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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 843 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.

Libby Johnson

Libby Johnson

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


I am a queer, neurodivergent art therapist. I graduated from the School of the Art Institute with a Masters in Art Therapy and Counseling in 2020 and recently acquired LCPC licensure. I have a background working with diverse populations, including experience in both inpatient and outpatient facilities focused on adults with a range of mental health disorders/multiple diagnoses, education spaces with adolescents, and public art-making spaces focused on community wellness.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Eating disorders
Creative, Humorous, Inquisitive
Accepts 7 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
Molly Thinnes

Molly Thinnes

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I utilize a combination of therapies including CBT, acceptance and commitment therapy, mindfulness training and breath work.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression
Affirming, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Sophie Murphy

Sophie Murphy

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“As a woman of trans experience, I am deeply committed to offering an affirming, inclusive space where all identities, relationships, and ways of being are welcome.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Family issues, Grief or loss
Affirming, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Kris Fasshauer

Kris Fasshauer

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I believe every human deserves to feel heard and connected. Through our human interactions we can grow and flourish, becoming a more complete, fulfilled, and joyful human being.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Identity issues, Stress management
Empowering, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 8 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
Loren Ketelsen

Loren Ketelsen

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My style of therapy is supportive and compassionate. I believe in empowering my clients, instilling hope, and courage...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Energetic, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Yu-Yun Liu

Yu-Yun Liu

Psychologist

Virtual • Illinois


Starting therapy can feel vulnerable, and I believe it is important to have a therapist with whom you feel comfortable being yourself. I work with adults and young adults experiencing anxiety and stress, relationship difficulties, life transitions, cultural adjustment, and concerns related to eating and body image. I value understanding how culture, identity, family, and life experiences shape each person’s experience.

Outside of therapy, I enjoy traveling, gardening, watching movies and musicals, and spending time with friends and family.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Eating disorders
Direct, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 1 insurance carrier

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Sam Lindtner

Sam Lindtner

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I take a straight forward, but warm approach to therapy... I prioritize building a strong relationship with you above anything else.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Direct, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Gina Basiliere

Gina Basiliere

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Gurnee, IL


“I approach therapy like a warm comfortable blanket. I listen to what you feel is important to you, then help you process your experience.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Energetic, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Monday Ogbeibor

Monday Ogbeibor

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Illinois


“Current clients describe me as a great listener, and I love to give ample time to truly hear what you've been feeling so we can come up with the right plan of action.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Creative, Holistic, Humorous
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Lauren Howard

Lauren Howard

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Northbrook, IL


“My style is warm, direct, and collaborative. I take a grounded, practical approach—helping clients learn to ride life's waves instead of fighting against them.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
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 7 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 5 insurance carriers
Micaela Chappelle

Micaela Chappelle

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a Master of Social Work that is passionate about supporting women, teens, and those who are navigating trauma, depression, anxiety, family and relationship issues, low self-esteem, and life stressors. Perhaps you who have not felt like yourself or have not found your voice due to everyone else having a say about your life choices. I believe that healing begins in a space where you feel heard, understood, and genuinely supported. With nine years experience and through lived experience, my work focuses on helping you manage those concerns, as I have worked with multiple populations including children, teens, and adults.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 2 insurance carriers
Kristin Kunz

Kristin Kunz

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“Using Internal Family Systems (IFS), EMDR, and my experience as a CADC, we'll gently understand the parts of you that have been protecting you for years, process painful experiences, and create lasting healing without judgment.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Family issues
Creative, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Jim Perabo

Jim Perabo

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


If you're functioning on the outside but privately exhausted, stuck, or carrying more than you've let on, you're in the right place. I work with adults, many in the LGBTQIA+ community, navigating trauma, grief, relationship strain, and major life transitions. A lot of my clients come in saying, "I know what my patterns are. I just can't seem to change them." That's exactly where we start. Together, we'll get underneath what's keeping you stuck and build a path forward that actually fits your life.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Affirming, Direct, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Aubrey Koel

Aubrey Koel

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My style is relaxed, warm, and refreshingly candid. We'll use a mix of humor, honest feedback, and genuine connection to cut through the noise and get to the heart of what's holding you back.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
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
Heather Prosperi

Heather Prosperi

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My goal is to create a warm, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where you can feel comfortable being honest and genuinely heard.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Tigist Taylor

Tigist Taylor

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I believe the client is just as important as the therapist in this process, therefore I do not utilize a one-size-fits-all approach.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 6 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
Jaime Williamson

Jaime Williamson

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I believe therapy should feel like a space where you can show up as you are without judgment while also building practical tools for real change.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Leah Sutherland

Leah Sutherland

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I function from a relational, ecowomanism, afrofuturism and Black Queer feminist framework where I use creative processes, curiosity, and compassion as a guide...”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Creative, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
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 7 insurance carriers
Dr. Elizabeth Dimovski-Jackson

Dr. Elizabeth Dimovski-Jackson

Psychologist

Virtual • Illinois


“I believe my role is to serve as a facilitator to assist you in healing and realizing your true potential by developing the skill set to walk a uniquely determined path toward self-actualization.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
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
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, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Family issues
Affirming, Direct, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Ronald Sumpter

Ronald Sumpter

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My style is supportive, honest, and engaged, with a focus on helping you feel safe enough to explore difficult things while also building tools that help you move forward.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, End of life care
Affirming, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Crystal Williams

Crystal Williams

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My clinical treatment approaches are collage of multiple treatment modalities such as Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT)/compassion focused/ emotional focused/ psychodynamic therapy/solution focused/ and strength based...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Challenging, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Erika Poling

Erika Poling

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“The heart of my practice is believing people are their own experts. You are the ONLY you with your unique values, experiences, routines, heartaches, and desires.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Creative, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Ashley Starwood

Ashley Starwood

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“Self-discovery is a journey that many people find themselves struggling to understand... I want to help you find the love and the light within your relationships and self in order to help you create and mold a better YOU.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Energetic, Holistic, Humorous
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Stephanie Hernandez

Stephanie Hernandez

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I especially enjoy helping eldest daughters who are used to being the responsible one learn to set boundaries, prioritize themselves, find balance, and reconnect with who they are outside of what others need from them.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Challenging, Empowering
Accepts 14 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
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
Lenora Perkins

Lenora Perkins

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...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Family issues
Challenging, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Dr. Tuwana Wingfield

Dr. Tuwana Wingfield

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My therapy style is warm and interactive; I believe in treating everyone with dignity, respect, sensitivity, and compassion.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Nicole Thompson

Nicole Thompson

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


Hi, I’m Nicole, a licensed clinical social worker offering telehealth therapy to adults in AZ, DE, IL, PA, TX, and VA through my practice, Bicoastal Counseling & Consultation. I have over a decade of experience working in mental health, schools, and nonprofit settings. I specialize in supporting adults dealing with anxiety, life transitions, burnout, and relationship challenges. My style is warm, collaborative, and grounded in real-life experience.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Direct, Holistic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Elizabeth Calabrese

Elizabeth Calabrese

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


I have a passion for helping people release stress and trauma being stored in the body. I work with adults who have experienced adverse childhood experiences.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Family issues, Panic disorders, PTSD
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Danny Weiler

Danny Weiler

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I specialize in supporting teens and twenty-somethings who are navigating anxiety, depression, academic stress, relationships, and the "What am I doing?" moments that show up during significant transitions.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Direct, Humorous, Inquisitive
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Amber Drake

Amber Drake

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I love to empower my clients to move towards the things, passions and people that are meaningful in their life.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Grief or loss, PTSD
Direct, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 10 insurance carriers

About our LGBTQIA+ affirming therapists in Illinois

Number of therapists serving Illinois
There are over 839 therapists in Illinois accepting new patients.
839+
Average years in practice
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10 years
Top specialties offered
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  • 100%LGBTQIA+
  • 98%Anxiety
  • 95%Depression
  • 92%Stress management
  • 86%Relationship issues
Insurances accepted
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  • 99%Aetna
  • 93%Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois
  • 87%Cigna
  • 85%Carelon Behavioral Health
  • 65%Ascension
Languages spoken
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  • 99%English
  • 8%Spanish
  • 1%Hindi
  • 1%French
  • 1%Urdu
How they see their clients
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  • 88%Online only
  • 11%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
  • 33%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
  • 39%Family therapy
  • 30%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.