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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 838 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.

Naji Al-Najjar

Naji Al-Najjar

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I use an integrated approach to see the person in front of me as an individual who has their own experiences, all of which help to answer the question, "What happened to you?" versus "What's wrong with you?"”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Energetic, Holistic, Humorous
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Analilia Morales-Mackay

Analilia Morales-Mackay

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“Much of my work aims to understand the underlying concerns that are causing stressful situations and maladaptive behaviors.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Motunrayo Olooto

Motunrayo Olooto

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Illinois


“I believe effective care starts with creating a safe, judgment-free environment where you can openly share your experiences, concerns, and goals.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Kristopher Van Meter

Kristopher Van Meter

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“Rooted in evidence-based practices, I approach our sessions with equal parts of common sense and kindness.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Direct, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Lucy Sosa

Lucy Sosa

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“Using a trauma-informed, client-centered approach, I'll meet you where you are and walk with you toward healing, growth, and greater self-acceptance and connection.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
Dr. LeNedra Wallace-Fierte

Dr. LeNedra Wallace-Fierte

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“Being easy to connect with, I'll create space to hear and validate your story, as well as join in with you on solutions to challenges that are impacting your journey.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Open-minded, Participatory, Solution-oriented
Accepts 13 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Ember Casey

Ember Casey

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My goal is to create a safe, supportive space where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered to make meaningful changes in their lives.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
XaHara MeGod

XaHara MeGod

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My style is compassionate, collaborative, and focused on helping you feel safe, understood, and empowered throughout the process.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Creative, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Saribeth Lavely

Saribeth Lavely

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I tend to work well with people who want therapy to feel human and collaborative rather than overly formal or clinical.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Almira Mogul

Almira Mogul

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“If you are navigating the heavy fog of depression, the constant hum of anxiety, or the echoes of past trauma, please know that you don't have to carry it alone.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Creative, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 9 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
Tracy Deal

Tracy Deal

Therapist

Virtual • Springfield, IL


“I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience working with youth, families, and vulnerable populations.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 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
Chad Carson

Chad Carson

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Illinois


As a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner, my goal is to create hope and help people to realize that together we can overcome whatever struggles they are facing. I specialize in treating ADHD, anxiety, depression, bipolar, and LGBTQIA+ issues. I have been a nurse for 27 years, and I strive to show compassion and understanding to everyone who needs help.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 5 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
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
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
Bridgette McClure

Bridgette McClure

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My style is collaborative, steady, and real — someone who helps you feel understood and genuinely supported in making change.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Tiffany Johnson-Bey

Tiffany Johnson-Bey

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Illinois


“I specialize in working with children, adolescents, adults, couples, families, veterans, LGBTQ+ individuals, neurodivergent clients...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Anna Deibel

Anna Deibel

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My goal isn't to give you all the answers—it's to help you reconnect with your own wisdom so you can move through life with greater ease, resilience, and authenticity.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Rachel Patis

Rachel Patis

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My practice is rooted in a person-centered approach, meaning your unique goals, values, and lived experiences drive our work together.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Empowering, Humorous, Solution-oriented
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Tierra Kinnard

Tierra Kinnard

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


Hi, I'm Tierra Kinnard, LCSW, and founder of Step by Step Healing Services, LLC. With more than 16 years of experience in the mental health field, I am passionate about helping individuals navigate life's challenges with compassion, understanding, and evidence-based care. I believe healing begins in a space where you feel safe, heard, and accepted exactly as you are. I specialize in treating Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Excoriation (Skin Picking Disorder), Trichotillomania (Hair Pulling Disorder), anxiety, depression, trauma, and grief and loss. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds, including members of the BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities. I understand the profound impact that mental health challenges can have on individuals, families, and relationships, and I am committed to helping clients build resilience, find relief, and create meaningful change.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, End of life care, Grief or loss
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
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
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
Antanet Roberts Lcsw

Antanet Roberts Lcsw

Therapist

Virtual • Chicago, IL


“My work is driven by the belief that healing and change are possible when people are met with compassion, consistency, and collaboration.”
LGBTQIA+, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss, PTSD
Empowering, Open-minded, Participatory
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Jodi Huffman Frazee

Jodi Huffman Frazee

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Illinois


“My years in inpatient psychiatry have shaped my calm, grounded approach and deep understanding of severe and persistent mental illness.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Diabetes
Direct, Open-minded, Participatory
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Henry Smith

Henry Smith

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My approach to therapy is compassionate, collaborative, and trauma-informed. I believe clients are the experts of their own lives...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Laura Jansen

Laura Jansen

Therapist

Virtual • Centralia, IL


“I take a warm, collaborative, and strengths-based approach to therapy, helping clients build resilience, develop practical coping skills, and create meaningful, lasting change.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Challenging, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Rachel Beitler

Rachel Beitler

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My approach blends curiosity, creativity, and compassion to help you connect with yourself in new ways.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Humorous, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 14 insurance carriers
Annie Duranowski

Annie Duranowski

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I utilize a creative approach to therapy to support mental health recovery that feels safe and positive for you while embracing traditional modalities like CBT, DBT, ACT and expressive therapies.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Diabetes
Creative, Empowering, Humorous
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Phillip Davis

Phillip Davis

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I work with adolescents and adults and specialize in anxiety, depression, PTSD and addiction, using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help my clients make...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Charlene Mabins

Charlene Mabins

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My style is open-minded, supportive, and collaborative. I'll take the time to understand your experiences and what matters most to you rather than assuming there is one approach that works for everyone.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Creative, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Chelsea Cooper

Dr. Chelsea Cooper

Psychologist

Virtual • Illinois


“Therapy is a unique experience for each individual and it is my goal to make each person feel seen and heard.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Identity issues
Humorous, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Justin McKevitt

Justin McKevitt

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I take a collaborative, down-to-earth approach and tailor therapy to what actually works for you no one-size-fits-all plans.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 8 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
Angela Koerwitz

Angela Koerwitz

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I am passionate about creating a supportive, therapeutic environment that emphasizes a strengths-based approach...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Pascale Davis

Pascale Davis

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Illinois


“As a survivor of Complex PTSD myself, I have a special understanding and passion about helping others heal with patience and grace.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Kyla Donovan

Kyla Donovan

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I believe in taking a holistic mind/body/spirit approach when it comes to treating mental health and focus on creating greater harmony between these aspects of an individual's life.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Maria Siena May

Maria Siena May

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Illinois


“I provide a holistic approach to mental health care, including lifestyle, therapy, and medication treatments.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 5 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.

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