

Aurora residents can access mental health support through Headway's 716 licensed providers, many offering warm, solution-oriented care for gender and sexual identity-related concerns. Sessions are available in-person or virtually, with flexible scheduling and significant cost savings through insurance partnerships.
Dr. Opelt earned his Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology at New Mexico State University after completing his Master’s of Science in Educational Psychology: Community Counseling from the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee. During his graduate training, he earned certifications in Trauma Counseling and Multicultural Knowledge Basis in Mental Health Practices, and a graduate minor in Integrated Behavioral Health. Dr. Opelt has completed postdoctoral fellowships in research in Rehabilitation Psychology, with an emphasis on Multiple Sclerosis, at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, and in clinical Rehabilitation and Pain Psychology at MedStar Health National Rehabilitation Hospital. He has focused his clinical work on adults who have concerns about insomnia, cognitive impairment, addiction, LGBT+ concerns, caregiver support, transplants, burn survivors, cancer, musculoskeletal diseases like MS and Parkinson’s disease, and those who have amputations. He is a licensed psychologist in Maryland and Illinois.
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I believe that prioritizing your mental health is among the most rewarding things you can do. Asking for help is never easy. Congratulations on taking that first step. With 9 years of experience working in the mental health field, I have enjoyed working with a diverse range of clients, with a particular focus on ADHD, trauma, and LGBTQ issues. No matter what your story is, I am here to walk beside you on your journey to greater well-being.
Hi, I’m Hannah, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a diverse background in critical care, trauma, and outpatient mental health. I’ve spent more than a decade working with individuals across the lifespan—from complex medical settings to telepsychiatry—helping people navigate mood disorders, anxiety, trauma-related symptoms, ADHD, and the stressors that come with major life transitions.
My clinical approach blends evidence-based medication management with supportive, collaborative care. I believe treatment works best when we tailor it to your unique goals, experiences, and strengths. Many of my clients are young parents, students, or adults balancing work, relationships, and emotional challenges, and I strive to create a space where you feel understood, empowered, and supported.
Starting therapy can feel intimidating, but you don’t have to figure things out alone. I’m Tamara Whittleton, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who works with adults navigating stress, anxiety, depression, and major life changes. I focus on creating a supportive environment where clients feel comfortable talking openly while developing practical strategies for growth and healing
Hello, my name is Amanda Grippi. I am a licensed counselor in both Missouri and Illinois. I earned my Master's degree from Southern Illinois University with a focus in community psychology and I have been in practice for over 20 years. In addition to helping people with Anxiety and Depression, I have advanced training in neurodivergence including ADHD and Autism as well as trauma. I also have extensive experience working with members who identify as LGBTQ+.
I’ve spent the last decade working with school-aged Chicagoans across the city, from the North Side to the South Side. I love the work because I get to grow and learn from the young people I support just as often as I offer them opportunities for their own growth.
Hi, I’m Cherie. I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and EMDR-trained therapist. I work with teens and adults who are feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or stuck in patterns that no longer serve them. Maybe you're constantly on edge, overthinking everything, or finding it hard to slow down. Or maybe you’ve been feeling flat, unmotivated, or like you're just going through the motions. These experiences often trace back to things your nervous system picked up on — ways it learned to protect you in stressful or painful situations.
I help people work through painful memories, low self-esteem, and the weight of depression—like feeling numb, exhausted, stuck, or hard on yourself. We'll explore the parts of you carrying that pain and move at a pace that feels right, whether you're ready for deep healing or just need a safe place to land.
If you’re feeling ready—or just curious—I’d be honored to support you on your healing path.
Outside of therapy, I love curling up with a good book, finding design inspiration (I have a soft spot for cozy interiors), caring for my houseplants, and spending time with my dog, Magnolia Grace—who may occasionally drop in for a virtual session cameo.
I am a licensed clinical social worker with 28 years of experience partnering with adolescents, adults of all ages and families. I am bilingual so I offer therapy in english and spanish.
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.


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.
Finding an LGBTQIA+-affirming therapist in Aurora, IL starts with identifying what kind of support matters most to you. You may be looking for a provider experienced with coming out, gender identity exploration, relationship dynamics, minority stress, or co-occurring concerns like anxiety or depression. A licensed provider — such as an LCSW, LCPC, or psychologist — who specifically lists LGBTQIA+ care as a focus area is more likely to understand the nuances of your experience.
Aurora is part of a broader network of communities across Kane County and the western Chicago suburbs, so you may also find providers in nearby areas like Naperville, Batavia, or North Aurora who offer virtual sessions. Reading a provider's bio can help you understand their approach, background, and whether they feel like a good match. A free phone consultation is another way to gauge fit before committing to a first session.
Therapy in the greater Aurora area can be expensive without insurance. Using in-network coverage is one of the most reliable ways to reduce what you pay per session. On Headway, you can enter your insurance details to see estimated costs upfront, and many patients pay as low as $0 per visit. Nationally, Headway partners with over 100 insurance plans, making it easier to find an LGBTQIA+-affirming provider who fits both your needs and your budget.
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