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LGBT therapists in Evanston, IL

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People with insurance pay as low as $0 per session through Headway

Top LGBT-friendly therapists and psychiatrists in Evanston, IL

Evanston's LGBTQIA community deserves compassionate, culturally competent care. Headway offers flexible in-person and virtual therapy options with providers experienced in gender and sexual identity concerns, helping you access the support that fits your life and budget.

Loren Ketelsen

Loren Ketelsen

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My style of therapy is supportive and compassionate. I believe in empowering my clients, instilling hope, and courage...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Energetic, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
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
Lonette George

Lonette George

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


My therapy room is a space where you don’t have to explain yourself. You can show up, fully and authentically, without the need to code-switch or justify your experiences. Our sessions are a dedicated time for you to be heard and understood without judgment.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Jamia Walker

Jamia Walker

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I truly believe that everyone is the expert of their life and has an individualized journey tailored specifically for them!”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 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
Violeta Rodriguez

Violeta Rodriguez

Psychologist

Virtual • Illinois


“My goal is to provide a supportive space where you can better understand what you are experiencing while developing practical strategies for meaningful and lasting change.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Humorous, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Kirsten Doan

Kirsten Doan

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“Therapy in this space isn't about fixing yourself—it's about understanding your experiences and reconnecting with your strengths.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Holistic
Accepts 10 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Heather Lopez

Heather Lopez

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


Hi, I’m Heather Lopez, LCSW. I help women, moms, and BIPOC professionals who are navigating anxiety, life changes, burnout, and the mental load of holding everything together. You might be the one everyone counts on—but lately, you’re wondering who’s checking on you.

Whether you’re adjusting to motherhood, working through family stress, or just trying to feel like yourself again, therapy can be a space to slow down and breathe. I work virtually with clients across Illinois. My style is warm, clinical, supportive, and down-to-earth (with the occasional well-placed joke). We'll explore your patterns, set real goals, and focus on healing in a way that actually feels useful in your daily life. I accept insurance and offer weekday sessions. If you're looking for a therapist who gets it and creates a judgment-free zone, let’s talk.

In addition to individual therapy, I offer a weekly 1-hour support group for moms experiencing overwhelm, anxiety, emotional exhaustion, and difficulty adjusting to the demands of motherhood.

This group focuses on emotional regulation, stress management, and reducing feelings of isolation through supportive, structured group processing.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Holistic, Humorous
Accepts 13 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Musediq Ismail

Musediq Ismail

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Illinois


“My style is collaborative and patient-centered. I strive to meet people where they are, guide them with evidence-based interventions, and empower them to take an active role in their mental wellness.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Holistic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Jamie Dunlap

Jamie Dunlap

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


Hi, and welcome! I’m Jamie, and I’m really glad you’ve taken this step to prioritize yourself. The next, and most important part, is finding a therapist who feels like the right fit for you.

I am experienced and educated in multiple approaches of therapy, integrating the mind and body to address insecurities with emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. My approach is informed by your unique personality, history, values, and goals to weave together a treatment map that feels meaningful and relevant.

As a therapist who has overcome personal trauma and hurdles to becoming a more secure and healthy person, I know what it’s like to be on the other side. I offer a completely nonjudgmental, non-pressured, but structured approach.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Open-minded, Participatory
Accepts 9 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
Shawntrell Moore

Shawntrell Moore

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My approach to therapy is eclectic, individualized, and collaborative. I draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution Focused therapy, Existential therapy, Gestalt, Emotionally Focused...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Empowering, Holistic
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Dr. Erin Shannon

Dr. Erin Shannon

Psychologist

Virtual • Illinois


“My goal is to make sure you have tools and techniques that actually work for you and that you can use them on DAY ONE to see a positive impact and feel better!”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Holistic, Humorous
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Heather Wyant

Heather Wyant

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I am committed to working together with you, helping you to meet life's challenges and reach your goals.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Darrick Melton

Darrick Melton

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I work to establish a therapeutic environment so that clients know that they have a safe space to be themselves.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Inquisitive, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Barbara Grear

Barbara Grear

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


Welcome!

Life is not always easy. For some, perhaps it never has been. In times of struggle and transition having a compassionate, competent therapist can be immensely beneficial. Whether needing support, processing grief, working through trauma or any number of other life stressors I will be present to assist you in making lasting change. I am a licensed clinical social worker with over 25 years' experience. I would love to assist you in making positive changes in your life.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Humorous
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
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
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
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
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
Nechola Hodge

Nechola Hodge

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My style is supportive but direct, offering both empathy and honest feedback to help clients move forward.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Holistic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Brandy Matthews

Brandy Matthews

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My approach is direct, supportive, and solution-oriented. I don't believe in just talking without direction- together, we focus on building practical strategies that help you manage emotions, improve coping, and feel more in control of your...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Wytonya Byrd

Wytonya Byrd

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Illinois


Something feels off, and you cannot quite name it. Maybe anxiety is keeping you up at night. Or depression has made even simple things feel impossible. Or ADHD has been quietly driving your life for years. Whatever you are carrying, you deserve care that holds all of it. I'm Wytonya, a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with more than 20 years of experience, offering psychiatric evaluation, medication management, and supportive therapy in one relationship,

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 5 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
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
Kelly Ambrose

Kelly Ambrose

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


Hello, and thank you for taking the time to read about my professional background.

I graduated with my bachelor's in social work in 2013 from MacMurray College in Jacksonville IL.

I furthered my education at the University of Illinois Urbana/Champaign School of Social Work and graduated with my Masters in SW in 2017.

I have gained 13 years of experience with the majority of those years spent in psychiatric facilities for children and adults.

I specialize in motivational interviewing, DBT, CBT, and a multitude of other treatment styles.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 8 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
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
Schuyler Czech

Schuyler Czech

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I have a professional background providing therapy for individuals recovering from human trafficking.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, 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
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
Anthony Wright

Anthony Wright

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I work with adolescents, men, and families who are navigating emotional stress, behavioral challenges, relationship dynamics, and major life transitions.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Laura Thomas-Marlow

Laura Thomas-Marlow

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“As a therapist, I am passionate about using evidence-based practices such as CBT, DBT, ACT, and EMDR...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Creative, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 14 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Jeanette Bledsoe

Jeanette Bledsoe

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I blend practical tools with deeper reflection so you can not only cope in the moment, but also better understand what is driving your thoughts, emotions, relationships, and patterns.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 7 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
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
Skip Dettman

Skip Dettman

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


Hello, I am Skip I have been a therapist for over 12 years. I love what I do and am passionate about assisting people with addressing life issues. I specialize in trauma, addictions and couples therapy.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

About our LGBTQIA+ affirming therapists located within 20 miles of Evanston, IL

Number of therapists within 20 miles of Evanston, IL
There are over 43 therapists in Evanston, 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
  • 98%Anxiety
  • 98%Depression
  • 93%Trauma
Insurances accepted
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  • 100%Aetna
  • 93%Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois
  • 86%Cigna
  • 81%Carelon Behavioral Health
  • 58%Oxford
Languages spoken
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  • 100%English
  • 14%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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  • 67%Woman
  • 30%Man
  • 2%Non-binary
License types
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  • 42%Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
  • 42%Licensed Clinical Social Worker
  • 9%Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
  • 5%Clinical Psychologist
  • 2%Medical Doctor
Treatment approaches
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  • 100%Individual therapy
  • 47%Family therapy
  • 37%Couples therapy
  • 28%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.

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