Therapy can be the first big step toward better mental health. If you’re interested in working with a therapist in Illinois, consider online treatment. Barriers to care, like transportation challenges or a lack of available providers, can make finding in-person therapy difficult. An online platform like BetterHelp can make getting treatment more convenient and flexible.

With BetterHelp, you can work with a psychologist, licensed professional counselor, or other mental health provider from your home at a time that suits your busy schedule. BetterHelp therapists can guide you through the therapeutic process and help you overcome a range of challenges, including working through questions about gender identity, managing the symptoms of C-PTSD, overcoming job stress, and learning to heal from the psychological effects of marriage issues, divorce, and raising children. 

Therapy can be beneficial for those having trouble coping with the bigger problems in the world at large or trying to find happiness in their own lives.  If you’re looking for an online therapist, IL has practitioners licensed to provide mental health care state-wide. Connect with one of the providers below to learn how online therapy can help you live a more meaningful life.

 

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Aldo Hernandez

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: MSW, LCSW
Stress, AnxietyLGBTIntimacy-related issues
27 years of experience

Hello! I am Aldo P. Hernandez LCSW, a bilingual Spanish speaking therapist with 26 years of social work experience. I understand the range of emotions clients deal with when it comes to individual issues, parenting, and relationship issues. You will find me to be an active listener, a creative and critical thinker to address any issue in Interpersonal communication. I am interested in understanding your perspective, so you can feel heard and understood. I look forward to working with you to address the issues that you may be facing in your life. As a therapist I provide a sobering experience, as I have been told by my clients. My methods are Cognitive Behavioral and psychoanalytic. I provide therapy via: Phone, Video, Live chat. I can also provide you with practical and useful information that can be put into practice quickly to address any immediate concerns. You will find me friendly and engaging, and on this platform very often for your convenience. I will end by giving you reassurance that things will be fine in the end. "Therapists don't let friends drink and drama." (Due to high demand, I am sorry to report I no longer have evening availability: 5pm CT to 8pm CT)

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Michelle Owusu

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: MA,LCPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesAnger managementDepression
10 years of experience

Hello! Congratulations on taking the first step to working toward resolution for challenges in your life.  Reaching out for help can be difficult, and I can provide a safe space for you to discuss, explore and process your concerns. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor for the state of Illinois, and I have 10 years of experience as a therapist.  I have worked with individuals and families of various ages, races, cultures, and presenting concerns including, but not limited to, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, anger management, grief/loss, LGBT, and life transitions. I believe building a trusting relationship with my clients through empathy and acceptance is key to assisting them with their concerns.  I provide therapy based on my clients' needs to allow for self-exploration, offer useful tools to help work toward finding relief, and to create an optimum level of functioning. I am passionate about helping others, and I look forward to speaking with you!

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Mankea Collier

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
19 years of experience

I specialize in cognitive-behavioral therapy for behavior modification. However, I constantly make use of eclectic techniques as means of servicing my clients. I have worked with various populations of people such as children, adults, trauma victims, ADHD, behavioral/mentally ill individuals as well as, people from different cultural and ethnic backgrounds. I also have over 15 years experience in crisis work, case management, and case coordination all of which are necessary added services that help the provider administer quality care to the client and their families. I believe that my experience working in different therapeutic sectors as well as, various populations allow me to be effective in servicing people from different walks of life.

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Riley Dean

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyLGBTFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
3 years of experience

Hi there! Welcome to the BetterHelp community. *I am only taking short term clients on Fridays currently.* My name is Riley Dean and I am a practicing Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Illinois and Michigan. I have been trained in psychodynamic therapy, and I typically practice using an integrative psychodynamic framework combined with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. Prior to becoming a therapist, I have 5 years in crisis counseling with young adults and families, assisting with a large variety of issues such as depression, anxiety, LGBTQ issues, family dynamics, abuse, substance abuse, poverty, and more. In my therapeutic relationships, I am person-centered and I meet folks where they are at, so how I work greatly varies with who I am talking to. I would describe myself as laid back, easy to talk to, and passionate about mental health issues. In both running my practice and in my personal life, I try to live through a transformational, anti-oppressive, feminist lens. I use they/she pronouns. Whether you decide we are a good fit or you go with another excellent BetterHelp counselor, I truly hope you find the help you are looking for. You are not alone in this, and just this step of looking for a counselor is huge step in the right direction. I so look forward to the possibility of working with you!

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Sally Herschman

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW,MSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCompassion fatigue
12 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois with over 12 years of experience working with young children, adolescents, adults and families. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including abuse, trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety, and relationship challenges. I have also helped people with organization methods and daily routines that help lead to desired outcomes. My practice style is warm and interactive. I have profound respect for my clients and approach my work with compassion, non judgement, authentic curiosity, and a genuine interest in your well being. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic and mindfulness. I am a sex positive, strengths based therapist. I will co-navigate our time together, and will work to ensure your needs for healing are being met. Most of all, you will not be in this alone! It takes so much courage to even consider talking with someone about challenges (large and small) and I am here to support and empower you. I truly look forward to meeting with you and learning more about what you are hoping for.

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Kathee Foxan

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LISW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
13 years of experience

I am a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist with experience working as a professional therapist in the state of Iowa for the last fourteen years, counseling clients with concerns regarding mood, anxiety, anger based, and personality disorder symptoms. I have worked as a therapist in a community mental health center for the last thirteen years and as a therapist to residents in nursing home settings four the last six years. In my thirteen years of experience, I have counseled people of all ages, stemming from the age of three, to my oldest client, aged ninety-three. I work with a particularly large amount of people in oppressed situations, including those struggling with; poverty, substance abuse/addiction, history of trauma, legal involvement, people of color, and those struggling with the loss of independence.

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Ann Bruckelmeyer

Offering therapy in Illinois
License: LCSW,CADC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesGriefAnger management
22 years of experience

Hi, my name is Ann Bruckelmeyer. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor with 22 years of experience. I've worked in various mental health settings as an employee assistance counselor, crisis interventionist and therapist both inpatient and outpatient for people struggling with mental illness and substance abuse. I've received grief and loss training with Hospice. I also enjoy helping people with relationship issues and anger management. I incorporate a number of helpful techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Didactical Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Emotional Freedom Technique- EFT Tapping, Somatic mind/body work utilizing a spiritual heart centered meditation approach and have experience with non-violent communication (NVC) whose founder is Dr. Marshall Rosenberg. I value warmth, compassion and an open minded approach in working with individuals. My counseling style and approach is Holistic/Integrative. My philosophy of counseling is based on the belief that when the heart is healed, everything else tends to follow. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and assist you. I look forward to working with you! BeWell Ann

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Bryan Hinman

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTTrauma and abuseCompassion fatigue
13 years of experience

In my clinical experience, I have worked with many client populations but I specialize in working with LGBTQ+ issues, anxiety, depression, stress management, trauma-related issues, and behavioral and substance use addictions.. As far as my therapeutic orientation, I would describe myself my core approaches as trauma-informed, person-centered, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), That said, I am always willing to weave in other approaches to match a client's given need as every therapeutic orientation has its different strengths. Beyond a given theoretical framework, I firmly believe at the heart of any real change is the therapeutic relationship. To that end, I value constructive feedback, informed consent, safety, and above all making sure that the client knows that they have an input and voice on how we use our time together. In that sense, I adapt my approach to the client. I bring authenticity and genuine empathy to each person I serve, pairing these qualities with effective and approachable therapeutic interventions that research supports. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the core of my personal and professional values. As a gay man, I have had my own experiences of not being affirmed, especially when it came to my healthcare. It is my hope to not only create a welcoming space for people of all identities, but a space where folks are able to safely reflect on difficult subjects without fear of being shamed or not affirmed for all aspects of who they are. I hold a Master's in Clinical Psychology from Eastern Illinois University and have been doing clinical work for over 13 years. Thank you for taking the time to read my bio and please don't hesitate to reach out if you have questions. I genuinely look forward to working with you.

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Sanjuana Meza

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
6 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Amanda Strobel

Offering therapy in Illinois
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsSelf esteemCoping with life changesCoaching
20 years of experience

I am a licensed clinician in Illinois with over 20 years of experience. I have experience helping clients with stress, depression, anxiety, family conflicts, motivation, self esteem, confidence and coping with life changes and or stressors. I have worked closely with young adults, teens, adolescents as well as the family unit. I have also worked closely with clients that are experiencing significant life changes such as parenting, divorce, career changes and also widows. 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 your journey and look forward to meeting with you.

How can therapists in Illinois support you?

Therapists in Illinois can practice many types of counseling, from marriage and family therapy to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). They may also assist you with symptoms of depression, stress, or anxiety.

Therapists may help you set and achieve career goals, work on current issues you may be facing, or address your past. Over 11,181,370 people live in Illinois, and one out of five Americans has a mental health condition. Searching for licensed professionals in Illinois may help you find mental health support for personal growth, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health concerns. You do not need a mental health diagnosis to seek support from one of BetterHelp's licensed providers above.  

The mental health field can include psychiatric medication management, online therapy, marriage counseling, couples therapy, clinical social work, licensed counseling, and other mental health services in person and online. Seeing a licensed provider can help you navigate mental health conditions and life circumstances through mindfulness and other specialized techniques.

Please note that BetterHelp does not offer diagnostic or medication management services.

Why are many residents in the state of Illinois working with a licensed counselor?

People reach out for mental health support for a variety of reasons. Many individuals work with a counselor for general life advice, while others may attend therapy for a specific concern. Whether you live in a large city or a smaller county in Illinois, BetterHelp can match you with a licensed professional tailored to your preferences noted when you sign up.

Mental health counselors in Illinois support clients with varying issues, which can include:

  • Challenging situations or life stressors
  • Eating disorders
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Depression or depressive conditions
  • Adjustment issues
  • Emotional support for a terminal illness
  • Chronic pain emotional support
  • Grief
  • Personality disorders
  • Trauma
  • Relationship conflicts and concerns

Finding a therapist that takes new clients in online therapy can be the first step in finding a treatment plan that works for you. Your therapist can provide a safe space for you to focus on self-care and well-being.

If you're interested in speaking to one of the therapists above or being matched with a counselor in 24 to 48 hours, consider signing up for BetterHelp. BetterHelp has over 35,000 providers, including those listed above.

Emergency services

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Some commonly asked questions can be found below.

How much does a therapist cost?

Mental health professionals can differ in price. Forbes found that the average cost of in-person therapy in the US is around $100 to $200 per hour. Pricing can also vary based on your location. 

BetterHelp offers payment plans of $60 to $90 per session, charged monthly in a lump sum. You can also take advantage of this pricing on one of BetterHelp's sister platforms, like ReGain for couples or TeenCounseling for teens aged 13 to 19.

Many therapists may be upfront about their pricing and whether or not they take health insurance from the beginning. Additionally, some in your area may offer a sliding scale plan to allow those with lower incomes to pay less for therapy. However, services online can often save individuals a few hundred dollars per month.

How do I know if I should get a therapist?

Mental health services and mental health providers may help you navigate various concerns. You do not need a diagnosis or condition to attend therapy; You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general advice. A counselor may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.

Mental health issues don't always present as a crisis. Many professionals provide talk therapy and support for life transitions, skills learning, relationship problems, or life coaching. Online therapy sessions in Illinois can allow clients seeking therapy to experience professional help through video, phone, or live chat sessions without commuting to an office.

Does insurance cover therapy?

Different counseling services can vary in cost. Therapists must apply to accept insurance through insurance companies, which may take time and money, so not every therapist offers services through insurance. If you cannot find a therapist that accepts your plan, BetterHelp may be cheaper than visiting an in-person therapist.

Is online therapy safe?

Online therapy through BetterHelp and its sister platforms is safe. Therapists are licensed, experienced, and vetted before being contracted with the platform. If you experience any concerns with your therapist, you change your counselor through the platform or app at any time.

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