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.
Susan Haarman
So, you've already done the scariest part of this whole process, which is deciding that you want support and taking action. That takes incredible strength and humility, even if you may not feel that way right now. From here, it's my job to work together with you to find ways to channel that strength towards the goals you have and help reframe the way you're approaching challenges through support, humor, and compassion. I have experience working with adults and couples dealing with anxiety, depression, LGBTQ+ issues, grief, identity development, and navigating major life changes. As a queer therapist committed to social justice, it's my mission is to create a space in therapy where all folks feel affirmed and heard, especially if that is not their experience in daily life. My practice is client centered and I believe that mental health and wellness also includes finding ways to include your passions and priorities into treatment. We can also incorporate meditation or spirituality into therapy if that's important to you. You've done the hardest part by starting this process
Christopher "Chris" Dueker
I have over 20 years of clinical experience helping individuals, couples, and families seeking help to resolve some of their problems with conflict, adjusting to life event stressors, recovering from trauma to become survivors and not victims. Furthermore, I like to help others with addictions of practically every kind to change their habits with replacement thoughts, behaviors, and actions that improve their sense of purpose in life and handling their emotions rather than avoiding them with their maladaptive behaviors. A majority of my training and experience has been on helping clients incorporate positive communication skills, conflict resolution skills, and improve upon their ability to stop negative thinking habits that tend to interfere with change.
Carla Dumas
I am licensed in Illinois with 31 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief, coping with loss, & parenting issues. I also have experience working with depression. 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.
Ramona Hickey
I am a licensed Illinois therapist with seven years of professional experience. I have a heart for helping clients navigate stress and anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, and family conflicts. As a Christian therapist, my approach is rooted in compassion, respect, and the belief that healing and growth are possible through both clinical insight and spiritual support. Therapeutically, I take an eclectic approach—blending evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to address unhelpful thought patterns, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to build emotional regulation and interpersonal skills, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help clients align their actions with their deepest values. When clients desire, I also incorporate spiritual reflection and Christian principles as part of the healing process, fostering both inner peace and personal growth. Meaningful change takes time, care, and collaboration. Therapy isn’t a quick fix—it’s a process of building trust, exploring patterns, and learning practical tools to create lasting transformation. I take time to build a strong foundation with each client because lasting progress begins with safety and understanding. As we move forward, I integrate evidence-based strategies to help you reframe unhelpful thoughts, strengthen emotional awareness, and develop healthier ways of responding to life’s challenges. If you’re looking for meaningful change, you’ve come to the right place. In our work together, I will help you clarify what matters most to you and assist in creating goals that reflect your values and the life you want to build. I will gently challenge you when needed and support you as you take practical steps toward growth and lasting change. Personal growth happens in stages, and my role is to walk alongside you through each one—helping you gain clarity, build confidence, and reconnect with a renewed sense of purpose along the way. Taking the first step toward a more peaceful and purposeful life takes courage. I’m here to walk alongside you in that journey with care and encouragement.
Karma Lynn Carpenter
Read the reviews after 35 years. Personal scheduling 7 days/week 5 time zones. "How to Navigate Estate Planning when a child has disability." "How to use Functional Behavior Analysis, ABA with your autistic child, employee, spouse." Natural Remedies. Growth-Mindset, Solution-Focus. Mensa/High IQ. Business & Clinical Executive. Military. End of Life Care. "What is Healthy Sexuality?" Interfaith Chaplaincy, Praise Band musician. "What does it mean to self-regulate?" Somatic Tools (body-mind-spirit) for metabolic neurologic health: breathing, posture, movement, simplified dance, simplified tai chi.
Sebastion Williams
Greetings! My name is Sebastion and I have been a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor for over twenty years, a Certified Case Manager (CCM) for five years and a newly minted Certified Telemental Health Provider (CTMH). In addition to private practice work, I have spent many years as a frontline clinician and crisis supervisor. I also have several years experience in leading teams of care managers in government programs. I have formal training in several modalities but prefer Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Solution-Focused Brief Counseling (SFBC) in general. I am a lifelong student of interactive media and see therapeutic benefits in performance arts, analog and video gaming. The world is a broken place. Each of us are born as shards – one piece a friend, one piece a student, another a sibling and so forth. As we absorb the world around us, we sense, we perceive, we feel and we act and splinter further into workers, lovers, parents, enemies, dreamers, victims, abusers, leaders and followers to name a few. The universe taps us on the shoulder throughout our lives as a prompt to integrate – show one face, live one life and love who you are becoming. Therapy can help us recognize those shoulder taps and extract meaning from those cues. If we miss those cues, the shattered world that we live in then lives in us – unless we act. As a neurodiverse mental health professional, I am acutely aware of the puppet shows required for us to be seen as OK. I want to help others find areas of control and influence that can bring contentment, purpose and insight into the chaos that surrounds us.
Dr. Melissa Mielke-Metzger
I am a licensed clinical psychologist in Wisconsin, and school psychologist. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, adjustment, autism, and ADHD etc.
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.
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.
Thomas Buckner
As a licensed therapist in Illinois, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My approach is deeply compassionate and tailored to each person's unique journey, with expertise in addressing depression, trauma, self-esteem challenges, and mood disorders. Please note that Better Help (or any specialty site) is not appropriate if you are in crisis or require immediate support. In such situations, please contact 911 or local emergency services. Alternatively, you can call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to speak with a crisis counselor immediately. I offer a supportive space for exploring life's most profound challenges, including social anxiety, relationship dynamics, personal growth, and healing from past experiences. My therapeutic style centers on understanding individual strengths and creating meaningful pathways toward emotional wellness. My practice embraces diverse experiences and perspectives, with a commitment to providing affirming, respectful care. Whether you're struggling with workplace stress, relationship transitions, or personal transformation, I'm dedicated to walking alongside you with empathy and professional guidance. I believe in the power of collaborative healing, where we work together to uncover your inherent resilience and develop practical strategies for sustainable emotional well-being. My goal is to help you cultivate self-understanding, build meaningful connections, and move toward a more fulfilling life.
Shelia Cisco
As a licensed therapist serving clients in Illinois, I specialize in supporting individuals through complex life transitions and emotional challenges. My practice centers on empowering women, particularly those navigating relationship dynamics, personal identity, and healing from past experiences. With expertise in addressing depression, trauma, self-esteem, and intimacy-related concerns, I offer a compassionate, culturally responsive approach. My work focuses on helping clients develop self-love, improve communication, explore life purpose, and work through difficult experiences like divorce, body image struggles, and interpersonal challenges. Drawing from a holistic perspective, I create a supportive environment that honors each person's unique journey. I'm committed to walking alongside my clients as they cultivate resilience, understanding, and personal growth. Whether you're seeking guidance through relationship issues, processing past trauma, or exploring your identity, I'm dedicated to providing thoughtful, affirming support.
Dr. Joseph Proctor
I am licensed in Illinois with 24 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. 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.
Ellen Ortiz
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 honored to support you in that process. I am licensed in Nevada and Illinois with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, stage of life issues & parenting strategies. I would embrace the opportunity to support you no matter who you are or what you believe. You are connecting for a purpose, I would love to help you achieve that purpose. I feel very strongly that video and phone sessions work best. I text only to confirm appointment details or notice of last minute changes.
*BetterHelp insurance availability, coverage, and cost may vary by state, plan, provider network, therapist availability, and deductible status.
Find a therapist near you in Knoxville, Illinois
Finding a therapist near you in Knoxville, Illinois starts with matching to a licensed professional who fits your needs, schedule, and goals. Illinois is home to people with diverse mental health needs across urban, suburban, and rural communities, which can make it challenging to find care. BetterHelp connects you with a licensed therapist through tailored matching, so you can begin care from home or wherever works for you.
The network includes over 30,000 licensed therapists globally, and over 4 million people have used BetterHelp to find support through online therapy. During matching, 93% of user preferences are met, which helps you connect with a therapist suited to what you are looking for. Whether you are searching for help with anxiety, trauma, affordable or insurance covered therapy, weekend or flexible scheduling, or virtual sessions, you can find a therapist and get started when you are ready.
Why work with a licensed therapist near you?
Working with a licensed therapist near you gives you access to professional mental health support from someone trained to help you understand and manage what you are going through. A licensed therapist can offer evidence-based approaches, a steady space to talk, and guidance tailored to your situation. In Illinois, online therapy can make that care more accessible, since sessions happen from home or wherever you are, without the need to travel to an office. This can help if your schedule is full, if travel is difficult, or if you simply prefer a more discreet setting. You can learn more about what a therapist does on the therapist role page.
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 can help with a wide range of concerns, including anxiety and stress, depression, trauma and PTSD, self-esteem and identity, people-pleasing and fear of rejection, insomnia and racing thoughts, workplace stress and burnout, substance use, parenting and co-parenting stress, grief and loss, and relationship and family challenges. Therapists on BetterHelp may draw on approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), depending on your needs and goals. You can explore support for specific concerns on pages such as generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and eating disorders.
Please note that therapists on BetterHelp do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses.
Online therapy vs. in-person therapy in Illinois
Online therapy and in-person therapy both connect you with a licensed professional, and the main difference is how you meet. In Illinois, online therapy through BetterHelp lets you have sessions by phone, video, or in-app messaging, so you can meet from home or on a schedule that fits your life. In-person therapy takes place at an office and may involve travel and set appointment windows. Online therapy may be more accessible for people with busy schedules, limited transportation, or a preference for a more discreet setting. Both formats can support meaningful progress, so the right choice often comes down to what fits your life.
Finding a therapist that accepts insurance in Illinois
BetterHelp accepts insurance through many major insurance plans. Insurance availability and coverage may vary by state, plan, provider network, and therapist availability, and deductible status. Eligible members' average copay is $23 per session.
You can check your in-network status on the BetterHelp site through the sign up flow. If you prefer to pay without insurance, BetterHelp subscriptions range from $70 to $100 per week, billed as an alternative way to access the same care, and you can use HSA and FSA funds toward the cost. For a full breakdown of how BetterHelp works with insurance plans, see BetterHelp insurance coverage.
How BetterHelp helps you find the right therapist in Illinois
BetterHelp helps you find the right therapist in Illinois through personalized matching that considers your needs, preferences, and goals. After you answer a few questions during the sign up flow, you can be matched with a licensed therapist from a network of over 30,000 professionals, and 93% of user preferences are met during matching. The search and location matching cover common near-me needs, including anxiety, trauma, affordable or sliding-scale support, weekend or flexible scheduling, and virtual sessions. If your first match is not the right fit, you can switch therapists at no extra cost. When you are ready, you can get started and begin the process.
Therapists near you in Illinois
Below, you’ll find licensed therapists authorized to provide online therapy to adults across Illinois, including residents in Knoxville.
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 near you can vary by provider, format, and payment method. With BetterHelp, subscriptions range from $70 to $100 per week, and you can use HSA and FSA funds toward the cost. BetterHelp also accepts insurance through many major insurance plans, and eligible members' average copay is $23 per session. Insurance availability and coverage may vary by state, plan, provider network, and therapist availability, and deductible status.
Does BetterHelp accept insurance?
Yes. BetterHelp accepts insurance through many major insurance plans. Insurance availability and coverage may vary by state, plan, provider network, and therapist availability. Eligible members' average copay is $23 per session. Check your in-network status on the BetterHelp site through the sign up flow. For a full breakdown of how BetterHelp works with insurance plans, see BetterHelp insurance coverage.
Is online therapy effective?
Online therapy can be an effective way to receive licensed mental health care for many common concerns. Research suggests that online therapy may support progress in ways comparable to in-person care for concerns such as anxiety and depression. On BetterHelp, you connect with a licensed therapist who can use evidence-based approaches such as CBT and DBT, and you can meet by phone, video, or in-app messaging.
Do I need a diagnosis to see a therapist?
No, you do not need a diagnosis to see a therapist. Many people begin therapy to work through stress, life changes, relationships, or personal growth without any diagnosis. Please note that therapists on BetterHelp do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses. If you are looking for a starting point, personalized matching can connect you with a licensed therapist suited to your goals.
How quickly can I start therapy?
You can often start therapy within 24 to 48 hours of signing up with BetterHelp. After you answer a few questions during the sign up flow, personalized matching connects you with a licensed therapist, and you can schedule your first session once you are matched. This process is designed to help you begin care at your own pace, without a long wait.
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 discreet?
Online therapy with BetterHelp offers a discreet setting where you can connect with a licensed therapist from the comfort of your home. Sessions take place by phone, video, or in-app messaging, so you can meet without going into an office. Your account and sessions are protected with strong safeguards, and you choose how and where you attend. This can make therapy feel more comfortable for people who prefer a discreet way to get support.
Find a Therapist in Knoxville, Illinois
Ready to begin? BetterHelp can match you with a licensed therapist serving Knoxville and the surrounding IL area. When you are ready to take the next step, get started.