Find a therapist in Illinois — covered by insurance
Top therapists in Illinois accepting new patients
Connect with experienced therapists throughout Illinois via Headway's network of 2,413 providers. Many offer free consultations and next-day availability, with sessions covered by major insurances like Aetna, Anthem, and United Healthcare—some patients pay as little as $0 per visit.
I am a licensed clinical social worker in Illinois and have been in the mental health field for over 20 years.
It’s exhausting when your own mind feels like a hurdle. Maybe you’re navigating intrusive thoughts that feel impossible to shut off, or you’re struggling to get things done and remember what’s important while your brain feels like it’s constantly misfiring. Perhaps you’re grieving a version of yourself that felt certain, watching the life you planned get derailed by chronic illness or the weight of a diagnosis you didn’t ask for. When your "to-do" list feels like a mountain and your past keeps creeping into your present, it’s easy to feel lost or, worse, dismissed by the people who are supposed to help.
I specialize in PTSD, combat-related trauma, cult-related issues, work-related stress and anxiety, couples therapy, men's therapeutic concerns, executive and leadership counseling, clergy support, and depression treatment.
Dr. Opelt earned his Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology at New Mexico State University after completing his Master’s of Science in Educational Psychology: Community Counseling from the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee. During his graduate training, he earned certifications in Trauma Counseling and Multicultural Knowledge Basis in Mental Health Practices, and a graduate minor in Integrated Behavioral Health. Dr. Opelt has completed postdoctoral fellowships in research in Rehabilitation Psychology, with an emphasis on Multiple Sclerosis, at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, and in clinical Rehabilitation and Pain Psychology at MedStar Health National Rehabilitation Hospital. He has focused his clinical work on adults who have concerns about insomnia, cognitive impairment, addiction, LGBT+ concerns, caregiver support, transplants, burn survivors, cancer, musculoskeletal diseases like MS and Parkinson’s disease, and those who have amputations. He is a licensed psychologist in Maryland and Illinois.
About our therapists serving Illinois
- 98%Anxiety
- 93%Depression
- 89%Stress management
- 80%Relationship issues
- 78%Trauma
- 98%Aetna
- 94%Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois
- 90%Cigna
- 84%Carelon Behavioral Health
- 67%Ascension
- 99%English
- 7%Spanish
- 1%Hindi
- 1%Urdu
- 1%Polish
- 87%Online only
- 12%In-person or online
- 81%Woman
- 18%Man
- 1%Non-binary
- 50%Licensed Clinical Social Worker
- 35%Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
- 6%Clinical Psychologist
- 5%Full Practice Authority Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
- 3%Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
- 100%Individual therapy
- 35%Family therapy
- 25%Couples therapy
- 17%Child or adolescent therapy
Frequently asked questions
Find the right therapist for you
Headway makes it easy to find support for your mental health — from finding the right provider, to understanding costs, to scheduling with ease.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Mental Health Therapist in Illinois
Searching for therapists in Illinois starts with finding the right clinical fit for your needs. Illinois has a wide range of therapists across urban and rural areas, so available specialties may vary by location. You might look for support with anxiety, depression, grief, relationship challenges, trauma, or major life changes. As you compare Illinois therapists, review each therapist’s listed specialties, therapy approach, and experience with concerns like yours. Some therapists may use approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing.
Practical fit matters, too. If you live in Chicago, Springfield, Peoria, or another part of Illinois, consider whether in-person or virtual sessions work better for your schedule and location. A therapist with evening virtual appointments may be a better match if travel time is hard to plan, while an office near home or work may matter more if you prefer in-person care. You can also narrow your search by appointment availability, whether a therapist is accepting new patients, whether they offer a free phone consultation, and how they describe their communication style. Reading therapist bios before booking can help you understand what sessions may be like.
The cost of Illinois therapy can vary, and using in-network insurance is one of the most reliable ways to reduce session costs. Headway helps you search for licensed therapists who are accepting new patients, verify your insurance, and see your estimated out-of-pocket cost before you book. Nationally, Headway works with over 100 insurance plans, and your exact coverage depends on your plan and location. You can browse therapists, review bios, compare availability, and book directly when you’re ready.
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