Skip to main content
Headway

Book LGBT-friendly therapy, covered by insurance

LGBT therapists in Skokie, IL

Therapist and patient in a therapy session
Calculator Illustration
Get a cost estimate
People with insurance pay as low as $0 per session through Headway

Top LGBT-friendly therapists and psychiatrists in Skokie, IL

Finding an open-minded, warm therapist in Skokie who gets LGBTQIA+ mental health matters is easier with Headway. Access 756 providers specializing in gender and sexual identity support, with free consultations available and appointments as soon as tomorrow.

Ana Sikula

Ana Sikula

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


If you're an adult navigating anxiety, depression, ADHD 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, have lived abroad, and 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, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Stacy Branda

Stacy Branda

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My style is warm and collaborative, using trauma-informed care, mindfulness, parts work, and practical strategies tailored to your needs.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Grief or loss
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
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
Sabrina Mirza

Sabrina Mirza

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I support adults through these challenges with compassionate, culturally responsive care that honors your lived experience...”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Identity issues
Affirming, Holistic, Inquisitive
Accepts 2 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Gwendolyn Baggett

Gwendolyn Baggett

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My goal is to create a warm, supportive, and judgment-free environment where you feel heard, understood, and empowered to make meaningful changes.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Dr. Melvin Negron Mcfarlane

Dr. Melvin Negron Mcfarlane

Psychologist

Virtual • Illinois


“There's a particular kind of exhaustion that comes from feeling like you have to explain yourself before anyone will really listen.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Creative, Direct, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Pamela Bowers

Pamela Bowers

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


Hi, I’m Pamela — a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a passion for supporting young and older adults, women, and families as they navigate life’s transitions, challenges, and opportunities for growth.

I come from an urban community and understand the importance of feeling seen, supported, and understood — especially when you’re working to create a better future for yourself and your family. That perspective is at the heart of my work. I provide a compassionate, non-judgmental space where you can show up as your full self. Whether you’re facing anxiety, relationship challenges, identity concerns, or self-esteem struggles, I’ll Walk beside you as you find clarity and confidence.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Amanda Wittmer

Amanda Wittmer

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My hope is to build a relationship with you through trust and safety, and through a collaborative and empathetic approach to help you reach your full potential.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Creative, Empowering
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Robi Brewer

Robi Brewer

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I believe in developing a strong therapeutic rapport with my clients to ensure they are comfortable and feel safe throughout the therapeutic process.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Kristopher Van Meter

Kristopher Van Meter

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“Rooted in evidence-based practices, I approach our sessions with equal parts of common sense and kindness.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Direct, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Steven Gear

Dr. Steven Gear

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


As a licensed clinical social worker, I've spent my career working alongside people

who've often felt unseen, underserved, or unsupported by the systems meant to help

them. I specialize in working with adolescents and adults in marginalized communities

navigating identity, mental health, relationships, and trauma. My approach is

grounded in genuine curiosity about who you are, not just what brings you in. You'll

find a space built on empathy and empowerment, where you can show up exactly as

you are. I'd love to connect.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 13 insurance carriers
Tanya White

Tanya White

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I believe therapy works best when you feel understood and the work reflects your experiences, relationships, strengths, and goals.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Jami Craig

Jami Craig

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Belleville, IL


“I specialize in supporting survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, as well as navigating the unique emotional complexities of the IVF journey and women's reproductive health.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Stephanie Flier

Stephanie Flier

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“Sometimes the exhausting part isn't the anxiety itself, it's how much energy goes into hiding it from everyone around you.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Humorous, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Sarah Cozzi

Sarah Cozzi

Therapist

Virtual • River Forest, IL


“I'm not an 'Oz behind a curtain' type therapist but more of a fellow traveler, drawing from both lived experience and professional training to guide and empower.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Grief or loss, Identity issues
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Jeanette Perez

Jeanette Perez

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I have over 20 years of experience counseling individuals, couples, and groups. I am bilingual and embrace Spanish as my native language.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Amy Bosko

Amy Bosko

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


You shouldn’t have to spend half of therapy explaining your disability, neurodivergence, or why certain things are harder for you than they might be for someone else. I’m a totally blind therapist, and I specialize in working with disabled and neurodivergent people. My approach is disability-affirming and neurodivergent-affirming, which means I’m not here to teach you how to mask better or treat parts of who you are as something that needs to be fixed. I want therapy to be a place where you can be yourself and feel understood. I also work with people dealing with anxiety, burnout, major life changes, difficult relationships, and complex family dynamics. A lot of my work focuses on things like boundaries, self-advocacy, confidence, emotional regulation, and figuring out how to navigate relationships or systems that don’t always understand your needs. I especially enjoy working with people who have spent a lot of their lives feeling misunderstood. I also work with parents and caregivers of disabled and neurodivergent children who are dealing with stress, advocacy, changing family roles, or simply trying to balance caring for someone else with taking care of themselves. My style is warm, straightforward, and collaborative. I’m not going to sit silently and expect you to figure everything out on your own. We’ll talk things through, look at what is and isn’t working, and find practical strategies that actually make sense for your life. Whether you’ve been disabled your whole life, are adjusting to a new diagnosis or disability, are trying to better understand your neurodivergence, or are dealing with complicated family or relationship dynamics, you don’t have to have everything figured out before reaching out.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Direct, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Robert Testen

Robert Testen

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I use supportive and sometimes challenging feedback along with humor when appropriate, to help gain insights and new perspectives into difficult roles and relationships.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Humorous, Participatory
Accepts 10 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Diane Giancaspro

Diane Giancaspro

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My practice is based on my belief that change happens when people are given the guidance they need to draw on their own strengths and realize their potential to live fulfilling happy lives.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Creative, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Daunte Henderson

Daunte Henderson

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My approach is collaborative, culturally responsive, and rooted in helping clients reframe limiting beliefs and develop tools that support lasting change.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Lisa Haber Sapir

Lisa Haber Sapir

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I see therapy as a collaborative, creative process built on direct, honest, and genuine communication.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Sarah Gillespie

Sarah Gillespie

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“Coming from the strengths-based perspective, I believe that everyone has the abilities and qualities to set and achieve goals to better their lives.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Robert Jaskula

Robert Jaskula

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I like to create an environment in which the client can become curious and open to adjustments in point of view.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Humorous, Inquisitive
Accepts 4 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 4 insurance carriers
Kenyatta Black

Kenyatta Black

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My approach is a open minded approach. I make sure I am actively listening to what you are saying and building on those skills that will help you to get where you want to be in this Journey.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Chronic conditions, Depression, End of life care
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 16 insurance carriers
Danielle Kelsey

Danielle Kelsey

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


I specialize in helping adults who live with trauma, anxiety, depression, and OCD. I draw from ACT, EMDR, embodiment practices, and parts work, and I am neurodivergent‐friendly and LGBTQIA+ affirming. I also have experience supporting clients through psychosis, grief, chronic health issues, spiritual trauma, eating disorders, and substance use disorders.

At the core of my work is a belief that every person has the capacity to choose who they become. As Jean‐Paul Sartre wrote, “We are constantly creating ourselves through action.” I see therapy as a space where you can explore that creation with support, clarity, and intention.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Stephanie Nash

Stephanie Nash

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I believe in meeting you where you are, listening to your story, and working collaboratively to set meaningful goals that support your growth and healing.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Mary Madsen-Heskin

Mary Madsen-Heskin

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My approach to therapy is eclectic, holistic, and person-centered... an opportunity to have a guide along the way to positive and lasting change.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Janice Donaldson

Janice Donaldson

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Shiloh, IL


“My goal is to provide you with a safe space where you can find empathy, receive a listening ear, and have a supportive teammate to help you identify your goals and the steps needed to achieve them.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Traci Hall

Traci Hall

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I am a relational mental health professional who combine clinical expertise with a client-centered approach.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 14 insurance carriers
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 16 insurance carriers
Lenora Perkins (lenora@bwatherapy.com)

Lenora Perkins ([email protected])

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“Being trained in Integrative Systemic Therapy from The Family Institute at Northwestern University, I believe that each client is a conglomeration of their human experiences and the various systems and and organizations that impact them.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression
Challenging, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Mark Aghakhan

Mark Aghakhan

Psychologist

Virtual • Illinois


Hi, my name is Dr. Mark Aghakhan and I am a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in a variety of therapeutic, educative, consultative, and evaluative services. I utilize interventions that best match my client’s style and approach toward everyday challenges.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Creative, Holistic, Inquisitive
Accepts 2 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Kristal Perry-Gutierrez

Kristal Perry-Gutierrez

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


I have provided counseling services for over 20 years, helping clients work through trauma, PTSD, anxiety, panic, stress, family challenges, and women’s issues. I specialize in supporting people who feel stuck in painful memories, overwhelmed by anxiety, or disconnected from themselves after difficult life experiences. My approach is compassionate, non-judgmental, and deeply respectful of each person’s story. I believe healing often involves more than traditional talk therapy, which is why I incorporate approaches that support the mind, body, and spirit. I am an EMDRIA Certified Therapist and a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, and I use EMDR, somatic therapy, attachment-based therapy, interpersonal therapy, and other trauma-informed approaches to help clients move toward relief and healing. When we work together, you can expect a caring space where you are accepted as you are and supported at a pace that feels safe.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Inquisitive, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
LeeShawn Brown

LeeShawn Brown

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I focus on developing a collaborative relationship with my client where they can feel empowered to actively participate in their therapeutic progress...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
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
Kevin Kelsey

Kevin Kelsey

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“You are more than the problems that consume you. By looking at who you are, where you've been, and where you want to go, we'll create a plan to get you there.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 13 insurance carriers
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
Jen Rose

Jen Rose

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My style is warm, compassionate, and straightforward, creating a safe space for individuals to explore their inner world while also challenging them to take bold, aligned action.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Creative, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Gladys Larsen

Gladys Larsen

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Tinley Park, IL


“My style is warm, collaborative, and empowering. I take time to truly listen to my clients, educate them about their diagnoses and treatment options, and engage them as active participants in their healing journey.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

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

Number of therapists within 20 miles of Skokie, IL
There are over 39 therapists in Skokie, IL accepting new patients.
39+
Average years in practice
Watercolor illustration of a bookshelf
10 years
Top specialties offered
Watercolor illustration of specialties
  • 100%LGBTQIA+
  • 97%Stress management
  • 97%Anxiety
  • 97%Depression
  • 92%Relationship issues
Insurances accepted
Watercolor illustration of insurance cards
  • 100%Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois
  • 97%Aetna
  • 85%Cigna
  • 85%Carelon Behavioral Health
  • 72%Ascension Health Plan
Languages spoken
Watercolor illustration of languages
  • 97%English
  • 13%Spanish
  • 3%Arabic
  • 3%Polish
  • 3%Yoruba
How they see their clients
Watercolor illustration of therapy session
  • 100%In-person or online
Provider gender
Watercolor illustration of gender identity
  • 69%Woman
  • 31%Man
License types
Watercolor illustration of license
  • 46%Licensed Clinical Social Worker
  • 36%Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
  • 10%Clinical Psychologist
  • 5%Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
  • 3%Full Practice Authority Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
Treatment approaches
Watercolor illustration of treatment approach
  • 100%Individual therapy
  • 38%Family therapy
  • 31%Couples therapy
  • 26%Child or adolescent therapy

Frequently asked questions

Therapy Chair

Happy patient looking away

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.