LGBTQ+ Issues therapists in South Shore, Illinois IL
We are proud to feature top rated LGBTQ+ Issues therapists in South Shore. We encourage you to review each profile to find your best match.
LGBTQ+
Dr. Sam Macy
Psychologist, PsyD
As an LGBT-affirmative therapist, my goals are to gain a textured and holistic understanding of peoples' salient identities, while promoting empowerment and authentic living.
16 Years Experience
In-Person Near South Shore, IL
Online in South Shore, IL Illinois
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
In-Person Near South Shore, IL
Online in South Shore, IL Illinois
LGBTQ+
Dr. Aretha Steele (Mindful Healing Counseling)
Psychologist, PsyD
Hey! If you're navigating the unique challenges that come with being a part of the queer and LGBTQ+ community, we're here to offer a supportive space just for you. As a specialist, we understand the importance of embracing your identity and the hurdles that might come your way. Let's work together to explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a judgment-free zone. Whether it's coming out, building self-acceptance, or facing societal pressures, we're here to help. Your journey matters, and we're dedicated to providing a safe space where you can be your authentic self. Let's team up to make your path one of self-discovery, empowerment, and pride. You're not alone, and we're honored to be part of your journey.
(Note: We have specific therapists who specialize in this area at our practice. See our website for more information)
17 Years Experience
Online in South Shore, IL Illinois (Online Only)
LGBTQ+
Elaine Flockerzi
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
I specialize in LGBT Issues, as evidenced by my professional training, licensing credentials, and years of experience working successfully in this area of treatment.
8 Years Experience
Online in South Shore, IL Illinois (Online Only)
LGBTQ+
Mindful Healing Counseling
Psychologist, PsyD
When addressing LGBTQ+ issues, we provide a welcoming and affirming space where you can feel truly seen and understood. We recognize that navigating identity, relationships, and societal pressures can bring unique challenges, and our goal is to support you in a way that honors your individuality. By offering a compassionate ear and using inclusive, strengths-based approaches, we work together to address your concerns and celebrate your authentic self. Whether you’re seeking guidance on identity, facing discrimination, or just need a safe space to express yourself, we’re here to walk with you on your journey towards empowerment and self-acceptance.
16 Years Experience
Online in South Shore, IL Illinois (Online Only)
LGBTQ+
Rachel Honaker, Depth Counseling Services
Counselor/Therapist, LPC
I am passionate about working in the LGBTQ+ community. Partially because of experience and a desire to give back in honor of the support I have received. The stressors of being queer are many and varying, but they all deserve to be addressed in a safe place. Whatever your story so far, we can co-create a space for you to process your experience and feelings and work towards an integrated sense of well-being in yourself, your relationships, and your identity.
10 Years Experience
In-Person Near South Shore, IL
Online in South Shore, IL Illinois
LGBTQ+
Rick Tivers
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW, CGP
Highly specialized in the coming out process, managing gay relationships and gay couples therapy. Formerly married to a woman 18yrs, have 3 grown children. Now married to a man and openly gay.
45 Years Experience
In-Person Near South Shore, IL
Online in South Shore, IL Illinois
LGBTQ+
Natalie A Shafer
Counselor/Therapist, MA, NCC, LPC
LGBTQ+ experiences are shaped by both personal identity and broader social contexts, which can impact safety, self-expression, and a sense of belonging. I approach this work with affirmation and respect, recognizing the importance of being seen and understood without judgment. Alongside our work together, I hold an advocacy-oriented perspective, supporting you in navigating challenges while honoring your identity and lived experience.
2 Years Experience
In-Person Near South Shore, IL
Online in South Shore, IL Illinois
LGBTQ+
Emem Itiat
Counselor/Therapist, LCPC
I work from a liberation Psychology standpoint and humanist framework observing individuals through the lens of their unique and shared intersections. When it comes to fighting against hate, discrimination, and violence against queer bodies I believe in working to enhance radical acceptance through promoting self-contentment, awareness building by identifying the underlying and overlying systems of oppression and how they manifest internally, and working towards dismantling those systems both externally and internally.
16 Years Experience
Online in South Shore, IL Illinois (Online Only)
LGBTQ+
XaHara A. MeGod
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC, R-DMT, CPT
I provide affirming, body-based care for LGBTQ+ individuals navigating coming out, gender exploration, family rejection, minority stress, or identity integration. Your identity is never pathologized here. Together, we honor your unique joys and struggles, and build resilience from a place of cultural and somatic awareness.
8 Years Experience
Online in South Shore, IL Illinois (Online Only)
LGBTQ+ Issues therapists in South Shore, Illinois Statistics
LGBTQ+ Issues therapists in South Shore, Illinois average 15 years of experience and charge around $199 per session. 97% offer online sessions. The top treatment approaches are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) (72%), Person-Centered Therapy (Rogerian) (43%), and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) (42%).
Average years in practice
15 Years Experience
Average cost per session
$199
Accept insurance
47%
Offer sliding scale
45%
Gender ID
| 52% |
Female |
|
| 33% |
Male |
|
| 8% |
Non-Binary |
|
| 7% |
Gender Fluid |
|
Session Type
| 57% |
In Person and Online |
|
| 40% |
Online Only |
|
| 3% |
In Person Only |
|
Top Treatment Approaches
| 72% | Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) |
| 43% | Person-Centered Therapy (Rogerian) |
| 42% | Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) |
| 39% | Existential / Humanistic Therapy |
| 38% | Psychodynamic Therapy |
| 35% | Family Systems Therapy |
| 34% | Multicultural Therapy |
Ages Served
| 98% | Adult |
| 75% | Young Adult |
| 59% | Senior |
| 48% | Teen |
| 26% | Children |
Client Focus
| 82% | LGBTQ+ |
| 65% | Women |
| 47% | Men |
| 32% | Hispanic / Latino |
| 32% | Black / African American |