LGBTQ+ Issues therapists in Marion, IL
Browse LGBTQ+ Issues therapists in Marion, Illinois. Compare credentials, specialties and therapeutic approach. Contact a therapist to learn more.
LGBTQ+
Merrisa Dawn Santos
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC, CCTMHP, CCTP
As an ally supporting those with LGBT+ issues, I provide a safe and affirming space for individuals to explore their identities and experiences. Through active listening, empathy, and respect, I validate their feelings and help them navigate challenges they may face, such as discrimination, coming out, or self-acceptance. I offer education and resources on LGBT+ issues, including terminology, rights, and community support networks. Additionally, I advocate for equality and inclusion in all areas of life, challenging discrimination and promoting acceptance and understanding. My goal is to empower LGBT+ individuals to embrace their authentic selves, feel supported, and thrive in a society that values diversity and equality.
5 Years Experience
Online in Marion, IL (Online Only)
LGBTQ+
Donald Glenn
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
As a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, I consider it an honor and privilege to provide culturally-sensitive therapy services to my community. Outside of my own identity, I did additional training and research on LGBTQ+ mental health issues during my graduate training at Northwestern. While I see clients of any identity or orientation, I enjoy providing specialty services to this population. I also enjoy doing couples and relationship therapy within this community.
2 Years Experience
Online in Marion, IL
LGBTQ+
Gemstone Wellness, Inc.
Psychologist, PsyD, LCPC, LCSW, LPC
At Gemstone Wellness, LGBTQIA2S+ therapy is not framed as helping you “figure yourself out” in isolation—it is about understanding your identity in the full context of your life, your relationships, and the systems you’ve had to navigate. We recognize that exploring sexual orientation and gender identity can be expansive and liberating, while also complex, disorienting, and at times deeply painful. Therapy creates space for all of that to exist at once, without pressure to define, label, or resolve it prematurely.
Our practice is queer-led, and many of our therapists share lived experience within LGBTQIA2S+ communities. All clinicians are deeply trained in affirming care, meaning you won’t need to educate your therapist, defend your identity, or filter your experience to be understood. If working with a queer therapist is important to you, we prioritize that in our matching process, because we believe safety and resonance are foundational to meaningful work.
We approach this work through a trauma-informed, culturally aware lens. Living outside of dominant norms often comes with chronic stress—navigating visibility, safety, family systems, religion, and broader societal messaging that can invalidate or pathologize difference. Over time, this can lead to anxiety, shame, disconnection, or a sense of fragmentation. Therapy helps contextualize these experiences so they are no longer carried as personal failures, but understood as adaptive responses to real environments.
Our work often includes exploring the intersection of identity with relationships, intimacy, and community. This may involve navigating coming out, questioning or evolving identity, processing internalized stigma, or building relationships that feel aligned and authentic. We also support clients in non-traditional relationship structures, offering care that is explicitly affirming of queer, trans, polyamorous, and kink communities.
What distinguishes Gemstone Wellness is the relational experience of therapy itself. Sessions are collaborative, engaged, and human. We are not neutral observers of your identity—we are active, curious, and attuned participants in your process. There is room for uncertainty, for humor, for grief, and for growth.
The goal is not to arrive at a fixed definition of who you are. It is to build a relationship with yourself that feels grounded, coherent, and free—so your identity becomes something you live, not something you have to prove.
10 Years Experience
Online in Marion, IL
LGBTQ+
Andrew McKenzie, Psy.D.
Psychologist
As a gay psychologist, I understand that LGBTQ+ experiences are shaped by far more than identity alone. Whether you're navigating coming out, relationships, family dynamics, marginalization stress, or simply looking for a therapist who understands your lived experience, I offer an affirming space where every part of you is welcome. Together, we'll explore life's challenges with curiosity, compassion, and a focus on building a life that brings meaning, vitality, and purpose. My goal is to help you build greater flexibility in responding to challenging emotions and experiences so that your day-to-day rhythm feels more authentic, connected, and free.
15 Years Experience
Online in Marion, IL
LGBTQ+
Cameron Staley
Psychologist, Ph.D.
I love working with individuals in exploring their identity and fostering a greater sense of who they are.
14 Years Experience
Online in Marion, IL (Online Only)
LGBTQ+ Issues therapists in Marion, IL Statistics
LGBTQ+ Issues therapists in Marion, IL average 15 years of experience and charge around $203 per session. 100% offer online sessions. The top treatment approaches are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) (70%), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) (46%), and Psychodynamic Therapy (43%).
Average years in practice
15 Years Experience
Average cost per session
$203
Accept insurance
46%
Offer sliding scale
37%
Gender ID
| 56% |
Female |
|
| 33% |
Male |
|
| 6% |
Non-Binary |
|
| 5% |
Gender Fluid |
|
Session Type
| 58% |
In Person and Online |
|
| 42% |
Online Only |
|
Top Treatment Approaches
| 70% | Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) |
| 46% | Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) |
| 43% | Psychodynamic Therapy |
| 41% | Person-Centered Therapy (Rogerian) |
| 38% | Existential / Humanistic Therapy |
| 34% | Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) |
| 34% | Multicultural Therapy |
Ages Served
| 99% | Adult |
| 76% | Young Adult |
| 57% | Senior |
| 44% | Teen |
| 22% | Children |
Client Focus
| 82% | LGBTQ+ |
| 63% | Women |
| 49% | Men |
| 33% | Black / African American |
| 30% | Hispanic / Latino |