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LGBT therapists in Joliet, IL

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Top LGBT-friendly therapists and psychiatrists in Joliet, IL

Headway connects LGBTQIA+ individuals in Joliet with affirming, open-minded therapists who understand your unique experiences. Our network of 756 licensed providers offers virtual and in-person sessions, with many available within days. Therapy can be covered by insurance, and the average client saves 75% on sessions.

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 15 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
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
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 10 insurance carriers
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
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
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
Carol Moravcik-Diaz

Carol Moravcik-Diaz

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My experience with being "on both sides of the couch" has given me a unique perspective, which heavily influences my person-centered practice.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 12 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
EC Kissner

EC Kissner

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


Hi, I’m E.C. Kissner Art Therapist | Creative Consultant + Career Coach for Arts + Innovation Entrepreneurs — If you’re someone who feels accomplished on the outside but stretched thin on the inside, you’re in the right place. Many of the people I work with are navigating burnout, transitions, stress, uncertainty about next steps, or a sense that life’s moving faster (or slower) than they can keep up with. You might want clarity, balance, and a way to turn insight into real-world change .... I specialize in creating a judgmental space that allows for both professional development & general life as well as mental health questions to unfold. — respectful of your identity, personal cultural context and lived experiences, while supporting you in moving from contemplating goals to moving them forward. Life imitates art so the trajectory to present will always be fully customized & right sized for your needs, working style and personal preferences.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Creative, Holistic, Participatory
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Susan Severson

Susan Severson

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I provide a safe, non-judgmental space to talk about your concerns and what you are struggling with.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 11 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
Daryl Flink

Daryl Flink

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I empower my clients to achieve a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle. The goal of our work together is to unlock the best version of your authentic self.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
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 9 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
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
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 9 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
Joan Paradis

Joan Paradis

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My approach is pretty collaborative—I see therapy as a team effort. I want you to feel heard and understood, but I'll also gently challenge you when it's helpful.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Family issues
Humorous, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Dr. Olushola Bakare

Dr. Olushola Bakare

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“If racing thoughts or constant worry are running your day, we'll use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to identify what's driving it and build practical tools to quiet it down.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Energetic, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 8 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
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
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 10 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
Naji Al-Najjar

Naji Al-Najjar

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I use an integrated approach to see the person in front of me as an individual who has their own experiences, all of which help to answer the question, "What happened to you?" versus "What's wrong with you?"”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Energetic, Holistic, Humorous
Accepts 7 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
Dana Restrepo

Dana Restrepo

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My lived experience as a pansexual, neurodivergent woman informs a trauma-responsive, LGBTQ-affirming approach to therapy.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Family issues, Identity issues
Affirming, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
Pascale Davis

Pascale Davis

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Illinois


“As a survivor of Complex PTSD myself, I have a special understanding and passion about helping others heal with patience and grace.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Janet Dowell

Janet Dowell

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I utilize a client centered approach with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), solution-focused and psychodynamic techniques while also incorporating creativity including art, writing, and play to express feelings that are not always easy to...”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Grief or loss, Identity issues
Affirming, Creative, Solution-oriented
Accepts 13 insurance carriers
Cleopatra Oubre

Cleopatra Oubre

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My communication style is warm, direct, and collaborative. I aim to create a safe, shame-free space where you feel heard and validated.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Identity issues
Affirming, Direct, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Sandra Salas

Sandra Salas

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I'm warm, direct, and collaborative. I'll listen carefully, help you connect what's happening now with patterns you've noticed over time, and offer practical tools when they're useful.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, End of life care
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Eshana Watson-Gholar

Eshana Watson-Gholar

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, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Challenging, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Jamie Smith

Jamie Smith

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I'm sex-positive and kink-aware, you won't have to start from scratch with me or justify your lifestyle.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 19 insurance carriers
Joshua Boyce

Joshua Boyce

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I'm a psychotherapist dedicated to helping people navigate the challenges of depression, anxiety, life changes, identity concerns, and recovery from traumatic experiences.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Identity issues, Men's issues
Empowering, Energetic, Humorous
Accepts 12 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Rebecca Scandell

Rebecca Scandell

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


I have 26 years of experience dealing with individuals, couples, families in therapy. We will work together to develop plans that are unique and right for you.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Dr. Kristin Huseman

Dr. Kristin Huseman

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“Clients can expect to feel welcomed and accepted while also being pushed to reach goals as well as unpack history and trauma.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Direct, Solution-oriented
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Martin Cuevas

Martin Cuevas

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I work with people who carry heavy things for a living: service members, first responders, and hospital and ER staff.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Creative, Empowering, Holistic
Accepts 13 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
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
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 10 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Krystal Fowler

Krystal Fowler

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“Are you the person everyone depends on, but lately you're feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or like you're carrying too much?”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Roxann Camparone

Roxann Camparone

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I have over 30 years of experience working in co-occuring disorders. I have worked in pretty much every level of mileau of treatment over that time.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Stress management, Substance use / addiction
Affirming, Direct, Humorous
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

About our LGBTQIA+ affirming therapists in Joliet, IL

Number of therapists serving Joliet, IL
There are over 755 therapists in Joliet, IL accepting new patients.
755+
Average years in practice
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10 years
Top specialties offered
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  • 100%LGBTQIA+
  • 99%Anxiety
  • 96%Depression
  • 92%Stress management
  • 86%Trauma
Insurances accepted
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  • 99%Aetna
  • 97%Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois
  • 89%Cigna
  • 87%Carelon Behavioral Health
  • 70%Ascension Health Plan
Languages spoken
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  • 99%English
  • 7%Spanish
  • 1%Hindi
  • 1%Urdu
  • 1%French
How they see their clients
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  • 90%Online only
  • 10%In-person or online
Provider gender
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  • 73%Woman
  • 24%Man
  • 3%Non-binary
License types
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  • 49%Licensed Clinical Social Worker
  • 32%Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
  • 6%Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
  • 5%Clinical Psychologist
  • 5%Full Practice Authority Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
Treatment approaches
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  • 99%Individual therapy
  • 40%Family therapy
  • 30%Couples therapy
  • 19%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.

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