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 276 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.

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Chicago

Availability updated: 8/17/2026

$160/session

Authentic
Empowering
Warm

Specialties

Life Transitions
Anxiety
Coping Skills
+3
Hello my name is Gabby Wnek and I am a licensed clinical social worker based in Illinois. I have been practicing for 8 years. I help adults with anxiety, depressing, stress, and burnout. I help clients identify where they are feeling stuck, educate clients on the nervous system, and provide tools and techniques to regulate the nervous system. My approach with client is very practical so that clients can have a toolbox of skills that they can use for the rest of their lives.
VirtualAvailable
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$110/session

Warm
Authentic
Empowering

Specialties

Life Transitions
Anxiety
Grief
+4
Welcome! I'm Sarah! Your story matters. You have value. I don't want you to walk through this pain alone. I work with females who want to work on anxiety, people-pleasing, insecure attachment, emotional regulation, perfectionism, communication, setting boundaries, grief, comparison, self-compassion, shame, building confidence, divorce, health struggles, relational concerns, navigating breakups, practicing self-care, and building a healthy relationship with yourself and others. Whatever is hurting or aching must be tended to. I am a warm, Christian therapist who focuses on creating a space where you can share the painful parts of your story as well as feel supported through practical tools and new perspectives to move forward. In the first few minutes of each session, I teach a tool. These tools have been extremely helpful for me and my clients, so I am passionate to share them and find my clients make more progress! Then I check in with you on what you would like to process for that day. After you share, I focus on processing your feelings and the situation as well as sharing my perspectives and tools. Feel free to reach out to see if I might be a good fit for you!
VirtualAvailable
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$135/session

Solution oriented
Holistic
Authentic

Specialties

Life Transitions
Anxiety
Substance Misuse
+10
Welcome! I’m a bilingual Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Addiction Counselor with more than 20 years of experience—and this work is truly my passion. As someone who came to this as a second career, I consider it an honor and privilege to walk alongside young adults and adults as they navigate life’s challenges. I provide counseling for a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, substance misuse, process addictions, anger, relationship difficulties, and life transitions. My counseling style is warm, empowering, and collaborative. I believe that every person has the strength and wisdom to create meaningful change, and I strive to offer a safe, respectful, and supportive space where you can explore, heal, and grow. My role as a therapist is to guide, advocate, and support you as you find your voice and build a more balanced and fulfilling life. I meet clients where they are, honoring the belief that you are the expert of your own experience. To ensure each person receives the focused care and attention they deserve, I intentionally keep a small caseload. This allows me to be fully present and responsive to each client’s unique needs. I take an integrated, person-centered approach that draws from cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness and meditation practices, dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). Every treatment plan is developed collaboratively, tailored to your goals, preferences, and pace—because therapy should fit you, not the other way around. If you’re ready to take the next step toward a healthier, more grounded life, I would be honored to support you on that journey.
VirtualAvailable
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$100/session

Authentic
Empowering
Warm

Specialties

Life Transitions
Anxiety
Depression
+5
Sometimes it feels like the actual apocalypse is just around the corner. We are bombarded with terrible headline after terrible headline. Inflation is making it harder to pay the bills, let alone have fun, or reach our dreams. With so much going on in the world, it’s no wonder that there are greater rates of anxiety and depression! In the midst of it all, you might be trying to figure out who you are, what you want from life, how to have that honest conversation with your friend, setting boundaries with a parent, whether to switch jobs, learning to be more comfortable in your skin, etc. It’s a lot to manage. I can help. I am a licensed psychologist and consider myself a generalist with a wide variety of clinical interests including issues related to family of origin, self esteem, identity development, issues related to oppression and marginalized identities, depression, anxiety, stress, and interpersonal relationships.
Available
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$119/session

Empowering
Solution oriented
Warm

Specialties

Life Transitions
Addiction
Crisis Intervention
+10
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) who offers a supportive, compassionate space where clients can feel seen, heard, and understood. I work with adolescents and adults navigating anxiety, depression, grief, substance use concerns, and life transitions. My approach is collaborative, culturally responsive, and grounded in evidence-based practices, with a strong emphasis on building trust and emotional safety. Together, we focus on increasing self-awareness, strengthening coping skills, and supporting meaningful, sustainable change so clients can feel more confident, balanced, and empowered in their daily lives.
VirtualAvailable
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New to Grow

$120/session

Specialties

Life Transitions
Couples Counseling
Grief
+10
Entering the world of personal psychotherapy can be an exciting, yet a foreboding area, if you've not had that opportunity previously, I believe that my first goal is to be welcoming to each and every person. Over some weeks, we will explore your inner pursuits which will help you feel more comfortable in who you are and who you desire to be. For me personally, being alongside you, is a privilege that few people get to have, so I treat it as a sacred opportunity. Helping individuals reach their potential or heal a broken heart is an enormous responsibility, but also one a therapist will approach with care and encouragement.
Available
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New to Grow

$100/session

Specialties

Life Transitions
Anxiety
Coping Skills
+10
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who values honesty, connection, and practical support. I work with adults who may feel overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure of what needs to change. I try to create a space where clients can be open without feeling judged or pressured. Therapy with me is conversational, supportive, and focused on helping you better understand yourself and move forward in a way that feels realistic.
Available
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New to Grow

$100/session

Specialties

Life Transitions
Chronic Illness
Grief
+10
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Work with over 40 years of clinical experience in healthcare and provided clinical interventions targeted with patients who are interested in a journey of personal growth through therapeutic interventions to assist with healing and good mental health. I specialize in HIV/AIDS, LGBTQI concerns, oncology, HIV/AIDS, end of life and life transitions. I am licensed in Florida and Illinois.
Available
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$100/session

Solution oriented
Warm

Specialties

Life Transitions
Anxiety
Depression
+3
Life can feel overwhelming at times, whether you're managing anxiety, depression, past trauma, or navigating major life changes. You don't have to go through it alone. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I provide compassionate, evidence-based telehealth therapy through EmpathicPath, making it easy to access support from the comfort and privacy of your own home. I specialize in working with adults and older adults facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, health changes, retirement, loss of independence, and other life transitions. My goal is to create a warm, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where you feel heard, understood, and empowered. Together, we'll explore what's holding you back, build practical coping strategies, and work toward greater resilience, emotional well-being, and a more fulfilling life. Wherever you are in your journey, I'm here to help you take the next step with confidence and hope.
Available
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$105/session

Authentic
Warm
Challenging

Specialties

Life Transitions
Anxiety
Peer Relationships
+7
As a licensed mental health therapist, I incorporate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, motivational interviewing and solution-focused therapy to support clients throughout the therapeutic process. Together we can work toward helping you discover your voice and experience greater freedom on your journey toward healing, wholeness, and wellness. My goal is to create a safe and supportive therapeutic environment where you feel free to process emotions, express yourself openly, and show up authentically. Through empowerment, self-awareness, and accountability, I strive to help you let go of relationships, patterns, and thought processes that will not serve the healed and evolved version of yourself.
Available
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$175/session

Warm
Authentic
Empowering

Specialties

Life Transitions
Anxiety
Depression
+6
Do you ever wonder is there more to life, more happiness, fulfillment? I have worked with a variety of populations including children and adults that are in crisis, involved with the foster care system of Illinois (DCFS), struggle with self-esteem, anxiety, and feelings of loneliness. I’m known for cultivating self development, self care and determination; specializing in helping you connect with your fullest potential. As a team we will begin shifting your paradigm, developing a new attitude with new results, you desire. “A moment of gratitude makes a difference in your attitude” is one of my favorite quotes. Your reality is what you nurture and focus on. Let’s get to work on what’s most important, you!
VirtualAvailable
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$75/session

Authentic
Open-minded
Empowering

Specialties

Life Transitions
Anxiety
Men's Issues
+10
I provide individually tailored treatment in a safe and supportive environment that draws and builds upon each person's strengths, resources, wisdom and goals. My style is collaborative, warm and interactive. I enjoy working with a range of clients from children to adults. I specialize in the treatment of anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, healing from trauma, major life transitions, grief & loss, identity development, self-esteem difficulties, coping with medical health issues and illnesses, dual diagnosis (substance abuse and co-occurring psychiatric disorders), mindful living, and cultivating self-compassion. Using a strength-based approach, I help clients realize their inner strength to make desired life changes. I believe strongly that people can make those changes and create the life they want. I believe it's important in the therapeutic process to establish a relationship of trust, acceptance and empathy. In keeping with the belief that mental and emotional health is as vital as physical health to overall well-being, I am committed to making services available conveniently and comfortably. Appointments can be scheduled seven days a week with early morning and late evening availability.
VirtualAvailable
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$150/session

Intelligent
Authentic
Empowering

Specialties

Life Transitions
Anxiety
Women's Issues
+10
Hello! My name is Kamaria Excell and I am a therapist, yoga teacher, and floral designer passionate about supporting you on the journey of living a life that is truly your own. My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and focused on creating real lasting change versus temporary bandaid fixes. I support clients in better understanding their inner world and all parts of themselves so that they can divest from old coping skills and lean into a life that is pleasurable, because the most powerful act of creation on this life journey will always be the act of creating ourselves.
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Often rebooked

$125/session

Solution oriented
Empowering
Authentic

Specialties

Life Transitions
Anxiety
Peer Relationships
+10
Life can be overwhelming, messy, and genuinely hard sometimes—and that’s completely okay. For nearly a decade, I’ve supported adults navigating anxiety, trauma, and relationship struggles, helping them feel more grounded, confident, and connected in their lives. While working together, we’ll slow things down to truly understand what you’re going through, explore what matters most to you, and discover practical, realistic ways to move forward. I'm not here to tell you what to do, but to work with you by listening, offering options, and supporting you as you work through challenges and build a life that feels more manageable, meaningful, and true to who you are. I bring warmth, compassion, and even some humor into the process, because healing doesn’t have to feel heavy all the time.
VirtualAvailable
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$130/session

Authentic
Direct
Open-minded

Specialties

Life Transitions
Anxiety
Depression
+10
I’m Lauren Dircks, LCSW, a licensed therapist in Illinois with immediate openings. Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, or life transitions and longing for a safe space to turn? My passion is creating a supportive, empowering space where you feel truly seen as you heal and grow. Along with talk therapy, I offer EMDR for trauma recovery. I welcome teens, adults, seniors, and caregivers from all walks of life, offering a safe, inclusive space to be your authentic self. I support clients with anxiety, depression, grief, LGBTQ+ needs, perinatal care, dementia and caregiver stress, relationship conflict, anger, stress, self-esteem, and life transitions.
Available
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$150/session

Warm
Authentic
Empowering

Specialties

Life Transitions
Trauma and PTSD
Women's Issues
+10
Hi I'm Shan :) ! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who's been working as a therapist since 2018. I'm big hearted, non judgmental and believe in the healing power of authenticity. I've worked with adults of all ages on a wide scope of issues and strongly believe that I learn and grow alongside each and every person I work with.
VirtualAvailable
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$130/session

Empowering
Solution oriented
Warm

Specialties

Life Transitions
Anxiety
Depression
+10
Welcome! My name is April Lacey, and I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois and work with clients statewide via telehealth. I see clients coping with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma, and self-esteem concerns. My approach focuses on fostering a strong collaborative relationship with clients to reach their goals. I value genuineness and believe in meeting clients where they are while treating everyone with respect and compassion.
VirtualAvailable
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New to Grow

$100/session

Authentic
Humorous
Warm

Specialties

Life Transitions
Anxiety
Grief
+9
I am a compassionate, thoughtful, and grounded provider who values creating a safe, supportive space where clients can feel seen, heard, and empowered. My approach is rooted in meeting people where they are while helping them move toward meaningful growth and healing at a pace that feels right for them. I believe every person has a unique path, and my role is to help illuminate possibilities, build on strengths, and support lasting change. In addition to my work as a therapist, I also bring experience as a veterinary social worker, which has deepened my understanding of the emotional challenges that can come with caregiving, grief, loss, and life transitions. This background allows me to offer added compassion and support, especially for clients navigating the unique bond between humans and animals or the stress that can come with caring for a beloved pet. With a warm and collaborative style, I strive to make therapy feel approachable, respectful, and genuinely connected to each client’s needs. I bring curiosity, care, and intention to my work, and I value helping clients navigate challenges while also reconnecting with their sense of self, purpose, and direction. My practice, Infinite Pathways, reflects my belief that there is more than one way forward, and that healing often begins when people feel supported in discovering what works best for them.
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$110/session

Solution oriented
Warm
Authentic

Specialties

Life Transitions
Anxiety
Career Counseling
+3
Hello and welcome to therapy. I offer a conversational style of therapy where we explore your concerns and needs from the very beginning. As a licensed psychotherapist with experience in therapy and corporate coaching, I help clients move from overwhelm and burnout to feeling grounded, clear, and capable. Here’s how I can support you: Are you experiencing life stress, anxiety, and change? If you feel mentally exhausted or overwhelmed, we’ll work together to ease anxiety and help you feel steadier and more in control. I also support neurodivergent adults, including those with ADHD, using practical, realistic strategies tailored to their needs. Are you struggling with work stress, burnout, and career transitions? If work feels draining, uncertain, or unsustainable, you don’t have to navigate it alone. With a doctorate in organizational leadership and years of corporate coaching and training experience, I help professionals manage workplace stress, make effective decisions, clarify career goals, and communicate more effectively at work. Are you needed personal development or life coaching? If you’re repeating the same struggles or feeling uncertain about what comes next, we can find a new way forward. Together, we’ll build healthier habits, navigate challenges more effectively, and help you feel more confident and authentic in your life. My approach is warm, grounded, and practical. Clients often say they feel truly heard and leave sessions with clear, useful next steps—not just insight. We’ll move at a pace that feels comfortable while focusing on what helps you feel better and function more effectively in daily life. I offer daytime, evening, and weekend appointments. You’re welcome to book directly—I look forward to working with you.
VirtualAvailable
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Often rebooked

$120/session

Warm
Authentic
Empowering

Specialties

Life Transitions
Addiction
Anxiety
+8
Hi – I’m Vicki – do you ever find yourself feeling lost as you wander on a path that doesn’t seem to be going anywhere? Or maybe you’re standing at a fork in the road and you aren’t sure which way to go. No matter what you're going through right now, you can get through it and I can help. I am committed to walking beside you and helping you find your unique path to create a life full of wellness, personal growth, joy and meaning. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and Certified Alcohol/Other Drug Counselor (CADC) with over 17 years of counseling experience. I specialize in working with individuals 18 years and older who live in Illinois. MY AREAS OF EXPERTISE INCLUDE: SUBSTANCE USE, GRIEF AND LOSS, ANXIETY, AND DEPRESSION. If you are interested in working with a therapist who is committed to creating an authentic, positive collaborative relationship with you, feel free to schedule an appointment with me through GROW.
VirtualAvailable
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$120/session

Warm
Empowering
Authentic

Specialties

Life Transitions
Anxiety
Depression
+9
Leslie is a clinical licensed professional counselor (LCPC) in the state of Illinois. She received her M.A. in Counseling Psychology from Northwestern University. She has worked with children, youth and families for 10 years in non-profit organizations. She draws from multiple clinical orientations to meet her client's needs and help them achieve their personal goals. Leslie is excited to work with youth (13+), young adults, and adults via telehealth. Leslie es una terapeuta licenciada en el estado de Illinois. Ella recibio su maestría en psicología en la universidad de Northwestern. Ella a trabajado con niños, jóvenes, y familias durante 10 años en organizaciones sin fines de lucro. Ella se basa en múltiples orientaciones clínicas para satisfacer las necesidades de sus clientes y ayudarlos a alcanzar sus objetivos personales. Leslie está entusiasmada de trabajar con jóvenes (mayores de 13+), adultos jóvenes, y adultos a través de telesalud.
VirtualAvailable
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New to Grow

$200/session

Specialties

Life Transitions
Anxiety
Depression
+10
My work with clients is integrative, collaborative, and eclectic. I tailor strategies, tools, and skills to each individual's strengths, while also identifying areas that may benefit from support. I follow a client-centered philosophy, respecting you as the expert of your own life—while recognizing that even experts need help at times. My clinical education, skills, and experiences are further enhanced by my education and experience in learning systems and brain dominance - basically how people learn. This is an important part of a successful therapeutic relationship and finding the right approach for my clients.
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$100/session

Warm
Authentic
Empowering

Specialties

Life Transitions
Anxiety
Eating Disorders
+7
Hello, and welcome! My name is Megan Allegretti, and I am so proud of you for considering the incredibly difficult step of seeking mental health therapy. In an effort to make this process feel less intimidating, here are some things about me, to see if my approach is a solid fit for you. My approach works with the intention to aid in healing from the distress in your mental and emotional world. Often we create various behavioral patterns in life, that worked at some point, but now you notice them becoming maladaptive. We will look at becoming more internally aware of systems that are not cutting it anymore for you, why those patterns evolved in the first place. With this understanding it can aid in identifying the function of behaviors, and better aid with implementing new skills in its place. My goal for treatment is to come with you along your journey, so you will not have to feel alone. I will also provide skills, education, processing, and perspectives you might not be able to see from your angle. If this feels like a good fit for you, please reach out to set up an intake together.
VirtualAvailable
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$140/session

Intelligent
Authentic
Challenging

Specialties

Life Transitions
Anger Management
Anxiety
+10
For the past 20 years, I have worked with families, couples, adults, and adolescents. Using cognitive-behavioral theory with narrative techniques, I help empower clients to explore areas within their lives that present challenges and inhibit change, and assist them with finding solutions that will work for them. However, I also believe that the therapeutic relationship is a vital component within any program, which means that I believe that any work needs to be collaborative between myself and my clients. I am certified to deliver trauma-focused treatments as well as providing services to help manage stress and anxiety.
Available
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$150/session

Authentic
Warm
Intelligent

Specialties

Life Transitions
Depression
Mood Disorders
+9
I'm an experienced clinician with over 30 years in the mental health field, dedicated to others seeking change in their lives. Feeling stuck, unmotivated or worried about taking that next step? I have a good ear, a big heart and a clever mind and I want to help you on your next big thing. Let's figure it out together- it's going to be great!
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Frequently asked questions

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.

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.

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, Life Transitions, is filtering therapists in Illinois that work with patients with similar concerns.

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.

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.