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LGBT therapists in Chicago, IL


Top LGBT-friendly therapists and psychiatrists in Chicago, IL
Finding an affirming therapist in Chicago is easier with Headway's extensive network of 746 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.
Hi, I’m Jada. I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker providing virtual therapy for adults across Illinois and Maine.
Many of the people I work with appear high functioning on the outside, while internally feeling anxious, overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure of how to move forward. You might be navigating a life transition, relationship stress, identity questions, or a sense that something feels off even if it is hard to fully put into words.
I offer a space where you do not need to have everything figured out before you show up. We can slow things down together, make sense of what you are carrying, and begin to move toward something that feels more aligned.
I am especially drawn to working with clients around anxiety, identity, relationships, self trust, and life transitions, especially seasons that feel meaningful, uncertain, or hard to name. Much of my work lives in that space.
Outside of therapy, I spend time with my partner and our dog, Autumn, who brings joy, playfulness, and energy into my day and is a constant reminder not to take life too seriously.
For more than 20 years, I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside individuals, couples, and families as they work toward healing, growth, and change. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Clinical Addiction Counselor, and Substance Abuse Professional, I bring both deep clinical knowledge and a compassionate, down-to-earth approach to therapy.
I specialize in helping clients navigate life’s most personal challenges—including relationship and intimacy concerns, life transitions, grief and loss, trauma, and mental health struggles. I also provide substance abuse treatment, DOT/SAP evaluations, and recovery support using evidence-based approaches such as CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, Reality Therapy, Trauma-Focused CBT, the Duluth Model, and the Matrix Model.
I have a special commitment to serving Black communities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people living with HIV, re-entry populations, sex workers, and youth facing challenges. I understand how personal, cultural, and systemic factors shape each person’s story, and I create a safe, affirming space where clients feel truly seen and heard.
In our sessions, you can expect a respectful, judgment-free environment where your voice matters. I believe therapy works best as a partnership—we’ll set goals together, explore what’s holding you back, and develop practical strategies you can use in daily life a more fulfilling life. Whether you’re seeking support for a specific issue or simply want to invest in your personal growth, I’m here to help you take that next step.
I’m Emily, a licensed psychotherapist and Clinical Social Worker with a specialization in healthcare from Aurora University. I have extensive experience across various levels of care—including inpatient psychiatric settings, residential treatment, PHP/IOP, and community mental health—I have dedicated my career to supporting individuals facing co-occurring disorders, addiction, eating disorders, and trauma.
Through my work with complex cases, I have observed that many challenges are deeply rooted in trauma and systemic issues.
Dr. Opelt earned his Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology at New Mexico State University after completing his Master’s of Science in Educational Psychology: Community Counseling from the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee. During his graduate training, he earned certifications in Trauma Counseling and Multicultural Knowledge Basis in Mental Health Practices, and a graduate minor in Integrated Behavioral Health. Dr. Opelt has completed postdoctoral fellowships in research in Rehabilitation Psychology, with an emphasis on Multiple Sclerosis, at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, and in clinical Rehabilitation and Pain Psychology at MedStar Health National Rehabilitation Hospital. He has focused his clinical work on adults who have concerns about insomnia, cognitive impairment, addiction, LGBT+ concerns, caregiver support, transplants, burn survivors, cancer, musculoskeletal diseases like MS and Parkinson’s disease, and those who have amputations. He is a licensed psychologist in Maryland and Illinois.
Welcome!
I’m Kendra, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Illinois and a Certified Somatic Therapy Practitioner. With over 10 years of experience, I support individuals in reconnecting with themselves and navigating anxiety, stress, and life transitions with greater clarity and ease.
My approach blends somatic (mind-body) therapy with nature-based practices to support deeper awareness, emotional regulation, and lasting change. I believe healing happens when we learn to listen to our bodies, not just our thoughts. I am committed to creating a safe, affirming space for LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC individuals, where your full identity and experiences are welcomed and respected.
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) with years of experience supporting children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. My background includes working in schools, military communities, and private practice settings, which has given me a deep understanding of the unique challenges people face in different life stages and environments. I am passionate about creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients feel supported, respected, and empowered to grow.
Often, struggles can become gateways to transformation. Many of the clients I work with are navigating low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, chronic stress, trauma, grief, or major life transitions that leave them feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected. You may be experiencing racing thoughts, emotional exhaustion, relationship difficulties, loss, or uncertainty about your direction in life. When we begin to explore these experiences with compassion and curiosity, new perspectives and meaningful change can emerge.
I believe telling your story in a safe, supportive space can be deeply healing. I want to hear about your hopes, dreams, challenges, and losses. My goal is to help you better understand your experiences, develop emotional resilience, and move toward greater clarity and self-acceptance. You are not alone, and I am here to walk alongside you as you move forward on your journey toward healing and growth.
Hi there, Jenny here! I believe therapy is about learning how to bend without breaking. I specialize in working with individuals and couples facing trauma, chronic stress, and high-demand roles like military, first responder, high level executives AND those that care for them. These are the people that are usually holding it all together for others!
I have a special connection to these populations as an Air Force brat, Air Force Veteran, and Air Force Spouse - quite literally not a day of my life untouched by the military! I have more than 20 years' experience working with children, youth, families and couples around their life challenges and transitions.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family therapist working since 2017 in community mental health and private practice. I have a masters degree specializing in couples and family therapy. I work to offer a space where clients can be seen and heard.
Clients often describe me as approachable, practical, and easy to talk to. Therapy should be a collaborative process, and I strive to create a space where you feel comfortable being yourself without fear of judgment. My style balances support with practical problem-solving, helping clients gain insight while also developing strategies they can use in everyday life. Above all, I want you to feel heard, understood, and supported as we work toward your goals together.
My name is Macy (she/they) and I believe that therapy is for everyone, at any time, regardless of stressors in our environment. I received my MSW from St. Louis University '17 and my Doctor of Education from Western Illinois University '25. I look forward to working with anyone who is seeking to better themselves, understand their way of thinking, and how to navigate the stress in their lives.
Frequently asked questions


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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