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.
Dr. John Cooley
My name is Dr. John Cooley. I have a Master of Arts Degree in Psychological Counseling from Southeast Missouri State University and Ph.D in Psychology from California Southern University. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois and I am a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist. I have 25 years of counseling experience working with Adults and Families who present with a variety of mental health and substance abuse problems. I have worked in outpatient and hospital settings. My treatment approach is very eclectic. I draw from a lot of counseling theories that can best fit a person's needs. Some of those include Humanistic, Psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Trauma Focused Treatment. I believe that clients have the resources within them to make positive changes so as to improve the quality of their lives. I provide a warm compassionate approach to counseling and want my clients to feel that they have been heard, validated and understood. At the same time I help clients find solutions to their problems and learn valuable coping skills to manage the problems they are experiencing. I look forward to working with you!
Dr. Athena Porter
Welcome! I am a person, who like many other human beings, has skills and talents. As a qualified mental health care provider with a doctorate in Clinical/Community Psychology, I have been using my talents to help people afflicted with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, post traumatic stress disorder, schizophrenia, and other psychological disorders. While I appreciate the wide-range benefits of an eclectic approach, I prefer and tend to apply cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, and sociocultural models in counseling and therapy sessions. I view life as a journey in which we, as human beings, use our mind, body, and spirit to solve problems, overcome adversity, and enjoy life. Besides helping people alleviate symptoms derived from mental illness, I provide support for personal growth within the context life coaching and wellness sessions. The span of my career is more than twenty years. The local and global scopes of my vision as a healer, have led me to provide community psychology services in Chicagoland, numerous cities in other parts of the United States, and Ghana (Africa). These community-wide services entail conducting presentations at community health fairs, disseminating information for various type of awareness campaigns (examples: suicide prevention, domestic violence, PTSD, HIV/AIDS, smoking cessation, substance abuse, and Covid19). Moreover, I have imparted information about mental health through the media. I love providing psychological services! I am grateful to be gifted as a healer! Furthermore, I look forward to serving you! Enjoy balance in body, mind, and spirit, Dr. Athena Porter
Bethany Vanne
I am licensed in Illinois with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, abuse, and 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!
Ramon Nolasco
As a licensed therapist with over two decades of experience, I specialize in supporting individuals through complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on helping clients navigate challenges like depression, anxiety, relationship dynamics, and personal growth. I bring a culturally responsive and affirming approach, particularly attuned to the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals, people of color, and those facing multicultural concerns. My therapeutic work focuses on holistic healing, addressing issues ranging from social anxiety and trauma to life transitions, midlife challenges, and personal identity exploration. I offer a compassionate, non-judgmental space where clients can develop deeper self-understanding, improve communication skills, and cultivate self-love and resilience. Drawing from extensive clinical experience, I'm committed to supporting individuals through diverse life experiences—whether you're dealing with relationship struggles, seeking personal growth, or working through complex emotional patterns. My approach is collaborative, empowering, and designed to help you discover your inherent strengths and create meaningful change.
Michelle Wong
As a licensed therapist in Illinois, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex life transitions, emotional challenges, and personal growth. My approach centers on understanding each client's unique journey, with a deep commitment to addressing stress, anxiety, relationship dynamics, and trauma recovery. I bring a compassionate, culturally responsive perspective to therapy, particularly focusing on women's experiences, multicultural concerns, and the nuanced challenges of midlife and aging. My practice emphasizes self-love, healing attachment wounds, and helping clients rediscover their sense of purpose and inner strength. Drawing from evidence-based practices, I create a supportive environment where clients can explore difficult emotions, develop resilience, and cultivate meaningful personal transformation. Whether you're struggling with social anxiety, family dynamics, or seeking deeper self-understanding, I'm dedicated to walking alongside you with empathy and professional expertise.
Renita Willis
Hello, and welcome! My name is Renita Willis, and I am a licensed therapist based in Illinois. Deciding to seek therapy is a brave and important step. I want to say how proud I am of you for pondering on this journey toward emotional health and well-being. I have had the privilege of helping clients experiencing depression, stress and anxiety, grief and loss, and navigating life transitions. Life can be overwhelming, filled with unexpected changes, deep sadness, and / or persistent worries. It's difficult facing these moments alone. My goal is to offer you the tools, resources, strategies, understanding, and compassionate support you need to regain a sense of equilibrium and fulfillment. In our sessions, I strive to create a welcoming and safe space where you feel heard, seen and accepted. I believe that trust is the foundation of effective therapy, so I focus on building an authenic connection with my clients. With me, you can explore your thoughts and feelings without being judged or criticized. Whether it’s unpacking complicated emotions or learning new ways to approach hardships, I’m here to walk this journey with you. I use a collaborative approach to therapy by incorporationg your unique experiences, strengths, and feelings. We’ll work together to identify your goals, develop coping strategies, and create a treatment plan that aligns with your personal core values and aspirations. My role is not to dictate to you what to do but to support you in discovering your insights and empowering you to make the changes you desire in your life. I use an intergrative approach to therapy incorporating modalities including emotionally focused individual therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing and solution focused therapy. I know that the decision to start therapy can feel overwhelming. It’s not always easy to open up to someone and be vulnerable, especially if you’ve been carrying your struggles alone for a long period of time. But I am here to remind you that it’s okay to walk this journey at your own pace, and it’s normal to connect with a therapist for help. As a matter of fact, seeking support in therapy is a sign of strength, resilience, and hope. Let’s travel on this journey together, creating a space where you can heal, grow, and live the life you desire. If you’re ready to take that first step or just want to learn more about how therapy can benefit you, I’m here to answer your questions and guide you through the process. I will be honored to be a part of your journey toward a more peaceful and fulfilling life. Come on, let's get started.
George Becker
I am licensed in Illinois with many years of professional experience. Over the years I have helped clients from many cultural and ethnic backgrounds who struggle with difficulties of stress and anxiety, depression, parenting and relationship issues, family conflicts, & coping with grief and loss. I am bilingual in English and Spanish and serve clients in both languages. In addition, I have worked extensively in public schools. 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. I am here to support you in that process. Soy bilingüe en español y inglés y tengo muchos años experiencia trabajando con la comunidad Latino. He ayudado a muchos clientes que luchan con estrés y ansiedad, dificultad con las relaciones importantes y el papel de ser padre, conflictos familiares y situaciones de luto y perdidas. También, he servido mucho tiempo en las escuelas públicas. Entiendo bastante de las dificultades de adaptación a una vida bastante diferente de su cultura ancestral. Creo que todos merecemos ayudo con respeto, sensibilidad y compasión. Va ser mi placer ayudarles.
Sanjuana Meza
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, coping with grief and loss, & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Maureen Fitzmaurice
As a licensed therapist in Illinois, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating life's complex emotional landscapes. My approach is deeply compassionate and tailored to each person's unique journey, with expertise in addressing stress, anxiety, grief, and self-esteem challenges. I focus on helping clients work through diverse experiences, including workplace dynamics, relationship transitions, caregiver stress, and personal growth. My practice centers on creating a supportive environment where individuals can explore their emotions, develop resilience, and rediscover their inner strength. Drawing from years of clinical experience, I'm committed to walking alongside my clients as they confront challenging life moments—whether dealing with midlife transitions, young adult uncertainties, or personal healing. My therapeutic style emphasizes empowerment, self-compassion, and meaningful personal transformation. I understand that seeking support takes courage, and I'm dedicated to providing a warm, non-judgmental space where you can explore your experiences and develop powerful strategies for emotional well-being.
Octavia Scott
I am licensed in Illinois with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, 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!
Benjamin Harris
Ben grew up in Montana, where he took full advantage of the fresh air, mountains, and outdoor activities. He loved school and sports, and he played high school basketball, as well as American Legion and college baseball as a starting pitcher. Ben moved to Illinois to pursue his graduate degree at Northern Illinois University. It was during his training at NIU that he first discovered his passion for working with people struggling with OCD and Anxiety-related disorders. He subsequently devoted his career to becoming an expert in the application of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Exposure and Response Prevention as means for helping individuals get their lives back from these debilitating problem areas. Ben also treats co-occurring conditions such as depression, and tics/Tourette's. Ben is a member of the International OCD Foundation, and The TLC Foundation for Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors. He has completed advanced training through both the General and Pediatric installments of the IOCDF’s Behavioral Therapy Training Institute, and TLC’s Professional Training Institute. Ben places high value on making sure he is providing the most up-to-date treatments available. He is skilled in adapting his treatment methods to each individual who seeks help from him. Ben's attention to detail, creativity, and sense of humor help ensure that his patients are engaged in treatment and experience the results they are seeking.
Tanya Johnson
As a licensed therapist in Illinois, I bring 17 years of dedicated experience supporting individuals through complex life challenges. My practice centers on creating compassionate, culturally responsive spaces for healing across diverse populations. I specialize in addressing depression, relationship dynamics, trauma recovery, and self-esteem development. My therapeutic approach embraces a holistic perspective, focusing on issues ranging from social anxiety and isolation to workplace stress, interpersonal challenges, and life transitions. I am particularly committed to supporting women, young adults, and individuals navigating multicultural experiences and systemic challenges. Drawing from evidence-based practices, I offer a warm, empathetic approach that honors each client's unique journey. Whether you're struggling with communication barriers, processing traumatic experiences, or seeking personal growth, I aim to provide supportive guidance that empowers you to develop resilience and meaningful strategies for well-being.
joyce stewart
Are you a woman whose life is being negatively impacted by trauma, fear, anxiety, or stress? Do you long for healing that honors not just your mind, but your body, energy, and spirit? This isn’t surface-level work. It’s for those who are ready to go inward—to release patterns that no longer serve them, to reconnect with their inner truth, and to feel whole again. I’m Joyce Stewart, a licensed clinical social worker with over 15 years of experience helping women heal from abuse, trauma, anxiety, fears, and emotional overwhelm. I am not your typical therapist as I blend traditional psychotherapy with energy psychology and spiritual insight to help you heal more deeply and more quickly. Rather than living a life controlled by past behaviors and belief systems, together we will work in an emotionally safe, nonjudgmental environment to create more love, freedom, joy, and peace in your everyday life. If you’re ready to explore a new path to healing, I invite you to reach out.
Find a Therapist Near You in Dalzell , 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 Dalzell.
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.