Chicago is the Windy City, known for its hot dogs, beautiful shoreline, and the Willis Tower. However, there is a mental health crisis blowing in the Windy City. Not enough people are getting the mental healthcare they need, and this is causing a bit of a crisis. In order to succeed, you need guidance and the healthiest outlook possible. Talk to a Chicago-based counselor. When the wind blows cold and the snow piles up, you will have a place to stay warm.

This is Angela Colville's avatar and link to their profile
One Of Many Online Therapists Serving - Chicago, IL
Type Of Therapy License(s): LCSW,LMSW
Therapy Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Grief, Self esteem, Depression, Coping with life changes
Years of Experience: 12

Welcome! I am glad you are here. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois and Michigan. I have helped and supported people to cope with and effectively manage anxiety, depression, stress, life changes, aging and grief - improving and maintaining quality of life throughout the life spectrum. My professional experience has been in assisting individuals and families dealing with chronic and terminal illnesses – issues directly related to these situations – and separate issues altogether. I am warm, empathic with a sense of humor. I am an attentive, non-...

This is Amy Kline's avatar and link to their profile
One Of Many Online Therapists Serving - Chicago, IL
Type Of Therapy License(s): MAO,LCPC,NCC
Therapy Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Coping with life changes, Coaching
Years of Experience: 15

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in the state of Illinois, and a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC) in the United States. I hold my Master's Degree in Counseling and Organizational Psychology (MAO), which allows me to work with people on both personal and professional areas of concern and opportunities for growth. I have spent over 15 years working with individuals, families, couples, and groups as their counselor and coach. My professional journey has allowed me to provide services in a range of settings including community programs...

This is Laura Salazar's avatar and link to their profile
One Of Many Online Therapists Serving - Chicago, IL
Type Of Therapy License(s): LCPC
Therapy Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Grief, Depression, Coping with life changes
Years of Experience: 5

My name is Laura Salazar, and I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor for Illinois and Texas with over seven years of experience. You are the expert on your own life. I am an expert in helping you outline and achieve your goals. Therapy is intended to prepare you for working through your life's issues as they happen with empowerment and knowledge. I would be honored if you would choose me to provide you with the tools to build the kind of life you want to have. Together, we will create treatment plans outlining what you would like to accomplish in thera...

This is Mary Creamer-Tate's avatar and link to their profile
One Of Many Online Therapists Serving - Chicago, IL
Type Of Therapy License(s): LCSW
Therapy Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, LGBT, Relationship issues, Trauma and abuse, Depression
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, lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, & trauma and abuse. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

This is Shayna Rayman's avatar and link to their profile
One Of Many Online Therapists Serving - Chicago, IL
Therapy Specialties: Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Trauma and abuse, Grief, Anger management
Years of Experience: 11

I am licensed in Florida and Illinois with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialogue 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. Please message me to inquire ...

This is Natasch  Lindsey-Acker's avatar and link to their profile
One Of Many Online Therapists Serving - Chicago, IL
Type Of Therapy License(s): LPC
Therapy Specialties: Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Intimacy-related issues, Parenting issues, Self esteem
Years of Experience: 7

My name is Natasch Lindsey Acker. I am a licensed therapist. You can call me Talyah. I've been fascinated with psychology my whole life. I've worked in the fields of education with young people, and then in counseling for a total of 20 years. I've attended Spelman College, Columbia College, and the University of Arkansas. I've chosen to specialize in helping people have better relationships. Much of what we struggle with today is a direct result of the things we learned and experienced in our past. Things that we had no control over. My favorite two sayings are ...

This is Carrie Stoner's avatar and link to their profile
One Of Many Online Therapists Serving - Chicago, IL
Therapy Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Grief, Depression
Years of Experience: 20

I am licensed in Illinois and in Massachusetts with over 19 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. I also have experience working with depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

This is Nicole Tolentino's avatar and link to their profile
One Of Many Online Therapists Serving - Chicago, IL
Therapy Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Relationship issues, Self esteem, Depression
Years of Experience: 6

Beginning therapy can sometimes feel scary or intimidating- but it doesn’t have to be! I come from a strengths based, client-centered approach and will make it a priority to move through the treatment process as a team. I welcome young people and adults of all backgrounds and skill sets. We can work together to explore past, present, and future challenges, as well as build self-empowerment and positive regard through a combination of conversation and exercises. My specialty areas include mood disorders, ADHD, OCD, anxiety disorders, and depression. I use a variet...

This is Patricia Roman's avatar and link to their profile
One Of Many Online Therapists Serving - Chicago, IL
Therapy Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Self esteem, Depression, ADHD
Years of Experience: 12

I am licensed in Illinois with 12 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 concentration, memory and focus (adhd). 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. I like to take a reflective approach, building up your own confidence to take charge of issues that may feel overwhelming or causing you to feel depressed. I lik...

This is Jaclyn Harwey's avatar and link to their profile
One Of Many Online Therapists Serving - Chicago, IL
Therapy Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, LGBT, Self esteem, Depression, Coping with life changes
Years of Experience: 10

I am licensed in Illinois and Florida with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbt-related issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. 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 Maya Maclin's avatar and link to their profile
One Of Many Online Therapists Serving - Chicago, IL
Therapy Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship issues, Trauma and abuse, Self esteem, Depression
Years of Experience: 12

I am licensed in Illinois with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients (adults and adolescents) 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. 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 Jacquelyn Banks's avatar and link to their profile
One Of Many Online Therapists Serving - Chicago, IL
Therapy Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Coping with life changes
Years of Experience: 6

I am licensed in Illinois with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, bipolar disorder, & 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.

This is Michele Petersmark 's avatar and link to their profile
One Of Many Online Therapists Serving - Chicago, IL
Therapy Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship issues, Self esteem, Depression, Coping with life changes
Years of Experience: 20

I am licensed in Illinois with 20 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

This is Caitlyn McCormick's avatar and link to their profile
One Of Many Online Therapists Serving - Chicago, IL
Therapy Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Grief, Self esteem
Years of Experience: 3

Hi, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Illinois with 3 years of counseling experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & coping with grief and loss. I believe that you are the expert of your story, and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming your issues. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey!

This is Donna Kasper's avatar and link to their profile
One Of Many Online Therapists Serving - Chicago, IL
Therapy Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Self esteem
Years of Experience: 15

I am licensed in Illinois with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Having A Hard Time Selecting A Mental Health Professional In Chicago?

Finding the right therapist can feel intimidating. However, there are a few methods you can try to narrow your search for a counselor in the Chicago area if you find it challenging to find therapists accepting new clients.

First, research what type of therapy you'd like to pursue before finding a therapist or psychologist. You might be interested in psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), group therapy, marriage and family therapy, or couples therapy. Each type of therapy can offer various benefits. If you're still unsure, consider asking your prospective counselors which methods they practice.

When you're ready to search, search for 'therapist near me in Chicago and scroll through the options. Next, consider your goals for the gender of your psychotherapist, the type of therapy they're most experienced with, and their specialty. Finally, choose a therapist located near you in the city of Chicago or elsewhere in Cook or the state of Illinois.

Mental health professionals working through their own practice or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships and communication skills, working through life's obstacles, or changing negative thinking patterns. They may also provide a listening ear and validation. Verified Chicago therapists can provide licensed marriage and compassionate counseling, tailor to individual needs, and create a therapeutic relationship as a National Certified Counselor.

What Is The Cost Difference Between Conventional Therapy And BetterHelp With A Chicago Therapist? 

Forbes reports that the average price of an in-person therapy session with a counselor in the US is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Chicago due to a higher cost of living.

Some counselors in the state of Illinois may work on a sliding scale, meaning they'll factor in your income and charge what you can afford per session. With BetterHelp therapists serving the city of Chicago and elsewhere throughout the state of Illinois you can expect significantly more affordable options, with counselor sessions ranging from $60 to $90 per week (billed every four weeks).


Did You Know BetterHelp Therapists Are Not Limited To In-Person Visits?

Online therapists, including the US-based therapists above, can work with people like you in or around Chicago to offer creative forms of communication and treatment. You do not have to commute to a therapist's office to meet with one of these counselors.

Through BetterHelp, you can partake in video, phone, or live chat sessions with your licensed therapist. You can work through various symptoms, receive worksheets, and sign up for mental health webinars. Additionally, the BetterHelp app offers a journaling feature.

Suppose you're struggling with relationship problems that could be addressed in couples therapy with a counselor. In that case, you may choose to work with one of BetterHelp's experienced cognitive-behavioral therapists specializing in behavioral health and relationships. You can also try a provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide. Look through the available counselors above and consider which might work for you.

Chicago has many professionals who provide client-centered individual counseling in person and through online therapy. If you opt into online therapy, you might also be able to meet with therapists all over the US. Many individuals gain further insight into their lives through internet-based therapy. In Chicago, therapy can be easily to use and a click away.


How To Know If Therapy Is Right For You?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a therapist is the validation and active listening they can provide. Your friends and loved ones may also be available to listen, but they may struggle to provide objective guidance as a psychotherapist can. Therapists are also professionals trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.

A psychologist may support you toward a healthier emotional state, regardless of your mental health or life concerns. While supporting individuals in developing healthier habits, another benefit of therapy with a licensed counselor is having a safe space with a non-judgmental party who can support you through challenging experiences.

Many people have sensitive topics that they may feel ashamed to discuss with their friends or partner. A Chicago therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of therapy, such as art therapy, where you can express yourself through creativity instead of words.

With almost one million people in Chicago, IL, finding a therapist can be costly, and therapists may be booked out with clients. Through the list of counselors above and others through BetterHelp, you may be able to find a psychologist within 24 to 48 hours. If you're searching for a nearby psychotherapist close to 60632 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp therapist page.

Stay Up To Date With The Leading Online Therapy Platform

To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on PinterestLinkedInInstagramTwitter, and FacebookFor mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.

Take some time to learn more about BetterHelp therapists to understand the services available to you clearly. If you have any questions, please reach out through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.

If you’re ready to sign up for online counseling, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched with a counselor within 24 to 48 hours.

Emergency Situations

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

Zip Codes Around Chicago Served By BetterHelp Therapists

Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Chicago:

60018, 60106, 60601, 60602, 60603, 60604, 60605, 60606, 60607, 60608, 60609, 60610, 60611, 60612, 60613, 60614, 60615, 60616, 60617, 60618, 60619, 60620, 60621, 60622, 60623, 60624, 60625, 60626, 60628, 60629, 60630, 60631, 60632, 60633, 60634, 60636, 60637, 60638, 60639, 60640, 60641, 60642, 60643, 60644, 60645, 60646, 60647, 60649, 60651, 60652, 60653, 60654, 60655, 60656, 60657, 60659, 60660, 60661, 60664, 60666, 60668, 60669, 60670, 60673, 60674, 60675, 60677, 60678, 60680, 60681, 60684, 60685, 60686, 60687, 60688, 60689, 60690, 60691, 60693, 60694, 60695, 60696, 60697, 60699, 60701, 60707, 60827

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp can be found below:

How Do I See A Therapist Taking Chicago Sessions For The First Time? 

Before seeing your therapist, prep for your session by reading about the counseling process. You might write a list of questions you want to ask your psychotherapist. When you attend your session, let them know if you have any concerns about therapy or feel unsure about what to talk about. They may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and why you're attending therapy.

Should I Attend Therapy If I Feel Fine? 

If you don't feel the need to see a psychologist, you don't have to. However, some people may avoid attending therapy due to preconceived notions of what therapy entails. Although therapists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or condition to attend counseling. 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.

Gaining a new perspective on yourself through various therapies might allow you to improve your self-esteem, work through relationships, and gain a better sense of your mental health goals. The success you may find through therapy can be dependent on your process with a counselor.

People may also attend therapy for specific motives, such as bullying, an autism diagnosis, a desire to learn mindfulness meditation, personality concerns, trouble with office workers, specific phobias, and many other principles.

Is Crying In Therapy A Breakthrough?

Crying can be a breakthrough for some individuals who struggle to express emotions. Others might find that they often cry during sessions with their counselor. Crying can be normal and healthy, so whether you cry or not may be a personal aspect of sessions.

Are Therapists Worth It?

We may all be on different paths in life, as each human can be unique in their personality, expression, and goals. A psychologist can target various symptoms, experiences, and personalities. Unlike advice from a friend, family, or non-professional, therapists are trained to meet you where you're at. Counseling can be worth it. Over 41 million adults in the US attend therapy each year, showing it's a popular option and may be often effective when working with a licensed counselor.

Do Therapists Judge You? 

The boundaries between you and a therapist are in place to help you and them regarding ethical concerns. Therapists are held by ethical standards through the American Psychological Association (APA) and are not allowed to judge or harm their clients. Their job as your counselor is to support you and make you feel safe and respected. You might consider changing counselors if you don't feel safe or respected.