Falling in love is an amazing ride but sometimes your relationship may be more work than you expect it to be. That’s right, relationships are hard but if you are serious, relationship counseling can help a lot. Luckily, there are many counselors in West Chicago trained and experienced in relationship counseling.
West Chicago is a nice peaceful town that is a great place to raise a family. If you and your significant other is having trouble in your relationship, call one of the dedicated mental health counselors in West Chicago who can help you both, so you can move on to the next phase of your relationship.
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.
Gary Schmidt
Feeling overwhelmed, lost, or ready for change but not sure where to start? I offer a warm, grounded space to untangle what’s been weighing on you and rediscover your sense of peace and purpose. My approach helps you build real insight, emotional balance, and the confidence to move forward on your own terms. Healing happens at your own speed and I’m here to support you through it all as a trained trauma-informed IFS therapist. My role is to guide, listen, and adapt to what you need as we go. Everything we do will be built on mutual trust and consent, and I’ll use research-backed methods to make our work together as effective as possible.
David Fox
I am a licensed clinical social worker in Illinois and Indiana, I have spent most of my career working to help people that have experienced trauma understand their own narrative. Sometimes, life events occur in adulthood that necessitate short term intervention to assist us to process, understand and reset. My treatment approach involves not only listening, but more importantly, hearing exactly what each person chooses to tell me so that I can understand their unique issue and help them move forward. Your treatment plan will be created by you and for you so that the piece of you that has been impacted is made whole. I look forward to meeting you and working together to empower you to be excited about today, tomorrow and your future.
Jessica Sance
My name is Jessica Noemi Sance, I am a clinical therapist with 13 years of experience working in the field of mental health. I am a firm believer that we all are trying our best in life and everyone can benefit in engaging with a therapist. I believe therapy is a collaborative process and guides clients to increase self-awareness, gain new perspectives, decrease symptoms, and increase personal strengths to have a more meaningful life. I have experience working with anxiety, depression, ante/post-partum depression, HIV/AIDS, microaggressions, relationship challenges, self-esteem, domestic violence and trauma. I am transparent and down to earth. I enjoy being a safe place for clients to share their life with. In my down time, I love spending time with family along with food to share as well as, playing and dancing with my seven year old son. I look forward to working with you.
Kurt Jackson
I am licensed in Illinois with 19 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, anger management, & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Dr. William Keating
I am licensed in Illinois with 35 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, depression, & coping with life changes. 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.
Kathryn Douglas
I have worked in mental health since 2004. I have been employed in a variety of settings and worked with individuals struggling with addiction, chronic mental health issues, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, postpartum depression and anxiety. I work from a behavior context, largely utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and other behavioral techniques. I completed my Bachelor's degree in Psychology in 2004 from Quincy University, my Master's degree in Education in Counseling in 2007 from Quincy University, a Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis from Penn State in 2013, a Master's degree in Sociology from Arizona State University in Spring of 2022, and a Master's Degree in Forensic Psychology from Arizona State University in Spring of 2025.
Robert Mount
I am licensed in Arizona and Illinois with 25 years of professional work experience. I have helped clients with anxiety, depression, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & parenting issues. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. 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.
Brenda Sullivan-Rice
I'm Brenda Rice, LCSW, and I've spent more than three decades helping people heal and reclaim their lives. I began my career in 1987 working with teen mothers, and soon discovered a deep calling to support children, adolescents, and families navigating ADHD, behavioral challenges, trauma, and crisis situations. Since 2007, my work has centered on adults overcoming anxiety, depression, and the lasting impact of trauma-the area I'm most passionate about and consider my true expertise. I believe healing starts with empowerment, and from our very first session, you'll know that you set the pace. My role is to walk beside you with compassion, empathy, expertise, and genuine care, never to push you where you're not ready to go. Helping people release shame, rebuild self-worth, and step into a life of confidence and peace is both my purpose and my honor. I'm grateful for the opportunity to know you and support you on your healing journey.
Ranisah Brown
I am licensed in Illinois with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, trauma, & abuse. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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.
Felicia Parham
I am licensed in Illinois with over 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. 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.
Christopher Perkins
Thank you for sharing information about yourself. It takes courage to reach out for help and I’m glad you did. I am Chris Perkins, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Illinois. You can read more about my background, education, experience, and counseling approach. I am so glad that you’ve taken the steps to reach out for help with whatever situation in your life has become unmanageable right now. I hope that my areas of expertise will be good fit to address those parts of your life and help you reach your goals. Your well-being is my number one priority. BetterHelp does not provide me with your personal or billing information that you provided when you signed up for your subscription. In order for me to maintain compliance with my licensing board and ethical code and to ensure your safety and well-being, I am required to gather some basic personal information. Please COPY/PASTE the following questions into a message back to me: Full Name: Date of Birth: Home Address: Phone Number: Emergency Contact Name: Emergency Contact Relation to You: Emergency Contact Phone Number: Have You Had Prior Mental Health Treatment? If So, where? For What Condition? Are you Prescribed Any Medication? Who is the Prescribing Physician? Have you Ever Been Hospitalized for Mental Health Treatment? If So, Where and When? Which Substances do you use if any? (ex. Alcohol, Marijuana, Cocaine/Stimulants, >Heroin/Opiates, Xanax/Benzodiazepines, Inhalants/Paint/Glue/Gas/Huffing) How often do you use substances? Have you ever experienced psychosis (hallucinations - seeing or hearing things that others do not see or hear)? How often does that occur? Have you ever wished that you were dead or would not wake up? Have you ever had thoughts of harming or killing yourself? Have you ever considered or researched methods of suicide or self-harm? Have you ever had these thoughts and had some intentions of acting on them (as opposed to thinking about suicide but knowing you would never intend to do so)? Have you ever made a plan to harm or kill yourself? If so, when and what was the plan? Do you agree to contact 911 or go to your local emergency room if you should feel urges to harm or kill yourself? Once you have sent this information back to me we can discuss next steps. I look forward to working with you! My Member Information Form Template says: I have read, understand, and agree to the Client Terms of Service at Our Client Terms & Conditions | BetterHelp . It is my sole responsibility to review these terms of service and understand how they affect my use of this platform. I understand that upon assessment and evaluation, Chris Perkins, LCPC, will determine whether he is able to provide the level or type of care that I require. In the instance that his areas of expertise do not align with the type or level of care I require, he will provide me with assistance and referrals to connect to an appropriate treatment provider. Chris Perkins, LCPC, endeavors to provide a Good Faith Estimate of costs of care. I understand that due to the nature of mental health treatment it is not possible to determine an exact length of treatment. However, Chris Perkins, LCPC, will review progress with me periodically and together we will determine ongoing treatment plans. All pricing, rates and billing questions should be directed to customer service at contact@betterhelp.com. I understand that the BetterHelp Platform is intended for INDIVIDUAL ADULTS aged 18+ who are consenting to treatment via telehealth services. I understand that should I be seeking services for my adolescent child (aged 13-17), that I will utilize BetterHelp’s partner platform, TeenCounseling. I understand that should I be seeking Couple’s Counseling, I will utilize BetterHelp’s partner platform ReGain. I understand that the service provided through BetterHelp is NOT INTENDED FOR CRISIS SITUATIONS OR URGENT NEEDS. In a crisis situation, I agree to call 911 or local emergency services, or visit the nearest emergency room. I understand that at the beginning of our treatment relationship, Chris Perkins, LCPC will request my contact information and the contact information of an emergency contact individual whom I can designate. This designation does NOT allow Chris Perkins, LCPC to release information to the individual, excepting in instances of emergent and imminent danger to myself or someone else (i.e. active suicidal ideation/actions, active plan to harm someone else). I also understand that should there be an instance of emergent or imminent danger to myself or someone else as described, Chris Perkins, LCPC is mandated by the State of Illinois licensing regulations to report this to the local authorities in order for them to intervene for my safety or the safety of others. I understand that information shared with Chris Perkins, LCPC is confidential except in the following circumstances: If I present as a danger to myself or others, mandated reporting of abuse of children or elders, or if I sign a release of information. I understand that Chris Perkins, LCPC offers the following types of sessions: texting (which are important for some as stand-alone sessions or with “live” sessions); and “live” sessions. I understand that Chris Perkins, LCPC offers the following types of live sessions: live video (video call where client and therapist can see each other in real time), live phone (phone call through the BetterHelp app where only audio is used), or live chat (a “real time” chat window where client and therapist have dedicated time to have discussion via typing). I understand that Chris Perkins, LCPC offers sessions Monday through Friday during from the hours of 9:00am to 4pm (last session begins at 3:15) and offers messaging in between sessions should I need additional support. I understand that Chris Perkins, LCPC offers sessions of 45-minute duration. I understand that Chris Perkins, LCPC can offer multiple sessions per week should this level of care be clinically necessary for my treatment. I understand that to have more than one session in a week may result in my incurring additional charges on my BetterHelp subscription. Any questions regarding these fees or other billing related matters should be directed to contact@betterhelp.com I understand that Chris Perkins, LCPC. is not “on-call” and may take up to 24 business hours (1 business day) to reply to my messages. This means that if I message Chris Perkins, LCPC on a Friday evening, I may not receive a response until Monday morning. I understand that Chris Perkins, LCPC encourages at least 24-hour notice of appointment cancellation. Should I need to cancel an appointment, I will inform Chris Perkins, LCPC at my earliest convenience. Should I need to cancel with fewer than 24 hours left before my appointment, the cancellation will be reported as a “no-show/late cancellation” and I will receive an auto generated alert email from BetterHelp indicating this. I understand that Chris Perkins, LCPC will wait 15 minutes after my scheduled appointment start time to start; however, if I have not come online by that time, Chris Perkins, LCPC will consider me a no-show and the session will need to be rescheduled. I understand that should I have 2 late cancellations/no-shows within a month, Chris Perkins, LCPC may not be able to continue to accommodate my preferred session times and dates. Should I have 3 late cancellations/no-shows within a 6 week span, Chris Perkins, LCPC may recommend that I seek in person treatment and/or switch therapists on the BetterHelp Platform. I understand that my sessions should be conducted in a place where I have privacy, am away from all distractions, am NOT DRIVING or engaging in other activities that require my attention and focus. Chris Perkins, LCPC is understanding of the occasional “pet appearance” during session. I understand that I can invite others to be a part of my treatment (and am encouraged to do so) as support people. However, should I invite a support person to be involved in a session, Chris Perkins, LCPC will require me to sign a release of Information for that individual. I understand that the BetterHelp platform is not intended for Couples Counseling, and if that is the service I am seeking, I will utilize BetterHelp’s partner site ReGain. I understand that the BetterHelp Platform is not intended for the purposes of diagnosing, prescribing medication, or other services that would, by state licensing regulations, require an in-person evaluation. This means that any documentation such as court paperwork, ESA Letters, FMLA Paperwork, Insurance Paperwork, etc. may not be able to be accommodated as these frequently require diagnostic information. I agree to discuss these things with Chris Perkins, LCPC, should the need arise and acknowledge that these situations will be handled on a case-by-case basis dependent on the circumstances. I understand that if I am in crisis where I am feeling like hurting myself or hurting someone else, BetterHelp is truly not the best venue or platform to address these crisis feelings. I understand that Better help recommends that if I am in immediate crisis that I call 911 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to speak to someone right away.
Renee St. Clair
I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Illinois and Wisconsin with 23 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, motivation, self-esteem, self-compassion, and self-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 use many types of interventions such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Acceptance Commitment Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Couples Therapy, and Mindfulness Practices. I am a therapist who believes in working on providing solutions from Day 1 and together we will find solutions for your situation.
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.
Find a Therapist Near You in West Chicago , 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.
With a population of Illinois_POPULATION, 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_COUNTIES, 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 Illinois_COUNTIES.
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.