Skip to main content
Headway

Book LGBT-friendly therapy, covered by insurance

LGBT therapists in Aurora, IL

Therapist and patient in a therapy session
Calculator Illustration
Get a cost estimate
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.

India Owen

India Owen

Therapist

Virtual • Chicago, IL


“I specialize in working with the mind–body connection and often integrate somatic and mindfulness-based practices into my work.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Family issues, Grief or loss
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Sarah Brown-Foiles

Sarah Brown-Foiles

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“Clients often describe me as calm, direct, and grounding—someone who brings clarity without judgment, even when things feel complicated.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions, Depression
Direct, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Stacy Branda

Stacy Branda

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My style is warm and collaborative, using trauma-informed care, mindfulness, parts work, and practical strategies tailored to your needs.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Grief or loss
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Rex Mccully

Rex Mccully

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


I have been a licensed clinical social worker for over 30 years bringing broad experience and perspective to my sessions. I believe that joining with a client is paramount to establishing trust. Trusting that your provider cares for you, has your best interest at heart and provides you with reasonable and doable solutions is key to growth. If we don’t connect, no harm/no foul. We agree to move on and I will assist with that process, if necessary.

LGBTQIA+, Bipolar disorder, Depression, End of life care, Family issues
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Joshua Andre

Joshua Andre

Therapist

Virtual • Chicago, IL


As a licensed clinical social worker, I work with adolescents and young adults to find meaning and purpose while working through the mental barriers that have created challenges in their lives. I specialize in working with adolescents, addictions, men's issues, depression and anxiety.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Humorous, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Musediq Ismail

Musediq Ismail

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Illinois


“My style is collaborative and patient-centered. I strive to meet people where they are, guide them with evidence-based interventions, and empower them to take an active role in their mental wellness.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Holistic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Emily Segal

Emily Segal

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I work within a relational-cultural framework, which is based on the idea that disconnection is a source of suffering.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, End of life care
Humorous, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Marina Garavaglia

Marina Garavaglia

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My approach combines psychodynamic, CBT, and humanistic therapy... we'll work toward practical changes that can help you feel more confident, grounded, and in control of your life.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Tigist Taylor

Tigist Taylor

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I believe the client is just as important as the therapist in this process, therefore I do not utilize a one-size-fits-all approach.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Kiera Gordon

Kiera Gordon

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I understand how easy it is to set goals for your health, mindset, or life and how frustrating it can feel when you keep starting over.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Creative, Holistic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Dr. Sarah Sanders

Dr. Sarah Sanders

Psychologist

Virtual • Chicago, IL


“Her priority is helping you work through your concerns and make changes in your life in a way that feels effective, collaborative, and nonjudgmental.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Empowering, Participatory
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Thalia Tikka

Thalia Tikka

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“Therapy can be a radically liberating process, and I believe our personal and inner healing work is part of the larger social justice movements we participate in for our mutual liberation.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Leah O'Brien

Leah O'Brien

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“Ms. O'Brien is integrative in her treatment approach, often combining cognitive-behavioral, emotion-focused, and motivational interviewing approaches.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Tochi Okwueze

Tochi Okwueze

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Illinois


“I guide individuals on their wellness path to mental and emotional well-being through a holistic, patient-centered approach.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Holistic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
Jim Perabo

Jim Perabo

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


If you're functioning on the outside but privately exhausted, stuck, or carrying more than you've let on, you're in the right place. I work with adults, many in the LGBTQIA+ community, navigating trauma, grief, relationship strain, and major life transitions. A lot of my clients come in saying, "I know what my patterns are. I just can't seem to change them." That's exactly where we start. Together, we'll get underneath what's keeping you stuck and build a path forward that actually fits your life.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Affirming, Direct, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Stephanie Hernandez

Stephanie Hernandez

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I especially enjoy helping eldest daughters who are used to being the responsible one learn to set boundaries, prioritize themselves, find balance, and reconnect with who they are outside of what others need from them.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Challenging, Empowering
Accepts 14 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Kathryn Klee

Kathryn Klee

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“After you share your story with me know that I will always support and empower you in a nonjudgmental safe space.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Sierra Abel

Sierra Abel

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I specialize in working with individuals struggling with disordered eating and body image concerns. I am EMDR trained and also a certified yoga instructor.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Susan Killelea

Susan Killelea

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


I offer individual and sex therapy via telehealth for adults all over Illinois.

My areas of specialization include sexuality and gender exploration and affirmation, building strong and ethical nonmonogamous relationships, addressing anxiety and avoidance, and developing confidence communicating desires, feelings and boundaries.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Identity issues, Relationship issues
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Pamela Bowers

Pamela Bowers

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


Hi, I’m Pamela — a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a passion for supporting young and older adults, women, and families as they navigate life’s transitions, challenges, and opportunities for growth.

I come from an urban community and understand the importance of feeling seen, supported, and understood — especially when you’re working to create a better future for yourself and your family. That perspective is at the heart of my work. I provide a compassionate, non-judgmental space where you can show up as your full self. Whether you’re facing anxiety, relationship challenges, identity concerns, or self-esteem struggles, I’ll Walk beside you as you find clarity and confidence.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Skip Dettman

Skip Dettman

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


Hello, I am Skip I have been a therapist for over 12 years. I love what I do and am passionate about assisting people with addressing life issues. I specialize in trauma, addictions and couples therapy.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Brandon Lipin

Dr. Brandon Lipin

Psychologist

Virtual • Illinois


“My style is supportive, direct, and practical, with an emphasis on helping clients better understand themselves while building realistic tools for change.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
DeAnna Hall

DeAnna Hall

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I believe in the power of a collaborative therapeutic relationship, where clients feel heard, validated, and empowered to make meaningful changes in their lives.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Affirming, Empowering, Holistic
Accepts 10 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Lauren Appelson

Lauren Appelson

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I have a particular interest treating OCD and Complex anxiety as well as significant experience using Expressive Arts Therapy in my services.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Eating disorders, Family issues
Creative, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Annie Duranowski

Annie Duranowski

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I utilize a creative approach to therapy to support mental health recovery that feels safe and positive for you while embracing traditional modalities like CBT, DBT, ACT and expressive therapies.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Diabetes
Creative, Empowering, Humorous
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Diana George

Diana George

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Illinois


“I believe that mental health care is not one-size-fits-all. In our sessions, you can expect a collaborative environment where your voice is heard and your goals are prioritized.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 8 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
Danielle Alexander

Danielle Alexander

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I work with young adults and BIPOC individuals who feel overwhelmed, disconnected or stuck in cycles they can't explain.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Direct, Warm
Accepts 13 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Alicia Ali

Alicia Ali

Psychologist

Virtual • Chicago, IL


My name is Alicia Ali. I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with over a decade of experience in my field. I enjoy working with people of color and members of the LGBTQ+ community as they navigate life’s challenges and rediscover their best self. I specialize in helping clients manage work/life stressors, anxiety, depression, and relationship issues.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Inquisitive, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 1 insurance carrier
Kyle Brand Padilla

Kyle Brand Padilla

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I honor all social work values: service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, human relationships, integrity, and competence.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression
Affirming, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 17 insurance carriers
Emma Johnson

Emma Johnson

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


Hello! My name is Emma. I am a newly Licensed Clinical Social Worker but have been working in the mental health field for over 10 years now. My background includes substance abuse, community mental health, and most recently, mental health in a correctional setting. I enjoy working with a wide range of concerns, primarily with adults.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Kevin Nielsen

Kevin Nielsen

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My approach is somatic and process-oriented, integrating EMDR with a focus on awareness of the body and nervous system.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Annmarie OConnell

Annmarie OConnell

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


I’m Annmarie O’Connell, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) with over 15 years of experience supporting individuals through some of life’s toughest moments. My background is rooted in community mental health, where I’ve worked with people from all walks of life dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, and major life transitions.

I’m also trained in Brainspotting, a powerful therapeutic technique that taps into the brain-body connection to help clients process and release deeply held emotional pain. This approach, along with my real-world experience, allows me to support clients in a holistic, meaningful way. My work is deeply personal to me—because I’ve experienced firsthand how life-changing therapy can be.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Direct, Empowering
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Megan O'Rourke

Megan O'Rourke

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I approach work with my clients from a trauma informed lens with consideration of how past experiences impact thoughts, feelings, relationships, and the body.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions, Depression
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Jacqueline Kircher

Jacqueline Kircher

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My personality is best described as, "golden-retriever-who-will-also-hold-you-accountable". I'm excited to learn all about you, AND I'll gently challenge the stories you tell yourself...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Barbara Duran

Barbara Duran

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


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.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Shuwanda Hudson

Shuwanda Hudson

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I focus on creating a safe, empowering, and transparent space where they can feel comfortable discussing their concerns.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Amanda Latier

Amanda Latier

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


Hello, my name is Amanda Grippi. I am a licensed counselor in both Missouri and Illinois. I earned my Master's degree from Southern Illinois University with a focus in community psychology and I have been in practice for over 20 years. In addition to helping people with Anxiety and Depression, I have advanced training in neurodivergence including ADHD and Autism as well as trauma. I also have extensive experience working with members who identify as LGBTQ+.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Kristilee Cappaert

Kristilee Cappaert

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“Client's can expect to be heard and acknolwedged during the first session and walk away feeling acknolwledged and that what they are going through matters.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, End of life care
Affirming, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Kristoffer Barrington

Kristoffer Barrington

Therapist

Virtual • Chicago, IL


“Kristoffer strives to create an individualized approach, guided by his client's values and goals, to help them make significant, positive steps forward.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Holistic, Participatory, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 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
Watercolor illustration of a bookshelf
10 years
Top specialties offered
Watercolor illustration of specialties
  • 100%LGBTQIA+
  • 98%Anxiety
  • 95%Depression
  • 92%Stress management
  • 86%Relationship issues
Insurances accepted
Watercolor illustration of insurance cards
  • 99%Aetna
  • 95%Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois
  • 86%Cigna
  • 85%Carelon Behavioral Health
  • 65%Ascension
Languages spoken
Watercolor illustration of languages
  • 99%English
  • 7%Spanish
  • 1%Hindi
  • 1%French
  • 1%Urdu
How they see their clients
Watercolor illustration of therapy session
  • 86%Online only
  • 14%In-person or online
Provider gender
Watercolor illustration of gender identity
  • 73%Woman
  • 23%Man
  • 4%Non-binary
License types
Watercolor illustration of license
  • 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
Watercolor illustration of treatment approach
  • 99%Individual therapy
  • 39%Family therapy
  • 29%Couples therapy
  • 18%Child or adolescent therapy

Frequently asked questions

Therapy Chair

Happy patient looking away

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

Use left and right arrow keys to switch tabs. Press Shift+Tab to return to the tab list from links in the selected tab.

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