Therapists in 60601
Barry Shaeffer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60601 (Online Only)
My life’s work is strengthening the LGBTQ community from the inside out. I do this by working with gay and queer men to live the lives they desire. What often holds us back are layers of expectations and belief systems that we take on from society, our families, and others. When these systemic messages conflict with our authentic selves, this creates a dissonance that often results in anxiety, depression, and relationship issues. This isn’t something that is broken or bad in us. Quite the opposite, it’s our authentic selves yearning to be expressed!
My life’s work is strengthening the LGBTQ community from the inside out. I do this by working with gay and queer men to live the lives they desire. What often holds us back are layers of expectations and belief systems that we take on from society, our families, and others. When these systemic messages conflict with our authentic selves, this creates a dissonance that often results in anxiety, depression, and relationship issues. This isn’t something that is broken or bad in us. Quite the opposite, it’s our authentic selves yearning to be expressed!
Ian Bonner
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60601
I'm Dr. Ian Bonner, and I specialize in anxiety, depression, serving LGBTQ+ clients, substance use, and relationships. I also enjoy working with the kink community and supporting clients in open/poly relationships. As a counselor, I am challenging, collaborative, and compassionate in my approach to treatment. Clients who work with me understand from our first session that I work with more than just symptoms and problems; I treat the whole person. In sessions, I take great care to ensure that you feel understood, valued, and known and eagerly utilize your feedback about our work. I welcome you to contact me with any questions.
I'm Dr. Ian Bonner, and I specialize in anxiety, depression, serving LGBTQ+ clients, substance use, and relationships. I also enjoy working with the kink community and supporting clients in open/poly relationships. As a counselor, I am challenging, collaborative, and compassionate in my approach to treatment. Clients who work with me understand from our first session that I work with more than just symptoms and problems; I treat the whole person. In sessions, I take great care to ensure that you feel understood, valued, and known and eagerly utilize your feedback about our work. I welcome you to contact me with any questions.
Zayn Singh
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60601
My identity as a South Asian, queer, and trans person means I understand being in a world where systems impact us.
Being a therapist is a privilege and an honor. I care deeply about your reality and experience of the world. I have a Master's degree in Counseling, focusing on psychodynamic and feminist theory. My psychodynamic training means I have experience listening in a specific way that invites us, together, to discover and make meaning out of the experiences in life. I believe that gaining insight means learning to be open to learning about ourselves curiously and compassionately. All parts of you, including the ones deemed shameful or bad, are accepted into this space.
My identity as a South Asian, queer, and trans person means I understand being in a world where systems impact us.
Being a therapist is a privilege and an honor. I care deeply about your reality and experience of the world. I have a Master's degree in Counseling, focusing on psychodynamic and feminist theory. My psychodynamic training means I have experience listening in a specific way that invites us, together, to discover and make meaning out of the experiences in life. I believe that gaining insight means learning to be open to learning about ourselves curiously and compassionately. All parts of you, including the ones deemed shameful or bad, are accepted into this space.
Philip Montgomery
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60601
He is highly experienced in the treatment of depression, anxiety, substance abuse, personality disorders, LGBT challenges, relationship difficulties, and a variety of social challenges facing African American males in the community.
Philip Montgomery, LPC, PhD, has a track record of delivering high-quality services to individuals with a variety of emotional difficulties. He believes each client's voice needs to be heard and their stories validated to allow them to feel safe so the work can begin. Philip earned an MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Roosevelt University and a PhD from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology.
He is highly experienced in the treatment of depression, anxiety, substance abuse, personality disorders, LGBT challenges, relationship difficulties, and a variety of social challenges facing African American males in the community.
Philip Montgomery, LPC, PhD, has a track record of delivering high-quality services to individuals with a variety of emotional difficulties. He believes each client's voice needs to be heard and their stories validated to allow them to feel safe so the work can begin. Philip earned an MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Roosevelt University and a PhD from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology.
Julleon Garrison
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60601
I deliver care and treatment primarily to Black, queer, and BIPOC individuals seeking to improve their mental health and life experience. I have extensive experience in working with individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, sexuality, racial impacts, stress management, and neurodiversity. As a black queer individual, I recognize how difficult the experience can be to find a culturally competent therapist that can understand the nuances of intersectionality and develop strategies to address such issues in a personalized manner. I want to meet my client where they are and assist them in this journey forward.
I deliver care and treatment primarily to Black, queer, and BIPOC individuals seeking to improve their mental health and life experience. I have extensive experience in working with individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, sexuality, racial impacts, stress management, and neurodiversity. As a black queer individual, I recognize how difficult the experience can be to find a culturally competent therapist that can understand the nuances of intersectionality and develop strategies to address such issues in a personalized manner. I want to meet my client where they are and assist them in this journey forward.
Jeremy Cohen
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60601 (Online Only)
I specialize in anxiety, relationship issues, self-esteem, LGBTQIA+ identity, as well as grad/professional students, early career professionals, and college mental health.
I like to work with people to address problems that are causing them distress and to help them understand what is keeping them stuck in certain patterns in their lives. I tailor my approach to each unique individual by attending to their identities, experiences, and environment. Therapy can be such a meaningful opportunity to increase insight and to explore and implement change in our lives, and I look forward to joining you in that process.
I specialize in anxiety, relationship issues, self-esteem, LGBTQIA+ identity, as well as grad/professional students, early career professionals, and college mental health.
I like to work with people to address problems that are causing them distress and to help them understand what is keeping them stuck in certain patterns in their lives. I tailor my approach to each unique individual by attending to their identities, experiences, and environment. Therapy can be such a meaningful opportunity to increase insight and to explore and implement change in our lives, and I look forward to joining you in that process.
Daniel Karl Nennig
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, CADC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60601
I enjoy working with clients that struggle with substance use, clients that are part of the queer community, individuals with complex trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, bipolar, and other mood disorders.
Seeking out therapy is a big step - so you should feel proud that you found yourself on my page! Life can be both beautiful and frightening and it can feel overwhelming navigating these ups and downs while taking care of your mental health. Unconditional acceptance, compassion, and empathy drive my therapeutic style. Seeing people as complex individuals with unique psychological facets allows me to see the bigger picture so I can tailor therapy to your specific needs. Feeling comfortable and safe is essential so we can explore and better understand those frightening parts of life.
I enjoy working with clients that struggle with substance use, clients that are part of the queer community, individuals with complex trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, bipolar, and other mood disorders.
Seeking out therapy is a big step - so you should feel proud that you found yourself on my page! Life can be both beautiful and frightening and it can feel overwhelming navigating these ups and downs while taking care of your mental health. Unconditional acceptance, compassion, and empathy drive my therapeutic style. Seeing people as complex individuals with unique psychological facets allows me to see the bigger picture so I can tailor therapy to your specific needs. Feeling comfortable and safe is essential so we can explore and better understand those frightening parts of life.
Dennis Nguyen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60601
I struggled against high standards, while also having the experience of being different from my Midwestern community as a gay Asian American.
Regardless of the successes, you still have moments when you feel like a failure. If you’re someone who holds yourself to high standards, you might feel frustrated by how you get in your own way from succeeding. If you struggle with the combination of perfectionism and procrastination, counseling can help. I provide direct, interactive feedback with an anti-systemic racism perspective designed to help you stay accountable to your goals.
I struggled against high standards, while also having the experience of being different from my Midwestern community as a gay Asian American.
Regardless of the successes, you still have moments when you feel like a failure. If you’re someone who holds yourself to high standards, you might feel frustrated by how you get in your own way from succeeding. If you struggle with the combination of perfectionism and procrastination, counseling can help. I provide direct, interactive feedback with an anti-systemic racism perspective designed to help you stay accountable to your goals.
Dr. Felix K Deiss
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60601
I have worked with clients from a variety of backgrounds on a wide range of struggles including feelings of depression, academic difficulties, identity exploration, anxiety, family conflict, relationship questions, experiences of discrimination, trauma, and grief and loss. I have also volunteered in the Emergency Room to counsel and advocate for people following sexual assault. As a man of trans experience, I am especially interested in supporting queer and TGNC communities and have a wealth of experience with emerging adults.
I have worked with clients from a variety of backgrounds on a wide range of struggles including feelings of depression, academic difficulties, identity exploration, anxiety, family conflict, relationship questions, experiences of discrimination, trauma, and grief and loss. I have also volunteered in the Emergency Room to counsel and advocate for people following sexual assault. As a man of trans experience, I am especially interested in supporting queer and TGNC communities and have a wealth of experience with emerging adults.
Cary Klemmer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60601
I strive to be an ally to people of all body sizes and abilities, and affirm queer people and relationships.
I believe that all people have dignity, worth, and the right to live life in a way that brings them joy. Our ability to live joyfully can be limited due to imbalances of power we experience in our world. Because of such experiences we suffer, and suffering left unaddressed can lead to limiting beliefs and behaviors. These behaviors are usually adopted as a matter of necessity to survive, yet they can keep us from being the most authentic and happy version of ourselves. The therapeutic relationship can heal and transform our lives through affirmation, validation and sustained attention on our thoughts, beliefs and behaviors.
I strive to be an ally to people of all body sizes and abilities, and affirm queer people and relationships.
I believe that all people have dignity, worth, and the right to live life in a way that brings them joy. Our ability to live joyfully can be limited due to imbalances of power we experience in our world. Because of such experiences we suffer, and suffering left unaddressed can lead to limiting beliefs and behaviors. These behaviors are usually adopted as a matter of necessity to survive, yet they can keep us from being the most authentic and happy version of ourselves. The therapeutic relationship can heal and transform our lives through affirmation, validation and sustained attention on our thoughts, beliefs and behaviors.
Nicholas McCarley
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
12 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60601 (Online Only)
My areas of special interest include processing emotion, multicultural identity, relational conflict, depression, self-compassion, and LGBTQ concerns.
Therapy is a rich opportunity for gaining invaluable insights regarding the ways in which fears, disavowed wishes, and injustices from the past can motivate current behavior, and how individuals, often resiliently, continue to live above a rubble of neglected wounds. I believe the success of treatment is dependent upon the establishment of a solid therapeutic relationship and that the therapeutic alliance is a reciprocal "we-relationship" where healing and growth can occur. I also may incorporate more direct mindfulness-based cognitive-behavioral approaches in therapy when effective to promote symptomatic change.
My areas of special interest include processing emotion, multicultural identity, relational conflict, depression, self-compassion, and LGBTQ concerns.
Therapy is a rich opportunity for gaining invaluable insights regarding the ways in which fears, disavowed wishes, and injustices from the past can motivate current behavior, and how individuals, often resiliently, continue to live above a rubble of neglected wounds. I believe the success of treatment is dependent upon the establishment of a solid therapeutic relationship and that the therapeutic alliance is a reciprocal "we-relationship" where healing and growth can occur. I also may incorporate more direct mindfulness-based cognitive-behavioral approaches in therapy when effective to promote symptomatic change.
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Mark Hodar
Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60601
Working from a strengths-based perspective, I provide psychotherapy to individuals, couples, and groups. I use humor and compassion to create a safe space where clients can focus on personal growth, self-integration, and positive change. Particular areas of interest and expertise include depression, anxiety, couples counseling, grief and loss, sexuality/identity as well as the challenges impacting the LGBT community. I work with a number of artists and performing artists who are seeking to increase their self-awareness, unblock their creativity and reach their full artistic potential.
Working from a strengths-based perspective, I provide psychotherapy to individuals, couples, and groups. I use humor and compassion to create a safe space where clients can focus on personal growth, self-integration, and positive change. Particular areas of interest and expertise include depression, anxiety, couples counseling, grief and loss, sexuality/identity as well as the challenges impacting the LGBT community. I work with a number of artists and performing artists who are seeking to increase their self-awareness, unblock their creativity and reach their full artistic potential.
Robert Lloyd
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60601 (Online Only)
I enjoy working with queer identity, communication, conflict resolution, rebuilding trust, anxiety, sexuality and sexual issues, caretakers, and life transitions.
Are you feeling lost? In need of some healing? Therapy is a space for us to find the best versions of ourselves. If you want to discover more about yourself and your strengths and are open to new perspectives, it may be time for your therapeutic journey to begin.
I enjoy working with queer identity, communication, conflict resolution, rebuilding trust, anxiety, sexuality and sexual issues, caretakers, and life transitions.
Are you feeling lost? In need of some healing? Therapy is a space for us to find the best versions of ourselves. If you want to discover more about yourself and your strengths and are open to new perspectives, it may be time for your therapeutic journey to begin.
Chris M Edwards
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, MSW, LSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60601
I have experience working with and welcome clients from LGBTQIA+, kink, and monogamous/ non-monogamous communities.
During this time of uncertainty, experiences of isolation, loss, and being stifled by our environments can make it difficult to focus on and do daily tasks. Are these issues that you’re facing? Have you struggled to stay connected to others, or to be understood and supported by people in your life? Maybe you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed, whether it’s your relationship(s), your living environment, or your own feelings and behaviors. I work to meet people where they’re at and create an affirming space that supports those struggling with a variety of life stresses to make sense of these issues and find direction for moving forward.
I have experience working with and welcome clients from LGBTQIA+, kink, and monogamous/ non-monogamous communities.
During this time of uncertainty, experiences of isolation, loss, and being stifled by our environments can make it difficult to focus on and do daily tasks. Are these issues that you’re facing? Have you struggled to stay connected to others, or to be understood and supported by people in your life? Maybe you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed, whether it’s your relationship(s), your living environment, or your own feelings and behaviors. I work to meet people where they’re at and create an affirming space that supports those struggling with a variety of life stresses to make sense of these issues and find direction for moving forward.
Aaron Karmin
Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60601 (Online Only)
I am an active therapist in that I ask questions and offer consistent feedback to guide the session’s focus. I utilize an integrative style – applying a variety of approaches to best meet the needs of each client/couple and their concerns. I am a BIPOC affirming, anti-racist, LGBTQ+ inclusive therapist who strives to hold space for your unique narrative and intersectional self. I recognize the need for flexibility and creativity to address the mind and body. My approach focuses on identifying physical cues, recognizing thoughts, considering consequences, implementing solutions, choosing behaviors, and promoting expression.
I am an active therapist in that I ask questions and offer consistent feedback to guide the session’s focus. I utilize an integrative style – applying a variety of approaches to best meet the needs of each client/couple and their concerns. I am a BIPOC affirming, anti-racist, LGBTQ+ inclusive therapist who strives to hold space for your unique narrative and intersectional self. I recognize the need for flexibility and creativity to address the mind and body. My approach focuses on identifying physical cues, recognizing thoughts, considering consequences, implementing solutions, choosing behaviors, and promoting expression.
Noah Alvarado
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60601
You are the explorer and I am here to help navigate and carry the loads that you would rather share, in your expedition through life. I have worked with the entire age/developmental spectrum, with clients who are Neurodivergent, Queer, and BIPOC, facing issues with Life Transitions, Identity, Anxiety, Depression, Addictions, Trauma, OCD, ADHD. I want to work with any client who is seeking positive change in their life, and who is looking to develop a strong support system in therapy. I work to create a comforting and safe environment for my clients to feel supported and also challenged in their own personal journey.
You are the explorer and I am here to help navigate and carry the loads that you would rather share, in your expedition through life. I have worked with the entire age/developmental spectrum, with clients who are Neurodivergent, Queer, and BIPOC, facing issues with Life Transitions, Identity, Anxiety, Depression, Addictions, Trauma, OCD, ADHD. I want to work with any client who is seeking positive change in their life, and who is looking to develop a strong support system in therapy. I work to create a comforting and safe environment for my clients to feel supported and also challenged in their own personal journey.
James Chamerlik
Pre-Licensed Professional, LSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60601
As a kink-aware therapist and one that has experienced with polyamory and consensual non-monogamy, I hope to provide support to marginalized communities that face stigma, or that feel left out. I care deeply about social justice and work hard to dismantle oppression, as a vocal LGBTQ+ and feminist ally. As someone that became a therapist later in life, I apply my diverse experiences to my practice so that I may be more able to help you along your unique journey, or to uncover and address barriers that may prevent you from meeting personal goals or living a more authentic life.
As a kink-aware therapist and one that has experienced with polyamory and consensual non-monogamy, I hope to provide support to marginalized communities that face stigma, or that feel left out. I care deeply about social justice and work hard to dismantle oppression, as a vocal LGBTQ+ and feminist ally. As someone that became a therapist later in life, I apply my diverse experiences to my practice so that I may be more able to help you along your unique journey, or to uncover and address barriers that may prevent you from meeting personal goals or living a more authentic life.
Eduardo Mauricio Cristiano-Hernandez
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60601
My clients are couples and adults seeking to strengthen their relationships or understand more about themselves and how it impacts their relationships. My clients aspire to live a life of understanding, empathy, connection, and fulfillment. The couples who come to see me often notice a sense of disconnection or experience a painful rupture after an infidelity. Other adult individuals come to me because they know that one or more relationships meaningful to them have been impacted, and they want to understand “why and how?” My clients come because they can benefit from my guidance and support in navigating these challenges.
My clients are couples and adults seeking to strengthen their relationships or understand more about themselves and how it impacts their relationships. My clients aspire to live a life of understanding, empathy, connection, and fulfillment. The couples who come to see me often notice a sense of disconnection or experience a painful rupture after an infidelity. Other adult individuals come to me because they know that one or more relationships meaningful to them have been impacted, and they want to understand “why and how?” My clients come because they can benefit from my guidance and support in navigating these challenges.
Brandon Vélez Ríos
Pre-Licensed Professional, PhD
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60601
Being able to assist people in creating a meaningful life, in recognizing what’s important for them and in overcoming adversity are some of the most fulfilling parts of therapy. Whether life transitions, identity concerns, interpersonal difficulties, or psychological disorders, therapy has a lot to offer for all people. I strive to co-create with you a space where you feel comfortable talking about those things we rarely tell other people. My therapeutic approach is modified depending on the person. I will usually walk you through the process of therapy, as for some it can be seen as intimidating and scary.
Being able to assist people in creating a meaningful life, in recognizing what’s important for them and in overcoming adversity are some of the most fulfilling parts of therapy. Whether life transitions, identity concerns, interpersonal difficulties, or psychological disorders, therapy has a lot to offer for all people. I strive to co-create with you a space where you feel comfortable talking about those things we rarely tell other people. My therapeutic approach is modified depending on the person. I will usually walk you through the process of therapy, as for some it can be seen as intimidating and scary.
Gregory Michael Sarlo
Psychologist, PsyD, LCPC, CAC, CFC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60601
As a long-time Clinical Psychologist, former president of the Illinois Psychological Association, and advocate within Chicago's GLBTQIA community, I can offer you expertise and peace of mind for whatever challenges you. For more than 25 years, I have worked with people from diverse groups-individual adults, couples, families, and children-and for many of those years, right here in Lakeview. My goal is to encourage growth and well-being, supporting you while being direct and gently challenging, and offering psychological and neuropsychological assessment that gives you answers and insight into what concerns you.
As a long-time Clinical Psychologist, former president of the Illinois Psychological Association, and advocate within Chicago's GLBTQIA community, I can offer you expertise and peace of mind for whatever challenges you. For more than 25 years, I have worked with people from diverse groups-individual adults, couples, families, and children-and for many of those years, right here in Lakeview. My goal is to encourage growth and well-being, supporting you while being direct and gently challenging, and offering psychological and neuropsychological assessment that gives you answers and insight into what concerns you.
See more therapy options for 60601
LGBTQ+ Therapists
Do LGBTQ-affirmative therapists receive special training?
Yes. Many therapists who practice LGBTQ-affirmative therapy have completed specialized training, either during their degree program or as continuing education, to learn the core principles of affirmative therapy and how to best support their LGBTQ clients; some have received certifications in LGBTQ-affirmative therapy. Prospective clients should inquire as to a clinician’s background and training to ensure a good fit.
Why might I want to see an LGBTQ-affirming or LGBTQ-friendly therapist?
Queer and gender-non-conforming individuals frequently experience bias and marginalization in day-to-day life. Working with a therapist who understands these unique challenges, as well as accepts and affirms their identity, can help LGBTQ clients feel safe and supported during therapy—allowing them to better navigate their relationships, mental health, and anything else that they wish to explore during therapy. It is important to note that many therapists can be effective in their work with LGBTQ+ individuals, even in the absence of specific training or background knowledge. The most important component in therapy is the alliance between therapist and client, and this alliance can exist between individuals with very different backgrounds.
How can I find an LGBTQ-friendly therapist?
You may wish to inquire about a therapist’s expertise with your specific challenges or concerns—depression, for example, or relationship strife—as well as their past experiences treating LGBTQ+ clients. Prospective clients may also ask whether a therapist has obtained additional training and/or certification in LGBTQ-affirmative techniques.
How can I inquire about a therapist’s experience with LGBTQ issues?
Prospective clients should feel empowered to directly ask therapists whether they have received training or been certified in LGBTQ-affirming therapy; competent therapists will be happy to explain their educational background and preferred approach(es) to help a client find the best match for them. Clients may also wish to ask how a therapist has treated clients with their particular challenges in the past and what they expect treatment to look like.
Are all the therapists listed in the LGBTQ directory themselves members of the LGBTQ community?
While therapists may choose to disclose their sexual orientation or gender identity in their profiles, the LGBTQ directory features not only those who have shared this information but also those who assert specialized training or experience in providing support to queer individuals, couples or families.