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LGBT therapists in Northbrook, IL

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

Top LGBT-friendly therapists and psychiatrists in Northbrook, IL

Northbrook residents seeking affirming mental health support can connect with 806 licensed providers on Headway who specialize in gender and sexual identity concerns. Our warm, open-minded therapists offer virtual and in-person sessions, with many providing free consultations and availability within days. Through insurance coverage with major plans accepted, many clients save up to 75% on sessions.

Nida Haider

Nida Haider

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I've always been able to see experiences through an eclectic and holistic lens- one of the many reasons Psychology felt like a calling!”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Deborah Palmer-Thomas

Deborah Palmer-Thomas

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


Greetings, I'm Debbie Palmer Thomas, a clinical social worker from Colorado. My approach to counseling is both welcoming and engaging. I uphold the values of respect, understanding, and kindness in every interaction. I firmly believe that everyone possesses inherent strengths, and with a sprinkle of hope, resilience is within reach for all. When you're prepared to make that leap, know that I stand by your side, ready to uplift and guide you.




LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Grief or loss
Affirming, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
David Cardona-Jimenez

David Cardona-Jimenez

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and grounded in cultural awareness and effective therapeutic practices.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Toya Hodges

Toya Hodges

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“Through a client-centered, solution-focused, and holistic approach, I help clients identify strengths, develop effective coping skills, build resilience, and create meaningful, lasting change in a safe and supportive environment.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Grief or loss
Empowering, Holistic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Dario Zamorano

Dario Zamorano

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I believe therapy can be an expansive and fluid space: a place to pause, feel, and reconnect to your own wisdom and capacity for change...”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Grief or loss
Holistic, Inquisitive, Participatory
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Pharalyn Robinson

Pharalyn Robinson

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I believe that healing and growth begin with courage - the courage to show up, be seen, and nurture the parts of yourself that are ready to bloom.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Christopher Akel

Christopher Akel

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


I believe that psychotherapy is a special kind of health care. It can help you better understand yourself and others, work with and expand limits in your life, and help you better cope with feelings and challenges. I use many strategies to surface and explore deeper motivations flowing beneath our experience, with a special emphasis on our emotions. I am an LCSW therapist with 3+ years of therapy in Illinois. I am a male and Arab-identifying former teacher, and I seek to build a relationship of safety and trust with each person I work with.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Inquisitive, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Annmarie OConnell

Annmarie OConnell

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


I’m Annmarie O’Connell, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) with over 15 years of experience supporting individuals through some of life’s toughest moments. My background is rooted in community mental health, where I’ve worked with people from all walks of life dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, and major life transitions.

I’m also trained in Brainspotting, a powerful therapeutic technique that taps into the brain-body connection to help clients process and release deeply held emotional pain. This approach, along with my real-world experience, allows me to support clients in a holistic, meaningful way. My work is deeply personal to me—because I’ve experienced firsthand how life-changing therapy can be.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Direct, Empowering
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Lauren Appelson

Lauren Appelson

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I have a particular interest treating OCD and Complex anxiety as well as significant experience using Expressive Arts Therapy in my services.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Eating disorders, Family issues
Creative, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Tanya White

Tanya White

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My approach is primarily Person-Centered and Interpersonal. I believe therapy works best when you feel understood...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Dr. Adam Carter

Dr. Adam Carter

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


As an independently licensed professional counselor, counselor educator, and supervisor, I believe that everyone deserves a space where they can feel heard, supported, and accepted. I've been practicing for 15 years and hold a master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, a doctorate in Counselor Education, and a Fellowship in Thanatology with specialized expertise in grief and loss. As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community and someone with AuDHD, I bring both professional knowledge and lived experience to my work. My goal is to create a warm, affirming environment where you can show up as your authentic self and move toward meaningful change.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 5 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 5 insurance carriers
Zellessia Ejalonibu

Zellessia Ejalonibu

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


I help young adults, adults, and athletes work through anxiety, depression, grief and loss, burnout, attachment and relationship challenges, and confidence or performance struggles so they can feel more grounded, confident, and connected in their lives. If you feel stuck, overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure of your next step, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Therapy can be a place to better understand yourself, build on your strengths, and create meaningful change.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Direct, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Isaac Vieyra

Isaac Vieyra

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I'm Isaac Vieyra, LCSW, a Latinx queer therapist with 5 years of experience supporting people through anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, identity, and relationship challenges.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Direct, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Krystal Fowler

Krystal Fowler

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


Life can get heavy, and sometimes you get to a point where you know something needs to change, you just may not know where to start. That’s where I can help. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, anger, grief, major life changes, or just trying to make sense of everything you’ve been carrying, we can work through it together.

I work with children, teens, and adults, with a special passion for supporting at-risk youth, justice-involved individuals, and people who may feel like they’ve been judged, misunderstood, or overlooked. You don’t have to come into therapy with the right words or have everything figured out. Come as you are. We’ll start there and work toward where you want to be.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Latosha Haywood

Latosha Haywood

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


Hi, I'm Latosha Haywood, LCPC, with a Master in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from DePaul University and I'm really glad you're here.

Before I became a therapist, I spent years as a 911 call taker, showing up for people in some of their scariest, most overwhelming moments. That work taught me something I carry into every session: that people are so much stronger than they realize, and that having someone truly in your corner can make all the difference.

If you're going through something hard right now, whether it's the heaviness of anxiety or depression, the echoes of past trauma, or just feeling like life has knocked you off balance, I want you to know that you don't have to figure it out alone. My door is open, and you can come exactly as you are.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Maggie Adrian

Maggie Adrian

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


I approach therapy in a collaborative and compassionate way, creating a safe space where clients can feel supported as they explore their inner world. I believe that each client is the expert of their own life, and my role is to guide, support, and provide tools to help you connect with your strengths and insights. My work is trauma-informed and integrates a variety of techniques, including internal family systems, somatic methods, inner child work, strengths-based narratives, CBT, experiential approaches, and clinical hypnosis.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dori Bowling

Dori Bowling

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I am a very client-centered therapist, so my main goal is to meet the clients where they are and support them through the change process.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Dr. Steven Clevenger

Dr. Steven Clevenger

Psychiatrist

Virtual • Chicago, IL


“Collaboration is key to effective treatment. My practice is based on principles of a non-judgmental approach, there is no "ideal person", each one of us is unique...”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Inquisitive, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Chequaleis Sargent

Chequaleis Sargent

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Illinois


“My approach is warm, collaborative, and solution-focused—I meet you where you are while also helping you move forward.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Kynnedi Tripplett

Kynnedi Tripplett

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I like to incorporate skills from CBT, DBT, and ACT modalities to bridge the gap between your current perspective and one that could serve you and your relationships in a more fulfilling way.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Jalen Clemmons

Jalen Clemmons

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I am dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based care in a supportive and nonjudgmental environment.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression, Grief or loss
Empowering, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Angela Swelfer

Angela Swelfer

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“With a listening ear and a helpful therapeutic relationship and coach, the client can establish and reach their goals.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Brian Arterbridge

Brian Arterbridge

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My approach is warm, open-minded, and collaborative. I believe each person brings unique experiences, strengths, and needs to therapy, so I tailor our work to you rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Cyriaque Tetchi

Cyriaque Tetchi

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Naperville, IL


My practice centers on helping people work through depression, ADHD, and bipolar disorder with care that actually fits their life. I've been in independent practice for about two years, and in that time I've found that the providers people stay with are the ones who listen well and adjust as things change. I'm a PMHNP with full practice authority, so I can manage medications and provide psychiatric services without a collaborating physician. I see clients via telehealth throughout Illinois, with flexible scheduling available Monday through Saturday. If you've been waiting to find someone who's approachable and genuinely wants to get you moving in the right direction, I'd like to be that person.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Open-minded, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Leslie Howard

Leslie Howard

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My style is warm, direct, and collaborative. I blend evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness with radical compassion, cultural humility, and a strong awareness of how systems of oppression shape mental...”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Identity issues
Direct, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 2 insurance carriers
Gabriella Palma

Gabriella Palma

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I believe that healing looks different for everyone, and I'm here to walk alongside you in that process.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Emma Johnson

Emma Johnson

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


Hello! My name is Emma. I am a newly Licensed Clinical Social Worker but have been working in the mental health field for over 10 years now. My background includes substance abuse, community mental health, and most recently, mental health in a correctional setting. I enjoy working with a wide range of concerns, primarily with adults.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Brian Stella

Brian Stella

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


Hi, I'm Brian. I specialize in helping with men's issues, anxiety, depression and relationships. I have experience working with individuals within the LGBTIQA+ community, Military/Veterans, and those who follow non-secular spiritual paths.

Life is a journey with many unexpected setbacks, life challenges and experiences. I am here to help you manage your journey. My practice is dedicated to providing quality mental health care to help people achieve goals or master skills aimed toward improving their quality of life. I've been practicing for 22 years.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Challenging, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Dr. Monica Stout

Dr. Monica Stout

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Chicago, IL


“I provide comprehensive evidence-based, holistic healthcare utilizing both psychopharmacology and psychotherapy.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
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

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Joanna Oyer

Joanna Oyer

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who is committed to helping people work through their issues. I have experience working with individuals who are struggling with depression, anxiety, PTSD, chronic illness, cancer, end of life, caregiver stress, grief and loss, addiction, gender, abuse and relationship issues. I have had the privilege of helping many people in their journey. I believe everyone has the ability to heal, grow and find hope with the right support.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Chidinma Nwankwo

Chidinma Nwankwo

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Illinois


“She prioritizes building a solid therapeutic relationship with her patients based on trust, empathy, and respect.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Eating disorders
Empowering, Holistic, Participatory
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Ella Petersen

Ella Petersen

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I'm warm, honest, and deeply curious. I believe healing happens when we feel truly seen — and I genuinely want to see you.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Marcos Erazo

Marcos Erazo

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My goal is always to empower my clients to create safe space, balance, time, and strength to process and embrace their needs.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Joshua Andre

Joshua Andre

Therapist

Virtual • Chicago, IL


As a licensed clinical social worker, I work with adolescents and young adults to find meaning and purpose while working through the mental barriers that have created challenges in their lives. I specialize in working with adolescents, addictions, men's issues, depression and anxiety.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Humorous, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Sara Khaledpour

Sara Khaledpour

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My clients describe me as a compassionate, good communication skills, encouraging and cultural competence.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Direct, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Dr. Bridgette Spann-Edwards

Dr. Bridgette Spann-Edwards

Therapist

Virtual • Chicago, IL


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.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Elizabeth Moreno

Elizabeth Moreno

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I specialize in sexual health & sexual dysfunctions, process addiction, substance use, anxiety, and grief.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, End of life care
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Alexia Newbern

Alexia Newbern

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“With a person centered approach, I offer a safe space for you to come as you are and receive acceptance, affirmation, correction when needed, and a fresh perspective.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Eating disorders
Affirming, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 11 insurance carriers

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

Number of therapists within 20 miles of Northbrook, IL
There are over 44 therapists in Northbrook, IL accepting new patients.
44+
Average years in practice
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10 years
Top specialties offered
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  • 100%LGBTQIA+
  • 98%Stress management
  • 98%Anxiety
  • 98%Depression
  • 91%Trauma
Insurances accepted
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  • 100%Aetna
  • 95%Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois
  • 86%Cigna
  • 82%Carelon Behavioral Health
  • 64%Providence Health Plan
Languages spoken
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  • 98%English
  • 16%Spanish
  • 2%French
  • 2%German
  • 2%Gujarati
How they see their clients
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  • 98%In-person or online
  • 2%In-person only
Provider gender
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  • 68%Woman
  • 27%Man
  • 5%Non-binary
License types
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  • 45%Licensed Clinical Social Worker
  • 36%Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
  • 7%Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
  • 7%Clinical Psychologist
  • 5%Full Practice Authority Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
Treatment approaches
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  • 100%Individual therapy
  • 43%Family therapy
  • 34%Child or adolescent therapy
  • 32%Couples 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.