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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.

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
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
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
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
Loreta Stavskiene

Loreta Stavskiene

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 27 mi away • Bolingbrook, IL


“My experience is in eating disorders, self-harm, substance/alcohol addictions, trauma, BPD, anxiety and depression.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Eating disorders
Affirming, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Aleks Kico

Aleks Kico

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 27 mi away • Inverness, IL


“Therapy, at its best, is not about blame or quick fixes, it's about clarity, responsibility, and learning how to move forward with strength and purpose.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Inquisitive, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Michelle Brennan

Michelle Brennan

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 22 mi away • Tinley Park, IL


“I believe that effective therapy requires both deep clinical understanding and a compassionate, real-world connection.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Challenging, Empowering, Holistic
Accepts 5 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
Megan Kelly

Megan Kelly

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 24 mi away • Arlington Heights, IL


“I take a trauma-informed, holistic approach to therapy and use a variety of interventions based on what works best for you.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Creative, Empowering, Holistic
Accepts 2 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Jenny Plasky

Jenny Plasky

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

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


“It is of utmost importance that my clients feel safe, heard, and respected. I have been providing patient care for over 21 years...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Challenging, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Michele Filecia-Treptow

Michele Filecia-Treptow

Therapist

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


Your experience with me will always be grounded in compassion, honesty, and respect. I believe people grow when they feel heard and understood, so I work hard to create a space where you feel safe being yourself. I am collaborative and down-to-earth, and I will meet you exactly where you are while helping you move toward the life you want.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Dr. Kasey Huff

Dr. Kasey Huff

Therapist

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


“I offer a compassionate, non-judgmental space to explore your innermost self including your passion, beliefs, motivation, historical challenges and emotions.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Patrick Noonan

Patrick Noonan

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Aurora, IL


“I value the process of building a connection with my clients in order to set a strong foundation for our time in therapy.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression
Affirming, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Hildred Amegashie

Hildred Amegashie

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual & in-person • Plainfield, IL


“My approach to providing care is compassionate, evidence-based, and holistic. I believe in treating each client as a whole person...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
Donna Newbold

Donna Newbold

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • St. Charles, IL


“I am a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist who offers a safe and inclusive space to process what is holding you back from your best life.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
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
Mihaela Vladu

Mihaela Vladu

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual & in-person • Gurnee, IL


Thank you for taking the first step in sharing your story—your Mental Health Matters, and you deserve to be heard, supported, and understood.

Welcome to Integrated Family Behavioral Health & Counseling PLLC! I'm Mihaela Vladu, PMHNP-BC, a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 16+ years of experience in healthcare, dedicated to helping individuals achieve lasting mental wellness and regain control of their lives.

I provide compassionate, personalized, and evidence-based care in a safe and supportive environment where you can feel heard, understood, and empowered. My approach focuses on treating the whole person—not just symptoms—while working collaboratively with you to reach your goals.

I specialize in working with a diverse range of individuals, including younger/older adults, children aged 6 and up, women dealing specifically with trauma and abuse, and veterans, as well as active-duty personnel experiencing PTSD. As a certified ADHD specialist, I provide targeted, evidence-based interventions to help individuals improve focus and daily functioning. I also have extensive experience treating bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, depression, panic disorder, OCD, and other complex mental health conditions.

Areas of Expertise:

• Dual-Diagnosis Care (SUD + mood/anxiety​/​psychotic disorders)

• MAT: Buprenorphine​/​Suboxone inductions & maintenance; relapse-prevention planning

• Alcohol​/​Opioid Withdrawal & Detox protocols (court order MAT program, inpatient, outpatient, and halfway houses)

• Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Psychosis

• Residential​/​PHP​/​IOP programmed care & step-down planning

• Trauma-informed care, veteran populations, and complex comorbidity

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 9 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
Gina Basiliere

Gina Basiliere

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Gurnee, IL


“I approach therapy like a warm comfortable blanket. I listen to what you feel is important to you, then help you process your experience.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Energetic, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Shelley Johnson

Shelley Johnson

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Ringwood, IL


“I believe that mental wellness is a journey; and if one is willing to put in the effort, anything can be achieved.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Humorous, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
Lisa Pearson

Lisa Pearson

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Bourbonnais, IL


“It's a priority of mine that each individual I meet with leaves a session feeling heard, respected, and their feelings validated.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Humorous, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 12 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
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
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
Tatiana Perkins

Tatiana Perkins

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


Ideally clients book with me looking to heal and move forward in life when they’re feeling “stuck in neutral”. My expertise extends to addressing a range of mental health disorders, such as anxiety, depression and PTSD, OCD, developmental and behavioral issues. I provide personalized therapeutic approaches to foster resilience and emotional growth in my clients. Through empathy, communication, and evidence-based interventions, I tend to create a safe space for individuals to process their experiences, build confidence and develop healthy coping mechanisms. I have experience working with individuals as young as 6 to 55 years of age.

I am a therapist specialized in working with children, adolescents and adults. I am skilled in helping individuals navigate through the emotional and psychological impacts of trauma. I help individuals gain their voices back. With my extensive experience in family therapy, I work to strengthen family dynamics and support healing within the home as well.

Therapeutically; I understand that certain circumstances or life events may have impacted you, however I believe your past shouldn’t control your future. “Just like history; your story continues”, meaning don’t let anything or anyone end your story for you. “In order to see progress, you have to trust the process and believe you will overcome these hurdles”.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Creative, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Shelia Ransom Jenkins

Shelia Ransom Jenkins

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


Hello, I’m Shelia Ransom Jenkins, MSW, LCSW, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with extensive experience supporting adolescents, adults, couples, and families through life’s challenges. I offer a compassionate, trauma-informed, and client-centered approach to therapy, creating a safe space where individuals feel heard, supported, and empowered.

I hold a Master of Social Work and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice, and my professional background includes work in community mental health, educational settings, and clinical leadership roles. I have experience helping clients manage anxiety, depression, trauma and PTSD, relationship and family conflict, behavioral concerns, life transitions, and stress related to work, school, and personal growth. I also have specialized training in perinatal mental health, supporting individuals experiencing postpartum depression and related mood disorders.

My therapeutic approach integrates evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), trauma-informed care, and strengths-based interventions, tailored to each client’s unique needs and goals. I believe therapy is most effective when it is collaborative, practical, and rooted in trust.

Whether you are feeling overwhelmed, navigating a difficult transition, or seeking deeper self-understanding, my goal is to support you with empathy, clarity, and encouragement as you work toward healing and lasting change.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Julie Zimmerman

Julie Zimmerman

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My ability to use humor, immediately set one at ease, quickly discern "with" the client their growth areas, and help to construct appropriate measures for real steps and solutions is invaluable to raising one's self-esteem in the first session and...”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Eating disorders
Affirming, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
John Henson

John Henson

Therapist

Virtual • Chicago, IL


“As a board certified psychotherapist, I have nearly 30 years of clinical experience treating adults with depression, anxiety, trauma, PTSD, and substance use disorders.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Grief or loss
Direct, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Michelle Cruz

Michelle Cruz

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


I am a licensed clinical social worker with 28 years of experience partnering with adolescents, adults of all ages and families. I am bilingual so I offer therapy in english and spanish.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 14 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Leslie Wenning

Leslie Wenning

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My approach is grounded in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), which focuses on balancing acceptance and change while building practical skills for managing emotions, relationships, and stress.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression
Creative, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Brian Stella

Brian Stella

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


Hi, I'm Brian. I specialize in helping with men's issues, anxiety, depression and relationships. I have experience working with individuals within the LGBTIQA+ community, Military/Veterans, and those who follow non-secular spiritual paths.

Life is a journey with many unexpected setbacks, life challenges and experiences. I am here to help you manage your journey. My practice is dedicated to providing quality mental health care to help people achieve goals or master skills aimed toward improving their quality of life. I've been practicing for 22 years.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Challenging, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
William Edleman

William Edleman

Therapist

Virtual • Rockford, IL


I’m a Licensed Social Worker with over 30 years of experience providing mental health services in Northern Illinois and the suburban Chicago area. Since earning my master’s degree, I have worked with individuals, couples, and families facing a range of concerns, including mood disorders, panic disorder, anxiety, depression, and grief. I believe therapy should be a place for fresh starts and meaningful change. My goal is to create a supportive, interactive environment where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered. I’m committed to helping people build practical skills and insight so they can move toward a more balanced, fulfilling, and happier life.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Open-minded, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Dr. Megan Noren

Dr. Megan Noren

Psychologist

Virtual • Sycamore, IL


“I am passionate about empowering my clients to build self-compassion, nurture healthy relationships, and establish boundaries in a way that aligns with their values.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Gloria Healy

Gloria Healy

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My goal is to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where you feel heard, supported, and empowered as we work together toward meaningful growth and lasting positive change.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Dr. Dana Eason

Dr. Dana Eason

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Illinois


“Dana primarily works with adults and is passionate about providing informed, compassionate care where you are a partner in your mental health journey.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Latosha Haywood

Latosha Haywood

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


Hi, I'm Latosha Haywood, LCPC, with a Master in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from DePaul University and I'm really glad you're here.

Before I became a therapist, I spent years as a 911 call taker, showing up for people in some of their scariest, most overwhelming moments. That work taught me something I carry into every session: that people are so much stronger than they realize, and that having someone truly in your corner can make all the difference.

If you're going through something hard right now, whether it's the heaviness of anxiety or depression, the echoes of past trauma, or just feeling like life has knocked you off balance, I want you to know that you don't have to figure it out alone. My door is open, and you can come exactly as you are.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
LaTonya Bowens

LaTonya Bowens

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“Solution focused therapy emphasizes practical next steps that lead to meaningful, sustainable change in your daily life.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Aleysia Chambers

Aleysia Chambers

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I've spent years sitting with the overlap most people get told to separate — your mental health, your disability or diagnosis, and your working life.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, PTSD
Affirming, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Mistie Drews

Mistie Drews

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I also personally understand how difficult anxiety and life's challenges can feel, which helps me show up with empathy, honesty, and compassion.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Dr. Laura Santos

Dr. Laura Santos

Psychologist

Virtual • Illinois


“I am a bilingual, Puerto Rican, therapist with a passion for serving LGBTQ+ individuals and relationships, as well as immigrant populations.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Jevon Johnson

Jevon Johnson

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I bring an attitude of curiosity, gentleness, and humor to your therapy sessions and work to create a safe space where you can feel seen and heard.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Humorous, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 8 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
Watercolor illustration of therapy session
  • 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.

Find a provider - your way

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