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Online Therapy across Illinois Work with a licensed therapist from the comfort of your space.
Getting to an office isn't always realistic. Between work, kids, a long commute, or weeks when leaving the house feels like too much, the logistics can quietly become the reason you keep putting off help. Online therapy takes that hurdle off the table. You meet the same licensed Illinois therapist over secure video, from wherever you feel most at ease.
A 15-minute phone call with our care coordinator to talk through questions, insurance, and fit. Not a therapy session, and no commitment.
Online therapy might be the right fit
You don't need a specific reason to choose virtual sessions. But if any of these sound familiar, online therapy could be a good place to start.
- Your schedule makes it hard to get to an office during the week
- Anxiety or depression makes leaving the house feel overwhelming
- You have childcare responsibilities that keep you home
- You live outside Wheaton but want to work with our therapists
- You feel more comfortable opening up from your own space
- You want consistency in your sessions, even when traveling
A local practice with telehealth, not just a platform
Not all online therapy is the same. Here is what changes when your therapist also has a door you can walk through.
| Panahi CounselingIn-person + online | Online-only platforms | |
|---|---|---|
| Option to meet in person | Yes | No |
| Meet online or in person with the same therapist | Yes | No |
| Switch between online and in-person as your needs change | Yes | No |
| Bills your insurance directly | Yes | Varies |
| Connected to local care and referral resources | Yes | Varies |
| Collaboration with your local care team | Yes | Varies |
| Established local office you can visit | Yes | No |
| Local administrative team you can contact | Yes | Varies |
| Pay per session, no subscription | Yes | Varies |
| Small, locally owned practice | Yes | No |
Online-only platforms serve a real purpose in expanding access to therapy, and for some people they are the right answer. This comparison is about what a local practice adds when it also offers telehealth. If you are weighing your options, our post on finding a local online therapist breaks down what to look for.
Services we offer online
Everything we offer in our Wheaton office is also available through secure video. Start with who the sessions are for.
Individual therapy
Anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, life transitions, and everyday emotional stress, with a therapist who takes the time to understand you.
Learn more →
Couples therapy
Rebuild trust and improve communication, together in one room or joining from two separate places.
Learn more →
Teen therapy
Support for anxiety, school stress, and identity questions. For teens we often suggest starting in person when that is workable.
Learn more →Online sessions are available to anyone located in Illinois. We work with clients from Wheaton, Winfield, Glen Ellyn, Carol Stream, West Chicago, Warrenville, Lombard, Glendale Heights, and Naperville, from communities across DuPage and Kane County, and from across the state by secure video.
How to start therapy with us
Three steps, and the first one takes fifteen minutes.
Get matched with the right therapist, get answers to your billing questions, and check availability. No hassle, no pressure.
Questions about online therapy
If your question isn't listed here, we're happy to talk it through during a free 15-minute intake call.
Is online therapy as effective as meeting in person?
For many common concerns, including anxiety and depression, research comparing the two has generally found similar outcomes. What seems to matter most is the relationship with your therapist rather than the format. That said, it is not identical for everyone or for every concern, and your therapist will be straight with you if in-person sessions would serve you better. A few mindset shifts can help you get more out of virtual sessions.
Who is online therapy best suited for?
Anyone in Illinois who wants flexible access to therapy. Our online clients include busy professionals, parents managing childcare, college students, people with social anxiety, and people who simply feel more at ease at home.
Is online therapy private and secure?
We use a HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform that encrypts every session. Your therapist connects through a secure, private video link, and everything you share stays confidential between you and your therapist, exactly as it would in the office.
Do I need to download anything?
Not necessarily. You can join straight from your web browser on any phone, tablet, or laptop. There is also an app if you prefer to manage appointments and join sessions that way. We send a secure link before each session, so connecting is simple either way.
Does my insurance cover online therapy?
We are in network with Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO, Aetna PPO, and Cigna PPO. UnitedHealthcare coverage varies by clinician, so whether you can use it depends on who you work with. Our intake team will verify your benefits before your first session and let you know which therapists are in network for your plan. You can also use an HSA card or pay out of pocket. Visit our Fees & Insurance page for details.
How long are sessions, and how often would we meet?
Most sessions run about 50 minutes. Many people start weekly to build momentum, then move to every other week as things steady. Your therapist will help you find a rhythm that fits your life.
Can we do couples therapy online?
Yes, and many couples complete the work entirely online. Partners can join from the same room or from separate locations, which some couples find helps when emotions run high. Our couples therapy FAQ answers more.
What if I don't feel comfortable on camera?
That's okay, and more common than you'd think. Most people settle in after the first few minutes. If you need a session with the camera off, say so. What matters is that you are able to talk.
Can I switch between online and in-person?
Yes. Many of our Wheaton-area clients alternate depending on the week. You are not locked into one format, and you can change your mind at any point without starting over with someone new.
What do I need on my end?
A private space where you can talk freely, a device with a camera, and a reasonably steady internet connection. Headphones help if other people are home. If your connection drops mid-session, your therapist will call you so the session isn't lost.
How do I get started?
Book a free 15-minute intake call online or call us at (630) 447-8818. We'll listen to what's going on, answer your questions, match you with a therapist, and set up your first session.
Ready to get started?
A free 15-minute call with our care team. We'll listen, answer your questions, and help you figure out your next step. In-person sessions in Wheaton and online therapy across Illinois.
Meet our therapists
The right fit matters. Get to know our therapists, their backgrounds, specialties, and how they work.
Visit us in Wheaton
Our office is located near the southeast corner of Manchester Road and County Farm Road, at 128 S County Farm Road, Suite C, Wheaton. We also offer online therapy across Illinois.
Address
Panahi Counseling, PC
128 S County Farm Rd, Suite C
Wheaton, IL 60187
(630) 447-8818