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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.

Jaime Williamson

Jaime Williamson

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I believe therapy should feel like a space where you can show up as you are without judgment while also building practical tools for real change.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
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
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
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
Khiara Mills

Khiara Mills

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I believe therapy should feel collaborative, authentic, and tailored to your unique needs and goals.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Stress management, Trauma
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Lindsay Wolff

Lindsay Wolff

Therapist

Virtual • Chicago, IL


As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I believe that prioritizing mental health is an integral part of quality of life. Congratulations on taking the first step towards self improvement! I have been practicing for 20 years with a focus on individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, ADHD, and difficulty with life transitions. I am also passionate about working with couples who are experiencing disconnection, conflict, and communication issues.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Inquisitive, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
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
Dena Sidmore-Seyer

Dena Sidmore-Seyer

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I'm passionate about helping people feel empowered, heal, and move toward lives that feel meaningful and authentic.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression
Affirming, Direct, Open-minded
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Stephan Gombis

Stephan Gombis

Therapist

Virtual • Countryside, IL


“I believe in practical steps, giving my clients tools they can use in their daily lives to navigate challenges in a more fulfilling way.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
E.T. Townsend

E.T. Townsend

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


I offer support and skills to those exploring identity, intimacy, or relational complexity—whether in gender, sexuality, kink, or deocolonized relationships. They may be sitting with grief, unraveling the impact of trauma, or feeling the weight of past experiences in their body. They long for connection but struggle with vulnerability, trust, or belonging. Some feel stuck in cycles of overwhelm, while others are questioning the stories they’ve been told about who they are. They seek a space where they can be seen without judgment, process their experiences, and make sense of the systems shaping their lives.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
James Wren

James Wren

Therapist

Virtual • Chicago, IL


“Much of my practice focuses on supporting LGBTQ+ clients and exploring the complex questions that can arise in their lives and relationships.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, End of life care, Family issues
Direct, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dwight Bejec

Dwight Bejec

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I take a trauma-informed, holistic approach to mental health care and incorporate various therapeutic modalities as appropriate, depending on your needs.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Holistic
Accepts 12 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
Analise Atchison

Analise Atchison

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I believe that prioritizing your mental health is among the most rewarding things you can do. Asking for help is never easy. Congratulations on taking that first step. With 9 years of experience working in the mental health field, I have enjoyed working with a diverse range of clients, with a particular focus on ADHD, trauma, and LGBTQ issues. No matter what your story is, I am here to walk beside you on your journey to greater well-being.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Affirming, Humorous, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Chaniqua White

Chaniqua White

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I have a special interest in supporting LGBTQ+ clients and creating an affirming space where you can show up authentically.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Elizabeth Stolberg

Elizabeth Stolberg

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I love getting to know my clients and creating a space built on humor, connection, and zero judgment.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Dr. Rashid A. Raja

Dr. Rashid A. Raja

Psychologist

Virtual • Illinois


“I firmly believe that my pragmatic therapeutic style and clinically proven treatment approaches can be highly instrumental in helping you learn effective ways to resolve your emotional pain...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Creative, Open-minded
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Ana Drake

Ana Drake

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I work with the clients to navigate their difficulties through evidence-based approaches like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness practices, person-centered therapy, solution focus etc.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Svetlana Burak

Svetlana Burak

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I provide a compassionate environment so you can safely explore your worries and other emotions that come with being human.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Direct, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Anabelle Doulas

Anabelle Doulas

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor in Illinois and Michigan, I believe that therapy is your space, shaped by what you need right now.

With 13+ years of experience in community mental health, residential treatment, and inpatient psychiatry, I provide therapy and parent coaching to:

  • Children (5 years and older) & Families
  • Young Adults & Adults
  • Parents & Caregivers

I work alongside individuals navigating hard moments—especially those who feel overwhelmed, stuck, or powerless. Often, the people I work with are themselves experiencing or have a loved one impacted by:

  • major life stress or conflict at home or school/work
  • trauma
  • grief and loss
  • depression
  • anxiety
  • psychosis
  • mania
  • substance use

You are the expert on your own life and your own healing. My role is to meet you where you are and walk with you on your path, sometimes guiding, sometimes following, but mostly walking side-by-side.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Ariel Harris

Ariel Harris

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


I believe therapy should be a place where you don’t have to have it all together. Many of my clients are high-achieving professionals who are used to being the “strong one” for everyone else, but privately struggle with relationships, boundaries, confidence, or life transitions. I strive to create a warm, collaborative space where you can show up authentically, gain insight into patterns that no longer serve you, and build healthier relationships with yourself and others. I especially enjoy working with Black women and LGBTQ+ adults and strive to create an affirming, culturally responsive space where clients can show up fully as themselves.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Direct, Inquisitive, Participatory
Accepts 12 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Tomario Stamps

Tomario Stamps

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My approach is client-centered, so I meet you where you are—mentally, emotionally, and spiritually—tailoring our work to your unique needs and goals.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Holistic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Carolyn Gonterman

Carolyn Gonterman

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My approach is integrative and holistic with a focus on supporting adults in making lasting change, deconstructing shame, and promoting self-empowerment.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Affirming, Direct, Inquisitive
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
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
Mercy Abunaw

Mercy Abunaw

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Illinois


“During our sessions together, I will treat you with respect, compassion and understanding, exploring every evidence-based medication or technique possible to help you overcome the challenges that have been holding you back.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Andrew Ritchie

Andrew Ritchie

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I take an approach to therapy that is centered on you, and so I rely a lot on what you bring to therapy to be able to identify the skills and tools that are best suited for helping you.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Family issues
Humorous, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Jamie Smith

Jamie Smith

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I believe the relationship we build is central to the healing process, and I show up as a real person in the room with you.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 19 insurance carriers
Grant Tyler

Grant Tyler

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Illinois


I’m a psychiatric nurse practitioner committed to compassionate, thoughtful, and evidence-based mental health care. With more than a decade of experience in psychiatry, emergency medicine, trauma, and clinical leadership, I bring a broad skill set to my work, but human connection remains at the center of my approach.

I believe every person deserves to feel heard and supported. I help individuals navigate anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, and other mental health challenges with clarity and compassion. I take time to understand your story, collaborate on your goals, and create a treatment plan that fits your life.

My diverse background, from trauma care to outpatient psychiatry and clinical education, has strengthened my commitment to high-quality, collaborative care for patients of all ages.

At Granted Mental Health Services, my mission is to provide accessible, patient-centered care that honors your experiences and supports your journey toward a healthier, more balanced life. I’m grateful for the opportunity to walk alongside you.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Humorous, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 10 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
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
Dr. Tameer Siddiqui

Dr. Tameer Siddiqui

Psychologist

Virtual • Illinois


“I believe the foundation of a helping relationship lies in fostering a safe space in which a person can show up as they are and reveal their vulnerabilities...”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Inquisitive, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 2 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
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
Nessa Little

Nessa Little

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Sterling, IL


“I look at therapy as us going down a river in a boat together. You are driving the boat, and I am helping you figure out how to get around obstacles and deal with rough water.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Joshua Bird-Martinez

Joshua Bird-Martinez

Therapist

Virtual • Chicago, IL


Our experiences don't define us, but rather they shape how we navigate our lives and relationships. The journey into therapy can feel overwhelming, requiring us to open up to a stranger and share our most challenging moments. My goal is to work collaboratively with you to learn about those challenges and how to best support you as you embark on this journey of healing.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Direct, Energetic, Open-minded
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Joseph Melendez

Joseph Melendez

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“Joseph is a holistic and integrative therapist and his core principles are compassion, collaboration, and transparency.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Direct, Humorous
Accepts 9 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
Zellessia Ejalonibu

Zellessia Ejalonibu

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


I help young adults, adults, and athletes work through anxiety, depression, grief and loss, burnout, attachment and relationship challenges, and confidence or performance struggles so they can feel more grounded, confident, and connected in their lives. If you feel stuck, overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure of your next step, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Therapy can be a place to better understand yourself, build on your strengths, and create meaningful change.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Direct, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Elaine Jones

Elaine Jones

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My approach is warm, empowering, and direct. I believe therapy should be a collaborative process where you feel supported...”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Direct, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Emma Burdick

Emma Burdick

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I enjoy helping people navigate life's challenges while they discover their inner strengths and regain hope.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Open-minded, 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.