Located in Central Illinois, the city of Lincoln is the only city in the entire state to be named for former president Abraham Lincoln before he took office. Lincoln is also home to the largest covered wagon in the world which is located on the famous Route 66.
Cruising down Route 66 can be good for people looking to clear their heads, which is what many people do when they go through times of turmoil. If you’re going through your own turmoil, instead of hopping in the car, hop online and reach a licensed mental health professional near you today.
Troy Gibson
I hope this finds you well. I am a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC) in IL with many years of experience working in mental health counseling. I have worked with a diverse range of clients dealing with a variety of concerns including trauma, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, self-esteem, as well as relationship concerns. I have also helped many clients experiencing minority stress and or minority trauma. I approach therapy with a sensitivity and predilection for multicultural factors. I have varied experience in multiple settings, including providing individual and group therapy at an inpatient hospital unit and an outpatient hospital unit; as well as providing individual and couples therapy at a private practice. I would describe my style as conversational, strengths based, insight-oriented, and fun. I am dedicated to creating a safe space for us to explore and gain insight while promoting self empowerment. My clinical approach draws from Gestalt therapy and also incorporates Solution-Focused and mindfulness interventions. With me you can expect to be challenged to explore the origin of your problems, develop new awareness, identify pattern behaviors, work through unfinished business and create new strategies for change. Overall, I want to meet you where you’re at and collaborate to make sure our time together works best for you and your needs. I value your courage in taking the next steps on your path to wellness. When you are ready, I am here to support and empower you along your journey. "When we talk about our feelings, they become less overwhelming, less upsetting, and less scary. " - Fred Rogers
Susan Boyd
I am licensed in Illinois as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 30 plus years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, and depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes, especially during the aging process. 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.
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.
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.
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.
Pneurissa Stamps
As a licensed therapist serving clients in Illinois, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on empowering women through transformative healing, with a deep understanding of challenges related to trauma, anxiety, depression, and personal growth. My therapeutic approach is rooted in compassion and cultural sensitivity, drawing from evidence-based practices to help clients develop stronger self-understanding and resilience. I'm particularly passionate about addressing workplace dynamics, family systems, and personal identity challenges. I create a supportive, faith-affirming environment where clients can explore their experiences, heal from past wounds, and cultivate meaningful personal transformation. Whether you're struggling with social anxiety, processing traumatic experiences, or seeking greater self-love, I'm committed to walking alongside you with genuine care and professional expertise. My work honors the unique journey of each individual, recognizing that healing is a deeply personal and courageous process. I aim to provide a warm, non-judgmental space where you can explore your challenges and rediscover your inherent strength and potential.
Marianne Costales-Roman
As a licensed therapist in Illinois, I bring nearly three decades of compassionate clinical experience supporting individuals through complex life transitions and emotional challenges. My practice centers on creating affirming, culturally responsive spaces for diverse communities, with specialized expertise in addressing depression, stress, anxiety, and LGBTQ+ experiences. I am deeply committed to helping clients navigate personal growth, relationship dynamics, and intersectional identity challenges. My approach honors each person's unique journey, focusing on building self-love, improving communication, and addressing issues like isolation, workplace stress, and multicultural experiences. My therapeutic work spans a wide range of focus areas, including supporting individuals through life stages such as young adulthood, midlife transitions, pregnancy, and family dynamics. I offer empathetic guidance for those experiencing trauma, relationship difficulties, and personal transformation, always centering the client's inherent strengths and resilience.
Carla Morris
I am licensed in Illinois with more than 40 years of professional work experience. My experience includes helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, depression, ADHD & 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
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.
James Michael Mannion
I am licensed in Illinois with 8 years of professional counseling experience. I have experience in helping clients with psychological crisis, stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, coping with loss/grief, and career & executive professional development. I offer a multicultural, accepting, respectful, compassionate approach for all, and 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 your journey.
Catherine Harris
With 19 years in the mental health field, my career has been defined by leadership, clinical excellence, and a passion for growth. Beyond my direct work with clients, I have spent years coaching and mentoring new therapists, leading mental health programs, and training the next generation of practitioners. This deep background as a mentor ensures that the strategies we use are grounded in the highest level of clinical insight and real-world efficacy. In my practice, I specialize in ADHD, executive functioning, self-esteem, and confidence. I help people understand how their minds work and build practical systems that support follow-through, communication, and real-world success. Growing up around highly capable people with ADHD—and navigating similar challenges myself—gives me a deeply grounded understanding of both the struggles and the strengths that come with it. My focus is helping you move out of self-doubt and into self-trust, using strategies that work with your brain—not against it. MY APPROACH My style is direct, practical, and goal-oriented. Rather than spending months over-analyzing the past, we focus on what works right now. I integrate: Solution-Focused Therapy to build on your existing strengths. Motivational Interviewing to clarify what truly drives you. Systems-Based Strategies to adjust routines, environments, and communication for immediate, better outcomes. Many clients come to me feeling stuck—struggling with follow-through, confidence, or communication at work and in relationships. Together, we focus on breaking that cycle and building systems that make progress easier and more sustainable. WHAT TO EXPECT Therapy with me often feels more like active coaching. We focus on observation, experimentation, and momentum. Through our work, you can expect to: Improve self-awareness and rebuild core confidence. Set flexible, realistic goals that actually stick. Build simple, tailored systems for productivity and clearer communication. Reduce daily friction and dramatically increase follow-through. Learn to use exactly how your brain works to your advantage. I work primarily with adults with ADHD, with a strong focus on executive functioning and real-world strategies. BACKGROUND & EXPERTISE My diverse background spans private practice, group therapy, and large-scale mental health program leadership. In addition to my clinical work and therapist mentorship, I have a strong foundation in leadership training and employment advocacy (including union leadership and EEOC investigation). While I am trained in multiple advanced modalities—including trauma-informed care, ACT, CBT, MBCT, and EMDR—my approach always remains practical, focused, and results-driven. NEXT STEPS If you’re ready for an active, engaging approach that focuses on clarity, confidence, and momentum, let's connect. Together, we’ll build a system that supports real, lasting change.
Barbara Benn
I am licensed in Illinois with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, abuse, anger management, motivation, self esteem, & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. I am trained in motivational interviewing, Person Centered Therapy and have experience using grounding techniques as well as other relaxation techniques, I have helped people overcome social anxiety and take steps to help them reach their goals. Everyone is an individual and I believe that therapy should be tailored to each person. I also have experience working with people who have different needs.
Colin Peters
As a licensed therapist with two decades of experience in Illinois, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My practice focuses on helping clients address challenges like stress, anxiety, trauma, intimacy issues, and self-esteem concerns. I provide compassionate guidance for those experiencing social anxiety, workplace stress, isolation, and life transition difficulties. My therapeutic approach is deeply attuned to individual needs, particularly for older adults and those seeking a progressive, non-religious perspective. I create a supportive environment where clients can explore personal growth, heal from past experiences, and develop meaningful strategies for emotional well-being. Through evidence-based techniques, I help clients understand their inner dynamics, overcome communication barriers, and rediscover their sense of purpose. Whether you're struggling with panic attacks, workplace challenges, or midlife transitions, I'm committed to walking alongside you with empathy and professional expertise.
Eve GunderKline
As a dedicated therapist with over a decade of experience, I specialize in supporting individuals as they navigate complex emotional landscapes. I center on empowering clients through challenges like depression, anxiety, relationship dynamics, and trauma recovery. I have a deep commitment to addressing women's issues, young adult experiences, and navigating life transitions. My therapeutic approach is rooted in compassion and understanding, with a particular focus on helping clients explore attachment patterns, sexual assault recovery, and personal growth. I work collaboratively to support individuals struggling with control issues, family dynamics, codependency, and self-harm recovery. I offer a warm and genuine approach and recognize that you, the client, are the expert on your life. I believe in creating a warm, supportive, affirming space where clients can explore their experiences, develop resilient coping strategies, and reclaim their personal power. My goal is to walk alongside you as you navigate life's challenges, honoring your unique journey and inherent strengths.
*BetterHelp insurance availability, coverage, and cost may vary by state, plan, provider network, therapist availability, and deductible status.
Find a therapist near you in Lincoln, Illinois
Finding a therapist near you in Lincoln, 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 Lincoln.
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 Lincoln, Illinois
Ready to begin? BetterHelp can match you with a licensed therapist serving Lincoln and the surrounding IL area. When you are ready to take the next step, get started.