Therapists that accept Cash Pay in Illinois

Flexibility, welcoming / safe space, non-judgmental, and compassionate are some of the values I bring to the counseling sessions. I hold a doctoral degree in counseling with specializations in clinical mental health and clinical rehabilitation counseling. I am a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) and a Post Doctoral degree in Stress and Trauma. If you feel you are stuck in life and want to make changes in your life, career or future planning, I'm here for you.

My goal is to offer a safe, supportive space where you feel seen, heard, and cared for—exactly as you are. I work with my clients to help them feel successful in this season of life, whatever that may look like for you. I have experience working with a diverse population of clients across all ages and life stages. Whether you are navigating depression, anxiety, grief, or relationship challenges, I believe healing begins with feeling understood and supported. Therapy is not about fixing you—it’s about walking alongside you as you gain insight, strength, and confidence in yourself.

I am a licensed clinical therapist and life coach with extensive experience helping individuals create meaningful, lasting change in their lives. My work is focused on supporting people who are high-functioning yet feel stuck, overwhelmed, emotionally drained, or uncertain about their next steps. Many of the clients I work with are successful on the outside but internally struggling with anxiety, self-doubt, relationship challenges, burnout, or difficulty following through on the changes they know they need to make. I bring a results-oriented, structured, and insight-driven approach to my work. As a clinician, I am trained to assess emotional patterns, behavioral responses, and underlying drivers that keep people stuck. As a life coach, I help clients move forward with clarity, accountability, and intention. This dual lens allows me to meet clients where they are emotionally while also helping them create practical, forward-moving change in their daily lives. Clients often seek me out for my ability to quickly identify core issues, provide direct and thoughtful feedback, and help them gain perspective without judgment. I am known for balancing compassion with honesty and for helping clients feel both supported and challenged in ways that lead to real progress. My style is collaborative, grounded, and focused on building sustainable tools rather than temporary relief. I work with individuals who are ready to be intentional about their growth and committed to showing up for the process. Whether clients are navigating personal transitions, relationship concerns, emotional regulation, or a desire for greater fulfillment and direction, my goal is to help them feel more confident, grounded, and capable of creating the life they want to live.

I am a licensed clinical social worker trained in the MSW and PhD program at Loyola in Chicago. I have done graduate studies in Philosphy and majored in Literature, Economics and Finance. I have practiced as a psychotherapist and also taught in the graduate school for over twenty years. I help people understand and work thru the problems we all have in our lives, our relationships and our work.

I'm Ken Markovic, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who believes healing happens through safety, curiosity, and genuine human connection. I work collaboratively with clients to help them understand their inner world, build practical tools for regulation, and move toward a life that feels more authentic and sustainable. My approach is compassionate, integrative, and grounded in the belief that people already carry the wisdom they need - I'm here to help them access it.

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 emotional problems. I have treated many mental health issues 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.

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.

Hi there, my names is Meghan Skidmore and I am a licensed clinical social worker in Northern Illinois. I have 18 years of experience as a clinical social worker. I have previously worked with children in mental health crisis as well as with children and families involved with the child welfare system. I also have worked the past 15 years as a school social worker, working with children and families to help them be successful in and out of the school setting.

I’m a collaborative therapist who believes therapy works best when it feels like a partnership. You’re the expert on your life — I bring tools, perspective, and support — and together we figure out what helps you move forward. I work a lot with trauma, depression, and anxiety, and I know how heavy those experiences can feel. Whether you’re overwhelmed, stuck in negative patterns, carrying past pain, or just exhausted from holding it all together, therapy can be a place where you don’t have to do that alone. We go at your pace, and we focus on what actually feels useful to you. My approach blends CBT, DBT, and EMDR, along with other strategies depending on your needs. Some days that might look like learning concrete coping skills, other days it might mean processing deeper experiences, or just having a space to untangle what’s going on. I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all model — therapy should fit you. I’m also a strong LGBTQI+ affirming ally and am committed to creating a space that is safe, inclusive, and judgment-free. All parts of you are welcome here. My goal is to help you better understand yourself, build tools that actually work in real life, and feel more steady, confident, and in control of where your life is headed.

I am a licensed clinical social worker in Illinois with years of experience helping individuals and couples navigate life's challenges. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

I am a Middle age Christian male that has been married for 30+ years. I have three children who range in age from late teens to late twenties. I also have a spunky granddaughter who is in grade school. I have a Master in Psych, as well as a MSW from SIUC. I also have been a Certified Drug Counselor for over a decade. I have worked both ends of the Mental Health spectrum from ten years in a Behavioral Health ward to now with Grade School and Junior High age children. I am looking to be that calm helping hand in the storm that you are experiencing.

BQualls Behavioral Health Services, LLC's managing owner and Chief Clinical Officer is Brandi Qualls, a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCPC) and psychotherapist in private practice in Illinois, and has years of experience working with at-risk youth and families. She is also a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in the state of Indiana, including collaboration with a team of medical doctors, psychologists, psychotherapists, social workers, and community health workers in an integrated primary health care and behavioral health care center in a community setting.

I love life even when it is difficult, uncertain, and unpredictable. I experience it as a precious gift and live in constant awe of the quiet miracle of existence. I believe in hope, believe in kindness and compassion, and hold an essentially optimistic view of the human spirit. As a practicing professional, I am continually moved by the beauty and depth of psychotherapy. The psyche remains a mystery that can never be fully captured, and yet it endlessly inspires me. For me, psychotherapy is not only a profession—it is a philosophy, a spiritual path, and a way of living with attention, humility, and devotion to inner truth.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois with 11 years of professional work experience, primarily working with individuals ages 3-25. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, & anger management. I also have experience working with motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Hello! I am a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC) based in Illinois and have been practicing for the last 5 years. In therapy I will work alongside you to explore your experiences and help you identify the areas of your life that you would like to improve - ways to enhance communication, social skills, and relating to the world and self.

Hello! I am a Christian Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) based out of Central Illinois. Life is a journey, and as with all journeys there are ups and downs, struggles and hardships. I am here to help you manage the journey of life. When you feel stuck, I am here to help you get back up and on your way again. Through a Christian lens, I will help you find peace in life.

Hello there! Do you ever feel as though your life is a million-piece puzzle? Or feel as though your family or partner does not understand you. Life can be complicated; however, your mind does not constantly have to be. My diverse experience has allowed me to gain expertise in helping individuals (18 years+) in various settings, navigate through relational struggles, traumas, betrayals, anxieties, miscommunications, setbacks, self-discoveries, transitions, or misunderstandings. Together, we can identify what is not working and learn ways to communicate it in order to create change. I learned the importance of culture competency through my academic training at Adler University. It is important to understand how the dimensions of culture, race, gender, ethnicity, age, class, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, and language may affect the function of your relational systems. I come to you, gently, soft & warm. I have a strong sense of being mindful and allowing you to be in the moment. I can gently challenge you when need be or pep you up. Ultimately, I will meet you raw & unfiltered and embrace every part of it. You deserve a safe space to explore all parts of the self. Let’s connect and start piecing together the puzzle. **With every darkness, there is a light** Background: Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist with 12 years of experience in the mental health field; 10 years as a therapist. BA in Psychology from Texas Tech University MA in Couples & Family Therapy from Adler University Experience: *Residential treatment caseworker *Psycho-social Interventionist *Supported young migrant children separated at the border from their families *Parent group at Haymarket Chicago *School-based therapist in North Lawndale schools *Non-profit in North Lawndale, Chicago neighborhood *Non-profit in Lake County, IL -------------------------------------------------------------- -Super Bill can be provided

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor based in Illinois. My mission is to help individuals in their life journey through a mental health lens addressing social-emotional learning, skill building, and communication. I have many years of experience working with individuals who have neurodevelopmental disorders as well as individuals who have struggles with daily challenges. I have experience working in a variety of roles and settings with individuals and families.

I have experience working with adults, adolescents and children struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, bereavement, low self-esteem and key life transitions. I provide a safe and accepting space where you can be open and honest with the difficulties you are experiencing in your life. Prior to returning to school for a counseling degree, I worked in the corporate and nonprofit sectors for many years as an editor and writer and I bring that unique perspective and experience to my work with clients. My multicultural background is also an asset in working with diverse populations. I utilize a strengths-based approach when working with clients while creating a safe and accepting space where you can be open and honest with the difficulties you are experiencing in your life. Because I view therapy as a collaborative process, I will be checking in with you throughout our time together to review your initial goals for therapy and to ensure that you continue to feel heard and understood in therapy. It takes courage to seek out counseling. If you are ready take that step, I am here to support, encourage and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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!

As a trauma-informed therapist and practice owner, I specialize in helping individuals navigate the impact of their trauma, especially family and childhood trauma/abuse, anxiety, and major life adjustments. Therapy is a collaborative partnership and I aim to provide a trusting and safe environment where you feel supported by your clinician. I look forward to meeting you and seeing if we are a good fit for on another.

It is my pleasure and joy to use my gift passionately to educate, enlighten and empower. To help define what has you stuck, how to better relate to others and manage the continual changes life throws your way so you can become unstuck and balance your life. I am a trauma focused LCSW clinical therapist with a passionate talent to help you get through past traumas and hurts that have been holding you down to help you soar.

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.

I am a compassionate and trauma-informed therapist specializing in supporting women who face challenges with self-esteem, emotional overwhelm, and the pressures of daily life. My approach is collaborative and strength-based, creating a safe space where clients can reconnect with their authentic selves. Together, we work to quiet the inner critic, foster self-compassion, and build practical coping skills that empower emotional resilience. I’m dedicated to guiding clients through life’s transitions with clarity and courage, blending evidence-based techniques with empathy to help create lasting, meaningful change. I also have over 15 years of experience helping high school students as a school counselor. I have certifications in School Counseling Leadership, Anxiety & Stress Management, and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. I'm fully licensed mental health therapist in the States of Illinois and Missouri.

Life has a way of presenting challenges that can leave us feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or uncertain about the path forward. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with an MBA and over a decade of experience, I bring both clinical expertise and a practical, solution-focused approach to help you navigate whatever you’re facing. My commitment is simple: I’ll listen deeply, meet you where you are, and work alongside you to identify actionable steps that move you from feeling stuck to making meaningful progress toward your goals. My path to becoming a therapist has been driven by a deep sense of purpose. I've always felt most authentic when helping others find their way through difficult times. This calling led me to earn my Master's in Clinical Social Work, and my commitment to growth and innovation inspired me to complete an MBA as well. For the past nine years, I've dedicated myself to serving veterans at the Department of Veterans Affairs, where I've worn many hats: conducting street outreach, securing housing for homeless veterans, building community coalitions for suicide prevention, and currently serving in a leadership role similar to Chief of Staff. This work has given me invaluable perspective on resilience, trauma, and the power of human connection. I bring all of this experience to my private practice, where I see clients on weeknights and weekends, offering the same level of dedication and care that has defined my career.