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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 803 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.

Mallory Cybulski

Mallory Cybulski

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Chicago, IL


“I work exclusively with women and the LGBTQIA+ community. While I may specialize in men's issues when it comes to my personal life, it is not an area of my clinical expertise.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Empowering, Humorous
Accepts 10 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Debra Baran

Debra Baran

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Crystal Lake, IL


“I am very passionate about educating my clients about stress management skills, mindfulness, and the food-mood connection.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Tiffany Payne

Tiffany Payne

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My goal is to help clients create meaningful, lasting change that extends beyond the therapy session.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Direct, Warm
Accepts 9 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 8 insurance carriers
Katonia Goods

Katonia Goods

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I believe every day is a gift to improve ourselves and to have opportunity to live our lives to the fullest potential.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Jeannie Warren

Jeannie Warren

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


Hello, my name is Jeannie Warren and I am a licensed mental health counselor. I have a master degree in counseling. My experience includes trauma, anxiety, grief, relationships issues, life transitions and parenting. I have worked in social services agency and in private practice settings. As we work together, I will support you as you go the journey of making positive changes and growth.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, End of life care, Family issues
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Eshana Watson-Gholar, Lcsw, Pmh-C

Eshana Watson-Gholar, Lcsw, Pmh-C

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, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
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
Jessica Deron

Jessica Deron

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My approach is calm, intuitive, and deeply collaborative — I work with clients to understand the emotional patterns shaping their lives and help them build clarity, confidence, and self‐compassion.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Karina Breezer

Karina Breezer

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Palatine, IL


“Solution-focused, with no unnecessary fluff. I'm not here to have you rehash your whole life story every week — I'm here to help you actually move forward.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Creative, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Kelsey LaNou

Kelsey LaNou

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I believe in a client-centered approach that honors your unique experiences, strengths, and aspirations.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Family issues
Direct, Empowering, Energetic
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Dr. Kari Weiterschan

Dr. Kari Weiterschan

Psychologist

Virtual • Palatine, IL


“I strive to understand my clients lived experiences from an empathic and non-judgemental perspective.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Inquisitive, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
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
Katherine Hahn

Katherine Hahn

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I prioritize authenticity in therapy; I will show up open, honest, and ready to laugh at your dark humor.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, End of life care
Affirming, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Dr. Megan Noren

Dr. Megan Noren

Psychologist

Virtual • Sycamore, IL


“I am passionate about empowering my clients to build self-compassion, nurture healthy relationships, and establish boundaries in a way that aligns with their values.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 3 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
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 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
John Vizuete

John Vizuete

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I believe in creating a safe and nonjudgmental space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Holistic, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Brian Pelletier

Brian Pelletier

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Chicago, IL


“I take a collaborative approach with each client whether you are processing your emotions through talk therapy or participating in exposure therapy...”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression
Empowering, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Allison Martinez

Allison Martinez

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


I am a licensed clinical social worker, clinical supervisor, and psychotherapist with over 25 years of experience helping individuals navigate trauma, emotional distress, and life transitions.

My career has included work in schools, outpatient counseling centers, and hospital settings, where I supported individuals facing mood disorders, addiction, and psychosis. I’ve worked with clients across the lifespan—from young children to older adults—and bring a broad, real-world perspective to my practice.

As a certified trainer in trauma-informed care, I use practical, effective tools to help you better understand your emotional responses, regulate stress, and feel more grounded. My approach is warm, collaborative, and tailored to your specific needs. I draw from a range of therapeutic techniques to help you gain insight, shift patterns, and move forward with greater clarity and confidence.

Clients often tell me that our work together helps them feel less overwhelmed, more self-aware, and better able to cope with life’s challenges. I strive to create a space where you feel understood, supported, and comfortable being yourself.

Some of the feedback that I received from clients are:

"You give me a perspective so I don’t get stuck and I realize I don’t have to solve it all at once

"You have forever affected how I look at things in a positive way"

"You changed how I look at things. I know I can do it, so I achieve it. The re-parenting thing gives me a way to understand people and myself."

"You help people be comfortable in their own skin."

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression, End of life care
Affirming, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Derek Hefner

Derek Hefner

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My practice focuses on getting to the root of symptoms and helping bring out your strengths and maximize your supports.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Inquisitive
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Therasa Yehling

Therasa Yehling

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I believe people are capable of healing and growth, and I strive to provide a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where clients can explore challenges, build resilience, and create meaningful change.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression, Grief or loss
Empowering, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Manpreet Singh

Manpreet Singh

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Savoy, IL


With over a decade of psychiatric nursing experience, I've built a practice around making people feel truly understood from the very first conversation. I'm fluent in English, Hindi, Punjabi, and Urdu, and I've found that meeting someone in their first language changes everything about how safe they feel opening up. I work with adults and teens navigating anxiety, depression, substance use, and eating disorders, combining medication management with therapeutic support to care for the whole person. My practice is fully virtual, so you can access care from wherever feels most comfortable for you.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Open-minded, Participatory
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Tarik Brown

Tarik Brown

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I'm a friendly harm reduction therapist dedicated to a trauma-informed and client-centered approach.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 14 insurance carriers
Dr. Tobiloba Adewolu

Dr. Tobiloba Adewolu

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual & in-person • Evanston, IL


“I provide compassionate, patient-centered, and evidence-based care tailored to each individual's unique needs.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Creative, Empowering, Holistic
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Matthew Meier

Matthew Meier

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“Growth won't always be comfortable, but I strive to make the therapeutic relationship genuine and healing.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Challenging, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Dr. Stacy Ellis

Dr. Stacy Ellis

Psychologist

Virtual • Illinois


“My goal is to provide a supportive space where you can better understand what's getting in your way, develop practical tools, and create meaningful change in your life.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Holistic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 3 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Frances Morken

Frances Morken

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I am a compassionate therapist specializing in DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy), helping clients build balance, resilience, and emotional clarity.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions, Depression
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Yvette Medina

Yvette Medina

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I will be my clients biggest advocate, and your support, we will laugh and celebrate accomplishments that you will make in our sessions together, from the biggest to the smallest.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
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 5 insurance carriers
John Michael Quinn

John Michael Quinn

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My style is warm, direct, and collaborative—I focus on helping you understand what's keeping you stuck and building the tools to move forward.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 6 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 7 insurance carriers
Rihab Yako

Rihab Yako

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“Having grown up in a collective culture and as a survivor of trauma myself, I deeply value the power of connection...”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
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
Rachel Kalina

Rachel Kalina

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


Clients often describe me as approachable, practical, and easy to talk to. Therapy should be a collaborative process, and I strive to create a space where you feel comfortable being yourself without fear of judgment. My style balances support with practical problem-solving, helping clients gain insight while also developing strategies they can use in everyday life. Above all, I want you to feel heard, understood, and supported as we work toward your goals together.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Direct, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Joan Fadonugbo-Kuton

Joan Fadonugbo-Kuton

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • 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
Loreta Stavskiene

Loreta Stavskiene

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Bolingbrook, IL


“My experience is in eating disorders, self-harm, substance/alcohol addictions, trauma, BPD, anxiety and depression.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Eating disorders
Affirming, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 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
Bridgette McClure

Bridgette McClure

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My style is collaborative, steady, and real — someone who helps you feel understood and genuinely supported in making change.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
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

About our LGBTQIA+ affirming therapists in Illinois

Number of therapists serving Illinois
There are over 799 therapists in Illinois accepting new patients.
799+
Average years in practice
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9 years
Top specialties offered
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  • 100%LGBTQIA+
  • 98%Anxiety
  • 95%Depression
  • 92%Stress management
  • 85%Relationship issues
Insurances accepted
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  • 99%Aetna
  • 92%Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois
  • 87%Cigna
  • 84%Carelon Behavioral Health
  • 63%Ascension
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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  • 87%Online only
  • 13%In-person or online
Provider gender
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  • 73%Woman
  • 23%Man
  • 4%Non-binary
License types
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  • 48%Licensed Clinical Social Worker
  • 33%Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
  • 5%Full Practice Authority Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
  • 5%Clinical Psychologist
  • 4%Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
Treatment approaches
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  • 99%Individual therapy
  • 39%Family therapy
  • 29%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.

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