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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.

Teegan Lund

Teegan Lund

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I believe in meeting clients where they are at with a warm and welcoming approach as we work together through a balance of accountability and compassion.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 14 insurance carriers
Dr. Patrice Patton-Campbell

Dr. Patrice Patton-Campbell

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My approach to therapy is trauma-informed, collaborative, and grounded in helping you feel safe, seen, and respected.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Milira Cox

Milira Cox

Therapist

Virtual • Chicago, IL


“As we evolve and "grow through" life, we all have the capacity for resilience and personal authority to face change.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 8 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
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
Markesha Woods

Markesha Woods

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I believe people change when they feel genuinely understood and have tools they can actually use — so I aim to be both a steady, nonjudgmental presence and a practical partner in the work.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
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
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
Vanessa De Leon

Vanessa De Leon

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I bring a unique mix of energy, creativity, and empathy to my work, integrating mind, body, and spirit in the healing process.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Creative, Empowering, Energetic
Accepts 15 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Andrew Gordon

Andrew Gordon

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I am sincere about providing my clients the space and compassion needed to feel understood and supported.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Alesha Jones-Johnson

Alesha Jones-Johnson

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My style is supportive, honest, and structured. I provide a safe space to talk, but I also help you build real-life skills — emotional regulation, communication, boundaries, and coping strategies you can actually use outside of sessions.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
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
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
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
Francisco Rivera

Francisco Rivera

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“Drawing on evidence-based practices like Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and solution-focused techniques, I aim to help you develop practical tools to manage challenges and create meaningful change.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Energetic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 17 insurance carriers
Avi Levin

Avi Levin

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“It's within the potential space of the therapeutic experience that we can grow beyond our prior limitations.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, End of life care
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Danielle Pertiller

Danielle Pertiller

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My style is direct, compassionate, and as "real as it's going to get". I help clients who feel overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected from themselves find clarity, confidence, and emotional freedom.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Challenging, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 8 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Madaline Knaupp

Madaline Knaupp

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I believe therapy should be a place where you feel heard, respected, and comfortable being your authentic self.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Humorous, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Orren Reeves

Orren Reeves

Therapist

Virtual • Chicago, IL


Hi, I’m Orren Reeves, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than a decade of experience supporting teens and adults through life’s challenges. I believe healing begins with feeling seen, heard, and understood. My approach is trauma-informed and strengths-based, creating a safe and supportive space where you can explore what you’re experiencing, build on your strengths, and develop practical tools to move forward with greater confidence and clarity. It would be an honor to walk alongside you on your journey toward healing, growth, and a life that feels more fulfilling and authentic to you.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Jaime Altman

Jaime Altman

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I am very laidback and am not the kind of therapist to ask, "And how does that make you feel?" I use real, everyday language along with humor...”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Grief or loss, Identity issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
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
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
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
Susan Hurtado

Susan Hurtado

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


Therapy to restore pleasure and emotional safety after sexual assault and other trauma for adults and their partners. I specialize in three areas: sex & intimacy, trauma & emotional regulation, and anxiety disorders such as OCD and BPD. I have extensive experience supporting individuals and partners experiencing intimacy challenges related to desire discrepancy, neurodivergence, and partners hoping to rebuild healthy sexual relationships. I strive to provide care in a space that deeply honors identity and lived experience.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Grief or loss
Affirming, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Ana Aguirre

Ana Aguirre

Therapist

Virtual • Chicago, IL


“I also really enjoy working with pregnant individuals and supporting perinatal mental health, helping clients navigate the emotional changes that can occur during pregnancy and the postpartum period.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Challenging, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 13 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Rosey Puloka

Rosey Puloka

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My approach is relational, strengths-based, and trauma-informed. Sessions are more conversational than clinical.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Grief or loss
Empowering, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 8 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
Susie Maguire

Susie Maguire

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I work mostly with adults and specialize in helping clients with issues such as anxiety, depression, bipolar, trauma, work stressors, relationship issues, and life transitions.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Affirming, Challenging, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Nicholas Meister

Nicholas Meister

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I pride myself on being compassionate, nonjudgmental and direct to help survivors of trauma recover through the use of EMDR, CPT, TF-CBT, and DBT strategies.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Empowering, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 14 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
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
Dr. Linda Wickens

Dr. Linda Wickens

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


Hi, I’m Dr. Linda Wickens, a doctoral-level therapist and coach who works with individuals navigating stress, life transitions, relationship challenges, and patterns that keep them feeling stuck while preventing forward movement and growth. Many of my clients are high-functioning on the outside but feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or frustrated that change feels harder than it should.

Therapy and coaching with me are never one-size-fits-all. We work collaboratively to create a plan that is specific to you, your goals, and your capacity, adjusting pace and structure as your needs evolve. I focus on helping clients understand their patterns, build emotional awareness, and develop practical skills they can actually use in daily life.

I hold a Doctorate in Social Work and am a fully licensed clinical social worker, with over nine years of experience in the mental health field. My work integrates evidence-based therapy with a coaching-informed lens when appropriate, allowing sessions to be both supportive and goal-oriented while still making space to explore the past and its impact on the present.

Clients often describe my style as warm, direct, and collaborative. As part of my concierge model, clients work directly with me rather than an assistant, and I remain accessible to my clients outside of sessions through secure communication when needed. I believe growth happens through understanding, compassion, and honest conversation, and that progress is most sustainable when care feels personal, intentional, and consistent.

Please Note: I do not provide couples or marriage counseling. I do not treat adolescents under the age of 21. Additionally, I am not able to treat clients who are experiencing active suicidal ideation or self-harm behaviors. If these services are needed, I encourage seeking a provider who specializes in these areas or contacting appropriate crisis resources if immediate support is required.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Participatory, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 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.