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LGBT therapists in Rockford, IL

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Top LGBT-friendly therapists and psychiatrists in Rockford, IL

LGBTQIA+ mental health support in Rockford is accessible through Headway's inclusive platform. Connect with warm, empowering providers who bring creative approaches to your mental wellness, with free consultations and availability as soon as next day.

Hildred Amegashie

Hildred Amegashie

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual & in-person • Plainfield, IL


“My approach to providing care is compassionate, evidence-based, and holistic. I believe in treating each client as a whole person...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 13 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
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
Paige Fleeman

Paige Fleeman

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My approach to therapy is warm, collaborative, and client-centered. I believe that every person has unique strengths...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Kristin Elatkin

Kristin Elatkin

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Rolling Meadows, IL


“I take a holistic approach to mental health, understanding that psychological, emotional, and physical well-being are interconnected.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Inquisitive, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 13 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Nicole M. Heller

Nicole M. Heller

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“Therapy is not about fixing you—it's about helping you better understand yourself, strengthen your relationships, and create a life that feels more aligned with your goals!”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Shelly Lewin

Shelly Lewin

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


⭐ I’m Shelly Lewin, LCSW/LICSW, a therapist with 31 years of experience helping adults navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, identity issues, and major life transitions. I provide virtual therapy across Arizona, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, New Mexico, and West Virginia, offering accessible, evidence‐based care to clients seeking meaningful and lasting change. I have 30+ years of experience in private practice and leadership roles at organizations including:

  • The Joint Commission
  • Northwestern Memorial Hospital
  • Kaiser Permanente
  • Common Spirit
  • Mount Sinai Health System

This background allows me to offer deep clinical expertise paired with practical, real‐world understanding of how people heal and grow. My approach is warm, collaborative, open‐minded, and affirming. If you're feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or ready for change, I’m here to walk beside you with steady support and clinically grounded guidance. I specialize in therapy for adults experiencing:

  • Anxiety & panic disorders
  • Depression & mood disorders
  • PTSD and trauma recovery
  • Substance use and addiction
  • LGBTQIA+ affirmative care
  • Men’s issues & identity exploration
  • Life and career transitions
  • Chronic illness & long-term stress

Additional areas of expertise include: Bipolar disorder, OCD, grief & loss, workplace stress, anger management, cultural/ethnic identity issues, expat adjustment, relationship issues, family challenges, and end-of-life concerns

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Inquisitive, Solution-oriented
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
Douglas DeRhodes

Douglas DeRhodes

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Western Springs, IL


“I provide individually tailored treatment in a safe and supportive environment that draws and builds upon each person's strengths, resources, wisdom and goals.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 13 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, Cultural & ethnic issues
Direct, Participatory, Solution-oriented
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 15 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Joseph Melendez

Joseph Melendez

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“Joseph is a holistic and integrative therapist and his core principles are compassion, collaboration, and transparency.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Direct, Humorous
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Dr. Joetta Little

Dr. Joetta Little

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Chicago, IL


Healing the mind starts with being truly heard. I’m Dr. Joetta Little, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC, a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who helps adults navigate a wide range of mental health challenges—from anxiety, depression, and trauma to mood, thought, and personality disorders. My approach combines evidence-based treatment with empathy and collaboration, creating a safe space where every story matters. Whether you’re seeking stability, clarity, or peace, we’ll work together to uncover what wellness looks like for you.✨ Your healing starts here—with care that sees the whole person, not just the diagnosis.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Holistic, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
Dr. Calvin Young

Dr. Calvin Young

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


Welcome! I am a US military veteran with over two decades of experiences as a provider of mental health care services at the individual, groups and organization level(s). I use my skills and training of over two decades as a psychotherapist, neuropsychology practitioner, addictions treatment professional, forensically credentialed and certified provider of sex offender assessment and treatment services, to provide general telemental health outpatient counseling care. My treatment approach is eclectic, in that I provide patients with e-therapy care that is both collaborative and integrative. Our work will be anchored with the best ideas and concepts from both conventional and alternative methods of healing, incorporating scientifically-supported technologies and techniques from nutritional psychology, neuropsychology and nutritional psychiatry as well as both ancient and.modern methods of psychotherapy.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Holistic, Humorous
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
Tomario Stamps

Tomario Stamps

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


Great to meet you! I’m Mario (or Tomario), a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 14 years of experience helping individuals, couples, and families through life's toughest challenges. Whether you're navigating career stress, relationship difficulties, family conflicts, depression, or substance use, my goal is to serve as a supportive catalyst for positive change in your life.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Holistic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Jacqueline Vaca

Jacqueline Vaca

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I believe healing begins when you feel truly heard, but it grows through insight, self-compassion, and practical tools that help you move differently in your daily life.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
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
Jacob Bobrow

Jacob Bobrow

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Lincolnwood, IL


“I believe healing is about aligning mind, body, and daily life with the future you deserve and the goals you seek to achieve.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Inquisitive, Open-minded, Participatory
Accepts 5 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 8 insurance carriers
Yash Bedi

Yash Bedi

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


I'm a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor with a background that includes years of work with people navigating some of the hardest chapters of their lives — including incarcerated individuals, people struggling with addiction, and those carrying cultural weight that doesn't show up in a standard intake form. I'm South Asian, I grew up navigating two worlds, and that shapes how I show up for clients who've had to figure things out without a clear map. I don't do therapy with a clipboard. I'm direct, I'm real, and I'm genuinely interested in what's underneath the surface.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Direct, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
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
Pamela Lees

Pamela Lees

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


Hello, I am Pamela "Paige" Lees. I have been a licensed therapist for 30 years. I have worked with a wide variety of people and together tackled a multitude of life's problems. I have a master's degree in clinical psychology from the University of Illinois and a bachelor's degree in Psychology from Eastern Illinois University. I enjoy working with individuals and I specialize family problems of all kinds.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Humorous, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Kenneth Vick

Kenneth Vick

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Joan Fadonugbo-Kuton

Joan Fadonugbo-Kuton

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual & in-person • Chicago, IL


“I am dedicated to reducing the stigma surrounding mental health issues and actively promoting awareness in this area.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Open-minded, Participatory, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Maureen Eigenfeld

Maureen Eigenfeld

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensed in Illinois and New York. I received my Masters in Social Work from New York University and have been practicing for over 10 years. My experience includes helping children and young adults struggling with their emotions and relationships to find their strengths, accomplish their goals, manage their emotions, and helping them build a support system.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
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
Mel Rivkin

Mel Rivkin

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I am a neurodivergent adult myself, and I bring cultural humility to the many different ways people experience the world.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Creative, Humorous, Solution-oriented
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Dr. Rita Vaitauskaite

Dr. Rita Vaitauskaite

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Illinois


“I advocate a holistic, collaborative approach that encourages your active participation in achieving meaningful outcomes...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Holistic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 12 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
Ron Henson

Ron Henson

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Alton, IL


“Therapy with me is not about judgment or pretending you are broken. It is about understanding what is happening beneath the surface...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 13 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 7 insurance carriers
Adya Rangaswami

Adya Rangaswami

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My therapeutic style focuses on forming connections with my clients to best serve their needs and build a trusting therapeutic relationship.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Holistic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Brandi Rhoads

Brandi Rhoads

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Illinois


“Healthcare is more than treating acute and chronic conditions. We will treat the whole person—mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Megan Vant

Megan Vant

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My focus with clients is to build a safe and trusting dynamic in order to explore issues that negatively impact life's experiences.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 13 insurance carriers
Ronald Bennett

Ronald Bennett

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 29 mi away • DeKalb, IL


“Helping each individual to regulate their emotions and feel at ease in speaking freely about personal concerns.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Affirming, Creative, Empowering
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Jamie Houseman

Jamie Houseman

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Dixon, IL


“My areas of specialty are in interventions related to depression, anxiety, grief and loss, and trauma.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Energetic, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Dr. Deborah Danner

Dr. Deborah Danner

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Elgin, IL


“Dr. Danner strives to provide culturally sensitive care and welcomes each client as they are in the therapy space.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Creative, Humorous, Solution-oriented
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Shelley Johnson

Shelley Johnson

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Ringwood, IL


“I believe that mental wellness is a journey; and if one is willing to put in the effort, anything can be achieved.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Humorous, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
Dr. Shelly Scamardo

Dr. Shelly Scamardo

Psychologist

Virtual & in-person • Barrington, IL


“I believe everyone has the inner strength to grow and thrive. My approach is warm, collaborative, and rooted in compassion and evidence-based practices like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Diabetes
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Michelle Hall

Michelle Hall

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • North Aurora, IL


“My approach is warm, collaborative, and practical. I integrate CBT, DBT, ACT, mindfulness, solution-focused therapy, and motivational interviewing to help clients recognize patterns, build effective coping skills, and create lasting change.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Eating disorders
Affirming, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 12 insurance carriers

About our LGBTQIA+ affirming therapists in Rockford, IL

Number of therapists serving Rockford, IL
There are over 796 therapists in Rockford, IL accepting new patients.
796+
Average years in practice
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10 years
Top specialties offered
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  • 100%LGBTQIA+
  • 98%Anxiety
  • 96%Depression
  • 92%Stress management
  • 86%Relationship issues
Insurances accepted
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  • 99%Aetna
  • 95%Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois
  • 88%Cigna
  • 86%Carelon Behavioral Health
  • 67%Ascension
Languages spoken
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  • 99%English
  • 8%Spanish
  • 1%Hindi
  • 1%French
  • 1%Urdu
How they see their clients
Watercolor illustration of therapy session
  • 90%Online only
  • 10%In-person or online
Provider gender
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  • 73%Woman
  • 23%Man
  • 3%Non-binary
License types
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  • 49%Licensed Clinical Social Worker
  • 32%Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
  • 5%Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
  • 5%Clinical Psychologist
  • 4%Full Practice Authority Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
Treatment approaches
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  • 99%Individual therapy
  • 40%Family therapy
  • 31%Couples therapy
  • 18%Child or adolescent therapy

Frequently asked questions

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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.