe in empowering clients to discover their inner strengths, develop healthier coping strategies, and create meaningful personal transformation. My practice is grounded in understanding the nuanced experiences of individuals across different life stages, with a special commitment to creating a safe, affirming therapeutic environment.
Julie Diaz
I am licensed in Illinois and Missouri with 23 years of professional counseling experience. I have assisted individuals with relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss and so much more. I facilitate an open and safe environment where you can share your thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment. It takes courage and determination 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.
Heather Oosterhoff
I am a licensed, clinical therapist in Illinois and Indiana with 32 years of professional experience. I specialize in assisting clients with issues such as stress, anxiety, grief, loss, anger management, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. Additionally, I have expertise in helping individuals navigate life transitions and recover from trauma. My therapeutic approach is warm and engaging. I strive to foster an open and safe environment where clients can express their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment. My methodology integrates Cognitive-Behavioral, Humanistic, Psychodynamic, and Dialectical Behavior therapies. I will customize our discussions and treatment plans to address your unique needs. Seeking a more fulfilling and joyful life is a courageous step, and if you are ready to make that change, I am here to empower and support you. I look forward to working with you!
Nicole McSuhm
Seeing a therapist for the first time can be uncomfortable-having to go to a complete stranger and start sharing some of the most difficult parts of your life is really intimidating. Just being willing to come into a session already means that you have a great deal of strength, and my job is to help you acknowledge that strength and achieve your goals. I use an empowerment model, meaning that we'll be focusing on what you want to learn from therapy, and we'll figure out together what works best for you. I have an extensive background in domestic violence, trauma, healthy relationships, and the LGBTQ+ community. I have also worked a great deal with issues ranging from anxiety and depression to PTSD. My favorite part of being a therapist is watching that "lightbulb" moment for a client when they understand why their brain is acting the way it is. I see couples and individuals as clients, and I use a strengths-based approach. I really enjoy helping folks figure out how to enhance the skills that they've been using to make it this far. I am licensed in Illinois with my clinical social work license and have 5 years of therapy experience.
Kimberley Milton
As a licensed therapist in Illinois, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My professional approach centers on helping clients develop resilience, self-understanding, and effective coping strategies. I have extensive experience addressing challenges such as stress, anxiety, family conflicts, and life transitions. My therapeutic work focuses on empowering individuals to overcome social anxiety, workplace challenges, and personal struggles with self-esteem. I am particularly passionate about supporting women through unique emotional journeys, helping clients explore themes of self-love, communication, and personal growth. I create a compassionate, non-judgmental space where clients can explore their experiences, develop healthier patterns, and reconnect with their inner strengths. Whether you're dealing with isolation, workplace stress, or seeking deeper personal insights, I'm committed to walking alongside you in your healing process. My practice integrates evidence-based techniques tailored to your individual needs, emphasizing collaborative and personalized care. Together, we can work towards understanding your experiences, building emotional resilience, and creating meaningful, positive change.
Sophie Niemaszyk
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with experience supporting children and adolescents with emotional, behavioral, and trauma-related needs. My work is rooted in a trauma-informed approach, and I am passionate about helping young people feel safe, understood, and empowered to navigate challenges in healthy ways. I have extensive experience working with children who struggle with anxiety, emotional regulation, behavioral challenges, trauma, and school-related stress. I use evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), mindfulness strategies, and trauma-informed interventions to help children develop coping skills, build confidence, and improve relationships. In addition to working directly with children, I value strong collaboration with families. I believe parents and caregivers are essential partners in the therapeutic process, and I work closely with families to develop practical tools and strategies that support success across home, school, and community settings. My goal is to create a supportive and engaging space where children feel comfortable expressing themselves, learning new skills, and building resilience.
Find a Therapist Near You in Benton , 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 Benton.
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.