Behavioral Health Therapist Jobs in Illinois
Behavioral Health Therapist jobs in Illinois are among the most active in the Midwest, with steady demand across community mental health centers, integrated health systems, and school-based programs at every level from entry-level associate therapist through senior clinician and clinical director. Chicago, Rockford, and the Quad Cities region account for the heaviest concentration of openings, where established employers like Amita Health, Advocate Health Care, and Thresholds have long-running behavioral health divisions. The most in-demand specialties in Illinois include trauma-informed care, substance use disorder treatment, and child and adolescent therapy. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 126+ Behavioral Health Therapist jobs
Previous Behavioral Health experience is required.
- Manage all inquiries to the department related to admission referrals from internal and external customers and documents on the designated form.
- Conducts an initial clinical screening for admission requests and collects preliminary demographics and verifies insurance benefits
- Provides assistance to the HPH- ER physician in assessment of patients to determine eligibility for admission based on established admission criteria.
- Provides appropriate outpatient referrals for ER patients when directed by the ER attending.
- Coordinates all pre-admission activities with the BMU nursing unit for patients being considered for admission, including validation of required legal paperwork, gathering of other pertinent information; e.g., clinical data establishing criteria for admission, physician and nurses reports, medication administration records, lab results.
- Coordinates all activities for patients accepted for admission, including completion of admission entry paperwork with the patient.
- Identifies patients’ presenting problems and completes the preliminary treatment plan.
- Maintains various logs of activities and participates in department/intake performance improvement initiatives.
Requirements:
CPI & BLS certification Required.
Licenses & Certifications
Required- CPI - Crisis Prev Interv
- BLS - Basic Life Supt
- RN License
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
Previous Behavioral Health experience is required.
- Manage all inquiries to the department related to admission referrals from internal and external customers and documents on the designated form.
- Conducts an initial clinical screening for admission requests and collects preliminary demographics and verifies insurance benefits
- Provides assistance to the HPH- ER physician in assessment of patients to determine eligibility for admission based on established admission criteria.
- Provides appropriate outpatient referrals for ER patients when directed by the ER attending.
- Coordinates all pre-admission activities with the BMU nursing unit for patients being considered for admission, including validation of required legal paperwork, gathering of other pertinent information; e.g., clinical data establishing criteria for admission, physician and nurses reports, medication administration records, lab results.
- Coordinates all activities for patients accepted for admission, including completion of admission entry paperwork with the patient.
- Identifies patients’ presenting problems and completes the preliminary treatment plan.
- Maintains various logs of activities and participates in department/intake performance improvement initiatives.
Requirements:
CPI & BLS certification Required.
Licenses & Certifications
Required- CPI - Crisis Prev Interv
- BLS - Basic Life Supt
- RN License
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
See All 126+ Behavioral Health Therapist Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsBehavioral Health Therapist Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Behavioral Health Therapist Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in behavioral health therapist jobs across Illinois.
- Active Illinois Professional Counselor, LCPC, LCSW, or LMFT license or supervised eligibility
- Master's degree in counseling, social work, marriage and family therapy, or related field
- Experience conducting individual, group, or family therapy in a clinical or community setting
- Proficiency with electronic health records and clinical documentation standards
- Ability to complete diagnostic assessments and develop individualized treatment plans
- Strong knowledge of evidence-based modalities such as CBT, DBT, or motivational interviewing
Behavioral Health Therapist Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a behavioral health therapist in Illinois?
To work as a behavioral health therapist in Illinois, you need a master's degree in counseling, social work, or a related field, followed by licensure through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Depending on your discipline, the relevant credential is the Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Each requires supervised post-degree clinical hours and a passing score on the applicable national licensing examination before independent practice is permitted.
Which companies hire behavioral health therapists in Illinois?
Employers hiring behavioral health therapists in Illinois right now include Hartgrove Behavioral Health System, Carle Health, and SAINT MARY OF NAZARETH HOSPITAL, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Illinois's large integrated health systems, federally qualified health centers, and nonprofit community mental health organizations collectively represent the most consistent sources of full-time openings across the state.
Which Illinois cities have the most behavioral health therapist jobs?
Chicago, Peoria, and Springfield have the most behavioral health therapist openings in Illinois right now. Chicago drives the largest share by volume given its density of hospital systems, community mental health centers, and school-based programs, while Rockford and the Quad Cities region generate consistent demand through regional health networks and state-contracted community behavioral health agencies serving those metro populations.
Are there remote behavioral health therapist jobs in Illinois?
Yes, and more than most clinical fields, since telehealth-delivered therapy has become widely accepted for outpatient counseling. About 36% of behavioral health therapist openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, reflecting the growth of teletherapy platforms and health system virtual care programs. Individual and group therapy sessions are the areas most commonly delivered remotely, while intakes, assessments requiring in-person observation, and crisis work generally remain on-site.
How can I get hired as a behavioral health therapist in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for a supervised clinical associate or therapist-in-training role while you complete the post-degree hours required for Illinois licensure. Large Illinois community mental health organizations such as Thresholds, NAMI Chicago affiliates, and federally qualified health centers regularly hire pre-licensed clinicians under an LCSW or LCPC supervisor. Lateral entry from case management, psychiatric rehabilitation, or crisis line work is also common. Holding a current QMHP designation or completing an Illinois-approved practicum at a recognized site gives candidates a clear competitive edge.
Where can I find and apply to behavioral health therapist jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to behavioral health therapist jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings from employers actively hiring right now. Find the roles that fit your license level, specialty, and preferred location, then apply directly to each one.
See All 126+ Behavioral Health Therapist Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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