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Grief counselors and therapists in Illinois

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People with insurance pay as low as $0 per session through Headway

Top grief and loss counseling therapists in Illinois

Coping with the loss of a loved one is deeply personal. Illinois residents can access grief counseling and therapy through Headway's network of 1,680 providers trained in bereavement support, offering sessions as soon as tomorrow with many insurances accepted and copays as low as $0.

Katie DeMent

Katie DeMent

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I believe a strong therapeutic relationship is one of the most important parts of meaningful change.”
Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Eating disorders
Holistic, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Ali Smith

Ali Smith

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


I earned a bachelor’s degree in Social Work at Colorado State University and a degree in Masters in Social Work from Metropolitan State University Denver and hold my License Clinical Social Work. I have 5+ years experience working as a school social worker. I specialize in working with children and families of all different backgrounds. Through my work, I has helped clients communicate and regulate emotions more effectively. I believe therapy is most effective when clients feel empowered and heard. Therapy continues until clients feels ready and equipped to move forward independently.

Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Eating disorders
Direct, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Gary Schmidt

Gary Schmidt

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I am a trained Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapist and I'm here to support you on your journey back to the "Self" - That calm, clear, confident center that's always been there.”
Grief or loss, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 13 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Susan Severson

Susan Severson

Therapist

Virtual • Chicago, IL


“I provide a safe, non-judgmental space to talk about your concerns and what you are struggling with.”
Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Meghan Caringella

Meghan Caringella

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Aurora, IL


“I believe that seeking help is a courageous step and work collaboratively with you to foster growth, resilience, and overall well-being.”
Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Empowering, Humorous
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
C. Eric Erlenbush

C. Eric Erlenbush

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I use practical, evidence-based tools to help reduce anxiety and stress through structured, collaborative work rather than talk alone.”
Grief or loss, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, LGBTQIA+
Direct, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 11 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Fidelia Ileka

Dr. Fidelia Ileka

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Illinois


I am a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with a Doctorate in Nursing Practice. I care deeply about creating a safe, supportive space where you feel comfortable being yourself. I work with adults experiencing anxiety, depression, mood disorders, ADHD, PTSD, and stress. I believe that every person’s story matters, and your care should reflect your unique needs and goals.

Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Holistic, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Heather Lopez

Heather Lopez

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


Hi, I’m Heather Lopez, LCSW. I help women, moms, and BIPOC professionals who are navigating anxiety, life changes, burnout, and the mental load of holding everything together. You might be the one everyone counts on—but lately, you’re wondering who’s checking on you.

Whether you’re adjusting to motherhood, working through family stress, or just trying to feel like yourself again, therapy can be a space to slow down and breathe. I work virtually with clients across Illinois. My style is warm, clinical, supportive, and down-to-earth (with the occasional well-placed joke). We'll explore your patterns, set real goals, and focus on healing in a way that actually feels useful in your daily life. I accept insurance and offer weekday sessions. If you're looking for a therapist who gets it and creates a judgment-free zone, let’s talk.


In addition to individual therapy, I offer a weekly 1-hour support group for moms experiencing overwhelm, anxiety, emotional exhaustion, and difficulty adjusting to the demands of motherhood.


This group focuses on emotional regulation, stress management, and reducing feelings of isolation through supportive, structured group processing.

Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Holistic, Humorous
Accepts 13 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Cedric Bussie

Cedric Bussie

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I help people understand how their thoughts shape their feelings and actions and together we work on shifting those patterns to build healthier habits.”
Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Humorous, Inquisitive
Accepts 12 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Maria Byndom

Maria Byndom

Therapist

Virtual • Springfield, IL


“Whatever you are facing, reaching out for support is a meaningful step, and you do not have to take it alone.”
Grief or loss, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Relationship issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Kerry White

Kerry White

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I often use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in my practice. In your first session, we'll explore what brought you to therapy and then decide the most appropriate ways to help you make progress.”
Grief or loss, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression, End of life care
Affirming, Inquisitive, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Stephanie Avinger

Stephanie Avinger

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I like a person-centered approach meaning you are in charge, we go at your speed and things should always be comfortable for you during therapy.”
Grief or loss, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Holistic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Jacqueline Haacker

Jacqueline Haacker

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I strive to create a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered...”
Grief or loss, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Guillermina Cervantes

Guillermina Cervantes

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual & in-person • North Utica, IL


“My approach is collaborative, supportive, and nonjudgmental, and I strive to create a safe space where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered throughout their treatment journey.”
Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Avi Levin

Avi Levin

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“It's within the potential space of the therapeutic experience that we can grow beyond our prior limitations.”
Grief or loss, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, End of life care
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Danielle Pertiller

Danielle Pertiller

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My style is direct, compassionate, and as "real as it's going to get". I help clients who feel overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected from themselves find clarity, confidence, and emotional freedom.”
Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Challenging, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Jennifer Gurski

Jennifer Gurski

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I have been a licensed provider for 16 years, working with people with severe mental illness, relationship and family issues and substance abuse.”
Grief or loss, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Humorous, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Ana Vasquez Gomez

Ana Vasquez Gomez

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“What makes my practice unique is the way I hold space for your full self—helping you see and embrace even the parts that feel difficult or shadowed, while discovering new and healthier ways of relating to yourself and others.”
Grief or loss, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues, End of life care
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Sam Rustum

Sam Rustum

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Chicago, IL


“I will give you practical strategies that will help you manage your stress and feel more in control of your thoughts and emotions.”
Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Humorous, Participatory
Accepts 1 insurance carrier

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
George Xiong

George Xiong

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I combine evidence-based therapy with practical strategies that help clients improve focus, emotional regulation, executive functioning, and relationship patterns.”
Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Holistic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Alexis Jordan

Alexis Jordan

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I help clients become aware of their internalized barriers and heal towards a more fulling narrative where individuals are able to reach their full potential while integrating a social justice framework.”
Grief or loss, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 12 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Karston Cole

Karston Cole

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


Are you wanting to make change in life, but are struggling to escape the same old patterns? Looking to empower yourself and create change in your life? I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who has spent my career assisting men in achieving their goals, making lasting and fulfilling relationships, and facing life's challenges head-on. I have worked with adults across the lifespan to address concerns about relationships, behaviors, substance use, and more.

Grief or loss, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Nicole Waters

Nicole Waters

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My approach is warm, collaborative, and goal oriented. I strive to create a supportive environment where you feel comfortable being honest about your experiences without fear of judgment.”
Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Creative, Solution-oriented
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Michele Shelly

Michele Shelly

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


Hi my name is Michele and I have been in the social work field for almost 11 years. I have my Masters in Social Work from Lewis University. I am licensed in Illinois as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and have certifications in treating Trauma, Shame Informed care and Anxiety disorders. I have a background in domestic violence and crisis intervention. I have worked at a Therapeutic day school and worked with adolescents who had an behavioral plan and/or a 504 plan or IEP. I have enjoyed working in Private Practice therapy for 7 years and working with many diverse populations and diagnoses. I also have worked in an Inpatient Behavioral Hospital doing individual therapy, case management, and facilitating family therapy sessions. Most recently I have been focusing on Trauma Informed care and specializing in anxiety orders. I work with primarily Military service members and their family members. Whether you are looking to manage big life stressors or small ones, low moods or regulate anxiety I am looking forward to helping you start this journey.

Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Larry Walker

Larry Walker

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


Hi my name Larry. I believe every person has the ability to live the life they truly desire if they are willing to embrace values of self-compassion, honesty, self-determination and self-appreciation. I have eight years of experience in the mental health support field and work with teens, young adults, and adults. I show up as someone who steps into your world, not the other way around. In our sessions, you won't need a filter. There's no judgment, no apology required, just a real and welcoming space where all of you belongs. I use language that actually makes sense to you, so growth feels authentic and sustainable, not forced or fake. I believe every person has the ability to live the life they truly desire when they're willing to embrace self-compassion, honesty, and self-determination.The life you desire is only a choice away.

Grief or loss, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Creative, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Gina Coleman

Gina Coleman

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“As a mother of children with special needs, I have a unique passion for supporting caregivers and or parents of children with behavioral and developmental challenges.”
Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Challenging, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 16 insurance carriers
Linda Donkor

Linda Donkor

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Naperville, IL


I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 10 years of experience in health care. I understand that mental health concerns are complex and deeply personal. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, mood disorders, trauma, Sleep disorders or life transitions, my goal is to create a safe, respectful space where you feel heard, understood, and actively involved in your care.

I treat clients experiencing depression, anxiety, mood instability, OCD, ADHD symptoms, trauma, emotional dysregulation, insomnia, impulse control disorders, bipolar disorders, Schizophrenia, overwhelming stress. Regardless of where you begin, my commitment is to help you make informed decisions, take meaningful steps toward emotional wellbeing.

Whether you are looking to stabilize symptoms, improve functioning, understand your diagnosis, or simply feel like yourself again, I am here to support you with compassion, professionalism, and evidence-based care.

Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Stephanie Harris

Stephanie Harris

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


Hi! My name is Stephanie Harris and I am a licensed clinical professional counselor from Vermont, but currently living in Chicago. I am happy to help you with whatever you are facing in life right now. I work with individual adults and couples struggling with anxiety, depression, abuse, self-esteem issues, life transitions, and more. I have specialized training in helping people recover from trauma. Trauma can have a profound effect on how people view the world and relate to others, which is why a trauma-informed approach to treatment can be very helpful. I will help people heal from their painful and distressing experiences so they are able to feel more safe and secure in the world now. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Vermont and a Master’s degree in Counseling from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology, and a Doctorate in Psychology from Roosevelt University. I have experience working in private practice, crisis centers, in-patient hospitals, employee assistance programs, community mental health centers, and primary care clinics. I have worked with adults, couples, people with developmental disabilities, survivors of sexual abuse, people of the Latinx population, couples with infertility issues, and people facing deportation. I believe these experiences have helped me find multiple ways to connect with others and help them reach their goals.

Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Catherine Corbin

Catherine Corbin

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“You are the expert on you. I follow your lead and help translate what you're experiencing into psychological concepts.”
Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Rosey Puloka

Rosey Puloka

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My approach is relational, strengths-based, and trauma-informed. Sessions are more conversational than clinical.”
Grief or loss, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Identity issues
Empowering, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Jill Martinez

Jill Martinez

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“Using a compassionate, client-centered approach, we will work together to navigate life's challenges with greater clarity, confidence, and support.”
Grief or loss, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Infertility
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Svetlana Burak

Svetlana Burak

Therapist

Virtual • Peoria, IL


“I provide a compassionate environment so you can safely explore your worries and other emotions that come with being human.”
Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Direct, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Rachel Leth

Rachel Leth

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space where clients can feel comfortable being themselves and explore their goals.”
Grief or loss, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Challenging, Humorous, Inquisitive
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Ethel Gugenheim

Ethel Gugenheim

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who has been working in the mental health field 6+years. I have experience working with adolescents and adults of all ages, navigating trauma, eating disorders, anxiety, mood disorders, relationship difficulties, and complex life transitions. My background includes clinical, school-based, and higher-level care settings, which allows me to understand how emotional challenges show up across different environments and stages of life.

I specialize in trauma-informed care and work with clients who feel stuck in painful patterns, overwhelmed by emotions, or disconnected from themselves or others. My training includes CBT, DBT, ACT, EMDR, and Internal Family Systems (IFS), and I have completed specialized training working with betrayal Trauma and sex addiction through IITAP. I am especially experienced in supporting clients who have complex cases and/ or deep rooted negative beliefs helping them to build stability, insight, and resilience in a way that feels sustainable and empowering.

Grief or loss, Anxiety, Depression, Eating disorders, Family issues
Empowering, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Rosalyn Thomas

Rosalyn Thomas

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My approach is warm, collaborative, and focused on helping clients break unhealthy patterns, manage overwhelming emotions, and move toward lasting healing and growth.”
Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Denise Houser

Dr. Denise Houser

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


Are you tired of carrying things that are just too heavy for you to carry alone anymore? As a licensed professional counselor, I can help you carry that load. In my 12 years as a counselor, I've worked with families, children, adolescents, and adults of all ages in homes, outpatient offices, and online. I have a Ph.D. in counselor education and supervision, and have taught in graduate counseling programs, but my first love is working directly with individuals who are dealing with the effects of trauma, grief, burnout, or anxiety. I am a Christian and would be happy to incorporate your spiritual beliefs, whether Christian or not, into our work together, if desired.

Grief or loss, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Andrew Gordon

Andrew Gordon

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I am sincere about providing my clients the space and compassion needed to feel understood and supported.”
Grief or loss, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Naomi Fu

Naomi Fu

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“As an immigrant, I can empathize with the unique obstacles faced by those adapting to a new environment and a different way of life.”
Grief or loss, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Inquisitive, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Dawn Sherwood

Dawn Sherwood

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


Hi! I'm Dawn, and I'm excited to meet you. Life can feel overwhelming when anxiety, depression, family stress, relationship difficulties, or painful experiences leave you feeling stuck, disconnected, or unsure where to turn next. You may be trying to balance the needs of everyone around you while struggling to care for yourself. I work with children, adolescents, adults, and older adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, stress, panic disorders, anger management concerns, infertility, chronic illness, women's issues, family conflict, and relationship challenges. My background in children and family services and my training in infant and early childhood mental health allow me to support individuals and families through life's many transitions. My goal is to provide a compassionate space where you feel safe, heard, and supported while we work together to better understand your experiences and create meaningful, lasting change.

Grief or loss, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression
Humorous, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Alesha Jones-Johnson

Alesha Jones-Johnson

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My style is supportive, honest, and structured. I provide a safe space to talk, but I also help you build real-life skills — emotional regulation, communication, boundaries, and coping strategies you can actually use outside of sessions.”
Grief or loss, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book

About our therapists in Illinois who help people navigate grief and loss

Number of therapists serving Illinois
There are over 1,686 therapists in Illinois accepting new patients.
1,686+
Average years in practice
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10 years
Top specialties offered
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  • 100%Grief or loss
  • 99%Anxiety
  • 96%Depression
  • 93%Stress management
  • 85%Trauma
Insurances accepted
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  • 99%Aetna
  • 97%Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois
  • 91%Cigna
  • 88%Carelon Behavioral Health
  • 70%Ascension
Languages spoken
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  • 99%English
  • 7%Spanish
  • 1%Hindi
  • 1%Urdu
  • 1%Polish
How they see their clients
Watercolor illustration of therapy session
  • 88%Online only
  • 11%In-person or online
Provider gender
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  • 79%Woman
  • 20%Man
  • 1%Non-binary
License types
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  • 50%Licensed Clinical Social Worker
  • 34%Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
  • 5%Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
  • 5%Clinical Psychologist
  • 4%Full Practice Authority Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
Treatment approaches
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  • 99%Individual therapy
  • 39%Family therapy
  • 28%Couples therapy
  • 19%Child or adolescent therapy

Frequently asked questions

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Find the right grief counselor for you

Headway makes it easy to find a therapist who can support you through loss — from finding the right provider, to understanding costs, to scheduling with ease.

1 Cost may vary based on your location, age, and insurance coverage.