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 2,672 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 have over 3 decades of experience working in the fields of mental health and social work. I work with youth, adults, and couples who are struggling with trauma, depression, anxiety, ADHD, autism, relationship issues, and school refusal.
I have spent my career learning and translating theories into practice with individuals, families, couples, and groups. For the last few years, I've gained deeper knowledge working with trauma, anxiety, couples, and the LGBTQIA+ population.
As a licensed psychologist in California and Illinois, I hold a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Penn State University. I also serve as a Professor of Psychology training and supervising graduate students. My experience includes counseling roles at the University of Illinois and National Dong Hwa University in Taiwan. I specialize in anxiety, stress, relationships, life transitions, with a focus on perfectionism and cultural adjustment.
Everyone needs help sometimes, not because they are broken, but because life can become too heavy to sort through alone. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who believes every person should have access to support that helps them rise to new challenges, cope with loss, manage the ups and downs of mood, and better understand who they are. I work with adults navigating grief and loss, anxiety, depression, stress, mood changes, life transitions, relationship issues, PTSD, trauma and the feeling of being stuck or disconnected from themselves. My goal is to provide a safe, nonjudgmental space where you can feel supported while we make sense of what you are carrying and create a path toward living your best life.
⭐ I’m Shelly Lewin, LCSW/LICSW, a therapist with 31 years of experience helping adults navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, identity issues, and major life transitions. I provide virtual therapy across Arizona, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, New Mexico, and West Virginia, offering accessible, evidence‐based care to clients seeking meaningful and lasting change. I have 30+ years of experience in private practice and leadership roles at organizations including:
- The Joint Commission
- Northwestern Memorial Hospital
- Kaiser Permanente
- Common Spirit
- Mount Sinai Health System
This background allows me to offer deep clinical expertise paired with practical, real‐world understanding of how people heal and grow. My approach is warm, collaborative, open‐minded, and affirming. If you're feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or ready for change, I’m here to walk beside you with steady support and clinically grounded guidance. I specialize in therapy for adults experiencing:
- Anxiety & panic disorders
- Depression & mood disorders
- PTSD and trauma recovery
- Substance use and addiction
- LGBTQIA+ affirmative care
- Men’s issues & identity exploration
- Life and career transitions
- Chronic illness & long-term stress
Additional areas of expertise include: Bipolar disorder, OCD, grief & loss, workplace stress, anger management, cultural/ethnic identity issues, expat adjustment, relationship issues, family challenges, and end-of-life concerns
am a compassionate mental health professional dedicated to creating a safe and supportive space where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered. My experience includes working with children, adolescents, and families facing anxiety, behavioral concerns, trauma, and life transitions. I use a strengths-based, client-centered approach to help individuals develop healthy coping skills, build confidence, and make meaningful progress toward their personal goals.
About our therapists serving Illinois



- 98%Anxiety
- 93%Depression
- 89%Stress management
- 79%Relationship issues
- 78%Trauma

- 99%Aetna
- 94%Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois
- 90%Cigna
- 86%Carelon Behavioral Health
- 67%Ascension

- 99%English
- 7%Spanish
- 1%Hindi
- 1%Urdu
- 1%Polish

- 88%Online only
- 12%In-person or online

- 80%Woman
- 19%Man
- 1%Non-binary

- 50%Licensed Clinical Social Worker
- 34%Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
- 5%Clinical Psychologist
- 5%Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
- 3%Full Practice Authority Advanced Practice Registered Nurse

- 100%Individual therapy
- 36%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 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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