LGBTQ+ Therapists in Loop, Chicago, IL
See all therapists in Loop, Chicago
Ethan York
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified
7 Endorsed
Verified
7 Endorsed
Are you a person of faith who also identifies as
LGBTQ
+? Are you looking for a trauma therapist who's passionate about working with teens and young adults who have experienced trauma? My life's work is focused on teens and young adults who are exploring their faith and sexual identity and who are recovering from past trauma. Common symptoms are anxiety, depression, and PTSD. My goal is always to walk with my clients to find freedom, fulfillment, and an integrated identity. I love getting to know my clients - being entrusted with your story is an honor to me.
Bea Gatchell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, AM, LCSW, LICSW
Verified
Verified
My areas of specialization are working with individuals/couples/relationships who are in the
LGBTQ
+ community who have experienced violence, such as sexual violence, childhood sexual abuse, domestic violence, intimate partner violence, family system-based violence, spiritual abuse, and community-based violence. I work with many different relationship structures from cisgender heterosexual monogamous couples and folx with more expansive relationship structures. My areas of specialization in working with relationship clients are high-conflict relationships, sexual dysfunction/dysregulation, infidelity, trust, safety, and stability.
Waitlist for new clients
Alex Edwards
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
I am
queer
, sex-positive, fat-positive, and trauma-informed.
As a relational therapist, I focus on supporting and witnessing clients in finding healing, connection, and conflict resolution and repair to ultimately build a life and relationships that honor their values and imagination. Therapy is an opportunity for liberation from dominant social narratives that don’t work for us as individuals or in our relationships, and I recognize the intergenerational and ongoing trauma of struggling against those dominant narratives. All relationships can benefit from this lens – whether they're romantic, platonic, brand new, long-term, with others, or with parts of yourself.
Sara Groth
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I have experience working with adults in areas such as anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, identity, 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 relationship concerns. 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-friendly. I am currently open to working with teenagers, adults, and couples.
E Ardron
Marriage & Family Therapist, MMFT, LMFT
Verified
3 Endorsed
Verified
3 Endorsed
I am committed to creating an affirming, non-judgemental environment for
LGBTQ
+ folx to feel empowered and supported.
You are resilient, capable, and unwilling to settle for the status quo. Your reluctance to fit the mold may complicate things, but it’s worth it. However, sometimes, the space between who we are and who we want to be can feel vast, and life can overwhelm our capacity to cope - in those moments, it takes bravery to reach out for support. Together we will celebrate your uniqueness, investigate the barriers to your progress, increase feelings of self-worth and efficacy and expand upon your existing strengths to cultivate an authentic future full of possibilities.
Crystal Thomas
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
I am also fundamentally a
Queer
therapist, and I believe that any problem can be understood by analyzing power dynamics and differentials, whether in an individual person, a family, a community, or a society.
As we grow and develop as humans, we often find ourselves confronted by issues from the past – issues we may have thought long-resolved. These issues can manifest in our relationship dynamics, our perceptions about ourselves, and our means of coping with our environment. My role is to join you in confronting these things so that you can integrate and learn the lessons these past experiences are meant to teach you. In our work together, you are the expert. You decide what your experiences mean and how they impact the person you are.
Steff Du Bois
Psychologist, PhD, LCP
Verified
Verified
I identify as a gender-nonconforming
queer
male. My work with all clients is informed by frameworks like antiracism, social justice, feminism, and anti-imperialism. I bring authenticity and genuine empathy to each client, pairing these with effective and approachable therapeutic interventions that research says work. I can help with micro-level goals like improving mood and reducing anxiety, on macro-level goals like recovering from trauma and coping with systemic oppression, and on relational goals like building intimacy. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are my personal and professional values. I believe that Black Lives Matter.
Waitlist for new clients
Justin Sato
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, MBA, CADC
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Populations of focus are
LGBTQ
+, immigrant/first generation, (interracial) couples, & non-monogamous relationships.
All of us yearn for a sense of belonging, and it is human to feel lonely due to issues we may be facing in life. Feeling alone can have a detrimental impact not only to our mental/emotional health, but also physical health. I'm here to support you in your mental health journey and working towards a better quality of life. I strive for social justice and am attuned to the impacts and influences of society and culture. I approach therapy from a trauma-informed and harm reduction lens, meaning I’m sensitive to the past experiences that have shaped you into who you are today while working in a collaborative approach.
Andrae Laws
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
My therapeutic approach is shaped by three beliefs: (1) regardless of your past and current situation, you are worthy of love and respect, (2) you have inherent strengths, and (3) systemic oppression plays a role in way we think, feel, and behave; therefore, in therapy, it is important to consider the relationship among systemic oppression, mental health and the multiple identities we hold. As a Black and
queer
person, I believe showing up as your authentic self is brave and healthy. Together, we will create a safe and non-judgmental space as we work through your goals.
Connor McInerney
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
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 rejection and loneliness? Maybe you've tried to avoid anxiety, depression, or traumatic memories, seeking some way out of a rollercoaster of emotions. Have you experienced difficulty with life transitions; career/school stress; relationship conflicts; bigotry/hate; loss of a loved one; addiction; sex/drug linked behavior; 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?
Paul Fressola
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CADC
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
My areas of expertise include depression, anxiety, substance use and abuse, grief and loss,
LGBT
, mid-life issues, health issues including HIV/AIDS, creation of meaning and purpose.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), and a Certified Addictions Counselor
(CADC).
I see therapy as a collaborative process of growth and change. My approach is flexible, warm and empathic. I have over 10 years of experience with individuals, couples and groups and utilize psychodynamics, CBT, Motivational Interviewing,
family systems, relational, and relapse prevention strategies.
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Julleon Garrison
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Verified
Verified
I am allied with and passionate about serving the needs of the
LGBTQIA
+ community and other marginalized groups including immigrant populations.
My ideal client comes from many walks of life. They are children, teenagers, and adults and present with anxiety, depression, adjustment disorders, borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder, relationship and family problems, Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), school problems, and oppositional-defiant disorder. They all share a common need to be heard, empowered, and guided on the path of recovery. I provide evidence-based treatments tailored to the needs of my clients. I focus on strengths and capabilities rather than "illness."
Robert Stoner
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), I work with adults, either individually or as couples. I use an interactive approach, grounded in Gestalt Therapy with a focus on the mind/body connection. I specialize in grief and loss and navigating life’s major transitions, in recovery from past trauma, and
gay
/
lesbian
issues.
Kristin Reitz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
I have expertise in working with the
LGBTQ
+ community and those with substance use concerns.
Are you realizing that you want things in your life to change but you're not sure how to make that happen? Maybe life has become difficult to manage. Perhaps worries or fears have become louder or harder to navigate on your own. Maybe substance use is having a negative impact. You deserve support and care as you navigate these challenges. Therapy can be a way to prioritize yourself, to interrupt old patterns that are no longer working for you, and to move towards the life that you want. I offer a caring, non-judgmental, and collaborative approach as you explore these topics.
Barry Shaeffer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
4 Endorsed
Verified
4 Endorsed
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!
Dondee Gujilde
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified
Verified
IntraSpectrum Counseling is Chicago’s leading therapy practice dedicated to supporting the
LGBTQ
+ community with in person & online sessions.
I believe in absolute collaboration with the clients who I work with. I tend to assist them by guiding each individual in a supportive manner. I approach clients gently to assist them in their journey to positive interpersonal growth, development, and healing. I tend to use a person-centered approach and I never shy away from using other modalities within sessions. I believe that every client can benefit from an integrative approach tailored to their own needs. Together we explore challenges while identifying existing strengths to help you live a more authentic and meaningful life.
Eric Mascara
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
I work with adults facing diverse obstacles, including anxiety, depression, grief, living with HIV/AIDS, life transitions, interpersonal conflicts, men's mental health and navigating sexuality and gender identity. My experience has been primarily with male-identified clients of all sexual orientations. I am knowledgeable and affirming around
LGBTQIA
+ identities and relationships. Through a psychodynamic approach, I will support you on your journey of understanding the root causes of your challenges while identifying solutions to take concrete steps toward life changes.
Seth Taylor
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MFT
Verified
Verified
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.
Jared Day
Counselor, MA, LCPC, CADC
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
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.
Not accepting new clients
WaterYourFire Wellness Collective- Dr. Winley K.
Psychologist, PsyD, LP, HSP-P
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
WaterYourFire Wellness Collective specializes in working with Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC),
LGBTQ
-GNC+ individuals, and folks navigating trauma related to ethno-racial identity, class, sexuality, gender identity and expression, and sexual violence.
The decision to pursue counseling can be a tough but courageous step. People choose to seek out therapy for a variety of reasons, whether it is to explore and better understand parts of self or to address specific areas of concerns. WaterYourFire Wellness Collective works with individuals from a variety of backgrounds and presenting concerns. WYFWC currently operates via Telehealth Therapy (online). WYFWC also provides services in any PsyPact state- see participating states here: https://psypact.site-ym.com/page/psypactmap)
See more therapy options for ,
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.