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LGBT therapists in Chicago, IL

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

Top LGBT-friendly therapists and psychiatrists in Chicago, IL

Finding an affirming therapist in Chicago is easier with Headway's extensive network of 836 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.

Fauzia Hoda

Fauzia Hoda

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Illinois


“I am here to partner with my patients, and create a space where people feel heard where their culture and life experiences matter.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Eshana Watson-Gholar, Lcsw, Pmh-C

Eshana Watson-Gholar, Lcsw, Pmh-C

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My therapeutic style is grounded in empathy and empowering clients to explore their strengths and embrace personal growth.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Bashir Alli

Bashir Alli

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • St. Charles, IL


“I believe every patient is unique and deserves personalized care. I listen with an open heart and work closely with your individual needs.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Sean Murphy

Sean Murphy

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Illinois


“I specialize in populations, including Sexual and Gender Minorities/LGBTQIA+, emerging adults (18-29 years), creative professionals, and educators.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Creative, Open-minded
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Camelle Burlock, MS, Lcpc, Crc

Camelle Burlock, MS, Lcpc, Crc

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“In our first session, you can expect a warm, compassionate space where you are truly heard and respected.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Nicole M. Heller

Nicole M. Heller

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“Therapy is not about fixing you—it's about helping you better understand yourself, strengthen your relationships, and create a life that feels more aligned with your goals!”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Creative, Holistic, Participatory
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Meghan Kroes

Meghan Kroes

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I believe healing begins through authentic connection, emotional safety, and the opportunity to explore your experiences without judgment.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Grief or loss, Infertility
Affirming, Empowering, Humorous
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Dr. Akamin Nkengaka

Dr. Akamin Nkengaka

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“Together, we'll create a safe space to understand what's holding you back, strengthen healthy coping skills, and help you build a life that feels more balanced, connected, and meaningful.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Dr. Lisa Hines

Dr. Lisa Hines

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


I have over 3 decades of experience working in the fields of mental health and social work. I work with youth, adults, and couples who are struggling with trauma, depression, anxiety, ADHD, autism, relationship issues, and school refusal.

I have spent my career learning and translating theories into practice with individuals, families, couples, and groups. For the last few years, I've gained deeper knowledge working with trauma, anxiety, couples, and the LGBTQIA+ population.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Affirming, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 14 insurance carriers
Carolyn Lewis

Carolyn Lewis

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I hope to guide clients down a path of empowerment, increased functioning in their daily life, and achievement towards their goals, whatever that looks like for them.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Empowering, Energetic, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Laura Lewis

Laura Lewis

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


Everyone needs help sometimes, not because they are broken, but because life can become too heavy to sort through alone. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who believes every person should have access to support that helps them rise to new challenges, cope with loss, manage the ups and downs of mood, and better understand who they are. I work with adults navigating grief and loss, anxiety, depression, stress, mood changes, life transitions, relationship issues, PTSD, trauma and the feeling of being stuck or disconnected from themselves. My goal is to provide a safe, nonjudgmental space where you can feel supported while we make sense of what you are carrying and create a path toward living your best life.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Frances Morken

Frances Morken

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I am a compassionate therapist specializing in DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy), helping clients build balance, resilience, and emotional clarity.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions, Depression
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Priscilla Huley

Priscilla Huley

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My style is calm, down-to-earth, and easy to talk to. I work with adults navigating anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, and other life challenges...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Sam Shabsin

Sam Shabsin

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I bring an energetic, warm, and direct approach to therapy. I believe meaningful change happens when you feel supported while also feeling empowered to grow.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Energetic, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Brocelyn Crowley

Brocelyn Crowley

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I try to meet each individual where they are at and one of my main approaches is Problem Intervention Evaluation (PIE).”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Andrea Hansen

Andrea Hansen

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I think everyone deserves a space to feel comfortable and validated and I hope to always provide this with my clients.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Mykel Wolfe

Mykel Wolfe

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I bring those values into every session... My goal is to guide you toward wellness and balance in your relationships, your daily life, and your sense of self.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 11 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 6 insurance carriers
Jennifer Kovachevich

Jennifer Kovachevich

Therapist

Virtual • Plainfield, IL


I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Benedictine University. I have been working in private practice for over 10 years, helping adolescents and adults navigate life’s challenges and create meaningful, lasting change.

My areas of specialization include trauma and couples counseling, and I have a particular passion for working with women. I understand that women often carry many different roles and responsibilities, and sometimes lose sight of their own needs in the process. I enjoy helping women work through anxiety, depression, grief, relationship challenges, life transitions, and the many unexpected circumstances that can leave us feeling stuck or overwhelmed.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Michelle Barraco Hatchett

Michelle Barraco Hatchett

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I strive to create an emotionally supportive, non-judgmental and safe environment while providing clinical insight.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Challenging, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 16 insurance carriers
Ken Markovic

Ken Markovic

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Creative, Warm
Accepts 17 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
Stephanie Armanetti

Stephanie Armanetti

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 26 mi away • Arlington Heights, IL


“I develop my treatment plan with my clients. I want them to become active participants in their own healinhg.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Humorous, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 13 insurance carriers
Dr. Shelly Scamardo

Dr. Shelly Scamardo

Psychologist

Virtual & in-person • Barrington, IL


“I believe everyone has the inner strength to grow and thrive. My approach is warm, collaborative, and rooted in compassion and evidence-based practices like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Diabetes
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Michelle Hall

Michelle Hall

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • North Aurora, IL


“My approach is warm, collaborative, and practical. I integrate CBT, DBT, ACT, mindfulness, solution-focused therapy, and motivational interviewing to help clients recognize patterns, build effective coping skills, and create lasting change.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Eating disorders
Affirming, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
Gabrielle Gurtz

Gabrielle Gurtz

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 25 mi away • Arlington Heights, IL


“My goal is to collaboratively work with my clients in a supportive and empathetic environment to uncover their true potential by restoring hope, reducing stress, promoting self-forgiveness and self-awareness.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression
Empowering, Open-minded, Participatory
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Teericka Kimbrough

Teericka Kimbrough

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Gurnee, IL


“My goal is to be a supportive aid to individuals during these difficult times by use of professional therapeutic knowledge and most importantly, through partnership, shared compassion, hope and belief in the person's ability to remember how...”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Raul Arambula

Raul Arambula

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Joliet, IL


“I believe therapy should feel like a safe place where you can be honest, feel understood, and work toward meaningful change without judgment.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Debra Baran

Debra Baran

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Crystal Lake, IL


“I am very passionate about educating my clients about stress management skills, mindfulness, and the food-mood connection.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Kayla Button

Kayla Button

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Kankakee, IL


“I use an eclectic approach to meet you where you're at & help you find your strengths to grow and live your best life.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Energetic, Open-minded
Accepts 10 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Ronald Bennett

Ronald Bennett

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • DeKalb, IL


“Helping each individual to regulate their emotions and feel at ease in speaking freely about personal concerns.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Affirming, Creative, Empowering
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Elizabeth Calabrese

Elizabeth Calabrese

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


I have a passion for helping people release stress and trauma being stored in the body. I work with adults who have experienced adverse childhood experiences.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Family issues, Panic disorders, PTSD
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
John Michael Quinn

John Michael Quinn

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My style is warm, direct, and collaborative—I focus on helping you understand what's keeping you stuck and building the tools to move forward.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Molly Quinn

Molly Quinn

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“As a queer person who grew up in rural America, I understand the importance of safe, nonjudgemental therapy.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Danya Artimisi

Danya Artimisi

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Swansea, IL


“My therapeutic approach is to connect with my clients on a relational level. Feeling validated is an important component within the therapeutic relationship...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Linda Lazzara

Linda Lazzara

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My approach is direct, active, and compassionate. I help partners slow down reactive patterns, identify the deeper needs driving their conflict, and build the tools to communicate with clarity and respect.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Direct, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Samantha Lindtner

Samantha 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
Daunte Henderson

Daunte Henderson

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My approach is collaborative, culturally responsive, and rooted in helping clients reframe limiting beliefs and develop tools that support lasting change.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 6 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
Sarah Wickenhauser

Sarah Wickenhauser

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Illinois


“Patients often tell me they feel genuinely heard in our sessions. They describe me as a strong listener, informative, nonjudgmental...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 9 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 43 therapists in Chicago, IL accepting new patients.
43+
Average years in practice
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11 years
Top specialties offered
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  • 100%LGBTQIA+
  • 98%Stress management
  • 95%Anxiety
  • 95%Depression
  • 93%Relationship issues
Insurances accepted
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  • 100%Aetna
  • 95%Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois
  • 88%Cigna
  • 81%Carelon Behavioral Health
  • 67%Ascension
Languages spoken
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  • 100%English
  • 12%Spanish
  • 7%Polish
  • 5%French
  • 5%German
How they see their clients
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  • 98%In-person or online
  • 2%In-person only
Provider gender
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  • 70%Woman
  • 28%Man
  • 2%Non-binary
License types
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  • 47%Licensed Clinical Social Worker
  • 40%Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
  • 7%Clinical Psychologist
  • 5%Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
  • 2%Full Practice Authority Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
Treatment approaches
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  • 100%Individual therapy
  • 42%Family therapy
  • 37%Couples therapy
  • 23%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.