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LGBT therapists in Buffalo Grove, IL

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Top LGBT-friendly therapists and psychiatrists in Buffalo Grove, IL

Headway connects LGBTQIA individuals in Buffalo Grove with affirming mental health providers who understand your unique experiences. Our network of 851 licensed providers offers virtual and in-person sessions, with many accepting insurance to keep care affordable. Find the right fit with a warm, open-minded therapist ready to support your mental health journey.

Jacqueline Vaca

Jacqueline Vaca

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I believe healing begins when you feel truly heard, but it grows through insight, self-compassion, and practical tools that help you move differently in your daily life.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
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
Dr. Kari Weiterschan

Dr. Kari Weiterschan

Psychologist

Virtual • Palatine, IL


“I strive to understand my clients lived experiences from an empathic and non-judgemental perspective.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Inquisitive, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Lenora Perkins

Lenora Perkins

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“Being trained in Integrative Systemic Therapy from The Family Institute at Northwestern University, I believe that each client is a conglomeration of their human experiences...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Family issues
Challenging, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Nida Haider

Nida Haider

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I've always been able to see experiences through an eclectic and holistic lens- one of the many reasons Psychology felt like a calling!”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 7 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
Dr. Calvin Young

Dr. Calvin Young

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


Welcome! I am a US military veteran with over two decades of experiences as a provider of mental health care services at the individual, groups and organization level(s). I use my skills and training of over two decades as a psychotherapist, neuropsychology practitioner, addictions treatment professional, forensically credentialed and certified provider of sex offender assessment and treatment services, to provide general telemental health outpatient counseling care. My treatment approach is eclectic, in that I provide patients with e-therapy care that is both collaborative and integrative. Our work will be anchored with the best ideas and concepts from both conventional and alternative methods of healing, incorporating scientifically-supported technologies and techniques from nutritional psychology, neuropsychology and nutritional psychiatry as well as both ancient and.modern methods of psychotherapy.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Holistic, Humorous
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Michelle Ahmed

Michelle Ahmed

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I am a Bangladeshi American Woman, a daughter of immigrants, older sister, cat-mom, an artist, a singer, a registered yoga teacher, a writer, an activist, and a trauma psychotherapist who inspires healing through the arts.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Creative, Empowering, Holistic
Accepts 3 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Hannah Courtney

Hannah Courtney

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I have experienced firsthand that the brain can rewire, healing is possible, and the transformative work of therapy is the most life-changing and important thing you'll ever do for yourself.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Challenging, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 5 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
Laura Baron

Laura Baron

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


Maybe you're carrying more than you let on, and you're tired of holding it together on your own. I believe therapy should feel genuine, collaborative, and human. I work with women, emerging adults, and LGBTQIA+ folks navigating identity, relationships, ADHD, life transitions, grief and loss, and end of life concerns. I also love working with performers, singers, actors, nurses, and physicians, people who give a lot of themselves and rarely get a space that's just theirs. With me, you can expect warmth, humor, curiosity, and plenty of room to simply be yourself.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, End of life care
Creative, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Krystal Fowler

Krystal Fowler

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


Life can get heavy, and sometimes you get to a point where you know something needs to change, you just may not know where to start. That’s where I can help. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, anger, grief, major life changes, or just trying to make sense of everything you’ve been carrying, we can work through it together.

I work with children, teens, and adults, with a special passion for supporting at-risk youth, justice-involved individuals, and people who may feel like they’ve been judged, misunderstood, or overlooked. You don’t have to come into therapy with the right words or have everything figured out. Come as you are. We’ll start there and work toward where you want to be.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Risa Stutz

Risa Stutz

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My approach is collaborative, warm, and practical—I tailor each session to the person in front of me rather than forcing anyone into a single method.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Marisa Chovan

Marisa Chovan

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I take a directive approach in counseling, guiding my clients through the process to make it easier for them.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 9 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
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
Shannon Cagle

Shannon Cagle

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I'm a trauma-focused therapist and former correctional officer, which means I understand high‐stress, high‐stakes environments and the impact they leave on your body and mind.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 2 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Alyson LoVerde

Alyson LoVerde

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


I understand what it's like to feel overwhelmed, stuck, or constantly on edge. Maybe you're emotionally drained, unmotivated, overthinking everything, or simply not feeling like yourself anymore. I work with adults experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, family conflict, divorce, co-parenting, work stress, grief, low self-esteem, and major life changes. I also specialize in supporting individuals who have experienced unhealthy relationships, domestic violence, emotional abuse, or narcissistic abuse. My goal is to provide a warm, down-to-earth, nonjudgmental, and safe space where you can feel understood, supported, and comfortable being yourself. You're not stuck. Healing is possible, and you do not have to go through it alone. When you're ready to take the next step, I'd be honored to support you on your journey.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Empowering, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 4 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 5 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 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Yash Bedi

Yash Bedi

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


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.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Direct, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Brandi Rhoads

Brandi Rhoads

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Illinois


“Healthcare is more than treating acute and chronic conditions. We will treat the whole person—mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 6 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
Tonia Short

Tonia Short

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I believe you are in charge of your own life. I am an empathetic listener and often help you find holistic solutions to your struggles.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression, End of life care
Humorous, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Susan Severson

Susan Severson

Therapist

Virtual • Chicago, IL


Hello, I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in the state of Illinois, Florida, Massachusetts, and Nevada (LICSW/LCSW). I have a Masters Degree in Social Work with a concentration in Independent Clinical Practice and Health Care Specialization. I am a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor. I have experience working with individuals experiencing symptoms related to anxiety, panic attacks, social anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, stress, life transitions, LGBTQ+ related issues, imposter syndrome, low self-esteem, perfectionism, grief, loneliness, ADHD, OCD, trauma, and substance abuse. I am compassionate, empathetic, and have a strong desire to help other people. I am dedicated to provide quality mental health treatment for all people. I provide a safe, non-judgmental space to talk about your concerns and what you are struggling with. LGBTQ+ community is welcomed. I support writing letters for emotional support animals such as cats and dogs. I have 5 cats of my own!

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Kristina Casel

Kristina Casel

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Belleville, IL


“I believe prioritizing mental health is the key to our overall well-being and what allows us to truly live life thriving.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 4 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
Jie Zhu

Jie Zhu

Psychologist

Virtual • Illinois


“I am experienced working with queer adults, immigrants, and those navigating family trauma and complex relational histories.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 2 insurance carriers
Andrea Reed

Andrea Reed

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I believe people choose therapy because they want something in their life to change. Whatever the issue, change IS possible.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 10 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
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
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
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
Janice March

Janice March

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I am goal-oriented and interactive with clients. My style is to build on your strengths and help you change some of the destructive patterns that stand in your way.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Affirming, Participatory, Solution-oriented
Accepts 4 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
Sam Lindtner

Sam Lindtner

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I take a straight forward, but warm approach to therapy... I prioritize building a strong relationship with you above anything else.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Direct, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Margaret Rigney

Margaret Rigney

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My approach to therapy is relational and insight-focused, which means we'll pay attention to patterns, relationships, and the deeper themes that shape your experiences.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Direct, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 8 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
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
Lonette George

Lonette George

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


My therapy room is a space where you don’t have to explain yourself. You can show up, fully and authentically, without the need to code-switch or justify your experiences. Our sessions are a dedicated time for you to be heard and understood without judgment.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book

About our LGBTQIA+ affirming therapists located within 20 miles of Buffalo Grove, IL

Number of therapists within 20 miles of Buffalo Grove, IL
There are over 35 therapists in Buffalo Grove, IL accepting new patients.
35+
Average years in practice
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10 years
Top specialties offered
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  • 100%LGBTQIA+
  • 100%Depression
  • 97%Stress management
  • 97%Anxiety
  • 97%Trauma
Insurances accepted
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  • 100%Aetna
  • 94%Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois
  • 91%Cigna
  • 83%Carelon Behavioral Health
  • 60%Ascension
Languages spoken
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  • 97%English
  • 9%Spanish
  • 3%Italian
  • 3%Polish
  • 3%Romanian
How they see their clients
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  • 100%In-person or online
Provider gender
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  • 74%Woman
  • 23%Man
  • 3%Non-binary
License types
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  • 46%Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
  • 34%Licensed Clinical Social Worker
  • 14%Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
  • 6%Clinical Psychologist
Treatment approaches
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  • 100%Individual therapy
  • 40%Family therapy
  • 34%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.