Book LGBT-friendly therapy, covered by insurance
LGBT therapists in Aurora, IL


Top LGBT-friendly therapists and psychiatrists in Aurora, IL
Aurora residents can access mental health support through Headway's 758 licensed providers, many offering warm, solution-oriented care for gender and sexual identity-related concerns. Sessions are available in-person or virtually, with flexible scheduling and significant cost savings through insurance partnerships.
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who believes therapy should feel real, human, and grounded in honest conversation. With experience in community mental health, treatment courts, group work, and clinical supervision, in addition to working with individuals navigating trauma, identity, and personal change. I also teach and mentor future counselors while researching the psychological experiences of individuals living with vitiligo. I bring a little bit of humor into therapy, because let’s face it, in this day and age a little bit of laughing takes stress off our already hectic lives; though when it is time to get serious, we will address all and any issues that may be hindering your pathways of life. My philosophy: “people are more than their labels, and growth begins when people feel seen, heard, and respected.”
Your experience with me will always be grounded in compassion, honesty, and respect. I believe people grow when they feel heard and understood, so I work hard to create a space where you feel safe being yourself. I am collaborative and down-to-earth, and I will meet you exactly where you are while helping you move toward the life you want.
Great to meet you! I’m Mario (or Tomario), a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 14 years of experience helping individuals, couples, and families through life's toughest challenges. Whether you're navigating career stress, relationship difficulties, family conflicts, depression, or substance use, my goal is to serve as a supportive catalyst for positive change in your life.
A lot of men arrive in therapy through anger, because it is often the only feeling they were ever given permission to have. If that is you, or if the anxiety has been running underneath everything for years, or if something happened to you that you have never said out loud, you are in the right place. I'm Dr. Justin D. Gravely-Strayhorn, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I earned my Master of Social Work from Campbellsville University and my Doctor of Education from Liberty University. I work with adults on anxiety, depression, trauma, anger, relationships, and the particular weight men carry when they have been taught that handling it alone is the same thing as being strong. Culture is part of that conversation, not separate from it. What shaped you, what was expected of you, and what it costs to keep performing being fine all belong in the room. My approach combines evidence-based therapy with compassion, cultural awareness, and a holistic view of wellness. I believe growth happens when we feel seen, supported, and empowered to rewrite our stories.
When stress starts to build, it can affect more than just your day-to-day life. It can impact your mood, your energy, and your relationships. I work with adults and couples who are navigating anxiety, depression, workplace stress, and burnout. Many of my clients are used to juggling responsibilities, caring for others, and pushing through difficult seasons until they realize they're no longer feeling like themselves. You might feel constantly overwhelmed, mentally exhausted, or like you can’t fully “turn off” your mind. At the same time, stress can begin to show up in your relationships through miscommunication, distance, or frustration, making it harder to feel connected and supported.
Hello! I’m Stephanie Darche, MA, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor(LCPC). My therapeutic style is empowering, nonjudgmental, warm, genuine and down to earth.
I work with children, adolescents, and adults. I have experience in working with clients with concerns related to anxiety, depression, parenting, family conflict, communication, LGBTQI+, child/adolescent adjustment, behavior and mood disorders, trauma, self-harm, suicidal ideation, ADHD, self-esteem, and life transitions.
I have over 3 decades of experience working in the fields of mental health and social work. I work with youth, adults, and couples who are struggling with trauma, depression, anxiety, ADHD, autism, relationship issues, and school refusal.
I have spent my career learning and translating theories into practice with individuals, families, couples, and groups. For the last few years, I've gained deeper knowledge working with trauma, anxiety, couples, and the LGBTQIA+ population.
If you're struggling with addiction, carrying the weight of complex trauma, or trying to cope while managing a chronic health condition, I want you to know there's a way forward — and you don't have to walk it alone. I'm a Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor (CADC) with over 16 years of experience across private practice, residential substance abuse treatment, medical social work, and the non-profit world. I've sat with people in their hardest, most overwhelming moments, and I bring that same steady, non-judgmental presence to every session.
Much of my work centers on substance use and recovery, complex trauma, and the emotional toll of chronic medical conditions. Whether you're in the thick of a crisis or finally ready to address something you've carried for years, I'll meet you exactly where you are — with compassion, real tools, and zero judgment.
Hi, I’m Heather Lopez, LCSW. I help women, moms, and BIPOC professionals who are navigating anxiety, life changes, burnout, and the mental load of holding everything together. You might be the one everyone counts on—but lately, you’re wondering who’s checking on you.
Whether you’re adjusting to motherhood, working through family stress, or just trying to feel like yourself again, therapy can be a space to slow down and breathe. I work virtually with clients across Illinois. My style is warm, clinical, supportive, and down-to-earth (with the occasional well-placed joke). We'll explore your patterns, set real goals, and focus on healing in a way that actually feels useful in your daily life. I accept insurance and offer weekday sessions. If you're looking for a therapist who gets it and creates a judgment-free zone, let’s talk.
In addition to individual therapy, I offer a weekly 1-hour support group for moms experiencing overwhelm, anxiety, emotional exhaustion, and difficulty adjusting to the demands of motherhood.
This group focuses on emotional regulation, stress management, and reducing feelings of isolation through supportive, structured group processing.
I'm a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor with a background that includes years of work with people navigating some of the hardest chapters of their lives — including incarcerated individuals, people struggling with addiction, and those carrying cultural weight that doesn't show up in a standard intake form. I'm South Asian, I grew up navigating two worlds, and that shapes how I show up for clients who've had to figure things out without a clear map. I don't do therapy with a clipboard. I'm direct, I'm real, and I'm genuinely interested in what's underneath the surface.
About our LGBTQIA+ affirming therapists in Aurora, IL



- 100%LGBTQIA+
- 99%Anxiety
- 96%Depression
- 92%Stress management
- 87%Trauma

- 99%Aetna
- 97%Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois
- 89%Cigna
- 87%Carelon Behavioral Health
- 69%Ascension

- 99%English
- 7%Spanish
- 1%Hindi
- 1%Urdu
- 1%French

- 90%Online only
- 10%In-person or online

- 73%Woman
- 24%Man
- 3%Non-binary

- 49%Licensed Clinical Social Worker
- 33%Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
- 6%Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
- 5%Full Practice Authority Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
- 4%Clinical Psychologist

- 99%Individual therapy
- 41%Family therapy
- 30%Couples therapy
- 19%Child or adolescent therapy
Frequently asked questions


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.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a LGBTQIA Therapist in Aurora
Finding LGBTQIA+ therapists in Aurora starts with looking for care that is affirming, specific, and aligned with what you want support for. An LGBTQ affirming therapist in Aurora may support people with identity exploration, gender identity, coming out, relationship concerns, anxiety, depression, or stress related to family, work, or community experiences. As you compare options, look for therapists who name affirmative therapy, gender-diverse experience, or World Professional Association for Transgender Health training in their profiles. These details can help you find a therapist whose background matches your needs.
Aurora has local therapy options, and virtual appointments can expand access to LGBTQIA+ therapy in Aurora, IL, especially when you want a therapist with specific experience in LGBTQIA+ care. You may also want to compare appointment times, whether a therapist offers in-person or virtual sessions, and whether they provide a free phone consultation before booking. Reading bios closely can help you spot therapists who explicitly mention LGBTQIA+ populations, transgender therapy, therapy for gender identity, or queer clients in their work.
Therapy in Aurora can be a significant expense without insurance. Using in-network insurance is one of the most reliable ways to reduce session costs. Headway helps you search for LGBTQ friendly therapists in Aurora who are accepting new patients, review detailed bios, check estimated out-of-pocket costs before booking, and find care that fits your schedule, preferences, and insurance plan.
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