License type is one of the strongest influences on how much a therapist makes in Illinois. It’s common for insurance payers to set different reimbursement rates depending on a therapist’s license. Educational background can play a role in the rate: For example, psychologists and psychiatrists have doctoral-level degrees, which means they’re usually paid more than master’s-level providers such as counselors and social workers.
Licensure also shapes scope of practice, which can influence reimbursement. For instance, psychologists may provide both psychological testing and therapy, while MA-level clinicians typically concentrate on psychotherapy. Reimbursement can also vary based on factors like local demand for specific provider types and regional market dynamics.
Based on the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, annual salary ranges for some of the most common therapist license types in Illinois are:
- Licensed professional counselor (LPC): $41,850–$75,430
- Mental health social worker: $41,600–$87,960
- Licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT): $50,210–$102,850
- Licensed psychologist: $32,830–$162,830
- Psychiatrist: $83,000–$239,220 and up
How much do therapists make in Chicago?
Therapists in larger cities, including Chicago, often earn more than those in smaller cities or rural areas due to higher demand for services. The median salary for a licensed counselor in Chicago is $49,650, and the median salary for a psychiatrist in Chicago is more than $239,220 each year.
How much do therapists make per hour in Illinois?
When you break down annual salary ranges into average hourly pay, most therapists in Illinois who take insurance earn somewhere between $20-$50 an hour, ultimately depending on factors including license type, experience, and work setting. The more education a provider has completed, such as psychologists and psychiatrists, the more they generally charge.
While it can be helpful to estimate an hourly rate, most therapists who bill insurance don’t view their pay as hourly. Many providers don’t work a standard 40-hour week, and they also consider unpaid tasks like documentation and supervision. For providers in private practice, overhead costs, insurance reimbursement rates, and how many billable sessions they conduct each week all play into true hourly income.
For hourly rates, the dollar amount refers to what providers receive when they get individually credentialed with certain insurance plans. Headway helps to simplify the credentialing process, so you can focus on client care rather than logistics.
