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LGBT therapists in Arlington Heights, IL

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Top LGBT-friendly therapists and psychiatrists in Arlington Heights, IL

Headway connects LGBTQIA+ individuals in Arlington Heights with affirming mental health providers who understand your unique experiences. Our network of 811 licensed providers offers virtual and in-person sessions, with many offering free consultations and availability within two weeks.

Holly Barczak

Holly Barczak

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


With more than 30 years of experience, I've helped individuals navigate anxiety, ADHD, trauma, and life's many transitions with compassion, understanding, and practical support.

I know reaching out for help isn't always easy. My goal is to create a safe, welcoming space where you feel heard, supported, and empowered to move toward greater confidence, healing, and peace of mind.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Patricia Earnshaw

Patricia Earnshaw

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Alton, IL


Often, struggles can become gateways to transformation. Many of the clients I work with are navigating low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, chronic stress, trauma, grief, or major life transitions that leave them feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected. You may be experiencing racing thoughts, emotional exhaustion, relationship difficulties, loss, or uncertainty about your direction in life. When we begin to explore these experiences with compassion and curiosity, new perspectives and meaningful change can emerge.

I believe telling your story in a safe, supportive space can be deeply healing. I want to hear about your hopes, dreams, challenges, and losses. My goal is to help you better understand your experiences, develop emotional resilience, and move toward greater clarity and self-acceptance. You are not alone, and I am here to walk alongside you as you move forward on your journey toward healing and growth.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Diana Carter

Diana Carter

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


My style is eclectic and strength based. I see human nature as intrinsically good. Sigmund Freud said we are bio-social animals. I believe a great deal in listening to one’s self talk. The more positive our dialogue with ourselves is, the more positive our dialogues with others and our lives are. I’m also experienced in CBT, DBT, MI, Solution Focused, ACT, Gestalt, Interpersonal, and person-centered counseling.

My training includes lots of wonderful supervision and workshops, a three-year certificate from the Gestalt Institute of Chicago, and two one month intensives with Virginia Satir, the founder of family therapy. Virginia taught that exploring the self is like mining gold. We all have gold inside of us. That is our basic goodness. A lot of emotional suffering is the result of being detoured from that basic goodness.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Affirming, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Erin Shannon

Dr. Erin Shannon

Psychologist

Virtual • Illinois


“My goal is to make sure you have tools and techniques that actually work for you and that you can use them on DAY ONE to see a positive impact and feel better!”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Holistic, Humorous
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Ember Casey

Ember Casey

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My goal is to create a safe, supportive space where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered to make meaningful changes in their lives.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Mel Rivkin

Mel Rivkin

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I am a neurodivergent adult myself, and I bring cultural humility to the many different ways people experience the world.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Creative, Humorous, Solution-oriented
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Nechola Hodge

Nechola Hodge

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My style is supportive but direct, offering both empathy and honest feedback to help clients move forward.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Holistic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Kaleigh Clarke

Kaleigh Clarke

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


Having served clients in Florida for the past 8 years in my work as a clinician and in welfare, my professional and personal philosophy is to meet people where they are. Therapy is a vulnerable journey of healing. I will utilize individualized care and collaboration to make you feel accepted, safe and ready to become the best version of yourself.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Kendra Graham

Kendra Graham

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


Hi, I'm Kendra. If life has taken a turn you did not plan for, whether that is struggling

to grow your family, an anxiety that will not quiet down, or a relationship that feels

stuck, you do not have to sort it out alone. I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in

Illinois, and I work with adults and families who are carrying more than they let on. My

belief is simple: empathy, empowerment, and collaboration are what make therapy

work. You bring what you are facing, and we find the path forward together. When you

are ready, I would be glad to meet you.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Tiffany Johnson-Bey

Tiffany Johnson-Bey

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Illinois


“I specialize in working with children, adolescents, adults, couples, families, veterans, LGBTQ+ individuals, neurodivergent clients...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Krystal Fowler

Krystal Fowler

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


Are you the person everyone depends on, but lately you're feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or like you're carrying too much? You may be dealing with anxiety, depression, burnout, grief, trauma, workplace stress, relationship concerns, or a major life change and know something needs to change, even if you're not sure where to start. That's where I can help.

I work with children, adolescents and adults and provide both ongoing therapy and short-term, solution-focused support. My goal is to create a space where you can talk openly, feel heard, understand what's getting in the way, and develop practical strategies you can actually use in everyday life.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
C. Eric Erlenbush

C. Eric Erlenbush

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I use practical, evidence-based tools to help reduce anxiety and stress through structured, collaborative work rather than talk alone.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Direct, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 11 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Therasa Yehling

Therasa Yehling

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I believe people are capable of healing and growth, and I strive to provide a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where clients can explore challenges, build resilience, and create meaningful change.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression, Grief or loss
Empowering, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Dr. Linda Wickens

Dr. Linda Wickens

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


Hi, I’m Dr. Linda Wickens, a doctoral-level therapist and coach who works with individuals navigating stress, life transitions, relationship challenges, and patterns that keep them feeling stuck while preventing forward movement and growth. Many of my clients are high-functioning on the outside but feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or frustrated that change feels harder than it should.

Therapy and coaching with me are never one-size-fits-all. We work collaboratively to create a plan that is specific to you, your goals, and your capacity, adjusting pace and structure as your needs evolve. I focus on helping clients understand their patterns, build emotional awareness, and develop practical skills they can actually use in daily life.

I hold a Doctorate in Social Work and am a fully licensed clinical social worker, with over nine years of experience in the mental health field. My work integrates evidence-based therapy with a coaching-informed lens when appropriate, allowing sessions to be both supportive and goal-oriented while still making space to explore the past and its impact on the present.

Clients often describe my style as warm, direct, and collaborative. As part of my concierge model, clients work directly with me rather than an assistant, and I remain accessible to my clients outside of sessions through secure communication when needed. I believe growth happens through understanding, compassion, and honest conversation, and that progress is most sustainable when care feels personal, intentional, and consistent.

Please Note: I do not provide couples or marriage counseling. I do not treat adolescents under the age of 21. Additionally, I am not able to treat clients who are experiencing active suicidal ideation or self-harm behaviors. If these services are needed, I encourage seeking a provider who specializes in these areas or contacting appropriate crisis resources if immediate support is required.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Participatory, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Diego Osorio Gomez

Diego Osorio Gomez

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Illinois


“My style is warm, supportive, and direct. I prioritize building a strong, trusting relationship with each client, meeting them where they are and helping them move forward at a pace that feels right.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 13 insurance carriers
Rebecca Scandell

Rebecca Scandell

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


I have 26 years of experience dealing with individuals, couples, families in therapy. We will work together to develop plans that are unique and right for you.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Katherine Cooper

Katherine Cooper

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My style is practical, collaborative, and grounded in helping you understand both your thoughts and your nervous system.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, End of life care
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Carla Morris

Carla Morris

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I really believe that the connection, the therapeutic relationship is so important in establishing a safe place to explore, unpack and heal wounds...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Dr. LeNedra Wallace-Fierte

Dr. LeNedra Wallace-Fierte

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“Being easy to connect with, I'll create space to hear and validate your story, as well as join in with you on solutions to challenges that are impacting your journey.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Open-minded, Participatory, Solution-oriented
Accepts 13 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Bashir Alli

Bashir Alli

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • St. Charles, IL


“I believe every patient is unique and deserves personalized care. I listen with an open heart and work closely with your individual needs.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Kyla Donovan

Kyla Donovan

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I believe in taking a holistic mind/body/spirit approach when it comes to treating mental health and focus on creating greater harmony between these aspects of an individual's life.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Dr. Olalekan Fapohunda

Dr. Olalekan Fapohunda

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Mokena, IL


“My goal is to help you get back to your optimal mental health by bringing you back to a place where you can do your work, take care of things at home, or get along with other people without any difficulty.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
Joan Fadonugbo-Kuton

Joan Fadonugbo-Kuton

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Chicago, IL


“I am dedicated to reducing the stigma surrounding mental health issues and actively promoting awareness in this area.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Open-minded, Participatory, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Phillip Davis

Phillip Davis

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I work with adolescents and adults and specialize in anxiety, depression, PTSD and addiction, using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help my clients make...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Anthony Wright

Anthony Wright

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I work with adolescents, men, and families who are navigating emotional stress, behavioral challenges, relationship dynamics, and major life transitions.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Sam Shabsin

Sam Shabsin

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I bring an energetic, warm, and direct approach to therapy. I believe meaningful change happens when you feel supported while also feeling empowered to grow.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Energetic, Warm
Accepts 12 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Sarah Allen

Sarah Allen

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My approach is gentle, person‐centered, and strengths‐based, using solution‐focused and cognitive behavioral techniques to help young people feel more confident, understood, and connected with themselves.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Energetic, Holistic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Adya Rangaswami

Adya Rangaswami

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My therapeutic style focuses on forming connections with my clients to best serve their needs and build a trusting therapeutic relationship.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Holistic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Laura Lewis

Laura Lewis

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


Everyone needs help sometimes, not because they are broken, but because life can become too heavy to sort through alone. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who believes every person should have access to support that helps them rise to new challenges, cope with loss, manage the ups and downs of mood, and better understand who they are. I work with adults navigating grief and loss, anxiety, depression, stress, mood changes, life transitions, relationship issues, PTSD, trauma and the feeling of being stuck or disconnected from themselves. My goal is to provide a safe, nonjudgmental space where you can feel supported while we make sense of what you are carrying and create a path toward living your best life.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Shelly Lewin

Shelly Lewin

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


⭐ I’m Shelly Lewin, LCSW/LICSW, a therapist with 31 years of experience helping adults navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, identity issues, and major life transitions. I provide virtual therapy across Arizona, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, New Mexico, and West Virginia, offering accessible, evidence‐based care to clients seeking meaningful and lasting change. I have 30+ years of experience in private practice and leadership roles at organizations including:

  • The Joint Commission
  • Northwestern Memorial Hospital
  • Kaiser Permanente
  • Common Spirit
  • Mount Sinai Health System

This background allows me to offer deep clinical expertise paired with practical, real‐world understanding of how people heal and grow. My approach is warm, collaborative, open‐minded, and affirming. If you're feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or ready for change, I’m here to walk beside you with steady support and clinically grounded guidance. I specialize in therapy for adults experiencing:

  • Anxiety & panic disorders
  • Depression & mood disorders
  • PTSD and trauma recovery
  • Substance use and addiction
  • LGBTQIA+ affirmative care
  • Men’s issues & identity exploration
  • Life and career transitions
  • Chronic illness & long-term stress

Additional areas of expertise include: Bipolar disorder, OCD, grief & loss, workplace stress, anger management, cultural/ethnic identity issues, expat adjustment, relationship issues, family challenges, and end-of-life concerns

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Inquisitive, Solution-oriented
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Thomas Kaufman

Thomas Kaufman

Therapist

Virtual • Rockford, IL


“I help empower clients to explore areas within their lives that present challenges and inhibit change, and assist them with finding solutions that will work for them.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Creative, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Janet Dowell

Janet Dowell

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I utilize a client centered approach with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), solution-focused and psychodynamic techniques while also incorporating creativity including art, writing, and play to express feelings that are not always easy to...”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Grief or loss, Identity issues
Affirming, Creative, Solution-oriented
Accepts 13 insurance carriers
Rachel Beitler

Rachel Beitler

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My approach blends curiosity, creativity, and compassion to help you connect with yourself in new ways.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Humorous, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 14 insurance carriers
Robinlee Garber

Robinlee Garber

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I offer a grounded, relational style for practical coping and deeper self-understanding, including affirming care for LGBTQIA+ and transgender clients.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
E.T. Townsend

E.T. Townsend

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


I offer support and skills to those exploring identity, intimacy, or relational complexity—whether in gender, sexuality, kink, or deocolonized relationships. They may be sitting with grief, unraveling the impact of trauma, or feeling the weight of past experiences in their body. They long for connection but struggle with vulnerability, trust, or belonging. Some feel stuck in cycles of overwhelm, while others are questioning the stories they’ve been told about who they are. They seek a space where they can be seen without judgment, process their experiences, and make sense of the systems shaping their lives.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Tyler Leake

Tyler Leake

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My approach to therapy is rooted in the belief that everyone has the power to rewrite their own story.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Humorous, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Heather Shannon

Heather Shannon

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I use a combination of psychoeducation, mindfulness and Internal Family Systems (IFS) to help clients make changes at the root level.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Direct, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 3 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Mercy Abunaw

Mercy Abunaw

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Illinois


“During our sessions together, I will treat you with respect, compassion and understanding, exploring every evidence-based medication or technique possible to help you overcome the challenges that have been holding you back.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Grant Tyler

Grant Tyler

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Illinois


I’m a psychiatric nurse practitioner committed to compassionate, thoughtful, and evidence-based mental health care. With more than a decade of experience in psychiatry, emergency medicine, trauma, and clinical leadership, I bring a broad skill set to my work, but human connection remains at the center of my approach.

I believe every person deserves to feel heard and supported. I help individuals navigate anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, and other mental health challenges with clarity and compassion. I take time to understand your story, collaborate on your goals, and create a treatment plan that fits your life.

My diverse background, from trauma care to outpatient psychiatry and clinical education, has strengthened my commitment to high-quality, collaborative care for patients of all ages.

At Granted Mental Health Services, my mission is to provide accessible, patient-centered care that honors your experiences and supports your journey toward a healthier, more balanced life. I’m grateful for the opportunity to walk alongside you.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Humorous, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Shannon Chien

Shannon Chien

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


Hi there! My name is Shannon, and I am a licensed marriage and family therapist passionate about working with relational dynamics of all shapes and sizes. I am particularly invested in helping clients navigate differences in expectations of intimacy, responsibility, and accountability. While neurotypical, I have extensive experience making space for neurodivergent voices in and out of the therapy room. Born in the US and raised in Taiwan, I provide therapy services in both English and Mandarin.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Direct, Humorous
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

About our LGBTQIA+ affirming therapists located within 20 miles of Arlington Heights, IL

Number of therapists within 20 miles of Arlington Heights, IL
There are over 42 therapists in Arlington Heights, IL accepting new patients.
42+
Average years in practice
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12 years
Top specialties offered
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  • 100%LGBTQIA+
  • 98%Anxiety
  • 98%Depression
  • 95%Stress management
  • 93%Relationship issues
Insurances accepted
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  • 100%Aetna
  • 98%Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois
  • 88%Cigna
  • 86%Carelon Behavioral Health
  • 71%Ascension
Languages spoken
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  • 98%English
  • 14%Spanish
  • 7%Polish
  • 5%French
  • 5%German
How they see their clients
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  • 98%In-person or online
  • 2%In-person only
Provider gender
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  • 74%Woman
  • 24%Man
  • 2%Non-binary
License types
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  • 52%Licensed Clinical Social Worker
  • 33%Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
  • 7%Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
  • 7%Clinical Psychologist
Treatment approaches
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  • 100%Individual therapy
  • 38%Family therapy
  • 36%Couples therapy
  • 31%Child or adolescent therapy

Frequently asked questions

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Find the right LGBTQ-friendly therapy provider for you

Headway makes it easier to connect with affirming therapists who understand your identity — from finding the right therapist, to understanding costs, to scheduling with ease.

1 Cost may vary based on your location, age, and insurance coverage.