Av Med Therapists in Illinois

Finding a therapist who accepts AvMed insurance can make accessing mental health care easier and more affordable. With 43 verified therapists in Illinois who accept AvMed insurance, you can filter by therapeutic approaches such as interpersonal therapy, mindfulness-based therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy, targeting areas like stress management, depression, or trauma to find a provider who aligns with your needs. Each Grow Therapy-verified therapist is currently welcoming new clients and has availability within the next 30 days, ensuring you receive quality care within your AvMed insurance plan.

Find therapists near you in

Chicago

Availability updated: 7/2/2025

Rene Stockton

(he/him)

Rene Stockton, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
34 years of experience
Virtual
My name is Rene Stockton (pronounced Reni). I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in the state of Illinois. I serve my community as a counselor, therapist and change agent. I have had the privilege to work with individuals and families from primarily underserved populations and communities over the course of a 30 year social work practice in two great American cities. I have encountered child, adolescent and adult challenges ranging from trauma to writer’s block and wellness. I will partner with you to create the soft and more concrete changes you are looking to achieve in your life. My style is open, supportive and person centered, we will choose the approach for your situation using a variety of theories and concepts including art, movement, and EMDR.

Dennis Keppeler

(he/him)

Dennis Keppeler, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
20 years of experience
Virtual
I began training to be a psychotherapist 15 years ago after having worked in publishing for many years. Becoming a Social Worker and helping others has always been a kind of calling for me, but it took a little while for me to arrive at my goal. I hope that that part of my story helps to prove that it is never too late to change or to pursue goals. I continue to integrate the things that I have learned through formal education and through my own experiences of life so that I am best able to help others who are experiencing distress and difficulties with navigating life. We all need additional support from time-to-time, especially given the complicated, fast-changing world we live in. My goal as a psychotherapist is to be a source of support and assistance as you develop insight into the difficulties you face and as you begin to develop strategies for change. Through interactive-therapy sessions, I help you to understand and clarify life’s challenges and I support you as you begin to make the changes that are needed to make progress towards your goals. I help my clients to discover and explore a positive path in therapy that they can then continue to follow as they pursue their goals and their lives independently.

Candyce Bell

(she/her)

Candyce Bell, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCPC
8 years of experience
Virtual
I am an Army Veteran and LCPC with a certification as a national certified counselor through the NBCC and have accumulated over 6 years of direct individual/group practice as a licensed counselor. Overall, my experience spans over 10 years working as a crisis, substance use, and mental health counselor in the field. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, career challenges, and substance use. I also have assisted many clients who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My counseling style is very welcoming and inviting. I believe in honoring the values of respect, sensitivity, compassion, empathy and embracing a holistic point of view to promote mental wellness. It takes courage to make the steps towards a more fulfilling and happier life and embrace change. If you are ready to take that leap into a healthier mind, body, and spirit, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you in your new journey!

John D Benton

(he/him)

John D Benton, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
35 years of experience
Virtual
Hello!. My name is John Benton, LCSW from Illinois. I have been a licensed therapist since 2007 working 19 years in a community mental health center. Prior to that i was counseling in group homes for adolescent boys and girls who had serious behavior and thinking problems. I have treated many mental health issues arise in various ethnicities and age groups. I have also supervised staff in properly applying counseling techniques and behavior modifications to help youth successfully reintegrate to their homes of origin, foster homes, and in society in general.

Lisa Feldmann/Koegler

(she/her)

Lisa Feldmann/Koegler, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

LCPC
23 years of experience
Virtual
Hello! So glad you are here! Do you get into relationships hoping that this time things will be different? Do you feel overwhelmed and have a hard time exploring and working towards your goals or just life fulfillment? Would you like a more kind and loving relationship with yourself? I love helping people who are ready to identify patterns that hold them back from happiness and fulfillment in both relationship and other areas of life. My name is Lisa and I provide therapy for both addictions and mental health issues. While I have treated those with active addiction for many years, I also treat the patterns stemming from addictions and family dysfunction. This can impact relationships as well as how we see ourselves throughout life. I have a Masters of Education degree in Counselor Education from Southern Illinois University specializing in Substance Abuse. From substance abuse counseling, I have expanded my areas of specialties to include family and relationship dynamics and how to heal survival skills" that have evolved into self defeating life patterns.

Alexis Kraus

(she/her)

Alexis Kraus, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
7 years of experience
Virtual
Hi, I'm Alexis. You might be feeling overwhelmed with life and need someone to talk to. Therapy is an essential practice that will help you understand your challenges and bring you the happiness you deserve. I will be there to support and guide you as you grow into the person you want to be. My goal as a therapist is to help you overcome obstacles and develop the skills needed to improve your overall well-being. I provide a warm and non-judgmental space for you to be truly heard so that you can communicate your authentic thoughts and feelings in a safe place. I can help you address your problems, make positive changes, and use the skills that we develop together to solve future problems. I am certified in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and often incorporate aspects of talk therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, motivational interviewing, problem solving, and skill building techniques into my work with clients. Each technique is tailored specifically to each individual's needs. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) helping serve individuals in Chicago and all over Illinois. I have extensive experience working with teens and adults diagnosed with anxiety, depression, mood disorders, thought disorders, substance use disorders, and trauma histories. No matter what you are going through I will be there to aid you as you take on this journey, we call life.

Merek Poto

(she/her)

Merek Poto, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
5 years of experience
Virtual
Hi! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Illinois. I received my Masters from Aurora University and I have been practicing for 5 years. I am a warm, empathetic therapist who helps adults become the best versions of themselves. I work to help people understand who they are and manage their various stressors, anxieties, and emotions. Combining my lived and professional experience, I specialize in working with LGBTQ adults to address needs specific to our community, especially those of transgender experience. Further, I myself am an individual who has detransitioned and I extend services to those who have as well. I understand what it's like to go through transition and go back, and I want to ensure my clients get thorough care, transitioning or detransitioning. Of course, I work with people who are inside and outside the LGBTQ community, I'm an advocate for you. I also work with personality disorders, trauma, anxiety, depression, and so much more. Regardless of what brings you to therapy, I have a wide range of resources available to all my clients for extra support. My biggest priority in therapy is honesty, as well as giving you a space you feel comfortable in so you can open up at your pace. I want to build a strong, lasting alliance between us so we can help you become the best version of yourself. I know that together, we are going to do great things. A little about me, I have a sphynx cat named Cupid and a black cat named Tofu. Behind me sits my spider, Marrow, who burrows and builds tunnels more than she spins webs. I also enjoy playing DND, I've been drawing since I was in kindergarten, and I play lots of video games, particularly fantasy RPGs.

Patrick Cornelius

(he/they)

Patrick Cornelius, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCPC
5 years of experience
Virtual
Hello, my name Patrick and I served in three combat tours: serving our country for nine years as a United States Marine. I decided to serve those that are mentally ill in 2013 after my tour of service. After 5 years of study and schooling I got my start in 2017 in a dual-disorder treatment center conducting Intensive inpatient/outpatient groups and utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Interpersonal Therapy as an approach to treating mental health disorders. Today, I specialize in taking an eclectic approach to using interventions looking at the holistic approaches to the human dynamic. This means looking at a person’s relationships and/or lack, cognitive schemas, their behaviors and habits, their priorities, and then determining how interventions and treatment plans will be formulated. I look at a person’s self-concept and determine holistically how their behaviors, thoughts, and patterns are contributing to their problems and functioning. The skills and tools of a therapist are the personal characteristics they bring into therapy: empathy, active listening these aren’t just attributes that look good on paper but are verbal and non-verbal forms of communication; and its these skills I believe what enables successful outcomes in therapy.

Dr. Deanna (Dee) Brookhart

Dr. Deanna (Dee) Brookhart, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCPC
29 years of experience
Virtual
Welcome! I'm Dr. DeAnna (Dee Dee) Brookhart. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, a Certified Advanced Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor and CODPII in the State of Illinois. I have over 29 years of experience as a therapist, in both the Community Mental Health model and in Private Practice. My experience includes working with individuals, couples and families. My therapeutic approach is client centered and solution oriented. I will use the best approach to help my client. I have extensive training in addictions and cognitive behavior therapy. I am an avid believer in utilizing a holistic approach to mental health therapy: mind, body, emotional and social factors all contribute to the overall wellness of every individual. I love cooking, reading and spending time with my family and fur babies. Traveling to the beach is also high on my list of life loves! It takes courage to take the first step towards change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and help you unlock your happiness and satisfaction with your life. It's choice, not chance that you are reading this and looking to make your life better! I hope to earn the right to hear your story! I look forward to working with you! SPECIALTIES Stress, Anxiety Addictions Depression Marital /Couples Counseling Also experienced in: Family and Blended Family Issues Work place issues and trauma Personality Disorders Clinical approaches: Client Centered, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy,

Daffaney Burnside

(she/her)

Daffaney Burnside, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
6 years of experience
Virtual
As a child, I always wanted to pursue a career where I could assist with an individual’s growth, creativity and happiness. I learned at a young age the struggles that life can bring, not only through the inevitable, but also through situational traumas that we at times have to face and endure. Being an active member in the clinical field of helping professionals, I have certainly learned the importance of patience, empathy and peace. Identifying and securing ones’ purpose in life, creates the true masterpiece of one’s story. My goal is to assist you in your journey to self-actualization. ​

Adam Woehlke

(he/him)

Adam Woehlke, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCPC
15 years of experience
Virtual
I have been working in the mental wellness field for over 15 years. What I find to be most helpful is to build a relationship with people first, I utilize person-centered therapy at the core although I will work to alter the therapeutic approach to meet individuals' needs through counseling. While I might be skilled in the process, you are the expert on yourself, and I look forward to walking through therapy with you to identify areas of growth you would like to explore.

Maria Nowak

(she/her)

Maria Nowak, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
15 years of experience
Virtual
I am a mature and empathetic individual with experience in PTSD, as well as both mood and personality disorders. Non-judgemental and eclectic in my approach. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and have experience working with a variety of populations in a variety of settings, ranging from residential/restorative to outpatient. I have 10+ years of experience addressing a variety of challenges, including depression, anxiety, grief, religious trauma, and relationship challenges. I am interested in working with adults, adolescents, and older children.

Stefani Jivkova

(she/her)

Stefani Jivkova, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

LCPC
7 years of experience
Virtual
My name is Stefani and I am a therapist, practicing for 7 years. I have my senior counseling license (LCPC) in Illinois. I am also an EMDR trained therapist for trauma work. My professional background includes a wide range, from working with high acuity clients in inpatient and correctional settings to lower acuity clients receiving outpatient telehealth services. I have experience with treating multiple mental health disorders and issues, as well as managing life stressors and adjustments.

Ariel Swanson

(she/her)

Ariel Swanson, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
10 years of experience
Virtual
I am so glad you’re here - give yourself a moment for making it this far! I’m Ariel Swanson, LCSW. I’ve been in practice since 2014 in a variety of settings with a variety of people. I’m solution focused and want to work with you to create goals to work towards a healthy future. Think about what brought you here - divorce, mood deregulation, stress or life all together. I’m here for you.

Carrie Parr

(she/her)

Carrie Parr, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

LCSW
22 years of experience
Virtual
We live in a fast passed society, and it can be hard to keep up with all of our various life roles and responsibilities. Those who are making mental health a priority in their lives are notably the most satisfied and happy individuals in our American culture. I am a social worker by trade, and I have been a licensed clinician for over 20 years. I offer my clients a safe space to express their feelings, get to know themselves on a deeper level, and learn skills to take control of their thoughts and emotions. I guide my clients at their own pace to define and achieve their therapy goals. I believe that all people have it within themselves to optimize their own growth and success in all areas of life. Guiding you in your effort to achieve your definition of personal success and satisfaction is the ultimate objective.

Breann Gray

(she/her)

Breann Gray, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCPC
12 years of experience
Virtual
I enjoy working with clients who are motivated to change. Do you struggle with low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, life changes/transitions, racism-based trauma, difficulty setting boundaries or relationship stress? I seek to provide a space for growth and healing where you can safely share vulnerable parts of your life. I have 12 years of experience working with adolescents and adults in numerous levels of care including inpatient, partial hospitalization, and outpatient therapy programs. I will work with you by educating and empowering you. I will team up with you to show how your perceptions influence your behaviors. I am culturally responsive, LGBTQIA+ affirming, and will use your strengths to help you in your healing journey.

Jody McGuyer

(she/her)

Jody McGuyer, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

LCPC
15 years of experience
Virtual
Working as a counselor within a myriad of settings and diverse populations for the last 14 years has allowed me to become the therapist that has established a safe, empathetic, and knowledgeable space for you to grow. My clinical expertise includes having worked within juvenile residential and outpatient, adult outpatient, hospital, private practice, and adult correctional settings. This experience has allowed me to work with individuals presenting with life stressors, changes, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, issues related to legal issues/incarceration, trauma, domestic violence, and sexual abuse.

Dana Taylor

(she/her)

Dana Taylor, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
5 years of experience
Virtual
You don’t have to go through this alone. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Illinois, I am here to help. My experience practicing in outpatient community mental health spans across diverse populations and ages in both group and individual therapy settings. I will work with you to build hope, identify strengths, cope with difficult thoughts and emotions, adjust thinking and behaviors, and alleviate the symptoms that are preventing you from living your life more fully.

Jennifer Kronk Terry

(she/her)

Jennifer Kronk Terry, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

LCPC
3 years of experience
Virtual
Hello! It is very nice to meet you. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor based in Chicago, IL (cis/het married woman.) I have worked in various areas of community mental health (13+ years) and as a private therapist (3 years) totaling 16 years in the field. I have experience with significant mental illness, trauma, recovery, and life transitions. I work with individuals (teens and adults) and couples. I am an accredited trauma therapist (APT) and I am trained in Narrative Therapy. Additionally, I am a "nerd" therapist. I want to hear about what you read, watch, play, etc. We can talk about cosplay and conventions and the like. I like to draw parallels between real life challenges and the stories that we read in books and see on TV and movies (you can expect me to mention the following: INSIDE OUT, ENCANTO, BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER, X-FILES, STAR WARS, STAR TREK, DOCTOR WHO, the MCU, etc, as well as the whole hero’s journey that we all take.) And I want to hear what stories keep you inspired and motivated. I want to know what you enjoy and feel passionate about. Our primary focus will be on what has brought you to therapy and what you want to work on but I know that there are many paths to these goals. As Tolkien said, “Not all who wander are lost.” So, we might wander a bit but we will wander together. At some point, during our virtual session, you will probably see one or both of my cats and your pets are welcome as well. Trans/queer friendly and welcoming. Now Reading: NONVIOLENT COMMUNICATION: A LANGUAGE OF LIFE by Marshall Rosenberg Now Watching: TED LASSO, ANDOR.

Lauren Campbell

(she/her)

Lauren Campbell, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
9 years of experience
Virtual
I want to make therapy as comfortable as possible. Coming to therapy can be an intimidating process. The last thing people want is some stuffy, uptight professional that makes people feel like they need to censor themselves. I pride myself in being warm, friendly, and relatable. I view therapy as a collaboration between the therapist and client. I will do my best to make your therapy experience positive. My role is to listen, teach, support, and collaborate with my clients. I have worked in a variety of settings since embarking on my journey as a mental health clinician including hospice care, domestic violence, community mental health, intensive outpatient, and urgent mental healthcare. My preference is to work with mature adolescents and adults of all ages both in person and virtually.

Keri Perillo

(she/her)

Keri Perillo, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCPC
6 years of experience
Virtual
Therapy is a safe place for a client to remove the masks that we all wear and begin to heal. For this to happen, I believe in providing a space of understanding, empathy, active listening, and kindness. I strive to teach people the coping tools they need to not only heal, but have the happy, meaningful life that they deserve. My goal is to support my clients through active listening and helping them reach their goals.There is nothing more exciting than helping people discover their potential, find peace in a chaotic world, and achieve life goals. I believe in teaching people about actual self-care so that they do not have to rely on commercial self-care as an escape from their reality. Most of all, I believe that in building a trusting, nonjudgmental, safe therapeutic relationship where clients can process adverse experiences and move forward, effectively navigating life’s problems.

Alice Fitzgerald

(she/her)

Alice Fitzgerald, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCPC
12 years of experience
Virtual
Hello- I’m Alice I enjoy helping others change, grow and solve lifelong challenges. I have my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology and a Masters degree in Marriage and Family Counseling including specialization in substance abuse and Adlerian theory from Adler University in Chicago. I am a licensed clinical professional counselor. I have a history of working in different types of settings from community mental health providing services to children, families and adults, emergency room settings determining if hospitalization is necessary, department of corrections with maximum security inmates, online therapy organization providing video, text and phone services and a private practice. Given my variety of experiences with clients and setting, I feel my greatest strength is the ability to listen and understand what the client is hoping to achieve in therapy. I want to help you be successful in your life, your relationships and career. I want to provide a safe, non judgmental environment for you to share your feelings, thoughts and issues.

Greg Donathan

(he/him)

Greg Donathan, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
20 years of experience
Virtual
I have been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for the past 20 years and have a wide variety of experiences working with clients. I am certified in DBT and have training in ACT, motivational interviewing and trauma treatment. I find great fulfillment in partnering with clients in order to help them find the life they wish to live. I focus on what the client seeks and work to develop practical skills to help improve emotional balance, better relationships and more awareness of the present moment.

Ja’Nera Johnson

(she/her)

Ja’Nera Johnson, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
8 years of experience
Virtual
Welcome! I'm an LCSW-BACS and Louisiana native who practices in both, Texas & Louisiana. I’ve worked with a variety of clinical presentations, in various clinical settings. I have experience working with children, youth, adults, veterans and families. The settings in which I’ve practiced include intense inpatient, clinic, substance use disorder treatment, mental health rehabilitation, correctional rehabilitation facility and school settings. I'm EMDR trained and a recently Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP). I collaboratively assist clients with improving their self-esteem and self-worth, processing trauma, managing depression and anxiety, challenging negative thought processes, emotion dysregulation, and processing symptoms of grief and mood disorders. This is a collaborative therapeutic process that allows fostering healthy intrapersonal and interpersonal relationships, resolving symptoms of grief and trauma, modifying negative internal narratives, managing anxiety and depression, decreasing emotion dysregulation and dissociating, and fostering one's sense of self. I've worked with adults, families and adolescents who experienced anxiety, depression, family transitions, trauma wounds, anxiety, low self-esteem, PTSD, LGTBQIA transitions, substance use, bipolar mood disorders, personality disorders and several other life challenges etc. I have been so honored to be present throughout my client's journeys of growth, if only to help unburden them from internal suffering. I strive to be both non-judgmental, and collaborative, while challenging those that fear based responses to the environment.

Jenelle Hoyt

Jenelle Hoyt, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCPC
6 years of experience
Virtual
My name is Jenelle Hoyt, I am an award winning Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) with over 10+ years of experience in the helping profession. As a therapist, I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including anxiety, depression, self-esteem and career challenges, as well as emotional and physical trauma to cite a few. I specialize in helping individuals who are not only feeling the stressors of life but also unsure of how to cope with or change these stressors in a positive way. We will work together to create attainable goals that will be reviewed and assessed consistently to ensure that they align with the vision of who you are and want to continue to be.

Frequently asked questions

Why filter by Illinois rather than a city like Chicago?

When looking for online therapy, you can see anyone that is credentialed in the state. We want you to find the best fit, therefore, Grow Therapy shows available therapists across Illinois from Rockford to Springfield! If you’d rather see someone in-person, you can change the filter from virtual and find a therapist near you in Illinois.

Will my therapist take AvMed?

Yes! If you use AvMed you’ll be asked to verify your Member ID at the time you book the appointment. However, if you don’t have AvMed you can select cash. Our therapists will have their cost of appointment on their profile. Individual session costs will vary.

How does the Specialty Filter work? Can I find a therapist that focuses on Personality Disorders?

The specialty filter is optional. You don’t need to check any boxes to see a provider. However, fit is very important when selecting an online therapist. If you have knowledge or experience to recognize what specialties you may need. For example, your selected specialty, Personality Disorders, is filtering therapists in Illinois that work with patients with similar concerns.

Why use Gender, Age, and Identities filters?

Finding a provider with a similar life experience can be beneficial because it can be easier to establish rapport and potentially be understood quicker and clearer.

What to expect during your first session?

Your first therapy session is for you and your therapist to meet each other and to ask any questions that you have about the counseling process. This is where you can expect your therapist to do the same as they will ask questions to gain insight into your specific situation. In this first session the therapist is doing their part to gather as much information so they can better assess if they are able to meet your therapeutic needs.

Depending upon your provider's specialty, you may also discuss the methods the therapist will use. For additional information on therapy methods, please visit the Grow Therapy Help Center. Some people feel nervous before their first appointment, and that is totally normal! Coming prepared with a list of questions for your therapist may help. Remember, you're taking a brave step by seeking therapy, and it is okay to be nervous as you try something new.