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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 715 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.

Kamaria Excell

Kamaria Excell

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My work is about guiding you back to your body, your inner wisdom, and the alignment that comes with feeling truly at home within yourself.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Eating disorders
Affirming, Creative, Empowering
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Ida Samuel-Clay

Ida Samuel-Clay

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


Welcome! I provide encouraging, evidence-based, and culturally affirming individual therapy. I have a special affinity working with people of color, and I hold niche expertise in working with law and other graduate students, early-career attorneys, and professionals, and parents. Treatment concerns may include depressive and anxiety symptoms, relationship transitions, occupational or academic stress, and other adjustment issues. Most importantly, I welcome and serve clients across all genders, identities, and backgrounds.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Holistic, 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 7 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
Dr. Linda Wickens

Dr. Linda Wickens

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My approach to therapy is collaborative, supportive, and focused on helping you feel understood and empowered.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 1 insurance carrier
Rene Stockton

Rene Stockton

Therapist

Virtual • South Holland, IL


“I have worked with individuals and families from primarily underserved communities throughout my 30 year social work practice.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Creative, Direct, Empowering
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Danielle Pertiller

Danielle Pertiller

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My style is direct, compassionate, and as "real as it's going to get". I help clients who feel overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected from themselves find clarity, confidence, and emotional freedom.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Challenging, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Rex Mccully

Rex Mccully

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


I have been a licensed clinical social worker for over 30 years bringing broad experience and perspective to my sessions. I believe that joining with a client is paramount to establishing trust. Trusting that your provider cares for you, has your best interest at heart and provides you with reasonable and doable solutions is key to growth. If we don’t connect, no harm/no foul. We agree to move on and I will assist with that process, if necessary.

LGBTQIA+, Bipolar disorder, Depression, End of life care, Family issues
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Ana Bulnes

Ana Bulnes

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I specialize in working with autistic and ADHD adults, parents of neurodivergent children, and highly sensitive or creative professionals who often feel misunderstood or overwhelmed.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Holistic, Inquisitive
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Hannah Nagle

Hannah Nagle

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Illinois


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.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Andrew Ritchie

Andrew Ritchie

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I take an approach to therapy that is centered on you, and so I rely a lot on what you bring to therapy to be able to identify the skills and tools that are best suited for helping you.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Family issues
Humorous, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Cristina Alba

Cristina Alba

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I understand the profound impact that trauma can have on individuals and families, and I am dedicated to creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients can heal, grow, and thrive.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
Leah O'Brien

Leah O'Brien

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“Ms. O'Brien is integrative in her treatment approach, often combining cognitive-behavioral, emotion-focused, and motivational interviewing approaches.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Dr. Monica Stout

Dr. Monica Stout

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Chicago, IL


“I provide comprehensive evidence-based, holistic healthcare utilizing both psychopharmacology and psychotherapy.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Denika Mcmillen

Denika Mcmillen

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I specialize in working with adult and adolescent individuals, including those with the LGBTQ+ community, who are confronted with life challenges such as depression, anxiety, bipolar, homelessness, and substance abuse issues.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Macy Ferguson-Smith

Macy Ferguson-Smith

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


My name is Macy (she/they) and I believe that therapy is for everyone, at any time, regardless of stressors in our environment. I received my MSW from St. Louis University '17 and my Doctor of Education from Western Illinois University '25. I look forward to working with anyone who is seeking to better themselves, understand their way of thinking, and how to navigate the stress in their lives.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Amanda Martinez

Amanda Martinez

Therapist

Virtual • Cary, IL


“My approach to therapy is compassionate, collaborative, and deeply rooted in the belief that healing is not one-size-fits-all.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Eating disorders
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Jonathan Brown

Jonathan Brown

Therapist

Virtual • Olympia Fields, IL


Hello, I am Jonathan. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over a decade of experience. I am committed to creating therapeutic spaces for others to be able to trust and receive a positive experience out of therapy. I am from Chicago and love all sports teams. I love giving back to my community and also spending time doing things in life that matter the most. I am a three time graduate of the University of Illinois (Go Illini). I am a believer that WE will get through any challenges that you have by supporting you through during your journey and counseling for you to live life to the fullest capacity beyond your counseling journey.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Direct, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Dominique James

Dominique James

Therapist

Virtual • Chicago, IL


“My practice integrates mindfulness and relational awareness while acknowledging how the brain impacts our ability to regulate thoughts and behavior.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Creative, Empowering, Inquisitive
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Angela Beal

Angela Beal

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Chicago, IL


“I strive to create a safe, collaborative environment where clients can achieve balance, healing and wellness.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Thalia Tikka

Thalia Tikka

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“Therapy can be a radically liberating process, and I believe our personal and inner healing work is part of the larger social justice movements we participate in for our mutual liberation.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Kynnedi Tripplett

Kynnedi Tripplett

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I like to incorporate skills from CBT, DBT, and ACT modalities to bridge the gap between your current perspective and one that could serve you and your relationships in a more fulfilling way.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Emily Shelton

Emily Shelton

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I see therapy as a partnership. I believe that you are the expert on you. I will bring my expertise in therapy and using a collaborative, solution-oriented, and strengths based approach, I will work with you to address your challenges and achieve...”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Direct, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Huong (Kimmie) Iodice

Huong (Kimmie) Iodice

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Chicago, IL


“I specialize in Cross-Cultural Psychiatry, LGBTQIA+ care, and neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly Autism Spectrum Disorder, and women's mental health...”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Kevin Kelsey

Kevin Kelsey

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“You are more than the problems that consume you. By looking at who you are, where you've been, and where you want to go, we'll create a plan to get you there.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
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
Diego Osorio Gomez

Diego Osorio Gomez

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Illinois


“My style is warm, supportive, and direct. I prioritize building a strong, trusting relationship with each client, meeting them where they are and helping them move forward at a pace that feels right.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Joan Paradis

Joan Paradis

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My approach is pretty collaborative—I see therapy as a team effort. I want you to feel heard and understood, but I'll also gently challenge you when it's helpful.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Family issues
Humorous, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Susie Maguire

Susie Maguire

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My collaborative and compassionate approach ensures that you feel heard, understood, and supported every step of the way.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Affirming, Challenging, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Dr. Shelley Eisenberg

Dr. Shelley Eisenberg

Psychologist

Virtual • Illinois


“I strive to create a supportive, collaborative, space where clients can learn to navigate life's challenges with compassion and care.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Rebecca Scandell

Rebecca Scandell

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


I have 26 years of experience dealing with individuals, couples, families in therapy. We will work together to develop plans that are unique and right for you.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Kristoffer Barrington

Kristoffer Barrington

Therapist

Virtual • Chicago, IL


“Kristoffer strives to create an individualized approach, guided by his client's values and goals, to help them make significant, positive steps forward.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Holistic, Participatory, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Jennifer Ruggeri

Jennifer Ruggeri

Therapist

Virtual • Chicago, IL


“My therapeutic approach is rooted in empathy and evidence-based techniques, allowing me to create a safe and nurturing environment for my clients.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Henry Smith

Henry Smith

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“My approach to therapy is compassionate, collaborative, and trauma-informed. I believe clients are the experts of their own lives...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Dr. Dee Dee Brookhart

Dr. Dee Dee Brookhart

Therapist

Virtual • Effingham, IL


“I am an avid believer in utilizing a holistic approach to mental health therapy: mind, body, emotional and social factors all contribute to the overall wellness of every individual.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression, End of life care
Direct, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Robert Jaskula

Robert Jaskula

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I like to create an environment in which the client can become curious and open to adjustments in point of view.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Humorous, Inquisitive
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Mary Creamer-Tate

Mary Creamer-Tate

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


“I am empathetic and approachable. My goal is to support clients in a non-judgmental and relatable way as they reach their goals.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Humorous, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 9 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 9 insurance carriers
Maureen Eigenfeld

Maureen Eigenfeld

Therapist

Virtual • Chicago, IL


I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensed in Illinois and New York. I received my Masters in Social Work from New York University and have been practicing for over 10 years. My experience includes helping children and young adults struggling with their emotions and relationships to find their strengths, accomplish their goals, manage their emotions, and helping them build a support system.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Carllie Meeks

Carllie Meeks

Therapist

Virtual • Illinois


Hi, I’m Carllie Meeks, a licensed therapist specializing in eating disorders, body image, and identity work. I hold a Masters degree from Loyola University Chicago and have extensive experience supporting adults in their recovery through a culturally responsive and trauma-informed lens. My approach integrates evidence-based therapies with compassion and curiosity, helping clients reconnect with their bodies and sense of self. I’m especially passionate about creating affirming spaces for BIPOC individuals navigating healing and self-acceptance

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Humorous, Inquisitive
Accepts 11 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.