Therapists that accept Cash Pay in Illinois

Choosing a cash pay option for mental health care can provide flexibility and access to quality support without the constraints of insurance networks. With 454 verified therapists in Illinois who accept cash pay, you can explore therapeutic approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, and supportive counseling to address a range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, and ADHD. Each Grow Therapy-verified therapist that has a cash pay option listed below is currently welcoming new clients and has availability soon, offering you a straightforward path to compassionate, accessible care on your terms.

Find therapists near you in

Chicago

Availability updated: 6/12/2026

New to Grow

$120/session

Specialties

Anger Management
Anxiety
Coping Skills
My passion is to work with people to help them navigate their lives difficulties that they face in life. I like to work with people to help them identify their strengths so they can live a healthier more productive life. I like to help assist people with tools that they may not have utilized to give them the ability to work through things that may arise.
Available

$180/session

Authentic
Intelligent

Specialties

ADHD
Life Transitions
Women's Issues
+10
Welcome to La Conseillère Creative | Art Therapy | Contemporary Counseling & the Studio in Situ | Creative Spaces made Anywhere! I'm EC an Art Therapist (MAAT + MFA), Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and Certified Domestic Violence Counselor specializing in Trauma Informed Psycho-education and care. Prior to achieving ABC soup status I identified as an artist, designer and community activator. My work exists at the intersection of radical self-expression, relational aesthetics, and manufactured systems. For more than a decade, I have worked with individuals navigating the human condition in the context of a sublime horror we know as the American dream. I work especially well with creativly curious, intellectually restless, hard workers or entrepreneurs, and those who have felt alienated by social roles, institutions, or purely medicalized approaches to mental health. Many of my clients are perceptive, skilled and capable, yet feel fragmented, overextended, creatively blocked, or disconnected from achieving self-actualization. My approach is collaborative, experiential, and structurally aware. I believe psychological health cannot be separated from holistic wellness, environment, labor, relationships, embodiment, culture, or material conditions. Together we examine not only symptoms, but the broader natural & constructed ecosystems we inhabit. We investigate mobility through social and emotional "life worlds", the narratives one has inherited, our survival strategies, what we find valuable, beautiful and how we make meaning with a life's worth of raw material. Alongside clinical practice, I have developed community-based art and advocacy projects with justice system-impacted individuals, survivors of violence, as well as alternative labor communities. Across all of this work runs a shared question: how do human beings maintain dignity, imagination, agency, community and connection under difficult conditions?
Available

Often rebooked

$100/session

Warm
Authentic
Empowering

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Peer Relationships
+10
Hello! I am so glad to see that you are seeking therapeutic services! I am a licensed practitioner who has worked the last 15 years with: severe mental illness, intellectual disabilities and autism, substance abuse, personality disorders, and those experiencing adjustment disorders, PTSD, clinical depression and anxiety, burn-out for those in the helping professions, as well as supporting gender identity. I strive to help each client find an individualized path that will bring them towards their wellness goals and alleviate the distress that keeps one feeling stuck, alone, and hopeless. You can feel better and it is my honor to help you get there.
VirtualAvailable

$130/session

Authentic
Open-minded
Solution oriented

Specialties

Anxiety
Coping Skills
Depression
+10
Are you feeling stuck or overwhelmed? I’m here to help you navigate stress, conflict, anxiety, and depression. Whether you're an individual, couple, or family, I’ll provide the tools and strategies to improve your well-being, regain control, and move forward with confidence. Together, we'll develop a winning game plan to strengthen your sense of purpose—shifting from struggling day-to-day to truly thriving.
VirtualAvailable

New to Grow

$100/session

Specialties

LGBTQ
Trauma and PTSD
Women's Issues
+8
Therapy with me is collaborative, compassionate, and grounded in the belief that everyone has strengths to build upon. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or ready for change, I offer a supportive space to help you move forward with clarity and confidence. My approach honors your lived experience while supporting growth, resilience, and meaningful change at your own pace. Building trust and rapport is at the heart of my work. I strive to offer a warm, empathetic space where you feel heard, supported, and understood, and definitely not judged.
Available

$150/session

Authentic
Solution oriented
Warm

Specialties

Addiction
LGBTQ
Mood Disorders
+10
Reaching out for support can be difficult, but my goal is to create a safe space for you. I take a guiding, strengths-based, and trauma informed approach, to help foster your growth, and provide the support that you need. I specialize in working with folx, with mood disorders, anxiety, PTSD, substance use, and BPD. I will meet you at whichever stage you’re in. I am queer identifying and affirming, and also support LGBTQIA+ folx, through the journeys unique to us. I work with individual adolescents (age 12+) and adults, and am neurodivergent informed and affirming as well. I would be honored to help you, on your journey.
Available

$100/session

Warm
Authentic
Empowering

Specialties

Addiction
Anxiety
Depression
+3
I have been practicing Social Work/Counseling for 34 years. I am very passionate about what I do, and enjoy seeing clients set goals and take active steps to achieving those goals. I love getting to know my clients, and forming a safe place for them to explore ways they want to overcome barriers to growth and change. It is truly a privilege to meet in the therapeutic space and witness the growth that human beings can make when they are met where they are at and given the unconditional positive regard they deserve.
VirtualAvailable

$125/session

Authentic
Intelligent
Open-minded

Specialties

Anger Management
Anxiety
Depression
+10
My name is Marc Genson and I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and I have been a counselor for over 15 years. Counseling is a passion of mine as this alllows a client to really learn about themselves and who they are and want to become. You are taking a brave step to seek help and I am happy to help you along your journey. We all have something we want to change and I am here to help with that. We all have areas in our lives that we can grow in and learn from and I am here to help you in those areas. No one is perfect but we often tell ourselves we have to be and that's not fair to us. Sometimes our thinking causes us to not be our best self and we make mistakes. I am here to help correct these mistakes moving forward through improved cognition, awareness and decision making via CBT, ACT and DBT techniques. I know how important my job is and I want my clients to know I will be there to listen, support and guide but not tell them how to live their lives. I welcome the chance to help a new client become the best version of themselves.
Available

$100/session

Open-minded
Authentic
Warm

Specialties

Anxiety
LGBTQ
Trauma and PTSD
+10
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.
VirtualAvailable

$120/session

Authentic
Open-minded

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Grief
+10
Since beginning my career in psychotherapy in 2002, I have been driven by a deep commitment to assisting individuals navigate life’s challenges and realize their fullest potential. Over more than two decades, I’ve had the privilege of guiding clients through moments of crisis and transformation—whether they arrived seeking relief from anxiety, support in grieving, or guidance through life transitions. My approach is integrative, blending the humanistic clarity of client‑centered therapy with the structured, skill‑based power of cognitive behavioral techniques. I specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Client-Centered Therapy, combining practical tools with a supportive, nonjudgmental space. My approach helps clients challenge unhelpful thoughts, build coping skills, and grow through empathy, trust, and collaboration. Reaching out for help can feel daunting—I know it takes courage to share your worries or frustrations. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, low mood, relationship challenges, or feeling stuck, you’re not alone and your story matters. If you’re curious about therapy or how to start, I’d be honored to listen and support you when you’re ready.
Available

$130/session

Empowering
Intelligent

Specialties

Men's Issues
Sex Therapy
Trauma and PTSD
+9
I am a licensed clinician specializing in integrative, somatic psychotherapy that supports clients in deepening the connection between mind and body. I earned my clinical training and graduate education in mental health counseling and have experience working with individuals navigating anxiety, trauma, relationship challenges, and emotional dysregulation. My approach is collaborative and grounded, blending evidence-based practices with somatic awareness to help clients build insight, resilience, and lasting change.
Available

$125/session

Specialties

ADHD
Anxiety
Trauma and PTSD
+7
I am a licensed clinical professional counselor specializing in ADHD, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and trauma. I am trained in many treatment modalities but primarily utilize Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) methods. I am also trained and utilize Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) to address PTSD and trauma. I am here to help you challenge the negative beliefs and/or thoughts holding you back and replace them with positive beliefs and motivation. I want to help you fight the battles nobody sees you fighting and give you tools to keep on fighting on those hard days.
Available

New to Grow

$140/session

Warm

Specialties

Anxiety
Eating Disorders
Life Transitions
+8
I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and co-founder of Sunrise Therapy PLLC. Over the past three years, I’ve worked in nonprofit, outpatient, and intensive care settings, supporting people through high-pressure transitions. My focus is helping people slow things down enough to understand what they’re carrying and move at a pace that feels safe for their nervous system, so change can actually hold.
Available

$130/session

Warm
Authentic
Open-minded

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Trauma and PTSD
+8
We all struggle with obstacles that seem insurmountable but I believe everyone has the power within themselves to reach for the stars. Sometimes it takes baby steps and often we need someone we can trust to lend a helping hand. I will be there to listen and offer that hand. I am an empathetic, mental health professional with 20 years experience counseling children, adolescents and adults. . I welcome diversity and am experienced servicing the LGBTQ community. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
VirtualAvailable

Often rebooked

$200/session

Solution oriented
Intelligent
Authentic

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Men's Issues
+10
Throughout my career, I’ve worked in a variety of settings, including hospitals, community mental health centers, private practice, and nonprofit organizations. My personal and family history also affords me valuable lived experiences that inform my approach with clients and advances my ability to extend empathy to my clients. This diverse experience has allowed me to work with people from many different walks of life, each with their own unique challenges, hopes, and dreams.
VirtualAvailable

$125/session

Specialties

Anxiety
Coping Skills
Depression
+10
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the constant demands of work, parenting, or life in general? You’re not alone—and you don’t have to figure it all out by yourself. I work with adults who are struggling to manage stress, burnout, anxiety, and depression, especially those trying to juggle the pressures of professional and personal responsibilities. I have a special focus on supporting educators and school professionals who often give so much to others that their own well-being takes a back seat. Together, we’ll create a supportive, collaborative space where you can feel heard, understood, and empowered to make meaningful change. My approach is warm, practical, and tailored to help you feel better and find a sense of balance again. Before transitioning into private practice, I spent 34 years working in public schools, helping students, families, and staff navigate life’s challenges. That experience gave me a deep understanding of how stress shows up across all areas of life—and how important it is to have a safe place to process, heal, and grow.
VirtualAvailable

$95/session

Warm
Empowering
Authentic

Specialties

Anxiety
Mood Disorders
Spirituality
+3
I welcome you to join me on your journey of self-discovery therefore helping you create a peaceful and fulfilling life. I am deeply committed to assisting you in embracing your true power and understanding your inherent worth. With my compassionate and loving nature, I derive great joy from helping individuals enhance their lives. As a clinician, I have come to recognize that the most crucial aspect of counseling is the establishment of a strong connection and a sense of comfort between the therapist and the individual seeking support. I strive to create a safe and supportive environment for those I assist. Most recently, I completed a 2-year program in advanced spiritual psychology, which has enriched the depth of my therapeutic abilities. Throughout my career, I have provided counseling for a wide range of issues, including but not limited to depression, anxiety, stress, family problems, trauma, abuse, addictions, relationship challenges and parenting issues. By combining my expertise, experience, and compassionate nature, I am dedicated to supporting you in your journey toward healing and personal growth. Together, we can work towards creating a more peaceful, joyful and fulfilling life for you.
VirtualAvailable

$170/session

Warm
Humorous
Empowering

Specialties

Anxiety
Coping Skills
Mood Disorders
+4
With 15+ years of experience, Mitsouko Chatelain, LCSW, provides compassionate, trauma-informed therapy for children (5+), teens, adults, and older adults. Specializing in anxiety, depression, trauma, identity, and life transitions, she blends evidence-based practices like CBT, DBT, and Trauma-Focused CBT with a holistic, mind-body-spirit approach. In a safe, empowering space, Mitsouko helps you connect with your inner strengths, build resilience, and move toward lasting well-being.
VirtualAvailable

$136/session

Authentic
Empowering
Holistic

Specialties

Addiction
Anxiety
Depression
+7
My name is Vince. I’m a licensed clinical social worker. I’ve worked in inpatient rehab as well as outpatient mental health facilities. I help people manage their anxiety and depression by learning coping skills. I help people process their past experiences and help people identify problem areas to improve. I help people develop their identity and their self-esteem to help become the person they need to be for themselves in their family.
VirtualAvailable

$150/session

Humorous
Open-minded

Specialties

Anxiety
Couples Counseling
Trauma and PTSD
+10
Hello! My name is Nessa and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I also have a Master of Science in General Psychology. I offer therapy that fits you by understanding your challenges, creating a plan, and celebrating your progress. I offer a safe, inclusive space with in‑person or virtual sessions. We will work together on tough things like boundaries, grief, transitions, and patterns that keep you stuck. I am certified in therapeutic table-top gaming which allows for the therapy experience to happen through table-top role playing games. I also offer EMDR to help you with processing your deepest traumas and triggers. I can also work with you and your partner to build a relationship that is solid and fulfilling for everyone involved. I am a huge nerd and love to incorporate pop culture and gaming into my practice. If you have something that you connect with, let me know and we can absolutely relate that to your healing journey! We can bring in your favorite show, anime, video game, or TTRPG. I believe that therapy is a journey we take together down a river. You are driving the boat, and my job is to prepare you for rough waters and things that might trip you up. I view therapy as a collaboration between us, and a journey that moves at your pace. I look at therapy from a very trauma informed lens, and make sure to adjust my interventions to what you need most.
Available

$140/session

Intelligent
Warm

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Life Transitions
+10
I'm the baby of 4. I believe in the power of compassion and empathy to foster healing and growth. My therapeutic philosophy centers around active listening, compassion, and trust. I strive to create a space where you feel validated, supported, and understood. My approach ensures that you are met with empathy and respect, no matter what challenges you are facing.
Available

$300/session

Solution oriented
Authentic
Empowering

Specialties

Coping Skills
Grief
Life Transitions
+10
Welcome! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois with over 10 years of clinical experience and more than 35 years of experience in life coaching. I earned my Master of Social Work degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago and have dedicated my career to helping individuals navigate life's challenges with compassion, understanding, and practical support. I work with adults ages 25 to 75+ who may be facing chronic illnesses, stress, life transitions, relationship concerns, or other personal challenges. Life can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when you're carrying responsibilities, coping with health concerns, or trying to manage unexpected changes. You don't have to face those struggles alone.
VirtualAvailable

$175/session

Intelligent
Warm
Authentic

Specialties

Mood Disorders
Suicidal Ideation
Trauma and PTSD
+2
I'm a psychotherapist and Clinical Social Worker with 26 years experience providing mental health care for individuals, couples and families. I have experience providing brief and long-term therapy with adolescents and adults coping with a spectrum of mental health conditions; grief and loss; relationship issues; occupational problems and social injustices. It's exciting when relief and hope grow from therapy and the relationship supports meaningful change.
VirtualAvailable

$150/session

Intelligent
Solution oriented

Specialties

Grief
Life Transitions
Women's Issues
+10
I am a licensed clinical social worker providing individual and group therapy for adults experiencing relationship challenges, grief and loss, emotional overwhelm and major life transitions. I help clients identify patterns that keep them stuck, strengthen boundaries and build practical coping strategies that support meaningful lasting change. My approach is structured, supportive and nonjudgmental. I offer Christian based counseling as an option for clients who wish to integrate faith into their work.
VirtualAvailable

$65/session

Authentic
Open-minded
Empowering

Specialties

Addiction
Coping Skills
Life Transitions
+10
Hey there! I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC). I am also a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC). I received my Masters Degree from Chicago State University in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and I have a combined sixteen years of experience in helping teenagers, young adults and adults navigate the challenges of life while promoting wellness and self-care. I find that it can be challenging, trying to figure out where you are presently and where you are trying to go. While navigating current life experiences, these challenges can cause frustration, with a need to seek freedom, sometimes choosing the unhealthy ways to cope. Sometimes we need a space and a support person that can help us navigate through these challenges and find healthy ways to cope. I am here to provide that support.
VirtualAvailable
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 Illinois. 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 insurance?

When booking you’ll be asked to verify with your Member ID. However, if you don’t have any of the insurances available 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 a specific issue?

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.

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 happens during the first therapy 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.