Leah Pavela-Mullins
I am a licensed clinical social worker with over 15 years of experience in helping people find solutions to their problems. Over the years, I have been told by clients that they really feel that I am listening to them and trying to understand what is going on in their lives and how they feel. Clients have also told me that they do not feel any sense of judgment, but rather that I accept them for who they are and where they are in their life’s journey. My style is empathetic and solution focused. I will spend time asking you questions in order to get to know you and try to find out what is at the heart of your issue. Together, we will talk about possible avenues you may want to take, or changes you may want to consider. I may give you some “homework” assignments…things to write out or think about, worksheets to complete, or even techniques/exercises to practice in your own time so that some of what we discuss in our sessions is reinforced. Most of all, I will be an objective listener, helping you to gain insight into what is going on with you, so that you are able to make the choices and changes you want to, in your own time. I look forward to working with you!
Debbie Chirikos
I have been a career clinical social worker for 40 years. I have chosen to be a counselor my entire professional, adult life, because I love it! I have done this in multiple states across America, Hawaii and Canada. I am curious and driven to expand my skills and knowledge, and be a change agent for my clients. I want my skills to be fresh and relevant in a changing social landscape. To me, there no distractions when I am engaged with my clients. I am as fully attuned to my client as I can be and want nothing more than for my client's success and resolution of their problems, and the things in their life that are painful or self-defeating. I have a Bachelor's and Masters degree in Clinical Social Work. I attended universities in Colorado. I think I can best help clients who want to do the hard work, look at themselves and with my support and guidance, make real changes in their life that move them toward their authentic selves. Clients who embrace non-judgmental feedback will be comfortable with me. Clients who have repeated self-defeating behaviors will find me patient and tolerant of their struggles. Clients who understand that humor is a tool to heal will be comfortable with me. I think mental health is something that we groom. Finally, working with a motivated client and reaching those moments of confidence and calm together is a satisfaction like no other. I believe all people who are suffering have the seeds within them to solve their own problems. Sometimes we just need a partner in that journey . Sometimes, we just want to talk to someone who will listen to us!
Margaret Wilson
I am licensed in Illinois with 15 years of professional work experience. 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.
Angela Mitchell
Hello, my name is Angela Mitchell and I have Master’s Degree in Professional Counseling from Lindenwood University and I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) who has had the privilege of gaining counseling experience for over 14 years in a variety of Mental Health settings. Currently, I am only doing phone, live chat or messaging. I do not do live video sessions. I have experience in counseling individuals, couples and facilitating groups. Some of the modalities that I may include in therapy are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution Focused Therapy. My goal is to encourage you and walk with you in order to help aid you with finding balance in your life. Change for the better can sometimes be challenging but the payoff has the potential to resolve issues, experience greater clarity, confidence, and certainty. I look forward to meeting and working with you!
Tamela Polanin
Hello, Thank you for taking the first step in better living. Our mental health is very important. My name is Tamela, I would love to be your therapist. I look forward to working with you. Just a little about me to help break the ice, I am a mom of 3 boys, one is grown and has a son of his own, the other 2 are 16 and 15. I am married to my second husband now for 17 years. We live in the country and raise registered pygmy goats. I have worked in mental health for 20 years. We all want to live our best life. I know trauma on a personal level and treating trauma has become my passion. I use a client centered approach where you are the master of your own life; I am merely here to walk beside you as a guide. My hope is to empower you to work through your trauma and life’s challenges. I provide trauma-focused, client-centered therapy to all ages and all backgrounds. I am well versed in EMDR, TF-CBT, and Reproductive loss Counseling. I believe that trauma is a journey and not one person’s journey will be the same as the next. You are not alone. I will traverse this journey beside you.
Dr. Akamin Nkengaka
I'm Dr. Akamin Nkengaka, a Licensed behavioral therapist with 16 years of evidence-based practice experienced. I help clients with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma informed care, substance abuse, self-esteem, and relationships challenges. My theoretical approach is based on cognitive-behavioral model and holistic approach. That is, patterns of thoughts and feelings are explored, and solution focus based. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilled and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Stephanie McSharry
I am licensed in Illinois with over 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also have experience working with executive and professional coaching. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Reginald Wince
As a licensed therapist in Illinois, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on helping clients address depression, anxiety, stress, and challenges with self-esteem and anger management. I have extensive experience working with individuals struggling with communication difficulties, feelings of isolation, life purpose exploration, and impulsivity. My therapeutic approach is deeply compassionate and tailored to each client's unique journey. I understand that seeking support takes courage, and I'm committed to creating a safe, affirming space where you can explore your experiences, develop meaningful coping strategies, and cultivate personal growth. Drawing from evidence-based practices, I work collaboratively with clients to uncover their inherent strengths and build resilience. Whether you're dealing with ADHD, feeling stuck, or seeking to understand yourself more deeply, I'm here to support you with empathy, respect, and professional expertise.
Leo Lyon
Dedicated to working with individuals of all ages, I focus on collaboratively uncovering each person’s inherent strengths and talents. I am passionate about helping clients craft new life stories that highlight their perseverance and resilience in overcoming life’s challenges. My clinical practice draws from Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Narrative Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), all within a trauma-informed, strength-based framework. I hold a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Nevada Las Vegas and a master's degree in social work from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Due to paneling restrictions, I'm out of network with all United Health and Optum policies.
Susan Zacharias
I accept that we all bump or run into rough patches in our life journey. It can be easy or difficult to match up with a person to work through these rough patches. I have been in health care for 40 years and professional counseling for 20 years. I have witnessed a great deal of suffering and spiritual and emotional growth, in others and myself. I take time to learn about the person who comes my way. I believe not every "technique" fits every person. I find using EMDR or guided imagery to reveal a person's deeper concerns fairly quickly, but I draw from other techniques and educational approaches as seems best fit. I am someone who embraces the effectiveness of 12 step programs for a possible solution to addictive compulsions but I totally accept those sorts of approaches are not for everyone .I will forward handouts I think might be helpful to you to guide a session or for later review by you. I look forward to meeting you at this time in your life journey.
Erin Osborn
I am licensed in Illinois with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, motivation, self esteem, confidence, career difficulties, coping with life changes, & executive coaching. I also have experience working with professional coaching. 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.
Folashade Olatunbosun
I am licensed in Illinois with over 20years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & despression. 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. 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.
YaShica Maxwell
I became a therapist because I believe healing starts when people finally feel safe enough to stop performing and start being fully seen. Everyone deserves a space where they feel heard, supported, understood, and accepted without judgment. Life can become overwhelming when you are carrying stress, navigating major transitions, managing relationships, balancing responsibilities, or constantly feeling like you have to hold everything together for everyone else. Over time, even high-functioning people can begin to feel exhausted, disconnected, anxious, or unsure of who they are outside of taking care of others. I work primarily with adults who feel overwhelmed, stuck, emotionally drained, or stretched too thin. Many of my clients are navigating anxiety, people-pleasing patterns, boundaries, divorce, relationship concerns, workplace stress, imposter syndrome, identity development, personal growth, and life transitions that leave them questioning what comes next. My approach is warm, collaborative, culturally responsive, and practical. Therapy with me is not about judgment or perfection. It is about creating space for honest conversations, meaningful insight, and real change. Together, we identify patterns that no longer serve you, strengthen coping strategies, improve communication, increase confidence, and develop healthier ways of showing up for yourself and the people you care about. I integrate evidence-based approaches while recognizing that every person’s story, values, and lived experiences deserve to be honored. My goal is to provide care that feels both clinically grounded and deeply human. Whether you are processing change, recovering from difficult experiences, building healthier relationships, or simply trying to reconnect with yourself, you do not have to figure it all out alone. We will begin where you are and move at a pace that feels supportive and sustainable. I strive to make therapy feel like a place where you can finally exhale, reflect, grow, and create a life that feels more aligned, balanced, and fulfilling. Outside of the therapy space, I enjoy traveling, spending time with family, attending concerts, exploring museums, and relaxing near the beach. Those moments remind me that healing is not only about surviving difficult seasons. It is also about creating room for joy, connection, restoration, and living fully. I currently have openings for adult clients in Illinois, Minnesota, and Rhode Island.
Emma Skoglund
As a compassionate therapist, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My approach centers on helping clients explore life purpose, manage social anxiety, and work through challenging experiences of guilt, shame, and mood-related struggles. With a deep commitment to understanding each person's unique journey, I draw from evidence-based practices to support healing from depression, relationship challenges, and past traumas. I believe in creating a supportive, affirming space where individuals can develop stronger self-esteem and learn effective coping strategies during life transitions. My therapeutic style is collaborative and person-centered, focusing on your individual strengths and goals. I'm dedicated to walking alongside you as you discover more about yourself, build resilience, and create meaningful personal growth. Whether you're experiencing difficult emotions, seeking to understand yourself better, or working through significant life changes, I'm here to provide compassionate, professional support.
Find a Therapist Near You in Galatia , 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 Galatia.
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.