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 2,678 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 seek to provide culturally affirming, holistic care that integrates the mind, body, and spirit. As a multicultural, neurodivergent psychiatrist and daughter of immigrants raised in Chicago, I bring both clinical training and lived experience to our work together. My own journey through burnout and the process of learning to slow down and listen to what my body needed has also shaped the care I provide. It has grounded me in genuine curiosity, humility, and a deep respect for the wisdom you already carry.
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) with years of experience supporting children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. My background includes working in schools, military communities, and private practice settings, which has given me a deep understanding of the unique challenges people face in different life stages and environments. I am passionate about creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients feel supported, respected, and empowered to grow.
I believe that therapy works best when people feel understood, respected and safe. I have over 20 year of experience helping adults navigate trauma, depression, anxiety, identity exploration, grief/loss, life transitions and relationship challenges. Much of my career has been devoted to working with veterans and individuals who have faced difficult or traumatic experiences. I strongly believe in establishing a relationship of equals and mutual respect between therapist and client; one that leads to a guided journey of self-discovery and change.
Hey there! I’m Briana Kesterson, LCSW.
I’m a licensed therapist offering individual and family therapy in Illinois, supporting people who feel overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected from themselves. I have a Bachelor's in Clinical Psychology from the University of Illinois and a Master's in Social Work from Aurora University.
I work with children, teens, adults, and families navigating anxiety, emotional overwhelm, life transitions, relationship challenges, and self worth struggles. Many of my clients come in feeling “too much” or “not enough” and together, we begin to understand how to better support the parts of you that learned to cope and protect just to survive.
Tonette is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Tonette began her career working with incarcerated juvenile males, in the substance use field. Tonette has experience working with the adult population, focusing on things like: anxiety, depression, PTSD, trauma, relationship issues, substance abuse and sexual assault/domestic violence. In addition, Tonette worked in both community and residential settings throughout her career.
As a board-certified PMHNP, I believe prioritizing mental health is key to happiness and stability in life. Seeking help can be one of the hardest parts, so congratulations on taking that step!
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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