LGBT therapists in Park Ridge, IL

I am a solution focused therapist with 39 years of experience. My therapy style is cognitive, interactive, compassionate, and, if need be, challenging. I believe effective therapy should produce change, not just insight. I will listen to you deeply, help conceptualize the problems, patterns, and dynamics which are causing you trouble, and give you feedback. Together, we will develop a strategy for more effective functioning and a better quality of life. therapy.

I do not do phone consultations.

I specialize in working with teens and adults navigating things like school refusal, emotional dysregulation, anger, self harm, anxiety, depression, OCD, life transitions, and personal growth. I work with teens ages 13 to 18 as well as adults, and my goal is to create a space where you feel understood, supported, and not alone in what you are going through.

Outside of my work, I enjoy being creative, staying organized, and spending time with my husband, our dog, and our two daughters, which helps me stay grounded and connected in my own life as well.

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Florida and Illinois with over a decade of experience, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, identity exploration, and relationship challenges. My therapeutic approach is integrative and trauma‐informed, drawing from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), mindfulness‐based practices, and psychodynamic therapy. Across all modalities, my priority is to create a compassionate, grounded, and non‐judgmental space where you can explore your emotions, your history, and the parts of yourself that are seeking relief or connection.

Hi, and welcome! I’m Jamie, and I’m really glad you’ve taken this step to prioritize yourself. The next, and most important part, is finding a therapist who feels like the right fit for you.

I am experienced and educated in multiple approaches of therapy, integrating the mind and body to address insecurities with emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. My approach is informed by your unique personality, history, values, and goals to weave together a treatment map that feels meaningful and relevant.

As a therapist who has overcome personal trauma and hurdles to becoming a more secure and healthy person, I know what it’s like to be on the other side. I offer a completely nonjudgmental, non-pressured, but structured approach.

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.

Hi, I’m Heather Lopez, LCSW. I help women, moms, and BIPOC professionals who are navigating anxiety, life changes, burnout, and the mental load of holding everything together. You might be the one everyone counts on—but lately, you’re wondering who’s checking on you.

Whether you’re adjusting to motherhood, working through family stress, or just trying to feel like yourself again, therapy can be a space to slow down and breathe. I work virtually with clients across Illinois. My style is warm, clinical, supportive, and down-to-earth (with the occasional well-placed joke). We'll explore your patterns, set real goals, and focus on healing in a way that actually feels useful in your daily life. I accept insurance and offer weekday sessions. If you're looking for a therapist who gets it and creates a judgment-free zone, let’s talk.

In addition to individual therapy, I offer a weekly 1-hour support group for moms experiencing overwhelm, anxiety, emotional exhaustion, and difficulty adjusting to the demands of motherhood.

This group focuses on emotional regulation, stress management, and reducing feelings of isolation through supportive, structured group processing.

Hi, I’m E. C. Kissner — and if you’re someone who feels accomplished on the outside but stretched thin on the inside, you’re in the right place. Many of the people I work with are navigating burnout, transitions, stress, uncertainty about next steps, or a sense that life’s moving faster than they can keep up with. You want clarity, balance, and a way to turn insight into real-world change, and you want a space that meets you where you are — respectful of your identity, your experiences, and your goals.

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.

With over 20 years of clinical experience, I bring a compassionate, understanding and results-driven approach to therapy. My education began at Chicago State University where I received bachelor's degree and Jane Addams College of Social Work where I received my masters. I specialize in helping individuals navigate anxiety, depression, mood, and personality disorders with clarity and confidence. Together, we’ll build practical tools and deeper insight so you can feel more in control and live your best life.