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LGBT therapists in Aurora, IL

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

Top LGBT-friendly therapists and psychiatrists in Aurora, IL

Aurora residents can access mental health support through Headway's 746 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. Shelly Scamardo

Dr. Shelly Scamardo

Psychologist

Virtual & in-person • 29 mi away • Barrington, IL


“I believe everyone has the inner strength to grow and thrive. My approach is warm, collaborative, and rooted in compassion and evidence-based practices like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Diabetes
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Kristen Svatos

Kristen Svatos

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Des Plaines, IL


“I like to take a humanistic, client centered approach to therapy utilizing client strengths to create a collaborative, safe environment to process trauma and experiences...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Direct, Empowering
Accepts 13 insurance carriers
Stephanie Armanetti

Stephanie Armanetti

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Arlington Heights, IL


“I develop my treatment plan with my clients. I want them to become active participants in their own healinhg.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Humorous, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 16 insurance carriers
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
Ellysia Price

Ellysia Price

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Chicago, IL


“I am a neurodivergent and queer therapist and social worker, and am passionate about using connection and authenticity to promote healing.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
LaDonna Miller

LaDonna Miller

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • South Holland, IL


“I would describe my style as warm and supportive, and I am ready to help you tackle your struggle head-on.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Grief or loss
Affirming, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
Grace Frantilla

Grace Frantilla

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Glenview, IL


I've devoted a decade of my career helping parents learn how to best help their children. And another decade helping adults in an out-patient partial hospitalization program. These are the moments when people have felt the most vulnerable and in need of something more than what they are already trying to manage their mental health. Hopefully, my experience and tools that I've gathered working across the age groups and in a more intense level of care can help you build your own toolbox.


LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Direct, Empowering, Humorous
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Daniel Stribling-Vergara

Daniel Stribling-Vergara

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Chicago, IL


“My approach is promotes the mind-body connection, empowering my clients to live an embodied and fulfilled life.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Phyllis Gould

Phyllis Gould

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Chicago, IL


“I have always been interested in clients' cultural backgrounds and am fluent in Spanish, Polish, Brazilian Portuguese, French and German.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Holistic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
Rukayat Omolabi

Rukayat Omolabi

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual & in-person • Olympia Fields, IL


“Dr. Rukayat Omolabi is passionate about providing individualized, holistic, and evidence-based mental health care.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Hardik Kotak

Hardik Kotak

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Chicago, IL


“I am a queer, immigrant, gender non-conforming therapist focusing on trauma, identity-struggles, neurodiversity and personality disorders.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Direct, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 13 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Michelle Ferris

Michelle Ferris

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Chicago, IL


“My goal is for my clients to feel heard and respected, and to help them find the way to feel better.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Elizabeth Selph

Elizabeth Selph

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Chicago, IL


“We focus on your lived experience. We go beyond talking about problems. We notice how old patterns show up in your life now.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Holistic, Inquisitive
Accepts 3 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Valerie Papillon

Valerie Papillon

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Evanston, IL


“I specialize in working with adults and couples who have experienced complex PTSD, developmental trauma, systemic trauma, racial trauma, grief/loss, depression, anxiety and relationship struggles.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 1 insurance carrier

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Nyela Fisher-MALONE

Nyela Fisher-MALONE

Therapist

In-person • Chicago, IL


“Strength-based treatment works for adults because it empowers them, builds resilience, increases motivation and hope...”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
TJ Thurlow

TJ Thurlow

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual & in-person • Chicago, IL


“I want my clients to leave each session with the confidence to implement the plan we have created together.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Creative, Empowering
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Lonny Levin

Lonny Levin

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Evanston, IL


“I've been there, too. My goal is to create a space where you feel safe to share your struggles and to work together on finding ways to move forward.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Inquisitive, Participatory
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Dr. Benjamin Foster

Dr. Benjamin Foster

Psychologist

Virtual & in-person • Chicago, IL


“I believe in the transformative nature of a relationship with a professional who knows you, knows what you want for yourself, and can help you get it in the way that will work for you.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Katherine Booras

Katherine Booras

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Libertyville, IL


“My role as a therapist is to provide a comfortable, safe, and confidential place for us to meet, to bring the best of my education and training, and to listen to you with an open mind and open heart.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 13 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Kenisha Davis

Kenisha Davis

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual & in-person • South Holland, IL


“You can expect to leave the session feeling understood, empowered, and with a clear roadmap for your journey toward better mental health and wellness.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Jean Odwazny

Jean Odwazny

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Highland Park, IL


“My style is warm, collaborative, and direct. I aim to create a space where clients feel safe enough to be honest about what is and isn't working in their lives, while also being challenged to move toward what matters most to them.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Affirming, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 1 insurance carrier
Hattie Stein

Hattie Stein

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Chicago, IL


“I specialize in therapy for men and enjoy helping my go-getter clients dig deeper and create more balance in their lives.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Family issues, Men's issues
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Laura Trippiedi

Laura Trippiedi

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Rockford, IL


“My goal is to help clients feel understood, supported, and empowered as they move toward meaningful change and improved quality of life.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Dr. Ashley Tropet

Dr. Ashley Tropet

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Loves Park, IL


“Therapy with me is a collaborative, nonjudgmental journey. I'm not here to tell you what to do—I'm here to walk beside you as you discover your own answers and grow into the person you were always meant to be.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Elizabeth Poltoratsky

Elizabeth Poltoratsky

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


Feeling truly understood can be life changing, especially when you have spent so much of your life feeling like you have to explain yourself. Whether you are navigating anxiety, depression, ADHD, relationship challenges, or exploring your identity, therapy offers a space to slow down, reconnect with yourself, and move toward the life you want to create. I work with adults and couples throughout the Chicagoland area, with a special passion for supporting LGBTQ clients and fellow immigrants as they build healthier relationships, greater self compassion, and a stronger sense of belonging.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Direct, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Carrie Estrada

Carrie Estrada

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My style is warm, collaborative, and trauma-informed, with a strong focus on safety, pacing, and trust.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Identity issues, PTSD
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Ilsa Surbaugh-Naumes

Ilsa Surbaugh-Naumes

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My approach is grounded, direct, and compassionate. I integrate psychodynamic and somatic therapy, which means we'll explore not only the "why" behind your experiences, but also how they live and move through your body.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Empowering, Participatory
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Christopher Akel

Christopher Akel

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


I believe that psychotherapy is a special kind of health care. It can help you better understand yourself and others, work with and expand limits in your life, and help you better cope with feelings and challenges. I use many strategies to surface and explore deeper motivations flowing beneath our experience, with a special emphasis on our emotions. I am an LCSW therapist with 3+ years of therapy in Illinois. I am a male and Arab-identifying former teacher, and I seek to build a relationship of safety and trust with each person I work with.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Inquisitive, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Robert Castillo

Robert Castillo

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My role is to gently guide and support you through the stages of change at a pace that feels right for you.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Jamia Walker

Jamia Walker

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I truly believe that everyone is the expert of their life and has an individualized journey tailored specifically for them!”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Antoinette Zuchel

Antoinette Zuchel

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My therapeutic style is warm, accepting, inclusive and practical. I place a high value on listening, empathy and giving you tools and resources that you can use!”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Tajmar Carter

Tajmar Carter

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My approach is culturally responsive, collaborative, and grounded in helping you better understand yourself without judgment.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Holistic, Inquisitive
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
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 5 insurance carriers
Jae Kanella Markis

Jae Kanella Markis

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


Hey there! I'm Jae. My pronouns are he/they. I'm a nonbinary, queer psychotherapist. I'm a licensed clinical social worker and psychotherapist. I earned my Masters in Social Work from Florida Atlantic University. My background includes a decade of community organizing and social work, focused through the lens of social justice, anti-racism, harm reduction, and queer-affirming frameworks.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Affirming, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Linda Lazzara

Linda Lazzara

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My approach is direct, active, and compassionate. I help partners slow down reactive patterns, identify the deeper needs driving their conflict, and build the tools to communicate with clarity and respect.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Direct, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Kyle Cosentino

Kyle Cosentino

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“As an experienced therapist who specializes in treating anxiety and low self-esteem, I believe that fear does not have to be a way of life.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Grief or loss
Empowering, Holistic, Humorous
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Sean Murphy

Sean Murphy

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Illinois


“I specialize in populations, including Sexual and Gender Minorities/LGBTQIA+, emerging adults (18-29 years), creative professionals, and educators.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions, Depression
Affirming, Creative, Open-minded
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Tanya Mance

Tanya Mance

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


As an artist and art therapist, I believe that creativity comes in many forms. It is my goal to help every individual create a peaceful home environment be it through art or therapy. Being a visual artist means being able to make simple shapes and lines and help them evolve into another form. Art therapy uses lines, shapes and colors to help one heal. How an individual choses to manipulate those various tools determines the final outcome.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Family issues
Creative, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Bradley DuBois

Bradley DuBois

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


I'm Brad and I'm a therapist in North Austin who specializes in treating PTSD, depression, and anxiety. My style has been described as compassionate, mindful, and relational. My primary modality is Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), a structured intervention which treats PTSD by challenging unproductive beliefs generated by the traumatic event.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Affirming, Direct, Warm
Accepts 2 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Samantha Gehr

Dr. Samantha Gehr

Psychologist

Virtual • Illinois


“I pride myself on being an active participant in our sessions, while also encouraging and empowering you to take the lead on your healing and treatment.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book

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.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Therapist in Aurora

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.

Find a provider - your way

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