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LGBT therapists in Aurora, IL

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People with insurance pay as low as $0 per session through Headway

Top LGBT-friendly therapists and psychiatrists in Aurora, IL

Aurora residents can access mental health support through Headway's 836 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.

Ella Petersen

Ella Petersen

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I'm warm, honest, and deeply curious. I believe healing happens when we feel truly seen — and I genuinely want to see you.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Carmel Brown

Carmel Brown

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I have many years of helping couples and families recover from an extensive history of dysfunction, trauma, and conflict.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Empowering, Participatory, Solution-oriented
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Sarah Cozzi

Sarah Cozzi

Therapist

Virtual • River Forest, IL


“I'm not an 'Oz behind a curtain' type therapist but more of a fellow traveler, drawing from both lived experience and professional training to guide and empower.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Grief or loss, Identity issues
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Loren Ketelsen

Loren Ketelsen

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My style of therapy is supportive and compassionate. I believe in empowering my clients, instilling hope, and courage...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Energetic, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Laila Ashkazari

Laila Ashkazari

Therapist

Virtual • Evanston, IL


“Laila's clinical approach is rooted in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), an evidence-based approach that focuses on helping clients understand how their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected to enact change.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Humorous, Solution-oriented
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Karina Meza

Karina Meza

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I'm a licensed counselor trained in trauma-informed and culturally responsive care, supporting clients from Black, Brown, and diverse communities navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Holistic, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Leanne Goodwin

Leanne Goodwin

Therapist

Virtual • Robinson, IL


“Our sessions will be collaborative and exploratory. Although I am an expert on emotions and behaviors, I am not an expert on you but you are.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Ethan York

Ethan York

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“Being queer myself, I often work with LGBTQIA+ adults and teens who are navigating life stressors while solidifying their identities.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Identity issues
Creative, Direct, Empowering
Accepts 2 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Jennifer Lewanczyk-Terenzio

Jennifer Lewanczyk-Terenzio

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


Hello! My name is Jenny and I'm a neurodivergent LCSW who loves working with adolescents and adults! I have worked in a variety of mental health settings including PHP's, non-for-profits, and private practice. Through these experiences, I have found my therapeutic niche which is working with the neurodivergent community and supporting their needs through unique and sculpted therapeutic techniques.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Creative, Warm
Accepts 13 insurance carriers
Megan Szudarski

Megan Szudarski

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


ONLY DAYTIME SLOTS AVAILABLE NOW

With almost a decade of experience working as a therapist, I have supported and worked with a diverse population of children, adolescents, adults, and couples through a variety of life challenges. My clinical interests include working with adults to maneuver life challenges around identity and narrative work, role exploration, attachment, and understanding complexities around family dynamics as an adult, all through a relational lens. I became a therapist because I truly believe in the importance of self-discovery and growth and I enjoy collaboratively working with clients to support, encourage, and acquire skills to better manage and understand their stressors, allowing them to feel more empowered and in control of their life.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Humorous, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 2 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
Erika Poling

Erika Poling

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“The heart of my practice is believing people are their own experts. You are the ONLY you with your unique values, experiences, routines, heartaches, and desires.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Creative, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Katherine Hahn

Katherine Hahn

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I prioritize authenticity in therapy; I will show up open, honest, and ready to laugh at your dark humor.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, End of life care
Affirming, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
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
Joi Haynes

Joi Haynes

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I specialize in anxiety, depression, trauma, and imposter syndrome, focusing on women of color, teens, and queer-identifying individuals.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Janice Donaldson

Janice Donaldson

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Shiloh, IL


“My goal is to provide you with a safe space where you can find empathy, receive a listening ear, and have a supportive teammate to help you identify your goals and the steps needed to achieve them.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Kevin McClure

Kevin McClure

Therapist

Virtual • Peoria, IL


“My approach to therapy is collaborative, client-centered, and growth-oriented. I believe therapy works best when it feels like a partnership.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Inquisitive, Solution-oriented
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Aubrey Koel

Aubrey Koel

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My style is relaxed, warm, and refreshingly candid. We'll use a mix of humor, honest feedback, and genuine connection to cut through the noise and get to the heart of what's holding you back.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Angela Jalloh

Angela Jalloh

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Illinois


“I believe in seeing the person behind the diagnosis and walking alongside you toward healing and growth.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Dr. Kristin Huseman

Dr. Kristin Huseman

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“Clients can expect to feel welcomed and accepted while also being pushed to reach goals as well as unpack history and trauma.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Direct, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Zechariah Rodriguez

Zechariah Rodriguez

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I learned so much on solution focused therapy styles all backed up by scientific evidence with self compassion and warmth.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Family issues
Affirming, Humorous, Solution-oriented
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Rozalyn Engle

Rozalyn Engle

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I have worked in the human services for over 20 years. Including, substance use, depression, anxiety, LGBT, anger, and self esteem.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 16 insurance carriers
Maggie Adrian

Maggie Adrian

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


I approach therapy in a collaborative and compassionate way, creating a safe space where clients can feel supported as they explore their inner world. I believe that each client is the expert of their own life, and my role is to guide, support, and provide tools to help you connect with your strengths and insights. My work is trauma-informed and integrates a variety of techniques, including internal family systems, somatic methods, inner child work, strengths-based narratives, CBT, experiential approaches, and clinical hypnosis.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Jameeka Moore

Dr. Jameeka Moore

Psychologist

Virtual • Illinois


“I use evidence based (supported by research) treatment approaches (CBT, ERP and ACT) while working with clients.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Identity issues
Empowering, Participatory, Solution-oriented
Accepts 2 insurance carriers
Elizabeth Moreno

Elizabeth Moreno

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I specialize in sexual health & sexual dysfunctions, process addiction, substance use, anxiety, and grief.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, End of life care
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Tamara Whittleton

Tamara Whittleton

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


Starting therapy can feel intimidating, but you don’t have to figure things out alone. I’m Tamara Whittleton, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who works with adults navigating stress, anxiety, depression, and major life changes. I focus on creating a supportive environment where clients feel comfortable talking openly while developing practical strategies for growth and healing

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Open-minded, Participatory, Solution-oriented
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Erin Howe

Erin Howe

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My approach is gentle, collaborative, and grounded in the belief that your body holds important information about what you've been through—and where healing can begin.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Direct, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Dr. Andrea Washington

Dr. Andrea Washington

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I am a caring, empathetic and knowledgeable person. I meet all of my clients where they are and accept them for who they are without anyjudgement.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Tera Wilkes

Tera Wilkes

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


I've been practicing therapy for over 5 years. I have extensive experience with trauma, identity, and life changes. I have a master's in professional counseling.

LGBTQIA+, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Identity issues, PTSD
Affirming, Empowering, Humorous
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Shaun Fossett

Shaun Fossett

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“Rather than a one-size-fits-all model, he takes the approach of adapting to the unique needs of each person he works with while collaborating with them to achieve their goals.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Anita Johnson

Anita Johnson

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My approach is warm, direct, and practical. I believe therapy should meet you where you are while helping you develop a clearer understanding of what you're experiencing and what you want to change.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Energetic, Open-minded
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Meredith Evett

Meredith Evett

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I believe that others need to earn the right to hear your story, myself included. I can promise authenticity, empowerment, and respect...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 2 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
Tajmar Carter

Tajmar Carter

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My approach is culturally responsive, collaborative, and grounded in helping you better understand yourself without judgment.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Holistic, Inquisitive
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Tessa Derecho

Tessa Derecho

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Illinois


“She believes healing doesn't always have to be heavy, and that laughter can be part of the therapeutic journey too.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Kristal Perry-Gutierrez

Kristal Perry-Gutierrez

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


I have provided counseling services for over 20 years, helping clients work through trauma, PTSD, anxiety, panic, stress, family challenges, and women’s issues. I specialize in supporting people who feel stuck in painful memories, overwhelmed by anxiety, or disconnected from themselves after difficult life experiences. My approach is compassionate, non-judgmental, and deeply respectful of each person’s story. I believe healing often involves more than traditional talk therapy, which is why I incorporate approaches that support the mind, body, and spirit. I am an EMDRIA Certified Therapist and a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, and I use EMDR, somatic therapy, attachment-based therapy, interpersonal therapy, and other trauma-informed approaches to help clients move toward relief and healing. When we work together, you can expect a caring space where you are accepted as you are and supported at a pace that feels safe.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Inquisitive, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Raul Rodriguez

Raul Rodriguez

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I will listen to your experiences and your needs. I will give you the space to talk about your problems without judgement.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
Anastasiya Andreeva

Anastasiya Andreeva

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“Therapy can serve as a powerful tool to gain deeper insight into our current needs and values, ultimately empowering us to build a life we find meaningful.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Humorous, Inquisitive
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Robert Jaskula

Robert Jaskula

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I like to create an environment in which the client can become curious and open to adjustments in point of view.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Humorous, Inquisitive
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Dr. Adam Carter

Dr. Adam Carter

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


As an independently licensed professional counselor, counselor educator, and supervisor, I believe that everyone deserves a space where they can feel heard, supported, and accepted. I've been practicing for 15 years and hold a master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, a doctorate in Counselor Education, and a Fellowship in Thanatology with specialized expertise in grief and loss. As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community and someone with AuDHD, I bring both professional knowledge and lived experience to my work. My goal is to create a warm, affirming environment where you can show up as your authentic self and move toward meaningful change.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

About our LGBTQIA+ affirming therapists in Aurora, IL

Number of therapists serving Aurora, IL
There are over 820 therapists in Aurora, IL accepting new patients.
820+
Average years in practice
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10 years
Top specialties offered
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  • 100%LGBTQIA+
  • 98%Anxiety
  • 95%Depression
  • 92%Stress management
  • 86%Relationship issues
Insurances accepted
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  • 99%Aetna
  • 95%Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois
  • 86%Cigna
  • 85%Carelon Behavioral Health
  • 65%Ascension
Languages spoken
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  • 99%English
  • 7%Spanish
  • 1%Hindi
  • 1%French
  • 1%Urdu
How they see their clients
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  • 86%Online only
  • 14%In-person or online
Provider gender
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  • 73%Woman
  • 23%Man
  • 4%Non-binary
License types
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  • 49%Licensed Clinical Social Worker
  • 32%Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
  • 5%Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
  • 5%Clinical Psychologist
  • 4%Full Practice Authority Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
Treatment approaches
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  • 99%Individual therapy
  • 39%Family therapy
  • 29%Couples therapy
  • 18%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.

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.

Find a provider - your way

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