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Find a therapist in Illinois — covered by insurance

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

Top therapists in Illinois accepting new patients

Connect with experienced therapists throughout Illinois via Headway's network of 2,674 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.

Krista Barber

Krista Barber

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“Healing is possible. I believe one of the most powerful things you can do is begin to understand your own story.”
Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Men's issues, PTSD
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Christine Vacin

Christine Vacin

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I bring a nurturing environment with a pinch of levity to help teach clients new tools to cope more effectively.”
Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Identity issues, PTSD
Empowering, Humorous, Solution-oriented
Accepts 2 insurance carriers
Latrece Smith

Latrece Smith

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


EPIR Source is built on the foundation of trust and accountability between clinician and client. We pride ourselves on providing the EPIR Experience which includes clients having a life transforming, therapeutic experience.

Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Empowering, Inquisitive
Accepts 2 insurance carriers
Larry Johnson

Larry Johnson

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I believe meaningful change begins with acceptance. When we accept reality, we gain the clarity about what we can control.”
Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Humorous, Solution-oriented
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Sarah Wickenhauser

Sarah Wickenhauser

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Illinois


“Patients often tell me they feel genuinely heard in our sessions. They describe me as a strong listener, informative, nonjudgmental...”
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Ashley Crain

Ashley Crain

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My style is direct, collaborative, and sometimes humorous—because therapy can be meaningful without always feeling heavy.”
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Family issues
Direct, Humorous, Participatory
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
LaShara Shaw

LaShara Shaw

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My goal is to empower individuals to make intentional choices that lead to growth, healing, and a life of purpose.”
Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Empowering, Holistic, Participatory
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Dr. Medinat Balogun

Dr. Medinat Balogun

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Illinois


“A pathway to healing, I offer active listening, thorough assessment, information gathering, diagnostics evaluation, and medication management.”
Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, End of life care, Family issues
Affirming, Empowering, Holistic
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Tyra Steverson

Tyra Steverson

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I aim to create a space that feels honest, grounding, and collaborative, where clients can better understand their patterns, build self-trust, and move toward lives and relationships that feel more aligned and sustainable.”
Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Maternal mental health, PTSD
Creative, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Antionette Cardenas

Dr. Antionette Cardenas

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I integrate evidence-based practices such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and trauma-informed care to help clients develop practical tools for healing and growth.”
Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, End of life care, Grief or loss
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Lakisha Mitchell

Lakisha Mitchell

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I believe in creating a safe space, fairness, justice and freedom from prejudice, self-awareness and self-management skills.”
Anxiety, Depression, End of life care, Substance use / addiction
Direct, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Mary Thorson

Mary Thorson

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Libertyville, IL


“It's important to me that my clients feel they are in a non-judgmental safe space to process what they are going through.”
Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions, Depression, OCD
Creative, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Tamela Polanin

Tamela Polanin

Therapist

Virtual • Vandalia, IL


“I use a client-centered approach where you are the master of your own life; I am here to walk beside you as a guide.”
Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Eating disorders
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Ryan Schiller

Ryan Schiller

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I have been working in the field since 2012...I wanted to make sure that by time I was independently practicing as a therapist that I would have experienced working with individuals from various stages of life.”
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Grief or loss, Stress management
Empowering, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Dr. Megan Schmitz

Dr. Megan Schmitz

Psychologist

Virtual & in-person • Geneva, IL


“Therapeutic goals are to provide you - the client - with concrete skills to manage distress, to move towards acceptance of internal experience, and to increase personal accountability for choices while exerting more purposeful control over behavior.”
Anxiety, OCD
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Kristoffer Barrington

Kristoffer Barrington

Therapist

Virtual • Chicago, IL


“Kristoffer strives to create an individualized approach, guided by his client's values and goals, to help them make significant, positive steps forward.”
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Eating disorders
Holistic, Participatory, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Shinia Carter

Shinia Carter

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


With more than 15 years of experience in the mental health field, I am committed to helping individuals, couples, and families navigate life’s challenges with greater understanding, confidence, and hope. My approach to therapy is grounded in compassion, collaboration, and the belief that meaningful change is possible for everyone.

My primary goal is to walk alongside you throughout your therapeutic journey—creating a space where you feel heard, respected, validated, and understood, while also receiving practical tools and strategies to help you create meaningful change in your life. I believe therapy should provide both a place to process your experiences and a pathway toward growth, healing, and improved well-being.

ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Affirming, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Leah O'Brien

Leah O'Brien

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“Ms. O'Brien is integrative in her treatment approach, often combining cognitive-behavioral, emotion-focused, and motivational interviewing approaches.”
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Kiera Gordon

Kiera Gordon

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I understand how easy it is to set goals for your health, mindset, or life and how frustrating it can feel when you keep starting over.”
Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Creative, Holistic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Meghann Barnes

Meghann Barnes

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


As a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), National Certified Counselor (NCC), and former Professional School Counselor I bring nearly two decades of experience working with individuals across various stages of life. My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in evidence-based practices. I believe that healing happens when you feel seen, heard, and supported, without judgment.

My goal is to create a space where you feel safe to explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences at your own pace. Whether you're navigating anxiety, relationship challenges, life transitions, or identity exploration, our work together will focus on helping you reconnect with your inner strength and move toward a life that feels more aligned and fulfilling.

ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Jessica Kuhnen

Jessica Kuhnen

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I will teach you tools to regulate your emotions and heal the physical impact on your body's nervous system.”
Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Hillary Schoninger

Hillary Schoninger

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I believe therapy is not about "fixing" but about reconnecting—to your truth, your strength, and your capacity to grow.”
Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Empowering, Inquisitive, Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Anna Sarenac

Anna Sarenac

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“Often with that term comes depression, anxiety, rumination of decisions we all had made in the past. The big question is how we move forward.”
Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, End of life care
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Shawn Decker

Shawn Decker

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“What I have learned is that healing isn't about fixing what's broken, it's about reconnecting with your natural resilience and reclaiming your wholeness.”
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression, Diabetes
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Takahya McIntyre

Takahya McIntyre

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I am a compassionate and dedicated Licensed Clinical Social Worker with years or experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and older adults.”
Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Family issues
Direct, Energetic, Open-minded
Accepts 14 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Kelsey LaNou

Kelsey LaNou

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I believe in a client-centered approach that honors your unique experiences, strengths, and aspirations.”
Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Family issues, Identity issues
Direct, Empowering, Energetic
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Catherine Washington

Catherine Washington

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


My name is Nicole Washington, and while my full name is Catherine Nicole Washington, I’ve always gone by my middle name. (A fun fact: I didn’t even realize Catherine was my first name until kindergarten—I thought my mom was Catherine and my name was “Cole” because that’s what everyone called me!)

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) with over 10 years of experience in the mental health field. I earned my Master’s degree in Counseling from Capella University, driven by a lifelong desire to help others—one that was deeply shaped by my own personal journey with mental health challenges. I believe healing is possible, not just because I’ve studied it, but because I’ve lived it.

Throughout my career, I’ve worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings, including partial hospitalization programs, and I have experience supporting children, adolescents, and adults. My background also includes work with domestic violence survivors, DCFS-involved families, group therapy, and individuals navigating complex life transitions. Oh and I’m also a the spouse of a Veteran. Which gives me a unique perspective of the challenges that military family’s may encounter. These diverse experiences allow me to meet clients where they are—with compassion, understanding, and respect.

Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Empowering, Humorous, Solution-oriented
Accepts 13 insurance carriers
Kenyatta Black

Kenyatta Black

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My approach is a open minded approach. I make sure I am actively listening to what you are saying and building on those skills that will help you to get where you want to be in this Journey.”
Anger management, Chronic conditions, Depression, End of life care, Family issues
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 15 insurance carriers
Courtney Elson

Courtney Elson

Psychologist

Virtual • Illinois


“My greatest passion is helping my patients improve their relationships and develop healthier strategies to cope with depression and anxiety.”
Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Men's issues, Relationship issues
Inquisitive, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 1 insurance carrier
Tracey Pearson-Heaney

Tracey Pearson-Heaney

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“Because I have an unusually broad background of counseling experiences I have adopted an eclectic approach to therapy (EMDR, CBT, Humanistic approaches to name a few).”
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, PTSD
Empowering, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Barney Straus

Barney Straus

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Chicago, IL


“I specialize in helping people recover from additions and compulsive behaviors, such as online porn use and gambling.”
Anxiety, Depression, Eating disorders, Men's issues, Relationship issues
Direct, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Ann Matus

Ann Matus

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Buffalo Grove, IL


“I aim to build an authentic non-judgmental therapeutic relationship rooted in empathy, hope, and support...”
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions, Depression
Affirming, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 15 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Kamaria Excell

Kamaria Excell

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My work is about guiding you back to your body, your inner wisdom, and the alignment that comes with feeling truly at home within yourself.”
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Eating disorders, Family issues
Affirming, Creative, Empowering
Accepts 14 insurance carriers
Lindsay Moser

Lindsay Moser

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Canton, IL


“My goal is to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where you feel heard, understood, and empowered to take meaningful steps toward your goals.”
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Empowering, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
Anne-Jessica Steed

Anne-Jessica Steed

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Addison, IL


“I practice some specialized approaches (EMDR, Exposure Therapy, and CBT/ACT) to treat trauma as well as anxiety, depression, and OCD.”
ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, End of life care, Family issues
Affirming, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Stacey Wade

Stacey Wade

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


Hi! I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Virginia, and I’m passionate about supporting adults on their journey toward healing and well-being. With a master’s degree from Virginia Commonwealth University and over seven years of experience, I’ve had the privilege of helping individuals navigate challenges like anxiety, depression, and other life stressors.

Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Georgianna Olivieri

Georgianna Olivieri

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My collaborative therapeutic approach focuses on helping clients to identify and fuel the power of their unique strengths to manage and overcome mental health and substance use challenges.”
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Thalia Tikka

Thalia Tikka

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“Therapy can be a radically liberating process, and I believe our personal and inner healing work is part of the larger social justice movements we participate in for our mutual liberation.”
ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Amanda Lucas

Amanda Lucas

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


Hi, I'm Amanda, a licensed clinical social worker and therapist with a compassionate, affirming, and strengths-based approach. I believe you already have the innate capacity to heal - I'm here to help you get there.

I specialize in working with adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma (including PTSD and C-PTSD), ADHD, grief, life transitions, and relationship challenges. Together we will help you find practical approaches to overcome challenges, recognize your own strengths, and build self-compassion.

ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Grief or loss, PTSD
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Jerry Blecha

Jerry Blecha

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Gurnee, IL


“I have worked extensively with alcoholics and adult children of alcoholics and run groups for the adult children of alcoholic population.”
Anxiety, Depression, Eating disorders, Grief or loss, Men's issues
Affirming, Creative, Warm
Accepts 14 insurance carriers
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About our therapists serving Illinois

Number of therapists serving Illinois
There are over 2,684 therapists in Illinois accepting new patients.
2,684+
Average years in practice
Watercolor illustration of a bookshelf
10 years
Top specialties offered
Watercolor illustration of specialties
  • 98%Anxiety
  • 93%Depression
  • 89%Stress management
  • 79%Relationship issues
  • 78%Trauma
Insurances accepted
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  • 99%Aetna
  • 94%Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois
  • 90%Cigna
  • 86%Carelon Behavioral Health
  • 67%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
  • 12%In-person or online
Provider gender
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  • 80%Woman
  • 19%Man
  • 1%Non-binary
License types
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  • 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
Treatment approaches
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  • 100%Individual therapy
  • 36%Family therapy
  • 25%Couples therapy
  • 17%Child or adolescent therapy

Frequently asked questions

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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.

Explore more therapists in Illinois

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