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 38 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: 7/2/2025

Debra Prichard-Hurt

(she/her)

Debra Prichard-Hurt, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

$225/session
LCSW
30 years of experience
Virtual
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who has over 30 years in the mental health field working in psychiatric hospitals and private practice. I work with clients individually (ages 13-17; 18- 65+); Couples and Families who suffer from depression, anxiety, relationship issues, marriage/divorce issues, grief issues, suicidal thoughts, self-harming behaviors, domestic violence (victims) and substance use. I am passionate about what I do and truly care about each of my clients.

Lisa Sumrow

(she/her)

Lisa Sumrow, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
$155/session
LCSW
8 years of experience
Virtual
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 8 years' experience. I received my master's degree from the University of St. Francis, in Illinois. I am passionate about helping those struggling through life's many transitions. As a clinician, I meet my client's where they are at, listen to what they want to work on, and collaborate with them on ways to achieve their goals. Together, we work as a team towards growth and change.

John D Benton

(he/him)

John D Benton, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
$120/session
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.

Gina Grigas

(she/her)

Gina Grigas, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

$130/session
LCPC
10 years of experience
Virtual
Hi and welcome! I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Illinois. I have worked in the mental health field since 2013, starting out in community mental health and crisis services. I work primarily with teens and adults, specializing in challenges facing early adulthood (18-25). I have extensive experience in crisis services and outpatient treatment of anxiety, mood disorders, trauma, and life transitions. We will work collaboratively to foster a positive relationship and help you develop the language and skills to manage all of life's challenges. I am passionate about everyone finding their place in this world and creating meaningful connections. Life is not easy but we can get through this together.

Elisa Holtman

Elisa Holtman, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
$100/session
LCSW
22 years of experience
Virtual
Hello! My name is Elisa Holtman. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Illinois. I received my Masters from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. I have been primarily providing therapy in schools for the past 14 years and have been a Social Worker for 22 years. I have worked with children as young as 3 and adults in their nineties. The majority of my practice has been with 11-14 year old children/teens. Due to my experience in the school system, I have a unique perspective on what children/teens experience today in the school setting and can help guide a student and/or parents in navigating this world.

Ellen Rodman

Ellen Rodman, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

$150/session
LCPC
25 years of experience
Virtual
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. I received my Master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in Rehabilitation Counseling Psychology. I began my career working with severe trauma and persistent mental illness. This gave her a unique perspective on life and how quickly one can loose the life as we know it...and how wellness can suddenly elude us. To grieve loss and restore wellness, I believes a strong therapeutic relationship. I use a client centered approach in establishing rapport. Having worked in the most challenging neighborhoods of the inner city, I have seen the best and worst of human nature. What impressed me the most, is the inner strength I saw in people, under the most difficult of circumstances. It is this impression, this knowledge, that guides me to focus on an individuals’ capacity to overcome hardship, pain and despair. I use a holistic approach to therapy as I do not believe any one approach works for all, as each and every person is unique and different. I believe with compassion, care and empathy, one can be empowered to make the necessary changes to become more happy, fulfilled and to grow.

Jeremy Pitzer

Jeremy Pitzer, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
$160/session
LCSW
20 years of experience
Virtual
Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and have been practicing in a variety of settings for 20 years. I enjoy working with clients and families to build upon skills and resilience that will serve them in their treatment journey. I have extensive experience treating trauma, mood disorders, self harm / suicidal thinking, anxiety and addiction. I believe clients can and should thrive in the therapeutic experience.

Rebecca Barber

Rebecca Barber, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
$75/session
LCSW
27 years of experience
Virtual
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of Illinois. I received my Master's in Social Work from St. Louis University in 1997. Since then, I have been working in the community focusing on various forms of crisis intervention. This can include issues affecting someone's day to day function, such as, self-esteem, school/job stress, life transitions and other things that can often lead to suicidal ideations, depression, anxiety etc. My style can be described as energetic and assertive. I want to focus on the issues that are causing barriers to happiness and self-fulfillment. I’ve developed a particular interest in menopause related topics through my own experience.

Merek Poto

(she/her)

Merek Poto, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
$80/session
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.

Chris Rabe

(she/her)

Chris Rabe, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

$100/session
LCPC
10 years of experience
Virtual
You may find yourself experiencing toxic relationships/codependency, eating disorders, drugs & alcohol, anxiety, and perfectionism – the list of the ways we distract and soothe ourselves from discomfort goes on and on. You may find the need to learn more about yourself and your relationships, process life events, share things that are difficult to share with other people, or to explore how past experiences have shaped you. I am passionate about helping clients foster self-awareness by using motivational interviewing, to meet you right where you are. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois, with a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Adler University. I am a National Board Certified Counselor. I have spent over 14 years in the mental health field, and 10 years as a mental health professional. You don’t need to be in a crisis to benefit from therapy. Ongoing wellness is crucial to a balanced life.

Danielle Farmer

(she/her)

Danielle Farmer, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

$140/session
LCPC
4 years of experience
Virtual
Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) based in Chicago, IL. I received my undergraduate degree from the University of Iowa in Psychology, and then I went on to receive my Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Valparaiso University. I'm a clinician who is dedicated to creating a warm, safe, and enriching environment for my clients. I understand everyone’s therapy journey is unique and I strive to ensure all of my clients feel seen, heard, and understood. Therapy is a space for you to explore your talents and strengths, identify barriers, and learn new approaches to cope with stressors.

Daffaney Burnside

(she/her)

Daffaney Burnside, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
$100/session
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. ​

Veronica Palar

(she/her)

Veronica Palar, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
$160/session
LCPC
8 years of experience
Virtual
Hola! Thanks for stopping by and taking time to see if we could be a good team. I am a first generation, Mexican American Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) currently offering virtual services in English and Spanish to teens and young adults in IL. I have been practicing for 8 years and enjoy helping my clients work through anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions and challenges in school.

Jeffrey caldcleugh

(he/him)

Jeffrey caldcleugh, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
$100/session
LCSW
7 years of experience
Virtual
Hello! I use a collaborative and strengths-based approach with each of my clients. I have years of experience working with Client's and Families/Couple's from working in both mental health treatment facilities and outpatient private practice. I integrate a variety of evidenced-based treatment interventions to address behavioral health issues, including Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, EMDR, Twelve-Step Facilitation Therapy, Psychodynamics and Dialectic Behavioral Therapy.

Daniel Essenpreis

(he/him)

Daniel Essenpreis, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

$125/session
LCSW
7 years of experience
Virtual
"If you problem is like a mountain, I can't carry you up it. But I can walk with you every step of the journey." Hi, I’m Dan. I’m a licensed psychotherapist with experience working with children, adolescents, adults, families, and couples. I have also worked as a school counselor and as a behavior therapist for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. I focus on issues such as anxiety, depression, adolescents/teens, behavioral issues, stress, coping skills, life transitions, mood disorders, relationship issues, school issues, self esteem, self-harm, spirituality, trauma and thought disorders. I believe in making therapy as easy as possible and creating a therapeutic environment in which my clients feel comfortable; sessions with my clients are always a safe space. I believe in meeting clients where they are at; your goals for therapy are my goals. Whether you're dealing with severe trauma, anxiety, depression or whatever life throws at you, I am here to help.

Holly Fak

(she/her)

Holly Fak, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
$110/session
LCSW
20 years of experience
Virtual
Hello, my name is Holly. I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience dedicated to empowering clients be the best version of themselves. My counseling style is warm, interactive, and collaborative using a strengths-based, client centered approach. My clinical experience includes working with individuals who struggle with anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions. I have extensive training in crisis counseling in the Emergency Department and inpatient psychiatric units. I have worked in domestic violence and provided community-based therapy to children and families. I enjoy working with new mothers, caregivers, and those working through grief and loss.

Marguerite Martino

(she/her)

Marguerite Martino, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

$125/session
LCPC
23 years of experience
Virtual
I greet every client with the belief that we are born into this world with the capacity for living unique and healthy lives. I believe that it is the stressors of challenging individual experiences, pain and illnesses, trauma, and attachment injuries that move us off our centers and cause symptoms of depression, anxiety, and dysfunctional defensive behaviors. My goal is to create a setting where my client feels safe and supported, and therefore able to re-examine the patterns that form our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Together, as a collaboration, we can take the fascinating journey and reach for full potential, coherence, and health

Mary Jo Thorson, MA

(she/her)

Mary Jo Thorson, MA, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

$150/session
LCPC
6 years of experience
Virtual
Hello and Welcome! I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and here to help you with what is going on in your life. Together, let’s figure out what is getting in the way of you living your best life. Is it relationships, low mood, anxiety, depression, anger or life transitions? Even if you don’t know, we will figure it out! I use a variety of techniques to address issues such as anxiety, depression, divorce recovery, stress, relationship difficulties, mood disorders, life transitions and much more. It’s important to me that my clients feel they are in a non-judgmental safe space to process what they are going through. My clinical approach is evidence-based treatment. I utilize a variety of interventions including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Person-Centered, Solution Focused and Walk and Talk Therapy. I work with ages 18+ with a range of concerns. I work hard to provide an environment that is warm, welcoming, positive, safe, and collaborative. I started in this industry leading divorce recovery groups. I went on to lead a variety of other groups including divorce recovery, single moms, and anxiety. Life can sometimes be a struggle and asking for help isn’t always easy, but I hope you will reach out so together we can create a therapeutic relationship that will promote hope, growth, and healing. I offer sessions both virtually and in-person.

Megan Allegretti

Megan Allegretti, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
$100/session
LCPC
Virtual
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.

Lauren Campbell

(she/her)

Lauren Campbell, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
$135/session
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.

Lovea Smith

(she/her)

Lovea Smith, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
$150/session
LCPC
20 years of experience
Virtual
Have you ever felt like you were standing in the middle of the road knowing you can’t go backward but not sure which way to turn? Have you asked yourself “what if,” questions that further complicated the thoughts in your mind and initiated fear in your heart? Have you disrupted relationships due to an inability to trust others or yourself? If you have been here, you are not alone. Together we can take steps forward to walk a path with excitement to heal wounds that have hurt you. We will walk the path together at a pace you can handle, taking the puzzle pieces one at a time, and creating the picture you want for yourself. I have worked with an array of populations who have experienced a number of challenging issues of self-esteem, trauma, depression, anxiety, PTSD, grief and loss, substance use, domestic violence, relationship issues, adjustment to life changes, and identifying issues. I earned my degree from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology and worked in several domains that have aided the work I have done over the course of 20 years.

Alice Fitzgerald

(she/her)

Alice Fitzgerald, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
$100/session
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.

Maggie Wilson

Maggie Wilson, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
$100/session
LCSW
15 years of experience
Virtual
Hello, i am EMDR trained, certified alcohol and other drugs (CADC) counselor and certified clinical trauma therapist based in Illinois. I received my master's degree in social work from the University of Illinois Chicago. I have 15 years experience providing evidence-based practice and care to a diverse group of clients. I work collaboratively with clients redefining mental healthcare and teaching skills to independently manage symptoms for long-term wellness.

Sabrina Turner

(she/her)

Sabrina Turner, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
$120/session
LCPC
12 years of experience
Virtual
My name is Sabrina Turner. I trained at Bradley University and have 12 years of clinical experience. I focus on issues such as anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, PTSD, and ADHD. Throughout my career I have worked with clients of all ages. I primarily use person centered techniques, but I also utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness depending on the client. In addition, integrative approaches are helpful to most people, which means we look at your overall nutritional and physical well being in conjunction with your mental health. Asking for help is never easy, but connection and relationships help us lead our best lives. My goal is to help you build healthier coping skills for yourself. What that looks like is different for everyone, but I want to help you find your own unique path. During our first session I will ask you to share some background information with me. It can be difficult to share, so please know that my number one goal is to give you a safe, nonjudgemental space to open up. In subsequent sessions we will dive deeper into your reasons for seeking therapy. We will explore techniques that are already working for you and add in new skills along the way. If you are looking for a clinician to walk alongside you while you discover yourself and how to be your best version, we will likely be a good fit!

Joy Watkins

Joy Watkins, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
$180/session
LCSW
22 years of experience
Virtual
Healing and restoring individuals and couples as a Therapist and Consultant specializing in Mental Health and Substance Abuse for 20+ years. I have worked with Adults, Adolescents, Teens and Young Adults extensively. I specialize in CBT Therapy, CBT Trauma Focused Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Client Centered Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Domestic Violence and Strengths Based Therapy. For individuals or couple experiencing depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, fears or any other Mental Health issues I can assist you with combating these issues that are affecting your daily life using a strengths base approach.

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 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 Self-Harming?

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, Self-Harming, 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.