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 746 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.

Trisha Anderson

Trisha Anderson

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My goal is to create an environment where you feel accepted for who you are and help you get to where you want to be.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Shawntrell Moore

Shawntrell Moore

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My approach to therapy is eclectic, individualized, and warm. I draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution Focused therapy, Existential therapy, Gestalt, Emotionally Focused therapy,...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Empowering, Holistic
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Jennifer Murphy

Jennifer Murphy

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I strive to create a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where clients feel comfortable being themselves and working toward meaningful change.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Christina Miksis

Christina Miksis

Psychologist

Virtual • Illinois


“As a licensed clinical psychologist with more than 20 years of experience, I help children, adolescents, and adults work through anxiety, OCD, depression, ADHD, panic disorders, relationship challenges, and major life transitions.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
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
Edward Pagella

Edward Pagella

Therapist

Virtual • Plainfield, IL


“I am a very motivating type of counselor who is solution focused. I am very open minded and affirming.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Affirming, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Rachel Hogue

Rachel Hogue

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I believe therapy should help you better understand yourself while giving you practical tools you can confidently use in everyday life.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Direct, Empowering, Inquisitive
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
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 4 insurance carriers
Aiden Sismondo

Aiden Sismondo

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


I’m Aiden, a Licensed Clinical Social worker that is specialize in trauma informed care and LGBTQIA affirming therapy. My clients would say that I am a warm and down-to-earth therapist that affirms and gives space for you to be yourself.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Affirming, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Nancy Bielawski

Nancy Bielawski

Therapist

Virtual • Chicago, IL


“My goal as a counselor is to create a supportive therapeutic environment in which my clients can begin to understand their feelings, while discovering the barriers that limit their full potential.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Affirming, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Lisa Newgent

Lisa Newgent

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


Hi and Welcome! I’m Lisa, and I’m so glad you’ve taken this next step on your wellness journey. Reaching out for support is often the hardest part, and I’m honored you’re here. My client's are often navigating things like depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, and just big life stressors that leave us feeling lost and overwhelmed. I am also passionate about working with the perinatal population—whether you’re in the family planning stages, currently pregnant, or in the postpartum phase where you're surviving off of chaos and coffee (me too). Whatever season of life you're in, you don't have to endure it alone.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Humorous, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Shannon Almeida

Shannon Almeida

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I work to create a space where clients feel seen, supported, and empowered to define growth on their own terms.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Cherchaela Spellen

Cherchaela Spellen

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I believe therapy is a collaborative journey, and I am honored to walk alongside my clients as they pursue healing, resilience, and lasting change.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Direct, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Ashley Walay

Ashley Walay

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


You’re capable and use to managing a lot, but lately life feels overwhelming.

I’m Ashley Walay, LICSW, and I work with BIPOC women and LGBTQ+ individuals, professionals, single parents, and military-connected individuals (including spouses, veterans, contractors, and civilian employees) experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, burnout, chronic stress, and life transitions.

I value clear, direct communication and tailor therapy to your needs, whether you want tools or space to process. Together, we’ll work toward greater clarity, balance, and confidence.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Direct, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Kenneth Holland

Kenneth Holland

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Illinois


“I take a down-to-earth, compassionate approach and believe in working together to find what helps you feel more balanced and in control.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Tania Gallant

Tania Gallant

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


Hi, I'm Tania, and I'm so glad you're here. I work with adults ages 18 to 65 and seniors 65 and older navigating chronic health conditions, anxiety, and depression, along with grief, identity, and the ups and downs of illness or aging. I also welcome LGBTQ+ clients into a space built on warmth and acceptance. Wherever you're starting from, there's room for you here, and support is closer than you think.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Nia Henderson

Nia Henderson

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“Black queer woman therapist who believe safety, choice, empowerment, and collaboration are the foundation for an enriching therapeutic experience.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Creative, Direct, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Ellen Sagendorph

Ellen Sagendorph

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I believe that with the right tools, our young people have the potential to excel in all areas of their life.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
James Brower

James Brower

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I create a space that feels warm, relaxed, and real. Clients often tell me they feel comfortable opening up with me.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Creative, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 5 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 6 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 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Sikhumbuzo Moyo

Sikhumbuzo Moyo

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I am passionate about empowering my clients to identify their strengths and weaknesses Helping individuals explore their inner strength.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Holly Lewis

Holly Lewis

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My practice is rooted in compassion, respect, and a deep belief that you are the expert in your own life.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Inquisitive, Participatory
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Nancy Milam

Nancy Milam

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I believe that the therapeutic relationship is one of the most influential factors in assisting individuals to be successful in therapy and reach their goals.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
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

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Nicole Lewis

Nicole Lewis

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and evidence-based. I tailor treatment to your unique needs...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Darrick Melton

Darrick Melton

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I work to establish a therapeutic environment so that clients know that they have a safe space to be themselves.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Inquisitive, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
Dr. Reylla Cristina Freire Do Vale Santos

Dr. Reylla Cristina Freire Do Vale Santos

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I have been working with marginalized populations and people struggling with addictions for over a decade.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Direct, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 9 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Shawn Decker

Shawn Decker

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“What I have learned is that healing isn't about fixing what's broken, it's about reconnecting with your natural resilience and reclaiming your wholeness.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Brandon Gonzalez

Brandon Gonzalez

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I utilize a client centered approach in session. This is where I meet you where you are at and we become a team accomplishing goals together.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Creative, Direct, Open-minded
Accepts 15 insurance carriers
Amy Ballard

Amy Ballard

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My style as a therapist is warm, direct, and down-to-earth. Therapy with me isn't just about talking things through—it's also about paying to physical responses to stress and pain so that you can heal and become more resilient.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Eating disorders
Direct, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Claudia Johnson

Claudia Johnson

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I enjoy getting to work with people to process through those parts of ourselves we hide or shame with acceptance, kindness, and curiosity.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Identity issues
Affirming, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
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 7 insurance carriers
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 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Monday Ogbeibor

Monday Ogbeibor

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Illinois


“Current clients describe me as a great listener, and I love to give ample time to truly hear what you've been feeling so we can come up with the right plan of action.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Creative, Holistic, Humorous
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
William Acton

William Acton

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Springfield, IL


“I specialize in working with individuals who struggle with Anxiety and Depression using an eclectic approach.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Dr. Bridgette Spann-Edwards

Dr. Bridgette Spann-Edwards

Therapist

Virtual • Chicago, IL


For more than 20 years, I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside individuals, couples, and families as they work toward healing, growth, and change. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Clinical Addiction Counselor, and Substance Abuse Professional, I bring both deep clinical knowledge and a compassionate, down-to-earth approach to therapy.

I specialize in helping clients navigate life’s most personal challenges—including relationship and intimacy concerns, life transitions, grief and loss, trauma, and mental health struggles. I also provide substance abuse treatment, DOT/SAP evaluations, and recovery support using evidence-based approaches such as CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, Reality Therapy, Trauma-Focused CBT, the Duluth Model, and the Matrix Model.

I have a special commitment to serving Black communities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people living with HIV, re-entry populations, sex workers, and youth facing challenges. I understand how personal, cultural, and systemic factors shape each person’s story, and I create a safe, affirming space where clients feel truly seen and heard.

In our sessions, you can expect a respectful, judgment-free environment where your voice matters. I believe therapy works best as a partnership—we’ll set goals together, explore what’s holding you back, and develop practical strategies you can use in daily life a more fulfilling life. Whether you’re seeking support for a specific issue or simply want to invest in your personal growth, I’m here to help you take that next step.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Emily Spillios

Emily Spillios

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


I’m Emily, a licensed psychotherapist and Clinical Social Worker with a specialization in healthcare from Aurora University. I have extensive experience across various levels of care—including inpatient psychiatric settings, residential treatment, PHP/IOP, and community mental health—I have dedicated my career to supporting individuals facing co-occurring disorders, addiction, eating disorders, and trauma.

Through my work with complex cases, I have observed that many challenges are deeply rooted in trauma and systemic issues.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Creative, Empowering, Holistic
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Marcos Erazo

Marcos Erazo

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My goal is always to empower my clients to create safe space, balance, time, and strength to process and embrace their needs.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Dr. Nicola Roache Ashley

Dr. Nicola Roache Ashley

Psychologist

Virtual • Illinois


“I have specialty training in dialectical behavior therapy to teach patient skills to cope with stress, regulate emotions, and improve relationships with others.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Holistic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

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 Therapist in Aurora

Finding an LGBTQIA+-affirming therapist in Aurora, IL starts with identifying what kind of support matters most to you. You may be looking for a provider experienced with coming out, gender identity exploration, relationship dynamics, minority stress, or co-occurring concerns like anxiety or depression. A licensed provider — such as an LCSW, LCPC, or psychologist — who specifically lists LGBTQIA+ care as a focus area is more likely to understand the nuances of your experience.

Aurora is part of a broader network of communities across Kane County and the western Chicago suburbs, so you may also find providers in nearby areas like Naperville, Batavia, or North Aurora who offer virtual sessions. Reading a provider's bio can help you understand their approach, background, and whether they feel like a good match. A free phone consultation is another way to gauge fit before committing to a first session.

Therapy in the greater Aurora area can be expensive without insurance. Using in-network coverage is one of the most reliable ways to reduce what you pay per session. On Headway, you can enter your insurance details to see estimated costs upfront, and many patients pay as low as $0 per visit. Nationally, Headway partners with over 100 insurance plans, making it easier to find an LGBTQIA+-affirming provider who fits both your needs and your budget.

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.