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LGBT therapists in Chicago, IL

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Top LGBT-friendly therapists and psychiatrists in Chicago, IL

Finding an affirming therapist in Chicago is easier with Headway's extensive network of 798 providers experienced in supporting LGBTQIA+ mental health. Sessions are available virtually or in-person, and many plans are covered by insurance with copays as low as $0.

Mary Patton

Mary Patton

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • <1 mi away • Chicago, IL


“I'm direct, down-to-earth, and genuinely invested in helping people feel more like themselves again.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Identity issues
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Kevin Swanson

Kevin Swanson

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • <1 mi away • Chicago, IL


Hi there! I'm a licensed clinical social worker and therapist. I value authenticity, relationships, and curiosity; values that inspired me to pursue this career. I have previous experience as a homeless outreach worker, medical social worker, and IOP/PHP therapist. Prior to going to grad school, I got an Environmental Engineering degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. I later rode a bike across the country, moved to Honduras, and worked as a musician & teaching artist in Chicago & suburban schools.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Sara Fakhri

Sara Fakhri

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • <1 mi away • Chicago, IL


I believe one of the most courageous things you can do is begin to understand your own story.

My goal is to create a safe, grounded, and trusting space where you can begin your process of healing and growth. I work collaboratively with you to build a relationship that feels supportive, attuned, and meaningful—so you can explore what’s been weighing on you and move toward real, lasting change.

My work is rooted in supporting adults navigating trauma and its impact on emotional, relational, and day-to-day functioning. I use an individualized, evidence-based approach, integrating modalities such as CBT, DBT, ACT, and trauma-focused therapies to ensure your care is tailored specifically to you.

I have worked with individuals, families, and diverse populations across multiple settings, including private practice, hospitals, and community-based programs.

I earned my Master’s in Counseling Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, with a concentration in Trauma and Crisis Intervention. Prior to this, I obtained my MD from Garyunis University in Benghazi, where I began my career as a psychiatrist, working in high-intensity and war-affected environments. That experience shaped my deep commitment to understanding trauma and the human capacity for resilience.

Since then, my work has expanded across different countries and clinical settings, including private practice, hospitals, and advocacy programs addressing domestic violence, sexual trauma, and gender-based violence.

What I value most in this work is witnessing your growth—supporting you in making sense of your experiences, reconnecting with yourself, and stepping into a more grounded, meaningful life.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Empowering, Holistic
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Elizabeth Selph

Elizabeth Selph

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • <1 mi away • Chicago, IL


“We focus on your lived experience. We go beyond talking about problems. We notice how old patterns show up in your life now.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Holistic, Inquisitive
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Mallory Cybulski

Mallory Cybulski

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 1.3 mi away • Chicago, IL


“I work exclusively with women and the LGBTQIA+ community. While I may specialize in men's issues when it comes to my personal life, it is not an area of my clinical expertise.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Empowering, Humorous
Accepts 11 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Daniel Stribling-Vergara

Daniel Stribling-Vergara

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 3.8 mi away • Chicago, IL


“My approach is promotes the mind-body connection, empowering my clients to live an embodied and fulfilled life.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Phyllis Gould

Phyllis Gould

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 6.3 mi away • Chicago, IL


Are you looking for a therapist who understands your culture and speaks your language? I can help. I am fluent in Spanish, Polish, Brazilian Portuguese, French, and German.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Counselor with 40 years of clinical experience. I work with adults, children, and adolescents, and I value each person’s cultural background, identity, and lived experience.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Holistic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Ellysia Price

Ellysia Price

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 4.7 mi away • Chicago, IL


“I am a neurodivergent and queer therapist and social worker, and am passionate about using connection and authenticity to promote healing.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Dr. Benjamin Foster

Dr. Benjamin Foster

Psychologist

Virtual & in-person • 4.6 mi away • Chicago, IL


“I believe in the transformative nature of a relationship with a professional who knows you, knows what you want for yourself, and can help you get it in the way that will work for you.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Carlos Cantu

Carlos Cantu

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 5.1 mi away • Chicago, IL


“I use evidence-based therapies such as CBT, EMDR, and Internal Family Systems (IFS) to help you regain balance, strengthen your resilience, and move toward a more meaningful life.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 18 insurance carriers
Rae Reed

Rae Reed

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 5.7 mi away • Chicago, IL


“I believe that the therapeutic relationship is a space to explore ingrained habits in relationships, to build trust that allows you to feel your emotions and learn new healthy habits.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Creative, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 15 insurance carriers
Darian Gier

Darian Gier

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 6.3 mi away • Chicago, IL


“My approach to therapy is very relational and supportive. I believe the relationship between therapist and client is at the heart of the best therapeutic growth.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Humorous, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Karina Breezer

Karina Breezer

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 8.8 mi away • Palatine, IL


“Solution-focused, with no unnecessary fluff. I'm not here to have you rehash your whole life story every week — I'm here to help you actually move forward.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Creative, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Lise Schiffer

Lise Schiffer

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 9.5 mi away • Chicago, IL


I am a solution focused therapist with 39 years of experience. My therapy style is cognitive, interactive, compassionate, and, if need be, challenging. I believe effective therapy should produce change, not just insight. I will listen to you deeply, help conceptualize the problems, patterns, and dynamics which are causing you trouble, and give you feedback. Together, we will develop a strategy for more effective functioning and a better quality of life. therapy.

I do not do phone consultations.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Participatory, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 13 insurance carriers
LaDonna Miller

LaDonna Miller

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 10 mi away • Chicago, IL


“I would describe my style as warm and supportive, and I am ready to help you tackle your struggle head-on.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Grief or loss
Affirming, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
Lonny Levin

Lonny Levin

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 12 mi away • Evanston, IL


“I've been there, too. My goal is to create a space where you feel safe to share your struggles and to work together on finding ways to move forward.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Inquisitive, Participatory
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Dr. Mykal Merrill

Dr. Mykal Merrill

Psychologist

Virtual & in-person • 13 mi away • Skokie, IL


“I believe people make sense when you understand the full context of their lives - their relationships, culture, identity, environment, history, and the experiences that shaped them.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Humorous, Inquisitive
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Valerie Papillon

Valerie Papillon

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 11 mi away • Evanston, IL


“I specialize in working with adults and couples who have experienced complex PTSD, developmental trauma, systemic trauma, racial trauma, grief/loss, depression, anxiety and relationship struggles.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 1 insurance carrier

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Tobiloba Adewolu

Dr. Tobiloba Adewolu

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual & in-person • 12 mi away • Evanston, IL


“I provide compassionate, patient-centered, and evidence-based care tailored to each individual's unique needs.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Creative, Empowering, Holistic
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Danuta Olson-Schuessler

Danuta Olson-Schuessler

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 12 mi away • Evanston, IL


“I'm a warm, compassionate therapist who believes that therapy should be a place where you can be fully yourself—without judgment and without having to have all the answers.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Creative, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Ken Weber

Ken Weber

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 13 mi away • Westchester, IL


“Working with me, you can expect honesty and unconditional positive regard from someone who always works in your best interest.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 15 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Douglas DeRhodes

Douglas DeRhodes

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 15 mi away • Western Springs, IL


“I provide individually tailored treatment in a safe and supportive environment that draws and builds upon each person's strengths, resources, wisdom and goals.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 13 insurance carriers
Angela Mitchell

Angela Mitchell

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 12 mi away • Evanston, IL


“I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 25 years of experience helping people navigate life's transitions with clarity and confidence.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Myriah Vargo

Myriah Vargo

Psychologist

Virtual & in-person • 16 mi away • Hinsdale, IL


“My treatment style matches your personality and symptoms, with my quick sense of humor and proven techniques that will maximize effectiveness.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Energetic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Fanisha Calvert

Fanisha Calvert

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 16 mi away • Oak Brook, IL


“At every therapy session, we work together to explore your emotional experiences as well as the thoughts and behaviors that may be holding you back from living the life you desire.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, End of life care, Family issues
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Jacob Bobrow

Jacob Bobrow

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 11 mi away • Lincolnwood, IL


“I believe healing is about aligning mind, body, and daily life with the future you deserve and the goals you seek to achieve.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Inquisitive, Open-minded, Participatory
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Maggie Zofkie

Maggie Zofkie

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 16 mi away • Hinsdale, IL


“I believe clients who are willing to show up honestly, even when it feels uncomfortable, will get the most out of their therapy experience.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Grief or loss
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Dr. Lisa Page

Dr. Lisa Page

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 16 mi away • Park Ridge, IL


“By the end of each session, clients will feel supported, understood, and will have a clear understandingn of 'next steps'.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Challenging, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 13 insurance carriers
Kristen Svatos

Kristen Svatos

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 17 mi away • Des Plaines, IL


“I like to take a humanistic, client centered approach to therapy utilizing client strengths to create a collaborative, safe environment to process trauma and experiences...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Direct, Empowering
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
Kenisha Davis

Kenisha Davis

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual & in-person • 19 mi away • South Holland, IL


“I look beyond symptoms to understand the full picture, including your emotional health, physical health, lifestyle, relationships, stressors, and personal goals.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Holistic, Inquisitive
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Michelle Moore

Michelle Moore

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 20 mi away • Lombard, IL


“My approach is behavioral, holistic, and individualized. I meet clients where they are while helping them build practical coping skills, confidence, emotional awareness, and healthier ways of navigating life's challenges.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Creative, Holistic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Grace Frantilla

Grace Frantilla

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 16 mi away • Glenview, IL


I've devoted a decade of my career helping parents learn how to best help their children. And another decade helping adults in an out-patient partial hospitalization program. These are the moments when people have felt the most vulnerable and in need of something more than what they are already trying to manage their mental health. Hopefully, my experience and tools that I've gathered working across the age groups and in a more intense level of care can help you build your own toolbox.


LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Direct, Empowering, Humorous
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Jessica Mascenic

Jessica Mascenic

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 21 mi away • Mount Prospect, IL


“Most of my work centers around mindfulness awareness and practices in addition to utilizing art as therapy.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Creative, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 12 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Bridget Seguin

Bridget Seguin

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 21 mi away • Orland Park, IL


“I enjoy bringing play and humor into therapy, where appropriate, and play to my clients strengths throughout sessions.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Dr. Deborah Danner

Dr. Deborah Danner

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 23 mi away • Elgin, IL


“Dr. Danner strives to provide culturally sensitive care and welcomes each client as they are in the therapy space.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Creative, Humorous, Solution-oriented
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Zoeniche Carpenter

Zoeniche Carpenter

Therapist

In-person • 18 mi away • Westmont, IL


“With years of working in various settings such as community outreach programs, domestic violence shelters, and health department programs, I engage in treatment with a trauma-focused and person-centered lens.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Habibat Owolabi

Habibat Owolabi

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual & in-person • 26 mi away • Naperville, IL


“Clients describe my style as warm, approachable, and empowering. Together, we'll work toward growth, healing, and lasting change.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
Dr. Tamara Denton

Dr. Tamara Denton

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 24 mi away • Woodridge, IL


“I feel an important factor to success is building a safe environment and trusting relationship between the counselor and client.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Participatory, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Rukayat Omolabi

Rukayat Omolabi

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual & in-person • 25 mi away • Olympia Fields, IL


“Dr. Rukayat Omolabi is passionate about providing individualized, holistic, and evidence-based mental health care.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Harmony Rich

Harmony Rich

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual & in-person • 25 mi away • Highland Park, IL


“I believe that mental health is not a one fits all approach and we will work together to find the best solution that works for you.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers

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

Number of therapists within 20 miles of Chicago, IL
There are over 38 therapists in Chicago, IL accepting new patients.
38+
Average years in practice
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12 years
Top specialties offered
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  • 100%LGBTQIA+
  • 97%Stress management
  • 97%Depression
  • 95%Anxiety
  • 95%Relationship issues
Insurances accepted
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  • 100%Aetna
  • 97%Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois
  • 84%Cigna
  • 79%Carelon Behavioral Health
  • 74%Ascension
Languages spoken
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  • 100%English
  • 16%Spanish
  • 8%Polish
  • 5%French
  • 5%German
How they see their clients
Watercolor illustration of therapy session
  • 97%In-person or online
  • 3%In-person only
Provider gender
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  • 71%Woman
  • 29%Man
License types
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  • 55%Licensed Clinical Social Worker
  • 32%Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
  • 8%Clinical Psychologist
  • 3%Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
  • 3%Full Practice Authority Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
Treatment approaches
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  • 100%Individual therapy
  • 39%Couples therapy
  • 37%Family therapy
  • 26%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 an LGBTQIA Therapist in Chicago

Searching for LGBTQIA+ therapists in Chicago starts with finding identity-affirming care. A good fit may include experience with affirmative therapy, gender-diverse care, WPATH-informed training, or support for LGBTQIA+ relationships and family systems. You may also want a therapist who supports concerns such as anxiety, depression, identity exploration, trauma, relationship stress, or life transitions. As you compare profiles, look for listed specialties, training, and language that shows direct experience with LGBTQIA+ people, not just general mental health care.

Chicago has many therapists across neighborhoods like the Loop, Lakeview, Andersonville, Logan Square, and Hyde Park, which can make the search broad rather than simple. In-person sessions may work well if you want an office near transit, work, or home. Virtual appointments can also expand your options, especially when you want a therapist with specific LGBTQIA+ experience, a shared background, or scheduling flexibility. Before booking, read each bio for details on approach, communication style, availability, and whether a free phone consultation is offered.

Therapy in Chicago can be a significant investment without insurance. Using in-network insurance is one of the most reliable ways to reduce session costs and understand what you may pay before care begins. Headway helps you compare therapists who are accepting new patients, review detailed profiles, verify insurance, and see estimated out-of-pocket costs before booking. You can browse LGBTQIA+ therapists in Chicago, filter by what matters to you, and book directly when you’re ready.

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