How Much Does Therapy Cost in Illinois, USA? 2025 Guide
#Counselling, #Informative, #Insurance, #Therapy
Updated on Oct 18, 2025
Therapy in Illinois typically ranges from $80 to $400 per session, with higher rates in Chicago and more affordable options in downstate cities, with community clinics and insurance coverage available to help manage costs.
This guide provides a clear breakdown of therapy costs across Illinois, including typical fees by provider type, regional price differences, affordable care options, and insurance coverage, giving you the essential information to navigate mental healthcare expenses with confidence.
Table of Contents | Jump Ahead
Average Session Costs by Provider Type
Who Can Provide Therapy in Illinois?
Insurance Coverage for Therapy in Illinois
Quick Summary
- Average Cost: Individual therapy sessions in Illinois range from $80 to $403 per session, with significant variation by provider type and location.
- Regional Differences: Chicago and North Shore suburbs cost 25-45% more than the state average, whilst downstate cities like Springfield and Peoria offer sessions 20-30% below metropolitan rates.
- Insurance Coverage: Illinois requires mental health parity in all health insurance plans, with copays typically ranging from $20 to $46 per session.
- Affordable Options: Community clinics offer sessions from $25, and Illinois Medicaid provides comprehensive coverage for eligible residents.
Average Session Costs by Provider Type
| Provider Type | Average Session Cost |
|---|---|
| Psychiatrist (MD, DO) | $200-$460 (avg $275) |
| Prescribing Psychologist | $150-$374 (avg $225) |
| Psychologist (PhD/PsyD) | $125-$345 (avg $175) |
| Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) | $90-$230 (avg $135) |
| Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) | $90-$230 (avg $135) |
| Licensed Clinical Professional Counsellor (LCPC) | $80-$201 (avg $125) |
| Licensed Professional Counsellor (LPC) | $75-$190 (avg $115) |
| Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner | $140-$345 (avg $200) |
Regional Cost Variations
Major Cities (Higher Cost)
- Chicago: $125-$175 per session, with Gold Coast and North Side commanding premium rates up to $403
- Evanston: $140-$200 per session, reflecting North Shore affluence and proximity to Northwestern University
- Oak Park: $120-$185 per session, suburban Chicago rates with professional community
- Naperville: $115-$180 per session, western suburban rates with family-focused services
Mid-Range Markets
- Rockford: $90-$150 per session, second-largest city with moderate pricing
- Peoria: $85-$145 per session, central Illinois with university presence
- Springfield: $80-$140 per session, state capital with government employee benefits
- Champaign-Urbana: $85-$150 per session, university town with training programmes
Lower-Cost Markets
- Decatur: $70-$125 per session, downstate Illinois with agricultural economy
- Quincy: $65-$120 per session, western Illinois border city
- Carbondale: $70-$130 per session, Southern Illinois University area
- Bloomington-Normal: $75-$135 per session, twin cities with university influence
- Joliet: $80-$140 per session, southwest Chicago suburban area
Who Can Provide Therapy in Illinois?
To get good care, it helps to know about the different types of mental health workers in Illinois. The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) gives licences to these professionals.
Types of Licensed Therapists
- Psychiatrist (MD, DO): Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialise in mental health. They can prescribe medication and provide psychotherapy. They are licensed by the Illinois State Medical Board under the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
- Prescribing Psychologist: Illinois allows specially trained psychologists to prescribe medications in addition to providing therapy. They hold doctoral degrees and complete additional training in psychopharmacology. They are licensed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
- Psychologist (PhD/PsyD): Psychologists hold doctoral degrees and can diagnose mental health conditions, conduct psychological testing, and provide therapy. Non-prescribing psychologists cannot prescribe medication in Illinois. They are licensed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
- Licensed Clinical Professional Counsellor (LCPC): Clinical professional counsellors hold master's degrees and provide individual, group, and family therapy. They can diagnose mental health conditions and provide independent psychotherapy. They are licensed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
- Licensed Professional Counsellor (LPC): Professional counsellors hold master's degrees and provide counselling services under supervision. They work towards clinical licensure and cannot provide independent psychotherapy. They are licensed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW): Clinical social workers provide therapy and case management services. They hold master's degrees in social work and can provide independent psychotherapy and diagnose mental health conditions. They are licensed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT): These specialists focus on relationship and family issues. They hold master's degrees and complete specialised training in family systems therapy. They are licensed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
- Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner: Advanced practice nurses with specialised training in psychiatric care who can prescribe medications and provide therapy. They are licensed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
Insurance Coverage for Therapy in Illinois
Most health insurance plans in Illinois are required to provide some level of coverage for mental health services. However, the extent of coverage can vary significantly between plans.
Top 10 Plans
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL)- Coverage: Comprehensive mental health coverage with federal parity requirements and largest provider network in Illinois
- Provider network: Extensive statewide network with over 10,000 mental health providers, including partnership with SonderMind effective March 3, 2025
- Cost to patient: $20-$46 copay for in-network providers, varies by plan tier
- Service limitations: Prior authorisation required for some intensive services, most outpatient therapy covered without limits
Aetna Illinois Plans
- Coverage: Comprehensive behavioural health benefits including CBT, family therapy, and group therapy
- Provider network: Moderate network size with focus on major metropolitan areas
- Cost to patient: $30 copay per visit for rehabilitation services, deductible doesn't apply for most plans
- Service limitations: Limited to treatment for 60 consecutive days per condition for some services, virtual and in-person options available
UnitedHealthcare Illinois
- Coverage: Mental health services with federal parity compliance and integrated behavioural health management
- Provider network: Growing Illinois presence with focus on Chicago and suburban markets
- Cost to patient: $25-$50 copay typically, varies by employer group and individual plans
- Service limitations: Prior authorisation required for intensive outpatient and residential treatment
Cigna Illinois Plans
- Coverage: Behavioural health coverage integrated with medical benefits
- Provider network: Moderate network in Chicago area with expanding downstate presence
- Cost to patient: $35-$55 copay for in-network providers
- Service limitations: Session limits may apply requiring ongoing clinical review
Humana Illinois
- Coverage: Mental health parity with medical benefits, emphasis on preventive care
- Provider network: Strong presence in Chicago metropolitan area and select downstate markets
- Cost to patient: $25-$45 copay depending on plan design
- Service limitations: Annual session limits may apply, telehealth options widely available
Illinois Medicaid
- Coverage: Comprehensive behavioural health services through community-based providers
- Provider network: Extensive network of enrolled Medicaid providers statewide
- Cost to patient: $0-$5 copay for most services, no copay for children
- Service limitations: Limited to enrolled Medicaid providers, prior authorisation required for some intensive services
Molina Healthcare Illinois
- Coverage: Illinois Medicaid managed care with comprehensive mental health benefits
- Provider network: Network focused on serving Medicaid population with emphasis on community health centres
- Cost to patient: No copay for most covered services
- Service limitations: Geographic coverage primarily in Cook County and select downstate areas
Health Alliance Illinois
- Coverage: Regional health plan with integrated behavioural health services
- Provider network: Strong central and southern Illinois provider relationships
- Cost to patient: $25-$40 copay typically
- Service limitations: Regional network limitations, strongest in Champaign-Urbana and surrounding areas
Meridian Health Plan Illinois
- Coverage: Medicaid managed care with focus on coordinated behavioural health services
- Provider network: Network designed to serve Medicaid population with community-based providers
- Cost to patient: $0 copay for covered services
- Service limitations: Limited to Medicaid-eligible members, geographic restrictions apply
TRICARE Illinois
- Coverage: Military health coverage with comprehensive mental health benefits
- Provider network: Network includes military treatment facilities and civilian providers
- Cost to patient: Varies by TRICARE plan type (Prime, Select, Reserve Select)
- Service limitations: Geographic and eligibility restrictions, referral requirements for some plans
In-network vs. Out-of-network
- In-network: If you see a therapist who is in-network with your insurance plan, you will typically only be responsible for a copay or coinsurance.
- Out-of-network: If you see a therapist who is out-of-network, you will likely have to pay the full fee upfront and then submit a claim to your insurance company for reimbursement.
Affordable Care Options
There are several options for affordable therapy in Illinois:University Training Clinics
- Cost range: $20-$80 per session based on sliding scale
- Examples: Northwestern University Mental Health Clinic, University of Chicago Student Counselling Centre, and Loyola University Chicago Wellness Centre offer comprehensive services on income-based sliding scales
- Quality: Services provided by graduate students under licensed supervision
- Availability: Limited appointment slots with potential waiting lists, particularly in Chicago area
Community Mental Health Clinics
- Providers: Thresholds, Trilogy Behavioural Healthcare, and Community Counselling Centres of Chicago are known to provide services at reduced cost
- Cost range: $25-$100 per session with sliding scale options
- Services: Individual, group, and family therapy plus psychiatric services
- Eligibility: Open to all, with priority for low-income individuals and families
Illinois Medicaid Services
- Cost structure: Comprehensive coverage for eligible low-income residents with no or minimal copays
- Services: Full range of community-based behavioural health services including therapy and medication management
- Provider network: Extensive network through managed care organisations like Molina Healthcare and Meridian Health Plan
- Accessibility: Required to serve all eligible patients, including undocumented immigrants for emergency services
Federally Qualified Health Centres (FQHCs)
- Cost range: Fees based on federal poverty guidelines, often $20-$75 per session
- Services: Integrated medical and mental health care with emphasis on preventive services
- Payment options: Accept Illinois Medicaid, Medicare, and offer sliding scale fees for uninsured
- Locations: Available throughout Illinois, particularly in underserved rural and urban areas
Tips to Reduce Therapy Costs
Provider Strategies
- Ask about sliding scale: Many therapists adjust fees based on income, particularly in private practice settings throughout Illinois
- Consider group therapy: Group sessions typically cost $40-$100, significantly less than individual therapy
- Explore trainee therapists: Licensed professionals completing additional training often offer reduced rates
- Negotiate payment plans: Some providers offer monthly payment arrangements for ongoing treatment
Alternative Resources
- Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs): Many Illinois employers provide 3-8 free counselling sessions per year through programmes like ComPsych and Workplace Options
- Peer support groups: Free support groups available through NAMI Illinois and Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
- Crisis services: Illinois has 24/7 crisis hotlines and mobile crisis teams available statewide
Insurance Optimisation
- Verify provider networks: Confirm therapist participation before scheduling to avoid out-of-network charges, particularly important with BCBSIL's large network
- Understand your benefits: Review annual deductibles, copays, and session limits under Illinois mental health parity laws
- Use Health Savings Accounts (HSAs): Pre-tax dollars can be used for qualified mental health expenses
- Submit superbills: For out-of-network providers, request detailed receipts for insurance reimbursement
Financial Planning
- Budget for therapy: Plan for ongoing costs rather than treating as one-time expense
- Compare provider rates: Fees can vary significantly even within the same credential level and geographic area
- Consider telehealth options: Often 10-20% less expensive than in-person sessions, widely available post-COVID
- Explore shorter-term approaches: Solution-focused and cognitive-behavioural therapies often require fewer sessions
Therapy Cost Directory
More Illinois Cities
Chicago | Naperville | Aurora | Joliet | Rockford | Evanston | Oak Park | Schaumburg
Worldwide
For a global overview of therapy costs, see Therapy Costs Worldwide.
Country
For a country-wide overview of therapy costs in the US, see How Much Does Therapy Cost in the US.
References
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois. (2025). Mental Health Coverage and Benefits. Retrieved from https://bcbsil.com/bcchp/benefits-and-coverage/behavioral-health-mltss
TheraThink.com. (2025). Illinois Reimbursement Rates for Therapy and Mental Health. Retrieved from https://therathink.com/illinois-reimbursement-rates/
SimplePractice. (2025). The average therapy session rate by state. Retrieved from https://www.simplepractice.com/blog/average-therapy-session-rate-by-state/
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Important:
TherapyRoute does not provide medical advice. All content is for informational purposes and cannot replace consulting a healthcare professional. If you face an emergency, please contact a local emergency service. For immediate emotional support, consider contacting a local helpline.
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