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LGBT therapists in Illinois

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

Top LGBT-friendly therapists and psychiatrists in Illinois

Whether you're navigating identity, relationships, or mental health, Headway's network of 796 licensed providers in Illinois includes specialists ready to support your journey. Sessions are flexible, confidential, and often covered by insurance with low or $0 copays available.

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
Elizabeth Stolberg

Elizabeth Stolberg

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I love getting to know my clients and creating a space built on humor, connection, and zero judgment.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Chad Carson

Chad Carson

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Illinois


As a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner, my goal is to create hope and help people to realize that together we can overcome whatever struggles they are facing. I specialize in treating ADHD, anxiety, depression, bipolar, and LGBTQIA+ issues. I have been a nurse for 27 years, and I strive to show compassion and understanding to everyone who needs help.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Patrick Noonan

Patrick Noonan

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Aurora, IL


“I value the process of building a connection with my clients in order to set a strong foundation for our time in therapy.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression
Affirming, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
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
Alyson LoVerde

Alyson LoVerde

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


I understand what it's like to feel overwhelmed, stuck, or constantly on edge. Maybe you're emotionally drained, unmotivated, overthinking everything, or simply not feeling like yourself anymore. I work with adults experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, family conflict, divorce, co-parenting, work stress, grief, low self-esteem, and major life changes. I also specialize in supporting individuals who have experienced unhealthy relationships, domestic violence, emotional abuse, or narcissistic abuse. My goal is to provide a warm, down-to-earth, nonjudgmental, and safe space where you can feel understood, supported, and comfortable being yourself. You're not stuck. Healing is possible, and you do not have to go through it alone. When you're ready to take the next step, I'd be honored to support you on your journey.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Empowering, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Heather Lopez

Heather Lopez

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


Hi, I’m Heather Lopez, LCSW. I help women, moms, and BIPOC professionals who are navigating anxiety, life changes, burnout, and the mental load of holding everything together. You might be the one everyone counts on—but lately, you’re wondering who’s checking on you.

Whether you’re adjusting to motherhood, working through family stress, or just trying to feel like yourself again, therapy can be a space to slow down and breathe. I work virtually with clients across Illinois. My style is warm, clinical, supportive, and down-to-earth (with the occasional well-placed joke). We'll explore your patterns, set real goals, and focus on healing in a way that actually feels useful in your daily life. I accept insurance and offer weekday sessions. If you're looking for a therapist who gets it and creates a judgment-free zone, let’s talk.

In addition to individual therapy, I offer a weekly 1-hour support group for moms experiencing overwhelm, anxiety, emotional exhaustion, and difficulty adjusting to the demands of motherhood.

This group focuses on emotional regulation, stress management, and reducing feelings of isolation through supportive, structured group processing.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Holistic, Humorous
Accepts 13 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Gina Dunphy

Gina Dunphy

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“With 35 years in the social work field, including work in schools and the past 6 years in private practice, I bring a calm, supportive presence to the people I work with.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 6 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
Nicole Rhoades

Nicole Rhoades

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


I believe therapy is a safe space where clients feel heard and accepted for who they are. I approach clients with compassion, understanding, and without judgement. I recognize that everyone has unique experiences, needs, goals, and strengths. For me, building a genuine and trusting relationship is an important part of the therapeutic process. I want my clients to feel that they can be open and honest while knowing that I’m there to support them. I see therapy as a collaborative process, where we work together to identify goals, explore challenges, and find tools and strategies that can make life feel more manageable.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Janeil Ruiz

Dr. Janeil Ruiz

Psychologist

Virtual • Chicago, IL


“My goal is to provide an environment of acceptance, care, and collaboration where you feel supported in accessing your innate capacity to heal.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Holistic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Clariza Saint George

Clariza Saint George

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My style is warm, supportive, and genuine. I want therapy to feel like a conversation where you feel heard, understood, and never judged.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 9 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
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
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
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
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
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
Brandy Matthews

Brandy Matthews

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My approach is direct, supportive, and solution-oriented. I don't believe in just talking without direction- together, we focus on building practical strategies that help you manage emotions, improve coping, and feel more in control of your...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Justin McKevitt

Justin McKevitt

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I take a collaborative, down-to-earth approach and tailor therapy to what actually works for you no one-size-fits-all plans.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Inquisitive, Warm
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
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
Ember Casey

Ember Casey

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My goal is to create a safe, supportive space where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered to make meaningful changes in their lives.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 7 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
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
Orren Reeves

Orren Reeves

Therapist

Virtual • Chicago, IL


Hi, I’m Orren Reeves, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than a decade of experience supporting teens and adults through life’s challenges. I believe healing begins with feeling seen, heard, and understood. My approach is trauma-informed and strengths-based, creating a safe and supportive space where you can explore what you’re experiencing, build on your strengths, and develop practical tools to move forward with greater confidence and clarity. It would be an honor to walk alongside you on your journey toward healing, growth, and a life that feels more fulfilling and authentic to you.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Robinlee Garber

Robinlee Garber

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I offer a grounded, relational style for practical coping and deeper self-understanding, including affirming care for LGBTQIA+ and transgender clients.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
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 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
Ariel Harris

Ariel Harris

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


I believe therapy should be a place where you don’t have to have it all together. Many of my clients are high-achieving professionals who are used to being the “strong one” for everyone else, but privately struggle with relationships, boundaries, confidence, or life transitions. I strive to create a warm, collaborative space where you can show up authentically, gain insight into patterns that no longer serve you, and build healthier relationships with yourself and others. I especially enjoy working with Black women and LGBTQ+ adults and strive to create an affirming, culturally responsive space where clients can show up fully as themselves.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Direct, Inquisitive, Participatory
Accepts 12 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
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
LaTonya Bowens

LaTonya Bowens

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“Solution focused therapy emphasizes practical next steps that lead to meaningful, sustainable change in your daily life.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Andrea Reed

Andrea Reed

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I believe people choose therapy because they want something in their life to change. Whatever the issue, change IS possible.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
Jeanette Bledsoe

Jeanette Bledsoe

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I blend practical tools with deeper reflection so you can not only cope in the moment, but also better understand what is driving your thoughts, emotions, relationships, and patterns.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
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
Schuyler Czech

Schuyler Czech

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I have a professional background providing therapy for individuals recovering from human trafficking.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Sam Shabsin

Sam Shabsin

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I bring an energetic, warm, and direct approach to therapy. I believe meaningful change happens when you feel supported while also feeling empowered to grow.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Energetic, Warm
Accepts 12 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
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
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
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
Christina Miksis

Christina Miksis

Psychologist

Virtual • Illinois


“My style is warm, practical, and collaborative. I want therapy to be a place where you feel comfortable being honest about what's going on while also gaining a clearer understanding of what may be keeping you stuck.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

About our LGBTQIA+ affirming therapists in Illinois

Number of therapists serving Illinois
There are over 806 therapists in Illinois accepting new patients.
806+
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
  • 96%Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois
  • 88%Cigna
  • 85%Carelon Behavioral Health
  • 67%Ascension
Languages spoken
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  • 99%English
  • 7%Spanish
  • 1%Hindi
  • 1%French
  • 1%Urdu
How they see their clients
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  • 89%Online only
  • 10%In-person or online
Provider gender
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  • 74%Woman
  • 23%Man
  • 3%Non-binary
License types
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  • 49%Licensed Clinical Social Worker
  • 33%Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
  • 6%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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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.