LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Ottawa, IL
I am culturally responsive, LGBTQIA+ affirming, and will use your strengths to help you in your healing journey.
I enjoy working with clients who are motivated for change. Do you struggle with low self esteem, depression, anxiety, LGBTQ+ issues, life changes/transitions, racism based trauma, difficulty setting boundaries or relationship stress? I seek to provide a space for growth and healing where you can safely share vulnerable parts of your life.
I am culturally responsive, LGBTQIA+ affirming, and will use your strengths to help you in your healing journey.
I enjoy working with clients who are motivated for change. Do you struggle with low self esteem, depression, anxiety, LGBTQ+ issues, life changes/transitions, racism based trauma, difficulty setting boundaries or relationship stress? I seek to provide a space for growth and healing where you can safely share vulnerable parts of your life.
Are you feeling “stuck,” unheard, and looking for someone who understands? Does your family not look like everyone else’s? If you answered yes to any of these questions, I am here to help. As a married gay man with six adopted children, I know that all families don’t look alike. I work with adults, children, families, and couples (marital and premarital) and those who struggle with parenting, foster parenting, bio-parent reunification, foster care trauma, anxiety, depression, trauma, OCD, marriage, and LGBTQ issues.
Are you feeling “stuck,” unheard, and looking for someone who understands? Does your family not look like everyone else’s? If you answered yes to any of these questions, I am here to help. As a married gay man with six adopted children, I know that all families don’t look alike. I work with adults, children, families, and couples (marital and premarital) and those who struggle with parenting, foster parenting, bio-parent reunification, foster care trauma, anxiety, depression, trauma, OCD, marriage, and LGBTQ issues.
Dana Taylor
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ottawa, IL 61350 (Online Only)
You don’t have to go through this alone. I'm Dana Taylor, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Illinois, and I am here to help. My experience practicing in outpatient community mental health spans across diverse populations and ages in both group and individual therapy settings. Together, we will help you to find your voice and your power so that you can get "unstuck".
You don’t have to go through this alone. I'm Dana Taylor, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Illinois, and I am here to help. My experience practicing in outpatient community mental health spans across diverse populations and ages in both group and individual therapy settings. Together, we will help you to find your voice and your power so that you can get "unstuck".
Are you struggling with depression, anxiety, anger, or having marital problems? Change is Possible. Depression and anxiety are treatable. Your quality of life can improve. You are not alone.
Are you struggling with depression, anxiety, anger, or having marital problems? Change is Possible. Depression and anxiety are treatable. Your quality of life can improve. You are not alone.
Did you know that over a quarter of Americans seek professional counseling? If you are here, chances are you are suffering from anxiety, depression, loss, struggling with your relationships, or adjusting to life in general, and you are not alone! Seeking help in the form of therapy is the first step toward relief, happiness, and change. My name is Ashley Holcman and I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, and I am here to help. My goal is to create a warm, comfortable, safe environment that will allow you to feel completely at ease to discuss what is troubling you.
Did you know that over a quarter of Americans seek professional counseling? If you are here, chances are you are suffering from anxiety, depression, loss, struggling with your relationships, or adjusting to life in general, and you are not alone! Seeking help in the form of therapy is the first step toward relief, happiness, and change. My name is Ashley Holcman and I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, and I am here to help. My goal is to create a warm, comfortable, safe environment that will allow you to feel completely at ease to discuss what is troubling you.
Hello! My name is Raeann and I am the owner of Elevated Life Therapy, PLLC! Life is not always fair or easy. Sometimes we find ourselves living aimlessly, feeling burnt out, depressed, anxious or stuck in an unhelpful situation. At times, life can be exhausting. Do you feel overworked, tired, uninspired and depressed? Do you find yourself wishing life were different, but you do not know how to make the necessary changes? I see many clients from different walks of life. All ages and presenting issues are welcome.
Hello! My name is Raeann and I am the owner of Elevated Life Therapy, PLLC! Life is not always fair or easy. Sometimes we find ourselves living aimlessly, feeling burnt out, depressed, anxious or stuck in an unhelpful situation. At times, life can be exhausting. Do you feel overworked, tired, uninspired and depressed? Do you find yourself wishing life were different, but you do not know how to make the necessary changes? I see many clients from different walks of life. All ages and presenting issues are welcome.
It’s no secret that life comes with struggles – or that those struggles can impact every part of a person’s life. No matter the age, gender, race, or overall walk of life, those struggles can interfere with one's mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing. The good news is that counseling can help with everything from childhood trauma to day-day life. With that in mind, Crossroads Counseling Services opened its doors in April 2007 with the mission of helping residents of Plainfield, Ottawa, Morris, and Yorkville, IL deal with and overcome these issues and trauma.
It’s no secret that life comes with struggles – or that those struggles can impact every part of a person’s life. No matter the age, gender, race, or overall walk of life, those struggles can interfere with one's mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing. The good news is that counseling can help with everything from childhood trauma to day-day life. With that in mind, Crossroads Counseling Services opened its doors in April 2007 with the mission of helping residents of Plainfield, Ottawa, Morris, and Yorkville, IL deal with and overcome these issues and trauma.
I work with adults and teens! Do you or your teen feel overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed? Are you trying to push through each day only to feel like you're exhausted and not moving in the right direction? I want you to know, I'm here to help! Finding someone that's a good fit and asking for help is the first step in your journey to feeling better. It’s my belief, everyone should have a place where they feel safe and supported while processing their life stressors. Whether it be anxiety, depression, grief and loss, trauma, life transitions, or relationships difficulties.
I work with adults and teens! Do you or your teen feel overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed? Are you trying to push through each day only to feel like you're exhausted and not moving in the right direction? I want you to know, I'm here to help! Finding someone that's a good fit and asking for help is the first step in your journey to feeling better. It’s my belief, everyone should have a place where they feel safe and supported while processing their life stressors. Whether it be anxiety, depression, grief and loss, trauma, life transitions, or relationships difficulties.
Online Therapists
My personal identities, including being a man, Latino, brother, confidant, advisor, gay, companion, husband, cousin, friend, nephew, and son, are integral to my understanding of my future clients and their struggles.
I enjoy working with children ages eight and older, adolescents, young adults, and adults. Reaching goals can be challenging, and tapping into a client's resilience is essential to my therapeutic process. I am a dedicated, empathetic clinician with a mission to implement care with dignity and respect and to be relatable with clients. Passionate, fostering interpersonal connections with clients, meeting them where they are, and promoting strength-based and evidence-based approaches with trust.
My personal identities, including being a man, Latino, brother, confidant, advisor, gay, companion, husband, cousin, friend, nephew, and son, are integral to my understanding of my future clients and their struggles.
I enjoy working with children ages eight and older, adolescents, young adults, and adults. Reaching goals can be challenging, and tapping into a client's resilience is essential to my therapeutic process. I am a dedicated, empathetic clinician with a mission to implement care with dignity and respect and to be relatable with clients. Passionate, fostering interpersonal connections with clients, meeting them where they are, and promoting strength-based and evidence-based approaches with trust.
Javon Garcia
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60640 (Online Only)
My clinical background is centered around providing a nurturing, nonjudgmental, and affirming space for clients from all walks of life. With extensive experience in group and individual therapy, I specialize in supporting individuals grappling with LGBTQ identity, racial identity, trauma, anxiety, depression, intimate partner violence, eating disorders, attachment issues, self-esteem, life transitions, stress, and relationships. I am deeply committed to establishing a therapeutic haven for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ individuals, where they can freely express their authentic selves.
My clinical background is centered around providing a nurturing, nonjudgmental, and affirming space for clients from all walks of life. With extensive experience in group and individual therapy, I specialize in supporting individuals grappling with LGBTQ identity, racial identity, trauma, anxiety, depression, intimate partner violence, eating disorders, attachment issues, self-esteem, life transitions, stress, and relationships. I am deeply committed to establishing a therapeutic haven for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ individuals, where they can freely express their authentic selves.
Jose De Jesus Iniguez
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, PhD, LCSW, LCPC, NCC, CADC
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60623
I support working with the Undocumented/Immigrant and LGBTQ+ communities.
Hello/Hola! I am a bilingual/bicultural (Spanish/English) Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC). I am also a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC), National Certified Counselor (NCC), Certified Grief Informed Professional (CGIP), and Board Certified – Telemental Health Provider (BC-TMH). I completed my Master of Science in Education with an emphasis in Counseling from Northern Illinois University (DeKalb), a Ph.D. in Community Psychology from National-Louis University, and a Master of Social Work (clinical) from the University of Illinois at Chicago.
I support working with the Undocumented/Immigrant and LGBTQ+ communities.
Hello/Hola! I am a bilingual/bicultural (Spanish/English) Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC). I am also a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC), National Certified Counselor (NCC), Certified Grief Informed Professional (CGIP), and Board Certified – Telemental Health Provider (BC-TMH). I completed my Master of Science in Education with an emphasis in Counseling from Northern Illinois University (DeKalb), a Ph.D. in Community Psychology from National-Louis University, and a Master of Social Work (clinical) from the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Hello! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and have worked in the mental health field since 2015 in both community mental health and private practice settings. I have experience working with individuals (children, adolescents and adults), couples and families processing a myriad of concerns. Being black, Puerto Rican and a part of the LGBTQ community, I recognize the importance culture and background plays in life and in a therapeutic setting. I use client-centered, trauma-informed and evidence-based approaches to help clients move towards greater wellbeing and understanding of oneself and the world around them.
Hello! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and have worked in the mental health field since 2015 in both community mental health and private practice settings. I have experience working with individuals (children, adolescents and adults), couples and families processing a myriad of concerns. Being black, Puerto Rican and a part of the LGBTQ community, I recognize the importance culture and background plays in life and in a therapeutic setting. I use client-centered, trauma-informed and evidence-based approaches to help clients move towards greater wellbeing and understanding of oneself and the world around them.
Dr. Pablo Pagan-Rivera
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60647 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I have extensive experience working with the unique challenges and issues that impact individuals from diverse marginalized populations, including immigrants, veterans, and members of the LGBTQ+ and Latinx communities.
Hello and welcome! I’m Dr. Pablo Pagan-Rivera, a bilingual (English/Spanish) clinical psychologist and founder of Reconnect Psychotherapy. My goal is to provide culturally competent and affirming mental health services, especially for the LGBTQI+ and Latinx/Hispanic communities in the state of IL. As a millennial, I bring a contemporary and empathetic approach to our work together. I want to help you reconnect with your authentic self and navigate life’s challenges with resilience and confidence. Through bilingual and virtual services, I want to ensure that you receive accessible care that's tailored specifically to your needs.
I have extensive experience working with the unique challenges and issues that impact individuals from diverse marginalized populations, including immigrants, veterans, and members of the LGBTQ+ and Latinx communities.
Hello and welcome! I’m Dr. Pablo Pagan-Rivera, a bilingual (English/Spanish) clinical psychologist and founder of Reconnect Psychotherapy. My goal is to provide culturally competent and affirming mental health services, especially for the LGBTQI+ and Latinx/Hispanic communities in the state of IL. As a millennial, I bring a contemporary and empathetic approach to our work together. I want to help you reconnect with your authentic self and navigate life’s challenges with resilience and confidence. Through bilingual and virtual services, I want to ensure that you receive accessible care that's tailored specifically to your needs.
David Triche
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60602 (Online Only)
As a Black gay male therapist, I bring a deeply personal understanding of the isolation and challenges faced by individuals with marginalized identities. My own journey and experience with clients have given me deep insights into the struggle of feeling voiceless and the impact of being misunderstood, and feeling unheard, which fuels my commitment to creating a therapeutic space where you are truly seen and valued. I have a passion in working with BIPOC and LGBTQ+ clients, I specialize in high conflict couples, trauma, grief, socio-cultural issues, identity development, and managing life transitions.
As a Black gay male therapist, I bring a deeply personal understanding of the isolation and challenges faced by individuals with marginalized identities. My own journey and experience with clients have given me deep insights into the struggle of feeling voiceless and the impact of being misunderstood, and feeling unheard, which fuels my commitment to creating a therapeutic space where you are truly seen and valued. I have a passion in working with BIPOC and LGBTQ+ clients, I specialize in high conflict couples, trauma, grief, socio-cultural issues, identity development, and managing life transitions.
I also specialize in supporting LGBTQ+ clients and immigrants.
Hello! I’m Yi, a bilingual LPC therapist in Chicago. We all face challenges that can leave us feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or stuck. During these times, it’s easy to feel like everything is slipping out of control. You don’t have to go through it alone—I’m here to help you navigate those feelings and find your way forward. Together, we’ll explore your strengths and uncover the resources within you to manage life’s ups and downs. My approach is warm, supportive, and down-to-earth. I strive to create a safe and non-judgmental space where you can be yourself, grow, and build the the confidence and resilience you need to thrive.
I also specialize in supporting LGBTQ+ clients and immigrants.
Hello! I’m Yi, a bilingual LPC therapist in Chicago. We all face challenges that can leave us feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or stuck. During these times, it’s easy to feel like everything is slipping out of control. You don’t have to go through it alone—I’m here to help you navigate those feelings and find your way forward. Together, we’ll explore your strengths and uncover the resources within you to manage life’s ups and downs. My approach is warm, supportive, and down-to-earth. I strive to create a safe and non-judgmental space where you can be yourself, grow, and build the the confidence and resilience you need to thrive.
As a queer and fat therapist, I use modalities such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) to empower my clients to embrace all parts of their identity.
My clinical emphasis is in working with LGBTQIA+ and gender nonconforming individuals, as well as couples and non-traditional relationship styles. As an advocate for fat liberation, I believe in encouraging clients to love their bodies and take up space unapologetically. I am also sex-positive, kink-friendly, and affirming of polyamorous relationships. Whether it’s understanding one’s gender and sexual identity or seeking a fulfilling career path, I love helping clients identify and prioritize their values in order to align their life with what brings them joy.
As a queer and fat therapist, I use modalities such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) to empower my clients to embrace all parts of their identity.
My clinical emphasis is in working with LGBTQIA+ and gender nonconforming individuals, as well as couples and non-traditional relationship styles. As an advocate for fat liberation, I believe in encouraging clients to love their bodies and take up space unapologetically. I am also sex-positive, kink-friendly, and affirming of polyamorous relationships. Whether it’s understanding one’s gender and sexual identity or seeking a fulfilling career path, I love helping clients identify and prioritize their values in order to align their life with what brings them joy.
Jenaleigh (Jt) Turner
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Warrenville, IL 60555 (Online Only)
As a queer person, I believe it is critical for you to feel safe and to be able to show up as your whole self and feel fully seen, affirmed, and celebrated.
You deserve to feel seen. Many of the people I have worked with have experienced pain or the weight of high expectations from themselves and others around them. Witnessing others experience the transformative power of their authentic selves and overcome challenges has been a privilege. I practice from a lens of radical empathy: I am honored to hold space for you as you work through things that feel heavy, cheer you on when it begins to feel easy again - and walk with you for all the moments in between.
As a queer person, I believe it is critical for you to feel safe and to be able to show up as your whole self and feel fully seen, affirmed, and celebrated.
You deserve to feel seen. Many of the people I have worked with have experienced pain or the weight of high expectations from themselves and others around them. Witnessing others experience the transformative power of their authentic selves and overcome challenges has been a privilege. I practice from a lens of radical empathy: I am honored to hold space for you as you work through things that feel heavy, cheer you on when it begins to feel easy again - and walk with you for all the moments in between.
Dr. Ryan Liberati
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, RPT-S, M-RAS, LCPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Peoria, IL 61614
I specialize in LGBTQ, Men's issues, and Play therapy.
Thank you for your interest. My ideal client is motivated for change and open to exploring more about themselves. I use a more direct style of counseling that heavily incorporates aspects of choice theory, reality therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy to help my adult clients make real changes in their lives. For children, I utilize evidence-based directive and non-directive play therapy approaches, depending upon the child's unique psychosocial needs.
I specialize in LGBTQ, Men's issues, and Play therapy.
Thank you for your interest. My ideal client is motivated for change and open to exploring more about themselves. I use a more direct style of counseling that heavily incorporates aspects of choice theory, reality therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy to help my adult clients make real changes in their lives. For children, I utilize evidence-based directive and non-directive play therapy approaches, depending upon the child's unique psychosocial needs.
Mirsadies Raber-Dunning
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60642
Waitlist for new clients
As a queer, intersectional therapist, I specialize in helping clients navigate sexual and intimacy concerns, relational conflicts, societal pressures, identity development, and life transitions. I offer a hands-on, expressive, and explorative approach for individuals and couples, focusing on communication, connection, and self-discovery. Whether you're part of the LGBTQIA+ or kink community or facing unique relationship dynamics, my goal is to provide a safe space where you can feel both challenged and validated.
As a queer, intersectional therapist, I specialize in helping clients navigate sexual and intimacy concerns, relational conflicts, societal pressures, identity development, and life transitions. I offer a hands-on, expressive, and explorative approach for individuals and couples, focusing on communication, connection, and self-discovery. Whether you're part of the LGBTQIA+ or kink community or facing unique relationship dynamics, my goal is to provide a safe space where you can feel both challenged and validated.
Col Jones has experience working with adolescents (13-17), adults (18+), and older adults (50+) with a wide variety of mental health concerns, but specializes in LGBTQIA issues, life transitions, religious trauma, older adulthood, and prenatal, pregnancy, and postpartum wellness. While their clinical work is guided by a person-centered, psychodynamic approach, their application of evidence-based practices is entirely based on each client and their presenting concerns, clinical needs, and treatment goals.
Col Jones has experience working with adolescents (13-17), adults (18+), and older adults (50+) with a wide variety of mental health concerns, but specializes in LGBTQIA issues, life transitions, religious trauma, older adulthood, and prenatal, pregnancy, and postpartum wellness. While their clinical work is guided by a person-centered, psychodynamic approach, their application of evidence-based practices is entirely based on each client and their presenting concerns, clinical needs, and treatment goals.
See more therapy options for Ottawa
Nearby LGBTQ+ Therapists Searches for Ottawa
- Channahon
- Cortland
- Crest Hill
- Dekalb
- Minooka
- Montgomery
- Morris
- Oswego
- Plainfield
- Shorewood
- Sugar Grove
- Yorkville
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.