Finding the right therapist in Waukegan, IL can feel more manageable when care fits real life. For people seeking therapy in Waukegan Illinois, online support can help with anxiety, depression, trauma, and other concerns without adding another commute to a busy week. This Lake County community sits between suburban routines and broader Chicago-area demands, so licensed therapists can offer flexible care that works around work, family, and changing schedules. Many providers use approaches such as CBT, DBT, and EMDR therapy, and some offer bilingual support, including Spanish-speaking care.
BetterHelp accepts insurance through many major insurance plans, and eligible users' average copay is $23 per session. For those comparing online therapy options, BetterHelp also offers a subscription option that typically ranges from $70 to $100 per week, and many people may be able to use HSA or FSA funds. With more than 30,000 licensed therapists worldwide and 93% of user preferences* met in matching, the service can make it easier to find support that fits your goals.
Kenneth Catalanotte
I am a retired clinical social worker with 35 year of counseling experience. The last ten years I worked for the Veteran's Administration and some of my therapy clients were veterans with PTSD from severe trauma. I also have worked with women who have had a history of trauma and need assistance to regain control of their lives. I have seen individuals with less serious problems who need help working through daily life issues and need support through difficult times. Because I have worked with a vulnerable group of individuals and also because I feel therapy is a collaborative effort I see myself working in a partnership with my clients to assist them in solving their problems without them feeling like a "patient" who is told what they need to do.
Jennifer Such
Hello, if you have found yourself on BetterHelp’s website, you’re most likely experiencing a struggle in your life that you need assistance with. My name is Jenny Such and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of IL, MO, MD, TX and SC. I have worked in many different types of settings with both adolescents and adults that have struggled with depression, anxiety, stress, BiPolar, trauma, addictions and more. I personally feel that we need to have someone in our lives that is compassionate, empathetic and non-judgemental. Together, we can work side by side to help you To find your strengths to assist you in your current situation. I incorporate a variety of approaches including EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness.
Linda Gonzalez
Hi! I 'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with extensive counseling experience. My approach is collaborative and strength-based and my techniques are influenced by mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing. Talk therapy combined with mindfulness-based practices can effectively increase mental clarity, improve emotional regulation and supercharge personal growth. Are you ready to lead to a more fulfilling life? Let's start today!
Deborah Beard
My name is Deborah Beard. I am trained in Marriage & Family Therapy and have served as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor for over 25 years. I graduated in 1996 with a Masters degree in Science: Family Therapy from Friends University in Wichita, Kansas. My previous work experience as a Human Resource Manager and a Professor of Education bring relatable life skill experiences into each of my sessions. I have served as a counselor in both public and private mental health agencies, primarily for those seeking help with depression, anxiety, mood disorders, trauma and abuse recovery, relationships, and parenting skills. 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 clients' strengths to help them in the areas they desire to change. I utilize counseling tools from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Rational Emotive Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Systemic Therapy as appropriate. Each client's faith and moral values are recognized as a wonderful foundation for their desired growth. I look forward to meeting you!
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!
April Lacey
Welcome! My name is April Lacey and I am a licensed counselor in Illinois. Taking the first step to seeking a happier and fulfilling life takes courage. I am here to support you through that process. My vision for therapy is to create a safe and encouraging space for clients to share their experiences while recognizing their strengths to cope with life's challenges. I have worked in a wide range of therapeutic settings such psychiatric units, crisis lines, community mental health working with youth and families impacted by the juvenile justice system, and group practice. I have experience in helping clients with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma, anger management, self-esteem, and parenting concerns. I use an integrative approach of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Client-Centered, Trauma- Focused, Mindfulness, Trust-Based Relational Intervention, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution-Focused Therapy to help my clients. My approach focuses on fostering a strong collaborative relationship with clients to reach their goals. I value genuineness and believe in meeting clients where they are, treating everyone with respect and compassion.
Brenda Sullivan-Rice
Hello, welcome to Better Help, my name is Brenda Rice, LCSW. As a licensed therapist in Illinois 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, trauma, and life transitions. I offer a compassionate, nuanced approach that addresses self-love, communication difficulties, social anxiety, and healing from past experiences. My therapeutic work spans diverse areas including women's issues, young adult challenges, and recovery from difficult life events such as divorce or sexual assault. I understand the intricate ways emotional pain can manifest and am committed to creating a supportive, understanding environment where individuals can explore their experiences and develop meaningful strategies for healing and growth. My approach is deeply respectful, recognizing each person's unique journey and inherent strengths. Whether you're struggling with depression, anxiety, past trauma, or seeking to rebuild after challenging experiences, I'm dedicated to walking alongside you with empathy, wisdom, and professional expertise.
Vadim Sitnyakovskiy
I am licensed in Illinois with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self-esteem, confidence, and depression. 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Ngozi Harris
I am licensed in Illinois with 12 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Dr. Wende Pannell
As a licensed therapist in Illinois, I bring over two decades of compassionate mental health experience supporting individuals through complex life challenges. My practice specializes in helping clients navigate depression, anxiety, relationship dynamics, trauma recovery, and self-esteem development. I focus on creating a supportive environment where individuals can explore personal growth, address communication barriers, and work through challenging emotional experiences. My approach centers on understanding each person's unique journey, whether they're struggling with social anxiety, workplace stress, life transitions, or deeper emotional wounds. My therapeutic work emphasizes holistic healing, helping clients develop self-compassion, rebuild connections, and rediscover their inner strength. I'm committed to walking alongside individuals as they develop healthier coping strategies, process difficult experiences, and create meaningful pathways toward personal transformation. I specialize in supporting older adults and individuals experiencing midlife transitions, chronic health challenges, and complex emotional landscapes. My goal is to provide empathetic, personalized guidance that honors each client's individual experience and potential for healing.
Juanita Dunn
I am licensed in Illinois with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Melissa Milliken
I am licensed in Arizona and Illinois with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with addictions, coping with grief, coping with loss, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with despression. 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!
Vania Johnson
I provide compassionate and empathetic therapy for individuals navigating life's challenges. I work with individuals experiencing anxiety, life transitions, stress, and women’s issues. I have a special interest in working with parents of neurodivergent children, recognizing the unique joys and emotional complexities that accompany raising a child with autism or ADHD, or both. Many parents experience stress, emotional exhaustion, and advocacy fatigue as they navigate challenges that are often invisible to others. My goal is to provide you with a space that is entirely your own, where you can speak openly, process your experiences, and receive support without judgment. Together we will identify strengths and strategies tailored to your specific emotional needs. Whether you are adjusting to a new phase of life, balancing family and career, coping with caregiving demands, or seeking greater emotional wellness, I would be honored to accompany you on this journey.
Kimberly Gresham
Life can feel overwhelming, especially when balancing work, family, and personal demands. I help clients rediscover their strengths and move forward with confidence. My culturally informed, compassionate approach meets you where you are, offering support, understanding, and a clear path toward growth. In our work together, we’ll focus on practical strategies, self-awareness, and tools you can use long after therapy ends. My goal is to help you feel empowered, resilient, and ready to handle life’s challenges with clarity and confidence. My approach is client-centered, rooted in empathy, and guided by modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused, Strengths-Based Therapy, and Positive Psychology. I offer a compassionate, nonjudgmental listening ear to support you as you navigate your journey toward improved mental health. I believe that fostering resilience and self-determination is essential for meaningful change. I look forward to embarking on this journey with you.
*BetterHelp insurance availability, coverage, and cost may vary by state, plan, provider network, therapist availability, and deductible status.
Find a therapist near you in Waukegan, Illinois
Finding a therapist near you in Waukegan, 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 Waukegan.
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 Waukegan, Illinois
Ready to begin? BetterHelp can match you with a licensed therapist serving Waukegan and the surrounding IL area. When you are ready to take the next step, get started.