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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.

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
Kyle Brand Padilla

Kyle Brand Padilla

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I honor all social work values: service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, human relationships, integrity, and competence.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression
Affirming, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 15 insurance carriers
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
Sarah Pender-Bey

Sarah Pender-Bey

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I'm especially passionate about supporting women and multicultural clients who may feel underrepresented in therapeutic spaces.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Courtney Remacle

Courtney Remacle

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I believe that personal healing is a part of our collective liberation, and that it's essential for therapeutic work to account for the sociopolitical context in which we are living.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Affirming, Direct, Holistic
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Elke Luken

Elke Luken

Therapist

Virtual • Lincolnshire, IL


“My approach to therapy is holistic, compassionate and aimed at empowering my clients to discover the potential and greatness inside of them.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Tamara Whittleton

Tamara Whittleton

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


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

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Open-minded, Participatory, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Joe Gladden

Joe Gladden

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My warm and affirming nature aims to create a safe and supportive environment where you can explore your thoughts and feelings.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Christopher Daniels

Christopher Daniels

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My hope is to help you build resilience and find steadier ground—whether that involves making space for grief, easing stress and burnout, or reconnecting with meaning and self‐compassion amid difficult circumstances.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression, End of life care
Creative, Direct, Holistic
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Kim Scardina

Kim Scardina

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • West Peoria, IL


“Together we will explore your goals, strengths and most importantly that you, your child, your relationships deserve healing.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Creative, Humorous
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Dr. Bethany Cook

Dr. Bethany Cook

Psychologist

Virtual • Illinois


“I firmly believe—and research confirms—that the therapist-client relationship is the most critical factor in successful therapy.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Creative, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 1 insurance carrier

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
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
Beata Janton

Beata Janton

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Illinois


“I am amazed how current treatment options allow my patients to live and function well in the family, at work, and the community.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Tolaya Geredine

Tolaya Geredine

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I approach therapy from the lens of learning where you learned the things about the world, people, and yourself, that are no longer serving you...”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 10 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
Stephan Gombis

Stephan Gombis

Therapist

Virtual • Countryside, IL


“I believe in practical steps, giving my clients tools they can use in their daily lives to navigate challenges in a more fulfilling way.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Cherise Janes

Cherise Janes

Therapist

Virtual • Chicago Ridge, IL


“I use a mixture of modalities because I want to be respectful and mindful of what is the best or most appropriate fit for my client's individual needs.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Identity issues, Stress management, Women's issues
Direct, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 12 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Pharalyn Robinson

Pharalyn Robinson

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I believe that healing and growth begin with courage - the courage to show up, be seen, and nurture the parts of yourself that are ready to bloom.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Chidinma Nwankwo

Chidinma Nwankwo

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Illinois


“She prioritizes building a solid therapeutic relationship with her patients based on trust, empathy, and respect.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Eating disorders
Empowering, Holistic, Participatory
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
John Hallinan

John Hallinan

Therapist

Virtual • Evergreen Park, IL


“By recognizing how past experiences influence present circumstances, we can work together to build meaningful strategies for healing and growth.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Grief or loss, Relationship issues
Affirming, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 14 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Megan Szudarski

Megan Szudarski

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


ONLY DAYTIME SLOTS AVAILABLE NOW

With almost a decade of experience working as a therapist, I have supported and worked with a diverse population of children, adolescents, adults, and couples through a variety of life challenges. My clinical interests include working with adults to maneuver life challenges around identity and narrative work, role exploration, attachment, and understanding complexities around family dynamics as an adult, all through a relational lens. I became a therapist because I truly believe in the importance of self-discovery and growth and I enjoy collaboratively working with clients to support, encourage, and acquire skills to better manage and understand their stressors, allowing them to feel more empowered and in control of their life.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Humorous, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 2 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Kaisey Braun

Kaisey Braun

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I strive to create that same safe and supportive space for my clients, knowing firsthand how transformative it can be.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Brittany Dean

Brittany Dean

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Galesburg, IL


“Brittany has cultivated a deep passion for helping individuals reach their unique goals through a personalized and affirming approach.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Angela Beal

Angela Beal

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Chicago, IL


“My approach to care centers on fostering a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where clients feel comfortable sharing their thoughts, feelings, and experiences openly.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Susan Severson

Susan Severson

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I provide a safe, non-judgmental space to talk about your concerns and what you are struggling with.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Stacy Branda

Stacy Branda

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My style is warm and collaborative, using trauma-informed care, mindfulness, parts work, and practical strategies tailored to your needs.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Grief or loss
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Christopher Barsotti

Christopher Barsotti

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


After years of working in other fields I graduated from the University of Chicago School of Social Work. I have been working in community mental health for the past few years and treat individuals dealing primarily serious mental health diagnoses such as major depression, bipolar, and schizophrenia. Additionally I have experience treating mood disorders, anxiety, self-esteem, substance use, and stress

My personal journey includes struggles of mental health, academic and career difficulties, neurodivergence, sexuality, gender identity, relationship strife. I identify as queer, bipolar, and non-monogamous and I am kink and polyamory friendly

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Challenging, Inquisitive, Participatory
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Nicole Puertas Sanchez

Nicole Puertas Sanchez

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“Being a first-generation Latina, I strive to honor lived experiences, inner wisdom and embrace cultural traditions.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Marina Callozzo

Marina Callozzo

Therapist

Virtual • Chicago, IL


“I'm a trauma focused clinician but consider myself a social worker first. I view therapy from the lens of our place in the greater community and the roles we play in the social world.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Humorous, Participatory
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Alexia Newbern

Alexia Newbern

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“With a person centered approach, I offer a safe space for you to come as you are and receive acceptance, affirmation, correction when needed, and a fresh perspective.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Eating disorders
Affirming, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Christina Miksis

Christina Miksis

Psychologist

Virtual • Illinois


“My approach to therapy is a collaborative cognitive behavioral (CBT) style. We work as a team to connect your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Abigail Taylor

Abigail Taylor

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“You can expect an affirming, warm, and respectful experience in therapy where your self-determination is prioritized.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Affirming, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Joi Haynes

Joi Haynes

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I specialize in anxiety, depression, trauma, and imposter syndrome, focusing on women of color, teens, and queer-identifying individuals.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Willie Phillips

Willie Phillips

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


I believe prioritizing mental health is key to happiness and stability in life. Seeking help can be one of the hardest parts, so congratulations on taking that step towards your goals. I’ve been practicing for 20+ years, and with my experience and education, I hope to be a support to you in your time of need.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Direct, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Martha Stany

Martha Stany

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“Clients often describe me as compassionate, real, and insightful...with a sense of humor that can make the work feel a little lighter.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Affirming, Empowering, Holistic
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Mackenzie Smalley

Mackenzie Smalley

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My goal is to aid each person in their journey, helping them find their own power, happiness, resiliency, and inner strength.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Challenging, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Shannon Miller

Shannon Miller

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My goal is for my clients to be able to explore and accept all parts of themselves so that they can discover their unique tools that they can always access for lifelong personal growth.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Direct, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Nicole M. Heller

Nicole M. Heller

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“Therapy is not about fixing you—it's about helping you better understand yourself, strengthen your relationships, and create a life that feels more balanced, connected, and aligned with what matters most to you.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Jana Davis

Jana Davis

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“Clients can expect different perspectives, ways to reduce (or sometimes clear) painful past experiences...”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Identity issues
Creative, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Carmel Brown

Carmel Brown

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I have many years of helping couples and families recover from an extensive history of dysfunction, trauma, and conflict.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Empowering, Participatory, Solution-oriented
Accepts 9 insurance carriers

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.