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 120+ Behavioral Health Therapist jobs
Pay Range:
$31.03 - $46.54A successful candidate's actual pay rate will be based on several factors including relevant experience, skills, training, certifications and education.
Established at St. Joseph's Hospital in Breese in 2005, Senior Renewal has become a valued resource for seniors and families in our community. Our program provides compassionate support and meaningful connections to help patients navigate life changes and improve their overall well-being.
Position Specifics:
o Department: Behavioral Health & Social Services - Senior Renewal
o Core Function: Behavioral Health/Social Work
o Schedule: PRN, Days 8am-430pm, no weekends, no holidays, no on call responsibilites
o Facility: St Joseph's Hospital
o Location: Breese, IL
o Compensation that aligns with your experience
For more questions regarding this position, please contact Lauren Aman at lauren.aman@hshs.org.
Education
- Master’s degree in Social Work or Counseling is required.
Experience
- 1 year of experience in Behavioral Health is preferred.
Certificates, Licenses and Registrations
- Licensed in state of Illinois as Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) is required if working in outpatient setting (state of IL only)
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) OR Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) is required within 18 months of hire if working in the inpatient setting in Illinois.
- Licensed in the state of WI as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Marriage and family Therapy (LMFT) , or Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) is required (state of WI only). *Training License in the state of WI as an APSW (Advanced Practice Social Worker) , LMFT-IT (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapy-In Training), or LPC-IT (Licensed Professional Counselor-In Training) will be considered. Once state required hours of supervised practice is complete, colleague will have 90 days to apply for licensure. Flexibility meeting exam/testing will be allowed if successful completion of exam requires more than one testing date.
- Basic Life Support (BLS) is required.
- Non-violent Crisis Intervention Certification is preferred
- Substance Use Certificate is preferred.
Scheduled Weekly Hours:
0Throughout communities in Illinois and Wisconsin, 13 hospitals, numerous community-based health centers and clinics, our 13,000+ colleagues have built a culture based on our solid core values of respect, care, competence, and joy. These are the ideals we believe in, work by, and live each day.
Built upon more than 145 years of service to the communities we serve, we now look to the future and our place in it as a healthcare system that strives to continually improve processes, procedures, and outcomes with the latest and most advanced technologies and treatments.
Regardless of how far our passion for excellence carries us, our focus will always remain on the most important person in our entire organization: The patient.
Benefits: HSHS provides a benefits package designed to support the overall well-being of our colleagues including their physical, emotional, financial, spiritual, and work health. Colleagues budgeted to work at least 32 hours per pay period are eligible for HSHS benefits.
- Comprehensive and affordable health coverage includes medical, prescription, dental and vision coverage for full-time and part-time colleagues.
- Paid Time Off (PTO) combines vacation, sick, and personal days into one balance to allow you the flexibility to use your time off as you need.
-
Retirement benefits including HSHS
contributions. - Education Assistance benefits include up to $5,250 of educational assistance each calendar year and tuition discounts to select colleges with no waiting period.
- Adoption Assistance provides financial support up to $7,500 for colleagues growing their families through adoption to reimburse application and legal fees, transportation, and more!
- Other benefits include: Wellness program with incentives, employer-paid life insurance and short-term and long-term disability coverage, flexible spending accounts, employee assistance program, ID theft coverage, colleague rewards and recognition program, discount program, and more!
Benefits
HSHS and affiliates is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).
HSHS is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace dedicated to pursuing and hiring a diverse workforce.
Notice Regarding Potential Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Hiring Process
Hospital Sisters may use automated tools, including artificial intelligence or machine-learning technologies, to assist with certain administrative aspects of the recruitment process. These tools may help our recruiting team organize applications, search for resumes, identify qualifications reflected in application materials, and facilitate communications or scheduling with applicants.
Information used by these tools may include materials you provide during the application process, such as your resume, work history, education, qualifications, and responses to application questions.
These tools are used only to support our recruiting process. Hiring decisions are made by HSHS personnel, and automated tools do not make employment decisions on behalf of HSHS.
Applicants who have questions about this notice or who require a reasonable accommodation or alternative evaluation method may contact HSHS Human Resources at Contact@hshs.org
Pay Range:
$31.03 - $46.54A successful candidate's actual pay rate will be based on several factors including relevant experience, skills, training, certifications and education.
Established at St. Joseph's Hospital in Breese in 2005, Senior Renewal has become a valued resource for seniors and families in our community. Our program provides compassionate support and meaningful connections to help patients navigate life changes and improve their overall well-being.
Position Specifics:
o Department: Behavioral Health & Social Services - Senior Renewal
o Core Function: Behavioral Health/Social Work
o Schedule: PRN, Days 8am-430pm, no weekends, no holidays, no on call responsibilites
o Facility: St Joseph's Hospital
o Location: Breese, IL
o Compensation that aligns with your experience
For more questions regarding this position, please contact Lauren Aman at lauren.aman@hshs.org.
Education
- Master’s degree in Social Work or Counseling is required.
Experience
- 1 year of experience in Behavioral Health is preferred.
Certificates, Licenses and Registrations
- Licensed in state of Illinois as Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) is required if working in outpatient setting (state of IL only)
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) OR Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) is required within 18 months of hire if working in the inpatient setting in Illinois.
- Licensed in the state of WI as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Marriage and family Therapy (LMFT) , or Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) is required (state of WI only). *Training License in the state of WI as an APSW (Advanced Practice Social Worker) , LMFT-IT (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapy-In Training), or LPC-IT (Licensed Professional Counselor-In Training) will be considered. Once state required hours of supervised practice is complete, colleague will have 90 days to apply for licensure. Flexibility meeting exam/testing will be allowed if successful completion of exam requires more than one testing date.
- Basic Life Support (BLS) is required.
- Non-violent Crisis Intervention Certification is preferred
- Substance Use Certificate is preferred.
Scheduled Weekly Hours:
0Throughout communities in Illinois and Wisconsin, 13 hospitals, numerous community-based health centers and clinics, our 13,000+ colleagues have built a culture based on our solid core values of respect, care, competence, and joy. These are the ideals we believe in, work by, and live each day.
Built upon more than 145 years of service to the communities we serve, we now look to the future and our place in it as a healthcare system that strives to continually improve processes, procedures, and outcomes with the latest and most advanced technologies and treatments.
Regardless of how far our passion for excellence carries us, our focus will always remain on the most important person in our entire organization: The patient.
Benefits: HSHS provides a benefits package designed to support the overall well-being of our colleagues including their physical, emotional, financial, spiritual, and work health. Colleagues budgeted to work at least 32 hours per pay period are eligible for HSHS benefits.
- Comprehensive and affordable health coverage includes medical, prescription, dental and vision coverage for full-time and part-time colleagues.
- Paid Time Off (PTO) combines vacation, sick, and personal days into one balance to allow you the flexibility to use your time off as you need.
-
Retirement benefits including HSHS
contributions. - Education Assistance benefits include up to $5,250 of educational assistance each calendar year and tuition discounts to select colleges with no waiting period.
- Adoption Assistance provides financial support up to $7,500 for colleagues growing their families through adoption to reimburse application and legal fees, transportation, and more!
- Other benefits include: Wellness program with incentives, employer-paid life insurance and short-term and long-term disability coverage, flexible spending accounts, employee assistance program, ID theft coverage, colleague rewards and recognition program, discount program, and more!
Benefits
HSHS and affiliates is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).
HSHS is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace dedicated to pursuing and hiring a diverse workforce.
Notice Regarding Potential Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Hiring Process
Hospital Sisters may use automated tools, including artificial intelligence or machine-learning technologies, to assist with certain administrative aspects of the recruitment process. These tools may help our recruiting team organize applications, search for resumes, identify qualifications reflected in application materials, and facilitate communications or scheduling with applicants.
Information used by these tools may include materials you provide during the application process, such as your resume, work history, education, qualifications, and responses to application questions.
These tools are used only to support our recruiting process. Hiring decisions are made by HSHS personnel, and automated tools do not make employment decisions on behalf of HSHS.
Applicants who have questions about this notice or who require a reasonable accommodation or alternative evaluation method may contact HSHS Human Resources at Contact@hshs.org
See All 120+ 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
- Ascension12
- Northwestern Medicine8
- Carle Health7
- SAINT MARY OF NAZARETH HOSPITAL5
- Touchette Regional Hospital4
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 Ascension, Northwestern Medicine, and Carle Health, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of October 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, Springfield, and Hoffman Estates 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 47% of behavioral health therapist openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of October 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 120+ 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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