Therapists in Chicago, IL
Collective Insight
Psychologist, PsyD, MSCP, MS, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60613 (Online Only)
I identify as a cisgender Black gay male.
I am passionate about using evidence-based practices to help all clients achieve their goals and improve their mental health. I have extensive experience working with individuals experiencing difficulty with gender identity, sexuality/sexual orientation, race and ethnicity, career transitions, healthy living, work-life balance, stress management, and general mental health concerns (e.g., depression, anxiety, mood instability, etc.). I believe that it is vital for people to trust the therapeutic space and know that it is safe, welcoming, and free of judgment. I work with clients to help them identify goals of treatment that are align
I identify as a cisgender Black gay male.
I am passionate about using evidence-based practices to help all clients achieve their goals and improve their mental health. I have extensive experience working with individuals experiencing difficulty with gender identity, sexuality/sexual orientation, race and ethnicity, career transitions, healthy living, work-life balance, stress management, and general mental health concerns (e.g., depression, anxiety, mood instability, etc.). I believe that it is vital for people to trust the therapeutic space and know that it is safe, welcoming, and free of judgment. I work with clients to help them identify goals of treatment that are align
Cody Young
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60618 (Online Only)
I am a queer, gender-non-conforming, biracial (white-presenting) abolitionist from a multicultural family.
My focus has always been to support and empower marginalized people, specifically: queer and transgender people, people of color, sex workers, folks living with housing insecurity, and those affected by the prison system. My aim is to develop trust and create a space with you, where you feel safe to be and explore who you are as you develop new insights and skills to achieve and maintain sustainable emotional wellness.
I am a queer, gender-non-conforming, biracial (white-presenting) abolitionist from a multicultural family.
My focus has always been to support and empower marginalized people, specifically: queer and transgender people, people of color, sex workers, folks living with housing insecurity, and those affected by the prison system. My aim is to develop trust and create a space with you, where you feel safe to be and explore who you are as you develop new insights and skills to achieve and maintain sustainable emotional wellness.
Zaraar Zahid
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, CCTP, CCATP, ASDCS
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60657
I also specialize in queer and POC identity concerns.
I work with individuals and couples facing depression; stress; trauma; life transitions; social & generalized anxiety; neurodivergence (e.g., ADHD & Autism); family stressors; grief; relationship & intimacy issues; LGBTQIA+ individuals; and navigating life as an immigrant and/or person of color. I meet you where you are at. If you would like to know more about what this could mean for you, I encourage you to reach out to me for a free 15-minute consultation.
I also specialize in queer and POC identity concerns.
I work with individuals and couples facing depression; stress; trauma; life transitions; social & generalized anxiety; neurodivergence (e.g., ADHD & Autism); family stressors; grief; relationship & intimacy issues; LGBTQIA+ individuals; and navigating life as an immigrant and/or person of color. I meet you where you are at. If you would like to know more about what this could mean for you, I encourage you to reach out to me for a free 15-minute consultation.
Treatment Areas and Competencies: LGBTQ, Teen therapy, PTSD, Faith and Spirituality, Sexuality and Gender, Relationship Challenges, Emotion Regulation, Sexual Trauma, and Exposure to Violence.
Being queer myself, I often work with LGBTQ young adults and teens who are navigating life stressors while forming their identities. I’m formally certified with EMDRIA international in EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) and often use this approach to support clients' healing from childhood & other interpersonal traumatic experiences. I also assist clients in their processing of other aspects of identity including family, ethnicity, faith, and spirituality. I am very passionate about working with queer folks, people of faith, and additionally, those with post-traumatic stress symptoms and/or PTSD.
Treatment Areas and Competencies: LGBTQ, Teen therapy, PTSD, Faith and Spirituality, Sexuality and Gender, Relationship Challenges, Emotion Regulation, Sexual Trauma, and Exposure to Violence.
Being queer myself, I often work with LGBTQ young adults and teens who are navigating life stressors while forming their identities. I’m formally certified with EMDRIA international in EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) and often use this approach to support clients' healing from childhood & other interpersonal traumatic experiences. I also assist clients in their processing of other aspects of identity including family, ethnicity, faith, and spirituality. I am very passionate about working with queer folks, people of faith, and additionally, those with post-traumatic stress symptoms and/or PTSD.
Benjamin Gronich
Pre-Licensed Professional, PsyD, MSEd
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60640 (Online Only)
I believe deeply in the transformative power of the therapeutic relationship.
So, you’re contemplating seeking out therapy. Congratulations, it takes a lot of courage to recognize that there are things you may want to explore, change, and/or better understand about yourself, the way you see others, and/or your environment. Finding a therapist you feel comfortable with and trust can be difficult. Painful life experiences, past trauma and current situations can lead you to feel stuck, depressed and anxious. I believe that we all have areas of our life that warrant closer examination. As your therapist, I aim to create an empathic judgement-free space where we can work together to achieve your goals.
I believe deeply in the transformative power of the therapeutic relationship.
So, you’re contemplating seeking out therapy. Congratulations, it takes a lot of courage to recognize that there are things you may want to explore, change, and/or better understand about yourself, the way you see others, and/or your environment. Finding a therapist you feel comfortable with and trust can be difficult. Painful life experiences, past trauma and current situations can lead you to feel stuck, depressed and anxious. I believe that we all have areas of our life that warrant closer examination. As your therapist, I aim to create an empathic judgement-free space where we can work together to achieve your goals.
I’m a brown/Latinx, queer, child of immigrants, and first to complete a Master’s education.
Life and the universe have a way of demonstrating to us what we’re made of, what we’re capable of, and who we may want to be. Making sense of it all, what it may mean, and how to best navigate choppy waters is where I can help. Having a clearer understanding of your identities, values, and beliefs is so influential to your experiences and journey as a human. If you have a desire to explore identity-related experiences and challenges, the current impact of past experiences, and have an openness to learn how to best manage the unknown of the future, you are human, and taking the right first step in seeking support.
I’m a brown/Latinx, queer, child of immigrants, and first to complete a Master’s education.
Life and the universe have a way of demonstrating to us what we’re made of, what we’re capable of, and who we may want to be. Making sense of it all, what it may mean, and how to best navigate choppy waters is where I can help. Having a clearer understanding of your identities, values, and beliefs is so influential to your experiences and journey as a human. If you have a desire to explore identity-related experiences and challenges, the current impact of past experiences, and have an openness to learn how to best manage the unknown of the future, you are human, and taking the right first step in seeking support.
I am passionate about working with the LGBTQ+ community, anxiety, depression, identity development, sexual issues, relationship troubles, family issues, substance use, and more.
Taking the first step into the world of therapy can feel daunting and overwhelming as it requires you to trust someone with your vulnerabilities and fears. This step also requires enormous strength. I strive to create a welcoming and supportive environment where I will work with you to achieve your goals and help create positive change in your life. While your situation may not feel hopeful now, we can work together to bring that hope back into your life.
I am passionate about working with the LGBTQ+ community, anxiety, depression, identity development, sexual issues, relationship troubles, family issues, substance use, and more.
Taking the first step into the world of therapy can feel daunting and overwhelming as it requires you to trust someone with your vulnerabilities and fears. This step also requires enormous strength. I strive to create a welcoming and supportive environment where I will work with you to achieve your goals and help create positive change in your life. While your situation may not feel hopeful now, we can work together to bring that hope back into your life.
I focus on relationships and individuals from the LGBT+ and BIPOC communities.
At the heart of it, I think therapy is a process fueled by curiosity. I believe that deepening your understanding of past experiences can contextualize what’s happening in your current situation, creating a path toward progress and healing. Curiosity and understanding can only go as far as our level of trust, which I try to earn from our first interaction. You can count on me to introduce some humor and occasional colorful language into our sessions. This is an opportunity to invest in your personal or relational growth. Therapy can be hard work, but I also look for the beautiful moments we can celebrate throughout the process.
I focus on relationships and individuals from the LGBT+ and BIPOC communities.
At the heart of it, I think therapy is a process fueled by curiosity. I believe that deepening your understanding of past experiences can contextualize what’s happening in your current situation, creating a path toward progress and healing. Curiosity and understanding can only go as far as our level of trust, which I try to earn from our first interaction. You can count on me to introduce some humor and occasional colorful language into our sessions. This is an opportunity to invest in your personal or relational growth. Therapy can be hard work, but I also look for the beautiful moments we can celebrate throughout the process.
Peter Hindley
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, ALMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60604
My focus is working with couples and individuals looking to improve the quality of their relationships. I am passionate about sex positivity and working to unlearn shame and embarrassment that may be ingrained from past experiences. I aim to facilitate open communication between couples to ensure both parties are getting their needs met. When working with individual clients, I can help guide you in advocating for what you need in your relationships with others. I am a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, and specialize in working with queer individuals and couples. I am kink, poly, and sex-worker affirming.
My focus is working with couples and individuals looking to improve the quality of their relationships. I am passionate about sex positivity and working to unlearn shame and embarrassment that may be ingrained from past experiences. I aim to facilitate open communication between couples to ensure both parties are getting their needs met. When working with individual clients, I can help guide you in advocating for what you need in your relationships with others. I am a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, and specialize in working with queer individuals and couples. I am kink, poly, and sex-worker affirming.
I identify as a cisgender, gay, White, disabled, Jewish man.
I work with many types of clients, but specialize in working with queer and trans people, couples, and other forms of relationships (triads, polycules, open, polygamous, etc.). I deal primarily with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, family conflict, grief and loss, transitions, stress management, trauma, sex-related issues and traumas, kink and BDSM, behavioral and substance addictions, and chronic pain and chronic illness. I tend to work with adults. I love working with clients that bring their whole self to therapy as I do too. I always encourage feedback to ensure the therapeutic process feels affirming and healing.
I identify as a cisgender, gay, White, disabled, Jewish man.
I work with many types of clients, but specialize in working with queer and trans people, couples, and other forms of relationships (triads, polycules, open, polygamous, etc.). I deal primarily with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, family conflict, grief and loss, transitions, stress management, trauma, sex-related issues and traumas, kink and BDSM, behavioral and substance addictions, and chronic pain and chronic illness. I tend to work with adults. I love working with clients that bring their whole self to therapy as I do too. I always encourage feedback to ensure the therapeutic process feels affirming and healing.
Dillon Dostal
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MS
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60657
I regularly treat individuals that are dealing with the following issues: LGBTQIA+ related concerns- The current climate can feel exhausting for our community, and I am here to help you navigate and process the stress of it all. From family interaction, couples' counseling, or just simply existing as a queer person in a heteronormative world, let's talk about it. Anxiety- Do you find yourself often ruminating on a difficult conversation with a loved one or struggling to "let things go?" Healthcare Professional Burnout- It's important to make sure we as providers are taking care of ourselves as we navigate tough career fields.
I regularly treat individuals that are dealing with the following issues: LGBTQIA+ related concerns- The current climate can feel exhausting for our community, and I am here to help you navigate and process the stress of it all. From family interaction, couples' counseling, or just simply existing as a queer person in a heteronormative world, let's talk about it. Anxiety- Do you find yourself often ruminating on a difficult conversation with a loved one or struggling to "let things go?" Healthcare Professional Burnout- It's important to make sure we as providers are taking care of ourselves as we navigate tough career fields.
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Sex Therapist + Couples Therapist Seth Taylor
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, ALMFT
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60613
I am a relationship and sex therapist, and I believe that living authentically for self and community brings healing and joy. Such authenticity requires an exploration of sexual needs amidst robust boundary-making. I am a part of and love to work with folx in the LGBTQIA+ community. My clinical interests include out-of-control sexual behavior, men's sexual health, and exploring the intersection of religion, spirituality, and sex. I also have a growing specialization in working with kink, BDSM, polyamory, and consensual non-monogamy.
I am a relationship and sex therapist, and I believe that living authentically for self and community brings healing and joy. Such authenticity requires an exploration of sexual needs amidst robust boundary-making. I am a part of and love to work with folx in the LGBTQIA+ community. My clinical interests include out-of-control sexual behavior, men's sexual health, and exploring the intersection of religion, spirituality, and sex. I also have a growing specialization in working with kink, BDSM, polyamory, and consensual non-monogamy.
Connor McInerney
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60604
As a queer therapist, I have a unique perspective on what it is like to be different from what society dictates.
Do you struggle with your inner critic? Have you felt lonely or rejected? Maybe you've tried to avoid anxiety, depression, or traumatic memories, seeking a way out of a rollercoaster of emotions. Have you experienced difficulty with life transitions; career/school stress; relationship issues including polyamory and non-monogamy; bigotry; grief; sexual assault/abuse; self-harm, or suicidal thoughts? Are you somewhere on the LGBTQ+ spectrum and feel like no one in your life understands you? If you answered yes to any of these issues, when was the last time you had a space to talk that was just for you?
As a queer therapist, I have a unique perspective on what it is like to be different from what society dictates.
Do you struggle with your inner critic? Have you felt lonely or rejected? Maybe you've tried to avoid anxiety, depression, or traumatic memories, seeking a way out of a rollercoaster of emotions. Have you experienced difficulty with life transitions; career/school stress; relationship issues including polyamory and non-monogamy; bigotry; grief; sexual assault/abuse; self-harm, or suicidal thoughts? Are you somewhere on the LGBTQ+ spectrum and feel like no one in your life understands you? If you answered yes to any of these issues, when was the last time you had a space to talk that was just for you?
Aaron D Schwartz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, LCSW, CADC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60613
I have experience helping people deal with: addictions, depression, anxiety, trauma and concerns specific to the LGBTQIA community.
These are unprecedented times that we are living in, and there continues to be so much of the unknown out there and we all need help from others, especially now. So many people have been in isolation, and I feel that connection is vital to healing. I believe the ideal healing environment is one where you feel safe, respected, supported and valued. I work very hard to create this kind of space, especially as we are first getting to know each other. We all need to be heard and feel like someone understands what we are going through. I strive to offer this kind of understanding.
I have experience helping people deal with: addictions, depression, anxiety, trauma and concerns specific to the LGBTQIA community.
These are unprecedented times that we are living in, and there continues to be so much of the unknown out there and we all need help from others, especially now. So many people have been in isolation, and I feel that connection is vital to healing. I believe the ideal healing environment is one where you feel safe, respected, supported and valued. I work very hard to create this kind of space, especially as we are first getting to know each other. We all need to be heard and feel like someone understands what we are going through. I strive to offer this kind of understanding.
As a queer therapist, I believe we all have the power to harness our strengths and find the path that gives us the most meaning and purpose.
Are you LGBTQIA+ and struggling with a difficult time in life? Does anxiety and depression challenge you daily? If you want someone to collaboratively work with, i'm your person. Lets dig in and find how to best support your desired change with developing coping skills for the present and mending the past for a better future. Sometimes finding support can be a critical part of healing or becoming who you want to be. I want to connect with you to find your strengths to navigate through this time in your life and live as the authentic person you want to be.
As a queer therapist, I believe we all have the power to harness our strengths and find the path that gives us the most meaning and purpose.
Are you LGBTQIA+ and struggling with a difficult time in life? Does anxiety and depression challenge you daily? If you want someone to collaboratively work with, i'm your person. Lets dig in and find how to best support your desired change with developing coping skills for the present and mending the past for a better future. Sometimes finding support can be a critical part of healing or becoming who you want to be. I want to connect with you to find your strengths to navigate through this time in your life and live as the authentic person you want to be.
I love working with adults from all walks of life and am particularly passionate about working with LGBTQIA+ individuals or couples.
Do you feel like you’re hitting roadblocks that leave you stuck, disconnected, or out of sync with your most authentic self? I want to help you achieve the authenticity and connection you deserve. My goal is creating an affirming space where we can work together to not only identify barriers but push past them to realize your potential. Progress is not always linear, but healing and constructive change are possible. Therapy can be challenging and sometimes intense, but I hope you walk away from each session feeling hopeful and truly seen.
I love working with adults from all walks of life and am particularly passionate about working with LGBTQIA+ individuals or couples.
Do you feel like you’re hitting roadblocks that leave you stuck, disconnected, or out of sync with your most authentic self? I want to help you achieve the authenticity and connection you deserve. My goal is creating an affirming space where we can work together to not only identify barriers but push past them to realize your potential. Progress is not always linear, but healing and constructive change are possible. Therapy can be challenging and sometimes intense, but I hope you walk away from each session feeling hopeful and truly seen.
I have experience working with adults of all ages, especially queer and trans clients, and my approach is sex-positive and inclusive of those who are monogamous and non-monogamous.
My work with you is guided by respect, care, and authenticity. I aim to provide a supportive space where you can speak openly and explore what is important to you. Whether you are coming to therapy with a specific goal or with uncertainty about what is possible, we can come together to better understand what it is you want and need – and then move forward from that place.
I have experience working with adults of all ages, especially queer and trans clients, and my approach is sex-positive and inclusive of those who are monogamous and non-monogamous.
My work with you is guided by respect, care, and authenticity. I aim to provide a supportive space where you can speak openly and explore what is important to you. Whether you are coming to therapy with a specific goal or with uncertainty about what is possible, we can come together to better understand what it is you want and need – and then move forward from that place.
I work primarily with QT/BIPOC folks navigating concerns around past trauma, (acute and complex), their racial identity and how it intersects with other identities, their relationship with their bodies, and connection to their community. In particular I work with biracial/multi-racial folks navigating their racial identity development. I work with folks who have eating disorder and body image concerns and use a HAES approach. I work with trans/non-binary folks around embodiment, and their relationships with their bodies, food, and body image.
I work primarily with QT/BIPOC folks navigating concerns around past trauma, (acute and complex), their racial identity and how it intersects with other identities, their relationship with their bodies, and connection to their community. In particular I work with biracial/multi-racial folks navigating their racial identity development. I work with folks who have eating disorder and body image concerns and use a HAES approach. I work with trans/non-binary folks around embodiment, and their relationships with their bodies, food, and body image.
Sara Groth
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60601
I have experience working with individual adults and partnerships in areas such as anxiety, depression, sex & intimate wellness, relationship conflict, sexual assault, life transitions, and self esteem. One of my primary areas of expertise is working with members of the LGBTQ+ community in areas of positive sexual and/ or gender identity, coming out, transitioning, and sexual health. However, I work with people of all identities and backgrounds. I foster a therapeutic space that is identity-affirming, sex-positive, and polyamorous- and kink-affirming.
I have experience working with individual adults and partnerships in areas such as anxiety, depression, sex & intimate wellness, relationship conflict, sexual assault, life transitions, and self esteem. One of my primary areas of expertise is working with members of the LGBTQ+ community in areas of positive sexual and/ or gender identity, coming out, transitioning, and sexual health. However, I work with people of all identities and backgrounds. I foster a therapeutic space that is identity-affirming, sex-positive, and polyamorous- and kink-affirming.
Drake Schoeppl
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CCATP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60657 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Sometimes life becomes unmanageable on our own and we have to reach out for help. I am here to help normalize therapy and the discomfort that comes along with it. I am trained in EMDR, a modality used to help process traumatic memories and the cognitions associated with them. I specialize in working with individuals suffering from chronic anxiety, depression, complex trauma, emotional dysregulation, identity issues, addiction, LGBTQ+ issues, and everyday life stressors that can be difficult to manage.
Sometimes life becomes unmanageable on our own and we have to reach out for help. I am here to help normalize therapy and the discomfort that comes along with it. I am trained in EMDR, a modality used to help process traumatic memories and the cognitions associated with them. I specialize in working with individuals suffering from chronic anxiety, depression, complex trauma, emotional dysregulation, identity issues, addiction, LGBTQ+ issues, and everyday life stressors that can be difficult to manage.
See more therapy options for Chicago
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.