Therapists in North Center, Chicago, IL
Stephanie Kilper
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC, BC-DMT
Verified Verified
North Center, Chicago, IL 60613
I specialize in working with individuals navigating a variety of life challenges including but not limited to LGBTQIA identities, high sensitivity, eating disorders, anxiety, and neurodivergence.
I will support you in building your body-mind connection to deepen your inner strength and capacity to confront the challenges life brings you. As a dance/movement therapist and licensed clinical professional counselor, I merge the felt experience with cognitive processing to support full integration in your healing process. We know that the body remembers all it has experienced. Let's give your body, brain, and heart the opportunity to work together to help you heal. I will support you in building the skills, insight, and ability to face the hard stuff and find your power, hope, and confidence to keep building a life you will love.
I specialize in working with individuals navigating a variety of life challenges including but not limited to LGBTQIA identities, high sensitivity, eating disorders, anxiety, and neurodivergence.
I will support you in building your body-mind connection to deepen your inner strength and capacity to confront the challenges life brings you. As a dance/movement therapist and licensed clinical professional counselor, I merge the felt experience with cognitive processing to support full integration in your healing process. We know that the body remembers all it has experienced. Let's give your body, brain, and heart the opportunity to work together to help you heal. I will support you in building the skills, insight, and ability to face the hard stuff and find your power, hope, and confidence to keep building a life you will love.
Dj Crosby
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
North Center, Chicago, IL 60613
As a queer clinician, I strive to create and maintain a judgment free zone.
Just because no one else can heal or do your inner work for you doesn't mean you can, should or need to do it alone. - Lisa Olivera. Together we can build a safe and collaborative space that fosters growth. Life can be messy, even demanding; we will have hard days; and that’s okay. I approach therapy with authenticity, compassion, and humor. Each individual requires a personalized therapeutic approach and I aim to cultivate that early on in our time together. I use an integrative approach to therapy with a focus on Acceptance and Commitment therapy, decolonizing and anti-oppressive therapy modalities.
As a queer clinician, I strive to create and maintain a judgment free zone.
Just because no one else can heal or do your inner work for you doesn't mean you can, should or need to do it alone. - Lisa Olivera. Together we can build a safe and collaborative space that fosters growth. Life can be messy, even demanding; we will have hard days; and that’s okay. I approach therapy with authenticity, compassion, and humor. Each individual requires a personalized therapeutic approach and I aim to cultivate that early on in our time together. I use an integrative approach to therapy with a focus on Acceptance and Commitment therapy, decolonizing and anti-oppressive therapy modalities.
Laurel Meng
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MA
Verified Verified
North Center, Chicago, IL 60613
I use a queer-affirming and intersectional lens, and specialize in working with people around trauma, relationships (of all structures), sex, bi-/multi-cultural identities, anxiety, and depression.
You want to feel securely connected to others in your life. You want to feel empowered to navigate through life’s obstacles, with someone reliably in your corner. You want to trust in your own value and see yourself through a more compassionate lens. You deserve to feel seen and heard for all that you bring to this world and accepted for the myriad of identities that you inhabit.
I use a queer-affirming and intersectional lens, and specialize in working with people around trauma, relationships (of all structures), sex, bi-/multi-cultural identities, anxiety, and depression.
You want to feel securely connected to others in your life. You want to feel empowered to navigate through life’s obstacles, with someone reliably in your corner. You want to trust in your own value and see yourself through a more compassionate lens. You deserve to feel seen and heard for all that you bring to this world and accepted for the myriad of identities that you inhabit.
Lauren Bailey
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
North Center, Chicago, IL 60613
We all struggle with feeling disconnected, whether because of a decrease of face-to-face interactions because of the pandemic, being queer in a heteronormative world, feeling like you are the only parent of a queer child, a break up in your polycule. The lack of community creates loneliness, sadness and anxiety.
We all struggle with feeling disconnected, whether because of a decrease of face-to-face interactions because of the pandemic, being queer in a heteronormative world, feeling like you are the only parent of a queer child, a break up in your polycule. The lack of community creates loneliness, sadness and anxiety.
Annmarie Schoenbeck
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
North Center, Chicago, IL 60618
As a relational, trauma-informed, LGBTQ+ affirming therapist, I meet people exactly where they are.
Are you struggling and feeling disconnected in your relationships? Is the transition you were once excited about, no longer going according to plan, or coming with unwanted stress and anxiety? Has the pain, confusion, or loss of identity become too much? Trust me, I’ve been there. The human experience can bring many seasons of immense pain, uncertainty and heartache, but it doesn’t have to stay that way. It actually is possible to have connected relationships, fulfillment in your career, and confidence in who you're becoming.
As a relational, trauma-informed, LGBTQ+ affirming therapist, I meet people exactly where they are.
Are you struggling and feeling disconnected in your relationships? Is the transition you were once excited about, no longer going according to plan, or coming with unwanted stress and anxiety? Has the pain, confusion, or loss of identity become too much? Trust me, I’ve been there. The human experience can bring many seasons of immense pain, uncertainty and heartache, but it doesn’t have to stay that way. It actually is possible to have connected relationships, fulfillment in your career, and confidence in who you're becoming.
The Expansive Group
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC, CST
Verified Verified
North Center, Chicago, IL 60613
We're obsessed with staying up-to-date on affirming, anti-oppressive language and concepts, and think learning directly from queer and BIPOC community leaders is just as important as gathering data from research.
We're here because we've been there, so we can't help but to be wholeheartedly invested in your journey. We want to provide you the warmth, validation, and affirmation that can feel so rare in adulthood. Working with us will challenge you, but it will also feel like coming home.
We're obsessed with staying up-to-date on affirming, anti-oppressive language and concepts, and think learning directly from queer and BIPOC community leaders is just as important as gathering data from research.
We're here because we've been there, so we can't help but to be wholeheartedly invested in your journey. We want to provide you the warmth, validation, and affirmation that can feel so rare in adulthood. Working with us will challenge you, but it will also feel like coming home.
Leah Goodman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW, OTR/L, OTD
Verified Verified
North Center, Chicago, IL 60613
I especially enjoy working with folks who are LGBTQ+ and those exploring their sexuality as adults.
Therapy can be an opportunity to explore patterns in your life and relationships without judgment. As a therapist, I show up with warmth, humor and affirmation and work collaboratively with you toward self-reflection, self-compassion, and growth. My goal in individual and relationship therapy is to support you to learn more about yourself in the world— what’s shaped you, how you connect to others, and what stands in the way of where you’d like to be. I want you to feel safe to explore what brings you to therapy, and to feel held as you develop new insights and tools to navigate life’s challenges.
I especially enjoy working with folks who are LGBTQ+ and those exploring their sexuality as adults.
Therapy can be an opportunity to explore patterns in your life and relationships without judgment. As a therapist, I show up with warmth, humor and affirmation and work collaboratively with you toward self-reflection, self-compassion, and growth. My goal in individual and relationship therapy is to support you to learn more about yourself in the world— what’s shaped you, how you connect to others, and what stands in the way of where you’d like to be. I want you to feel safe to explore what brings you to therapy, and to feel held as you develop new insights and tools to navigate life’s challenges.
Caleb D Collins
Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
North Center, Chicago, IL 60618
Additionally, I work with LGBTQ adults struggling to create change in their lives.
I approach my work with an understanding that each client's experience is unique and I appreciate the courage it takes to engage in therapy. I work to help my client's feel heard and understood while exploring the sources of their difficulty. It is important to me that my relationship with clients is collaborative and I believe that you are the best expert on yourself and what you want for treatment. Sessions typically focus on building insight into how past experiences affect us today as well as developing communication and coping skills.
Additionally, I work with LGBTQ adults struggling to create change in their lives.
I approach my work with an understanding that each client's experience is unique and I appreciate the courage it takes to engage in therapy. I work to help my client's feel heard and understood while exploring the sources of their difficulty. It is important to me that my relationship with clients is collaborative and I believe that you are the best expert on yourself and what you want for treatment. Sessions typically focus on building insight into how past experiences affect us today as well as developing communication and coping skills.
Wesley Walker
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
North Center, Chicago, IL 60618
Currently accepting new clients! Seeking therapy can feel scary and overwhelming, especially for the first time. I am dedicated to creating a space where all clients feel safe, supported, heard and validated. I work with adults across the lifespan and am especially passionate about supporting those struggling with Trauma/PTSD, life transitions, Depression/Anxiety, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. My therapeutic approach is warm and collaborative, empowering clients to be an active participant throughout their healing journey.
Currently accepting new clients! Seeking therapy can feel scary and overwhelming, especially for the first time. I am dedicated to creating a space where all clients feel safe, supported, heard and validated. I work with adults across the lifespan and am especially passionate about supporting those struggling with Trauma/PTSD, life transitions, Depression/Anxiety, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. My therapeutic approach is warm and collaborative, empowering clients to be an active participant throughout their healing journey.
Johanna Hayes
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC, BC-DMT
Verified Verified
North Center, Chicago, IL 60618
Waitlist for new clients
I am a queer, sex positive, trauma-informed therapist who supports individuals (18+) and couples (monogamous/non-monogamous/poly) at Move Therapy and Wellness. I believe therapy to be a collaborative experience in which the therapeutic relationship plays an invaluable role in your healing. I specialize in working with sex and intimacy challenges, sexual trauma, relationship challenges, LGBTQIA+ folks, anxiety, depression, and adult children of narcissistic/borderline parents. As a queer-identified therapist I have a particular passion for supporting my community in this current political climate.
I am a queer, sex positive, trauma-informed therapist who supports individuals (18+) and couples (monogamous/non-monogamous/poly) at Move Therapy and Wellness. I believe therapy to be a collaborative experience in which the therapeutic relationship plays an invaluable role in your healing. I specialize in working with sex and intimacy challenges, sexual trauma, relationship challenges, LGBTQIA+ folks, anxiety, depression, and adult children of narcissistic/borderline parents. As a queer-identified therapist I have a particular passion for supporting my community in this current political climate.
J. D. Waggoner
LPC Intern
Verified Verified
North Center, Chicago, IL 60618
I specialize in helping adults, LGBTQ+ folx and couples grow in their self-worth and self-expression so they can pursue more fulfilling lives and deeper, more meaningful relationships.
Even for individuals who are caring, thoughtful, and empathetic, life is still a challenge. You may feel afraid, lonely, confused, or overwhelmed. You may feel the need to lessen yourself or disregard your needs in order to make others comfortable. You deserve the confidence to be yourself without fear or shame. I want to help you overcome the past, work through anxiety, depression, fear, and anything else that might be holding you back. I want to help you develop a deeper understanding of yourself.
I specialize in helping adults, LGBTQ+ folx and couples grow in their self-worth and self-expression so they can pursue more fulfilling lives and deeper, more meaningful relationships.
Even for individuals who are caring, thoughtful, and empathetic, life is still a challenge. You may feel afraid, lonely, confused, or overwhelmed. You may feel the need to lessen yourself or disregard your needs in order to make others comfortable. You deserve the confidence to be yourself without fear or shame. I want to help you overcome the past, work through anxiety, depression, fear, and anything else that might be holding you back. I want to help you develop a deeper understanding of yourself.
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Ellen Oanes
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCP, MAATC
Verified Verified
North Center, Chicago, IL 60613
I am also passionate about working with LGBTQ+ kids and teens who are exploring their gender and sexuality.
There are many reasons a child might benefit from therapy–maybe they’re experiencing intense, big feelings and having a difficult time processing them; maybe they’re fighting at school or with their siblings; or maybe they’re having a hard time making friends. Whatever the reason is, as your child’s therapist I am committed to hearing their story and collaboratively working with them to become confident and secure explorers of the world. Through building a strong therapeutic alliance with my clients, they are able to feel safe and empowered to have agency within therapy and in their lives.
I am also passionate about working with LGBTQ+ kids and teens who are exploring their gender and sexuality.
There are many reasons a child might benefit from therapy–maybe they’re experiencing intense, big feelings and having a difficult time processing them; maybe they’re fighting at school or with their siblings; or maybe they’re having a hard time making friends. Whatever the reason is, as your child’s therapist I am committed to hearing their story and collaboratively working with them to become confident and secure explorers of the world. Through building a strong therapeutic alliance with my clients, they are able to feel safe and empowered to have agency within therapy and in their lives.
Michael F Mallory
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
North Center, Chicago, IL 60618
I am a proud member and advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community and have extensive experience helping individuals, families, and couples through a variety of affirmative mental health care.
I believe parts of our life are made up of series of losses, and my goal is to help folx manage these losses. Loss can come in many forms; death of a loved one, identity, the future, and more. I help provide the needed support, validation, and evidence-based approaches to the many types of loss life may throw your way. While grief and loss are a huge part of the work I do, I also have experience and enjoy helping others learn to manage anxiety, depression, substance use, relationship issues and other mental health concerns.
I am a proud member and advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community and have extensive experience helping individuals, families, and couples through a variety of affirmative mental health care.
I believe parts of our life are made up of series of losses, and my goal is to help folx manage these losses. Loss can come in many forms; death of a loved one, identity, the future, and more. I help provide the needed support, validation, and evidence-based approaches to the many types of loss life may throw your way. While grief and loss are a huge part of the work I do, I also have experience and enjoy helping others learn to manage anxiety, depression, substance use, relationship issues and other mental health concerns.
Dr. Melisa B Bailey
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
North Center, Chicago, IL 60618
We specialize in providing care for clients who identify as LGBTQ+ and/or Transgender and Gender Diverse.
At Forest Path Therapy, we will walk with you on your journey and support you in your work. We believe that the most important factors in therapy are feeling like you are comfortable talking with your therapist and where you feel heard and understood. We start by learning who you are and what your life looks like. Instead of focusing just on what’s wrong, we pay attention to your whole life - what is working and what you would like to change. We believe therapy works best when we work together to examine the different sides of a problem together and provide support and space for you to decide how to move forward.
We specialize in providing care for clients who identify as LGBTQ+ and/or Transgender and Gender Diverse.
At Forest Path Therapy, we will walk with you on your journey and support you in your work. We believe that the most important factors in therapy are feeling like you are comfortable talking with your therapist and where you feel heard and understood. We start by learning who you are and what your life looks like. Instead of focusing just on what’s wrong, we pay attention to your whole life - what is working and what you would like to change. We believe therapy works best when we work together to examine the different sides of a problem together and provide support and space for you to decide how to move forward.
Wild Hope Counseling
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
North Center, Chicago, IL 60618 (Online Only)
Kate also specializes in working with trauma, relationship issues, anxiety, depression, as well as the LGBTQ community.
Kate’s goal is to bring a compassionate, and non-judgemental strong clinical background to meet clients where they are currently struggling. She can help facilitate and explore healthy ways to cope, accept, and move through difficult emotions that are keeping you stuck.
Kate also specializes in working with trauma, relationship issues, anxiety, depression, as well as the LGBTQ community.
Kate’s goal is to bring a compassionate, and non-judgemental strong clinical background to meet clients where they are currently struggling. She can help facilitate and explore healthy ways to cope, accept, and move through difficult emotions that are keeping you stuck.
Kari Harrison
Counselor, MA, LCPC, CST
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
North Center, Chicago, IL 60613
I am particularly dedicated to serving the LGBTQIA+ community.
I believe that each client has a story to share, stemming from a diverse and unique background - and seek to hold clients in a safe, nurturing space that is truly their own. My conviction is that it is the relationship between the therapist and the client that is ultimately what heals, and when it works, it is immensely powerful. I am passionate about exploring ways to help clients discover their own resiliency and live more authentically in order to create the mental and emotional space to reach their fullest potential.
I am particularly dedicated to serving the LGBTQIA+ community.
I believe that each client has a story to share, stemming from a diverse and unique background - and seek to hold clients in a safe, nurturing space that is truly their own. My conviction is that it is the relationship between the therapist and the client that is ultimately what heals, and when it works, it is immensely powerful. I am passionate about exploring ways to help clients discover their own resiliency and live more authentically in order to create the mental and emotional space to reach their fullest potential.
Dr. Kres Snyder
Counselor, LCPC, CST, Pact I
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
North Center, Chicago, IL 60613 (Online Only)
Finding balance is often hard. I specialize in individual and couples therapy with a focus on marital and couples, sex therapy, and alternative lifestyle issues, such as non-monogamy. I have over 16 years of experience with LGBTQIA+ concerns, ethical non monogamy, and marital and couples work with communication and conflict issues. I bring a warm, honest, and open approach to therapy while helping you feel and find hope. I truly work to meet you where you are and create a space where you are not only safe but with a friend. This step is hard and I have been in your shoes so I will never judge.
Finding balance is often hard. I specialize in individual and couples therapy with a focus on marital and couples, sex therapy, and alternative lifestyle issues, such as non-monogamy. I have over 16 years of experience with LGBTQIA+ concerns, ethical non monogamy, and marital and couples work with communication and conflict issues. I bring a warm, honest, and open approach to therapy while helping you feel and find hope. I truly work to meet you where you are and create a space where you are not only safe but with a friend. This step is hard and I have been in your shoes so I will never judge.
Susan Haarman
Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
North Center, Chicago, IL 60613 (Online Only)
I have experience working with adults and couples dealing with anxiety, depression, LGBTQ+ issues, grief, identity development, and navigating major life changes.
So, you've already done the scariest part of this whole process, which is deciding that you want support and taking action. That takes incredible strength and humility, even if you may not feel that way right now. From here, it's my job to work together with you to find ways to channel that strength towards the goals you have and help reframe the way you're approaching challenges through support, humor, and compassion.
I have experience working with adults and couples dealing with anxiety, depression, LGBTQ+ issues, grief, identity development, and navigating major life changes.
So, you've already done the scariest part of this whole process, which is deciding that you want support and taking action. That takes incredible strength and humility, even if you may not feel that way right now. From here, it's my job to work together with you to find ways to channel that strength towards the goals you have and help reframe the way you're approaching challenges through support, humor, and compassion.
Regina King
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
North Center, Chicago, IL 60618 (Online Only)
I am experienced with relationship issues, LGBTQ concerns, CBT, DBT, self empathy, and specialize in treatment of identity and relationship discernment, depression, anxiety, and mood issues.
Parts of life are heartbreaking, challenging, and anxiety producing. Working together, we can find a way to enhance your ability to provide yourself empathy, discern life's most difficult choices, and heal painful wounds. Recognizing and utilizing our greatest strengths can enhance our ability to face life's toughest challenges. I look forward to being a supportive and compassionate therapist as you resiliently and thoughtfully examine your self, relationships, and mood or emotions.
I am experienced with relationship issues, LGBTQ concerns, CBT, DBT, self empathy, and specialize in treatment of identity and relationship discernment, depression, anxiety, and mood issues.
Parts of life are heartbreaking, challenging, and anxiety producing. Working together, we can find a way to enhance your ability to provide yourself empathy, discern life's most difficult choices, and heal painful wounds. Recognizing and utilizing our greatest strengths can enhance our ability to face life's toughest challenges. I look forward to being a supportive and compassionate therapist as you resiliently and thoughtfully examine your self, relationships, and mood or emotions.
Katelyn Corrigan
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
North Center, Chicago, IL 60618
Waitlist for new clients
My compassion-based perspective is anti-racist and LGBTQ+ inclusive.
I know how scary it can be to share yourself with someone new, and I want to make you feel as seen and safe as possible. My therapy approach draws upon feminist and relational systems theory to empower you to make the changes you’re looking for. Together, we will explore your past experiences, your relationship patterns, and where you are emotionally, right now. With empathy, validation, and a dash of humor, I help you tap into your strength and live in a more authentic way.
My compassion-based perspective is anti-racist and LGBTQ+ inclusive.
I know how scary it can be to share yourself with someone new, and I want to make you feel as seen and safe as possible. My therapy approach draws upon feminist and relational systems theory to empower you to make the changes you’re looking for. Together, we will explore your past experiences, your relationship patterns, and where you are emotionally, right now. With empathy, validation, and a dash of humor, I help you tap into your strength and live in a more authentic way.
See more therapy options for North Center, Chicago
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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.