How to find the right therapist in Illinois

When choosing a therapist in Illinois, it's best to reflect on what you’re looking for and ask yourself which of the following criteria are most important to you: Do they accept your insurance? Do you need a therapist who specializes in a specific mental health concern such as depression, anxiety, or trauma? Are you looking for someone to work with you individually? Or are you looking for someone to support you as a couple or family? Would you be more comfortable partnering with a therapist of a certain race, gender expression, sexual orientation, religious, or cultural background?

Can I use my insurance?

Yes! Therapists on the Rula platform are in-network with most major insurance plans. Rula patients typically pay $15 per session, although your individual cost may vary based on your insurance benefits and deductible. We’ll work with your insurance to confirm your estimated per-session cost before your first appointment. Ready to get started? Click here to browse available therapists who accept your insurance.

How do I know if therapy is right for me?

There’s no right or wrong reason to start therapy. Whether you’re seeking help navigating a life transition or managing symptoms of anxiety or depression, therapy is an effective treatment for many types of concerns – all you need is an open mind and a general sense of what you’d like to explore with a therapist. Still unsure? Head to our blog to learn more.

How soon can I meet with a therapist?

Therapists in Rula’s network are available to meet as soon as tomorrow. Click here to explore therapists and book your first session in minutes.

What should I consider when choosing a therapist?

It depends on your personal preferences and goals. Whether you’re seeking a therapist who specializes in certain mental health conditions, shares your ethnic background, or is available to meet at your preferred time – Rula makes it easy to search and filter by what matters most to you. If you don’t feel like your first choice was a match, don’t worry – we’ll help you switch to a different therapist in our network. Check out our blog post for more pointers on finding your best-fit therapist.

How do I know if I need therapy or psychiatry?

If you’re experiencing severe symptoms that interfere with your daily functioning, you may want to consider starting with a psychiatric provider who can assess your needs and prescribe medication if deemed necessary. If your symptoms are mild or moderate, therapy may be a better starting point. No matter where you begin your journey – your provider will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that’s based on your individual needs and concerns. Still unsure? Visit our blog to learn more about the differences.

Does Rula offer in-person appointments?

Currently, Rula offers in-person therapy in some states. For those living in other states, there are many benefits to online therapy!

Can Rula help me find a therapist?

Absolutely. Rula’s network of 10,000+ licensed providers represent more than 80 clinical specialties and a diverse range of backgrounds – making it easier to find the care you need. Once you provide us with some basic information, we’ll generate a curated list of in-network therapists who are licensed in your state and accepting new patients. From there, you can filter by what matters most to you and explore individual biographies until you find a match. Ready to get started?

What types of care can I access through Rula?

Providers in Rula’s network specialize in individual therapy, couples therapy, family therapy, and psychiatric care (i.e., medication management).

Who is eligible to access care through Rula?

Individuals aged 5 and older are eligible to receive care in any state where Rula is available.

How will I meet with my therapist?

Rula specializes in online therapy – giving you the flexibility to meet with your therapist from wherever you’re most comfortable. We’ll send you an appointment reminder containing a secure link to your scheduled Zoom session approximately 24 hours before your session.

Connect with Therapists who accept United Medical Resources (UMR) in Illinois

Book a session as soon as April 18

Quality care comes first at Rula

We regularly review providers to ensure quality

30+ therapists who accept UMR

Quality care comes first at Rula

We regularly review providers to ensure quality

30+ therapists who accept UMR

David Nilsen

Recognized for high quality patient care

LCSW

•

4+ years

Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs), like David Nilsen, are social workers trained to diagnose and treat mental health issues and substance misuse with psychotherapy and counseling.

David has a Master of Social Work (MSW) from Aurora University.

Illinois

Specialties

Grief

Addiction

Anxiety

Depression

Substance Use

Trauma and PTSD

Style

Exploratory

Approachable

Supportive

I am dedicated to providing compassionate care and support to help you navigate your mental health journey. Using techniques such as motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and harm reduction, I aim to empower you with the tools and resources needed for a brighter, healthier future.

Next appointmentMonday, May 4th

Available virtually

Rosann Emerson-Fox

Many new patients continue care with this provider

LCSW

•

25+ years

Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs), like Rosann Emerson-Fox, are social workers trained to diagnose and treat mental health issues and substance misuse with psychotherapy and counseling.

Rosann has a Master of Social Work (MSW) from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Illinois

Specialties

Grief

Anxiety

Depression

Life Transitions

Style

Directive

Approachable

Supportive

Welcome! I work with children, adolescents, and adults across the lifespan, helping you navigate life's challenges with compassion and practical support.

Next appointmentMonday, Apr 27th

Available virtually

Heather Melton

Many new patients continue care with this provider

LCSW

Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs), like Heather Melton, are social workers trained to diagnose and treat mental health issues and substance misuse with psychotherapy and counseling.

Heather has a Master of Social Work (MSW) in Social Work from Community Practice - Depaul University.

Paris, IL

Specialties

Grief

Anxiety

Depression

Relationship Issues

Trauma and PTSD

Women's Issues

Style

Insightful

Warm

Empowering

I’m an Illinois LCSW specializing in trauma-focused therapy, including EMDR. I help individuals and families navigate anxiety, relationship stress, and the lasting impact of difficult experiences. My goal is to help you feel more grounded, confident, and empowered in your life and relationships.

Next appointmentMonday, May 4th

Available virtually

Yang Lo

Many new patients continue care with this provider

LMFT

•

18+ years

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs), like Yang Lo, are mental health professionals trained in family systems who can diagnose and treat mental health issues and substance misuse with psychotherapy and counseling.

Yang has a Master in Counseling (MC) Marriage and Family Therapy from California State University, Fresno.

Illinois

Specialties

Grief

Coping Skills

Depression

Life Transitions

Relationship Issues

Self Esteem

Style

Responsive

Candid

Motivational

I'm a behavioral health provider who has supported individuals and couples across outpatient clinics, in-home therapy, brief telephonic psychotherapy, mobile crisis response, and the national suicide hotline. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, trauma, high-risk behaviors, relationship challenges, and self-esteem issues.

Next appointmentWednesday, Apr 22nd

Available virtually

Whitney Perdun

Recognized for high quality patient care

LCPC

•

4+ years

Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors (LCPCs), like Whitney Perdun, are mental health professionals trained to diagnose and treat mental health issues and substance misuse with psychotherapy and counseling.

Whitney has a Master in Counseling (MC) in Art Therapy and Counseling from Saint Mary of the Woods.

Alton, IL

Specialties

Grief

Anxiety

Bipolar Disorder

Depression

Life Transitions

Trauma and PTSD

Style

Responsive

Candid

Affirming

I work with individuals, families, and couples of all ages. When life complications like stress, major changes, grief, relationship conflict, or trauma are present, we naturally start to unravel. My ambition is to help you bring balance back into your life, build healthy relationships, and form a sense of peace and safety.

Next appointmentMonday, Apr 27th

Available virtually

Patricia Aguado

LCSW

•

24+ years

Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs), like Patricia Aguado, are social workers trained to diagnose and treat mental health issues and substance misuse with psychotherapy and counseling.

All Rula providers are licensed and hold a master’s or doctorate degree required for practice.

Chicago, IL

Specialties

Grief

Anxiety

Cultural Stress

Style

Responsive

Warm

Collaborative

I help adolescents and adults navigate trauma, intergenerational trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, life transitions, identity formation and conflict, Latino/a/x concerns, multicultural issues, first-generation acculturation conflict, and physical health-related adjustment.

Next appointmentMonday, Apr 20th

Available virtually

Ozell Adams

Patients consistently give high satisfaction ratings

LCPC

•

3+ years

Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors (LCPCs), like Ozell Adams, are mental health professionals trained to diagnose and treat mental health issues and substance misuse with psychotherapy and counseling.

Ozell has a Doctor of Education in Organizational Psychology from Illinois School of Professional Psychology and a Masters of Arts in Mental Health Counseling from Concordia University Chicago.

Chicago, IL

Specialties

Grief

Anxiety

Depression

Life Transitions

Style

Directive

Gentle

Empowering

I am a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC) providing culturally grounded, liberation-focused care. My approach blends CBT, mindfulness, somatic awareness, and narrative therapy. I specialize in anxiety, depression, trauma, identity concerns, and relationship stress for clients seeking affirming, anti-oppressive support.

Next appointmentTuesday, Apr 21st

Available virtually

Tyrone Ford

LCSW

•

10+ years

Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs), like Tyrone Ford, are social workers trained to diagnose and treat mental health issues and substance misuse with psychotherapy and counseling.

Tyrone has a Master of Social Work (MSW) in Clinical Social Work/Practice with Families from Saint Louis University.

Fairview Heights, IL

Specialties

Grief

Anxiety

Depression

Substance Use

Trauma and PTSD

Style

Exploratory

Attuned

Motivational

My primary approach to therapy is to understand the symptoms, collaborate on a treatment plan, and provide culturally sensitive, trauma-informed, and evidence-based treatment. My focus areas include anxiety, depression, grief, PTSD, and substance use, among others.

Next appointmentMonday, Apr 27th

Available virtually

Carolyn Franklin

Many new patients continue care with this provider

LCSW

•

10+ years

Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs), like Carolyn Franklin, are social workers trained to diagnose and treat mental health issues and substance misuse with psychotherapy and counseling.

Carolyn has a Master of Social Work (MSW) from University of Illinois at Chicago.

Chicago, IL

Specialties

Grief

Anxiety

Depression

Life Transitions

Relationship Issues

Style

Outcome-oriented

Approachable

Supportive

I am a skilled therapist working with children, adolescents, and adults. I have conducted individual, group, couples, and family therapies. I have worked with clients challenged with anxiety, depression, relationship/family issues, and many other concerns. I welcome the opportunity to work with you.

Next appointmentTomorrow

Available virtually

Alison McGannon

Many new patients continue care with this provider

LCPC

•

18+ years

Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors (LCPCs), like Alison McGannon, are mental health professionals trained to diagnose and treat mental health issues and substance misuse with psychotherapy and counseling.

Alison has a Master of Arts (MA) in Counseling from Northeastern Illinois University.

Chicago, IL

Specialties

Grief

Anxiety

Depression

Life Transitions

Relationship Issues

Self Esteem

Style

Outcome-oriented

Attuned

Empowering

I work with individuals, youth, couples, and families struggling with a variety of issues. I believe counseling allows people to heal and grow in ways that help them recognize their own strengths and how those strengths can guide them toward a more positive and rewarding future.

Next appointmentMonday, Apr 27th

Available virtually

Michelle Peters-Pagella

Recognized for high quality patient care

LCPC

Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors (LCPCs), like Michelle Peters-Pagella, are mental health professionals trained to diagnose and treat mental health issues and substance misuse with psychotherapy and counseling.

Michelle has a Master of Science (MS) Certified Rehabilitation Counselor from Illinois Institute of Technology.

Plainfield, IL

Specialties

Grief

Anxiety

Depression

Panic Attacks

Stress

Style

Exploratory

Warm

Curious

I provide counseling to individuals in numerous settings including my private practice. I create a space where you can explore challenges and work toward health and healing.

Next appointmentMonday, Apr 27th

Available virtually

Jonna Phelps

Patients consistently give high satisfaction ratings

LCPC

•

20+ years

Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors (LCPCs), like Jonna Phelps, are mental health professionals trained to diagnose and treat mental health issues and substance misuse with psychotherapy and counseling.

Jonna has a Master of Arts (MA) in Psychology from Roosevelt University.

Chicago, IL

Specialties

Grief

Anxiety

Coping Skills

Depression

Style

Directive

Attuned

Empowering

I am an LCPC in Illinois. I have focused my attention on treating adults with anxiety and depression. I believe in learning coping skills and positive communication to deal with significant life events. The goal of treatment is validation through re-focusing on individual strengths to improve overall quality of life.

Next appointmentMonday, Apr 27th

Available virtually

Kathleen Jones

Many new patients continue care with this provider

LCSW

•

14+ years

Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs), like Kathleen Jones, are social workers trained to diagnose and treat mental health issues and substance misuse with psychotherapy and counseling.

Kathleen has a Master of Social Work (MSW) from University of Kansas.

Illinois

Specialties

Grief

Alcohol Use

Chronic Pain

LGBTQIA+

Substance Use

Trauma and PTSD

Style

Responsive

Attuned

Motivational

I offer client-centered, strengths-based, solution-focused counseling. I work with parents of children with special needs, individuals in substance use recovery, those managing co-parenting after divorce, the LGBTQ+ community and their allies, people living with chronic pain, and trauma survivors.

Next appointmentMonday, Apr 20th

Available virtually

Gina Gaston

Many new patients continue care with this provider

LCSW

•

25+ years

Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs), like Gina Gaston, are social workers trained to diagnose and treat mental health issues and substance misuse with psychotherapy and counseling.

Gina has a Doctor of Philosophy (PHD) in Social Work from University of Illinois At Chicago and a Master of Social Work (MSW) in Mental Health from University of Illinois At Chicago.

Chicago, IL

Specialties

Grief

Anxiety

Depression

Substance Use

Trauma and PTSD

Style

Outcome-oriented

Gentle

Empowering

Balancing the demands of life, family, and work can be overwhelming. My approach views all clients as having the ability to work through challenges. Sometimes all you need is a little help to move forward. I know seeking therapy can feel scary, but you are making the right decision.

Next appointmentFriday, May 8th

Available virtually

Stacie Carr

Patients consistently give high satisfaction ratings

LCSW

•

16+ years

Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs), like Stacie Carr, are social workers trained to diagnose and treat mental health issues and substance misuse with psychotherapy and counseling.

Stacie has a Master of Social Work (MSW) from Southern Illinois University.

Mt Vernon, IL

Specialties

Grief

Anxiety

Depression

Trauma and PTSD

Style

Responsive

Gentle

Supportive

I work with children, adolescents, and adults facing stress, anxiety, trauma, depression, and parenting challenges. I believe you are the expert on your story and have many strengths to overcome what challenges you. Taking the first step toward a more fulfilling life takes courage, and I'm here to support you in that process.

Next appointmentTuesday, Apr 28th

Available virtually

This set of providers was curated just for you.

Want personalized assistance finding the right fit? Call or text our team at 323-745-8323.

Previous providers

Hundreds of thousands of patients have found affordable, in-network mental health care with Rula

Insurance

After you select a provider, we’ll send you a personalized cost estimate before your first session—so you’ll know what to expect.

$15 / session

typical cost patients pay through Rula

Nationwide coverage:

After you select a provider, we’ll send you a personalized cost estimate before your first session—so you’ll know what to expect.

100+ insurance plans accepted

140M total lives covered

Millions of sessions completed

Network

We hold providers to high clinical standards so you can trust the care you receive.

15,000+

licensed providers

Match

The right provider makes all the difference. We help you find someone who truly fits your needs—the first time.

98%

of searches result in an exact match

Progress

Care should make a difference. Our approach helps you track progress you can feel.

93%

of patients report feeling better after treatment through Rula

Additional therapy specialties and modalities

EMDR DBT Psychiatry

Couples therapy Child therapy Grief counseling Psychodynamic therapy

Sex therapy Family counseling Borderline personality Cognitive behavioral (CBT)

Find a therapist near you

Bloomington Decatur Des Plaines Palatine Skokie Aurora Chicago Evanston Joliet Naperville Arlington Heights Bolingbrook Cicero Elgin Schaumburg Waukegan Champaign Peoria Rockford Springfield

Exploring online therapy for grief

Grief and its impact on life

Grief is a natural response to loss, often felt deeply when we lose someone or something important to us. It can manifest in various ways, including sadness, anger, confusion, and a sense of isolation. Grief can significantly impact daily life, affecting one’s ability to function in personal and professional settings. Navigating through grief is a deeply personal process and can be critical for emotional healing and moving forward.

The importance of therapy for grief

Engaging with a grief therapist can be helpful for those struggling with loss. Therapists specializing in grief can provide support and understanding, helping you to process complex emotions and cope with the pain of loss. Therapy can offer a safe space to explore feelings of grief, learn to adjust to life after loss, and develop strategies for healing and finding a new sense of normalcy.

Effective therapeutic approaches for grief

Various therapeutic methods can be effective in supporting people through grief:

Advantages of online therapy for grief

Online grief therapy offers several practical benefits. It can be accessible and convenient, allowing you to connect with therapists from the comfort and privacy of your own home, providing a secure space to openly discuss and process your feelings during such a sensitive and personal time. The sessions are flexible and can be scheduled according to your needs, accommodating the unpredictable nature of grief.

Tips for choosing the right grief therapist

FAQs about grief therapy and therapists

When to seek a grief therapist?

Consider seeking a grief therapist if your grief feels overwhelming, is affecting your ability to carry on with daily activities, or if you're struggling to move forward. Common signs include persistent sadness, inability to enjoy life, or feeling stuck in your grief. Therapy can provide a guided pathway through the grieving process, helping you to cope with the loss and a renewed sense of purpose.

What is the typical duration of therapy for grief?

The length of grief therapy varies for each person, depending on the nature of the loss and personal coping mechanisms. Some may find short-term therapy beneficial, while others might engage in longer-term support. Grief therapy is often flexible, with the therapist adapting to your changing needs over time.

What to expect in your first grief therapy session?

In the first session, you'll likely share your story of loss and discuss how it’s impacting your life. Your therapist should listen empathetically, ask questions, and work toward establishing a supportive and understanding relationship. This session sets the foundation for your grief therapy journey.

How to find a qualified therapist for grief?

A qualified therapist for grief should have specialized training in grief counseling or therapy. Look for therapists with experience in dealing with your specific situation, and credentials in therapies you’d like to explore.

Does insurance cover grief therapy sessions?

Insurance coverage for grief therapy can vary. After you've booked your first session, Rula verifies your insurance coverage and follows up with a cost estimate, including any required copayments.

Can grief therapy be conducted online?

Yes, grief therapy can be effectively conducted online. It offers a flexible and accessible option, allowing you to receive support in a setting that feels most comfortable for you, especially during a time of mourning. Therapy techniques can be adapted for virtual sessions, ensuring you receive care tailored to your needs and recovery journey.

Connect with Therapists who accept United Medical Resources (UMR) in Illinois

Quality care comes first at Rula

Quality care comes first at Rula

David Nilsen

Rosann Emerson-Fox

Heather Melton

Yang Lo

Whitney Perdun

Patricia Aguado

Ozell Adams

Tyrone Ford

Carolyn Franklin

Alison McGannon

Michelle Peters-Pagella

Jonna Phelps

Kathleen Jones

Gina Gaston

Stacie Carr

Hundreds of thousands of patients have found affordable, in-network mental health care with Rula

Insurance

$15 / session

Network

15,000+

Match

98%

Progress

93%

Additional therapy specialties and modalities

Find a therapist near you

We’re here when you need us

We’re here when you need us

Here to help