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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.

Jim Perabo

Jim Perabo

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


If you're functioning on the outside but privately exhausted, stuck, or carrying more than you've let on, you're in the right place. I work with adults, many in the LGBTQIA+ community, navigating trauma, grief, relationship strain, and major life transitions. A lot of my clients come in saying, "I know what my patterns are. I just can't seem to change them." That's exactly where we start. Together, we'll get underneath what's keeping you stuck and build a path forward that actually fits your life.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Affirming, Direct, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Rachel Hogue

Rachel Hogue

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


Maybe you’ve become so good at pushing through that other people don’t realize how much effort it takes to keep up. Your mind may constantly jump from one thing to another, anxiety can turn small decisions into hours of overthinking, depression may leave you feeling disconnected, or experiences from your past may still influence how you feel and relate to others today. I provide virtual individual therapy for children, adolescents, and adults throughout Illinois, with a focus on anxiety, ADHD, depression, relationship issues, and trauma. I also support clients navigating stress, panic, grief and loss, family concerns, anger, PTSD, identity and LGBTQIA+ concerns, women’s issues, and substance use when these experiences become connected to the primary challenges bringing them to therapy. With four years of experience, my goal is to give you a space where you can stop performing, understand yourself more clearly, and begin creating changes that actually fit your life.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Direct, Empowering, Inquisitive
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Tarik Brown

Tarik Brown

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I'm a friendly harm reduction therapist dedicated to a trauma-informed and client-centered approach.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 14 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
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
Ana Sikula

Ana Sikula

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


If you're an adult navigating anxiety, depression, or relationship stress — and maybe feeling like

no one quite understands where you're coming from — you're in the right place. I've been

practicing for 15 years across community and clinical settings, working with adults and older

adults on mood, relationships, and the weight of everyday life. I'm bilingual in English and

Spanish, and having lived abroad myself, I genuinely enjoy working with people from a wide

range of cultural backgrounds. You don't have to explain your world to me — I'm here to

understand it.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
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
Dr. Akamin Nkengaka

Dr. Akamin Nkengaka

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“Together, we'll create a safe space to understand what's holding you back, strengthen healthy coping skills, and help you build a life that feels more balanced, connected, and meaningful.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 5 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
Barbara Duran

Barbara Duran

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


When stress starts to build, it can affect more than just your day-to-day life. It can impact your mood, your energy, and your relationships. I work with adults and couples who are navigating anxiety, depression, workplace stress, and burnout. Many of my clients are used to juggling responsibilities, caring for others, and pushing through difficult seasons until they realize they're no longer feeling like themselves. You might feel constantly overwhelmed, mentally exhausted, or like you can’t fully “turn off” your mind. At the same time, stress can begin to show up in your relationships through miscommunication, distance, or frustration, making it harder to feel connected and supported.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Dr. Aaliyah Caulton

Dr. Aaliyah Caulton

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I believe healing happens in a safe, nonjudgmental environment where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Direct, Empowering, Humorous
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Marina Garavaglia

Marina Garavaglia

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My approach combines psychodynamic, CBT, and humanistic therapy... we'll work toward practical changes that can help you feel more confident, grounded, and in control of your life.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Ken Markovic

Ken Markovic

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Creative, Warm
Accepts 17 insurance carriers
Susan Pagels

Susan Pagels

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My goal is to provide a warm, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where you can feel heard, understood, and empowered to create meaningful change.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 6 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
Daniel Atkins

Daniel Atkins

Psychologist

Virtual • Illinois


“He works with trauma conditioning in all forms and offers a safe, compassionate space to explore your issues and uncover the roots of your distress.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Creative, Energetic, Holistic
Accepts 1 insurance carrier
Holly Barczak

Holly Barczak

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


With more than 30 years of experience, I've helped individuals navigate anxiety, ADHD, trauma, and life's many transitions with compassion, understanding, and practical support.

I know reaching out for help isn't always easy. My goal is to create a safe, welcoming space where you feel heard, supported, and empowered to move toward greater confidence, healing, and peace of mind.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
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
John Henson

John Henson

Therapist

Virtual • Chicago, IL


“As a board certified psychotherapist, I have nearly 30 years of clinical experience treating adults with depression, anxiety, trauma, PTSD, and substance use disorders.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Grief or loss
Direct, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 10 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
Kevin McClure

Kevin McClure

Therapist

Virtual • Peoria, IL


“My approach to therapy is collaborative, client-centered, and growth-oriented. I believe therapy works best when it feels like a partnership.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Inquisitive, Solution-oriented
Accepts 4 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
Francois Jolie

Francois Jolie

Therapist

Virtual • Chicago, IL


“I help those who have not been successful with therapy in the past... those who have experienced trauma, those who self-medicate their trauma...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Humorous, Open-minded, Participatory
Accepts 14 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Alan Deibel

Alan Deibel

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“When I lost my mother at 13, I learned to survive by staying strong, keeping it together, and minimizing my own pain.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Creative, Open-minded
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Cherie Truax

Cherie Truax

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


Hi, I’m Cherie. I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and EMDR-trained therapist. I work with teens and adults who are feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or stuck in patterns that no longer serve them. Maybe you're constantly on edge, overthinking everything, or finding it hard to slow down. Or maybe you’ve been feeling flat, unmotivated, or like you're just going through the motions. These experiences often trace back to things your nervous system picked up on — ways it learned to protect you in stressful or painful situations.

I help people work through painful memories, low self-esteem, and the weight of depression—like feeling numb, exhausted, stuck, or hard on yourself. We'll explore the parts of you carrying that pain and move at a pace that feels right, whether you're ready for deep healing or just need a safe place to land.

If you’re feeling ready—or just curious—I’d be honored to support you on your healing path.

Outside of therapy, I love curling up with a good book, finding design inspiration (I have a soft spot for cozy interiors), caring for my houseplants, and spending time with my dog, Magnolia Grace—who may occasionally drop in for a virtual session cameo.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Grief or loss
Affirming, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 12 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Lydia Schatzel

Lydia Schatzel

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I am a honest direct therapist who will challenge you, using only positive reinforcement, positive intention, because that is how you get the positive outcome!”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Challenging, Humorous, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 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
Mykel Wolfe

Mykel Wolfe

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I bring those values into every session... My goal is to guide you toward wellness and balance in your relationships, your daily life, and your sense of self.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Sarah Brown-Foiles

Sarah Brown-Foiles

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“Clients often describe me as calm, direct, and grounding—someone who brings clarity without judgment, even when things feel complicated.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions, Depression
Direct, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Ronald Sumpter

Ronald Sumpter

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My style is supportive, honest, and engaged, with a focus on helping you feel safe enough to explore difficult things while also building tools that help you move forward.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, End of life care
Affirming, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 3 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
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
Frances Morken

Frances Morken

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I am a compassionate therapist specializing in DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy), helping clients build balance, resilience, and emotional clarity.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions, Depression
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Shanita Brown

Shanita Brown

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


With over 20 years of clinical experience, I bring a compassionate, understanding and results-driven approach to therapy. My education began at Chicago State University where I received bachelor's degree and Jane Addams College of Social Work where I received my masters. I specialize in helping individuals navigate anxiety, depression, mood, and personality disorders with clarity and confidence. Together, we’ll build practical tools and deeper insight so you can feel more in control and live your best life.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Humorous, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Tiffany Shanks

Tiffany Shanks

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My hope is for you to experience mental and emotional wellness by prioritizing your mental health and wellbeing and I'm here to assist and support you along the way.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Jennifer Kovachevich

Jennifer Kovachevich

Therapist

Virtual • Plainfield, IL


I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Benedictine University. I have been working in private practice for over 10 years, helping adolescents and adults navigate life’s challenges and create meaningful, lasting change.

My areas of specialization include trauma and couples counseling, and I have a particular passion for working with women. I understand that women often carry many different roles and responsibilities, and sometimes lose sight of their own needs in the process. I enjoy helping women work through anxiety, depression, grief, relationship challenges, life transitions, and the many unexpected circumstances that can leave us feeling stuck or overwhelmed.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Jill Sisler

Jill Sisler

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My style is warm, open-minded, and empowering, and I believe therapy should be a place where you feel understood while also making meaningful progress.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Direct, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Mackenzie Smalley

Mackenzie Smalley

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My goal is to aid each person in their journey, helping them find their own power, happiness, resiliency, and inner strength.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Challenging, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 5 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
Priscilla Huley

Priscilla Huley

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My style is calm, down-to-earth, and easy to talk to. I work with adults navigating anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, and other life challenges...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 6 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
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  • 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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1 Cost may vary based on your location, age, and insurance coverage.