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Best LGBT Therapist Chicago
Seeking therapy is a courageous step towards personal growth and emotional well-being. As a Chicago based blog, we felt compelled to write this post. For individuals within the Chicago LGBTQ+ community, finding a therapist who is knowledgeable, supportive, and understanding of their unique experiences is crucial.
In this blog post, we will introduce you to the top five LGBT therapists in Chicago, highlighting the essence of LGBT therapy, the benefits it offers, and what to consider when searching for the right therapist.
Understanding LGBT Therapy
LGBT therapy, also known as LGBTQ+ affirmative therapy, is a specialized form of mental health support that focuses on the unique challenges and concerns faced by individuals within the LGBTQ+ community.
These therapists have expertise in addressing issues such as coming out, discrimination, family acceptance, gender identity, and sexual orientation.
Benefits of Chicago LGBT Therapy
- Cultivating Self-Acceptance: LGBT therapy provides a safe and non-judgmental space for individuals to explore their identities and embrace self-acceptance.
- Navigating Coming Out: Therapists trained in LGBT issues can provide guidance and support during the coming-out process, helping individuals cope with potential challenges and build healthy relationships with family and friends.
- Addressing Minority Stress: LGBT individuals may experience minority stress due to societal prejudice and discrimination. Therapy helps address these stressors and develop coping mechanisms to enhance resilience.
- Relationship and Intimacy Support: LGBT therapy offers a platform to navigate relationship dynamics, enhance communication skills, and explore intimacy-related concerns within same-sex partnerships or non-traditional relationships.
- Mental Health and Well-being: LGBT individuals may face higher rates of mental health conditions. Therapy can aid in managing anxiety, depression, trauma, or other mental health issues by providing personalized strategies and support.
What to Look for in an LGBT Therapist
When looking for a LGBT therapist in Chicago it is really important to do your homework. That’s because most counselors will claim to be LGBT friendly or “LGBT Affirming” but don’t have the foggiest idea of the unique issues impacting the community.
What follows are five things to look for in your search for a queer therapist in Chicago:
- Affirming and Inclusive Approach: Look for therapists who openly advertise their expertise in LGBTQ+ affirmative therapy and demonstrate a deep understanding of related issues.
- Experience and Training: Seek therapists who have experience working with LGBTQ+ individuals and have received training in LGBTQ+ issues, such as attending workshops, conferences, or specialized courses.
- Safe and Supportive Environment: A welcoming and inclusive therapy space is crucial. Ensure the therapist demonstrates respect, acceptance, and cultural sensitivity towards diverse gender and sexual identities.
- Professional Qualifications and Credentials: Check for appropriate licenses, certifications, and membership in professional organizations, indicating their commitment to ethical standards and ongoing education.
- Client-Therapist Fit: Trust your intuition. A positive therapeutic relationship is vital, so find a therapist who you feel comfortable opening up to and who respects your unique experiences.
1. 2nd Story Counseling
655 W. Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60613
Tel: 773.528.1777
Website: Best LGBT Therapist Chicago
Located in the Chicago neighborhood of Lakeview, on the corner Marine Drive and Irving Park Road, at Lakeshore Drive exit of “Irving Park” are the offices of 2nd Story Counseling in Chicago.
All of the therapists at 2nd Story Counseling are LGBT affirming, with some being completely “out”. The queer affirming therapists at this organization help clients with a variety of issues, including LGBT relationship problems, family issues, problems with identity, masculine/feminine constructs.
All of the therapists take a warm, affirming, and interactive approach with clients to help each person reach their full potential. 2nd Story Counseling has been working with the LGBTQ community in Chicago for nearly 20 years. They are paneled with BCBS PPO Illinois. In person and telehealth sessions available.
2. IntraSpectrum Counseling
5340 N. Clark Clark St Suite 212, Chicago, IL 60640
Tel: 773.750.3505
Website: https://intraspectrum-chicago.com/
This LGBTQ niched counseling organization in Chicago has offices in Andersonville and in the Loop. Andersonville is a thriving community on the city’s Northside with a large residency pool of individuals who identify as members of the queer community.
Most all of the counselors at IntraSpectrum identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual or trans. All received specialized training on issues connected to the queer community, including relationship challenges, substance abuse problems, coming out, and family challenges.
The therapists at IntraSpectrum strive to make each client they work with feel celebrated, unique and affirmed. Their therapists do take several insurance types.
3. Fig Tree Counseling
661 W Lake St Ste 2S, Chicago, IL 60661
Tel: 773.598.6668
Website: www.figtreechi.com
Located in Chicago’s West Loop, at the approximate corner of W. Lake Street and W. Couch Pl and super close to the Kennedy Expressway are the offices of Fig Tree Counseling. Chicago’s West Loop is a growing community that is home to many who work in the city’s technology sector.
The LGBT therapists at Fig Tree offer comprehensive counseling and psychological services to people in Chicago who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual or trans. They specializing in working with BIPOC or black, indigenous persons of color and offer compassionate, gender affirming therapy.
The counselors accept a variety of insurance types, including BCBS PPO, Aetna, and Blue Choice. Therapy can happen through in person appointments or via telehealth. Contact Figtree to discover what options may be available to you.
4. Couples Counseling Chicago
655 W. Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60613
Tel: 773.598.7797
Website: Best same sex couples counseling Chicago
Located at the corner of Pinegrove Avenue and Irving Park Road, two blocks away from Thorek Hospital and just a few blocks away from the Belmont exit on Lake Shore Drive are the offices of Couples Counseling Chicago.
The counselors, therapists, social workers, and psychologists at Couples Counseling Chicago have been working with the LGBTQ community for over 10 years. They are very familiar with topics unique to the community, including polyamory, kink, interracial relationships and gender roles. Additionally, several of the therapists at Couples Counseling self-identify as queer.
The therapists here offer interactive, compassionate and affirming counseling to couples and individuals with an eye on same sex relationships. They take BCBS PPO or you can use your health savings account.
Sessions may occur in person or via telehealth using a specialized platform offered through the Couples Counseling Center of Chicago.
5. Freelife Behavioral Health
5315 N Clark St. #215 Chicago IL 60640
Ph: 908-229-3578
Website: https://www.freelifebh.com
Located in Chicago’s Andersonville and not far from the community of Edgewater, near the iconic Brown Elephant resale shop on Clark Street are the therapists of Free Life Behavioral Health.
The therapists at Free Life offer comprehensive counseling and psychological services to members of Chicago’s LGBTQ community. This includes individual counseling and couples therapy. All members of the community are welcome, meaning gay, lesbian, bisexual, questioning and trans.
The organization appears to take out of pocket payments at this time and do no bill insurance companies directly. You will need to contact them about billing options. Counseling services appear to take place mostly online. Check with Free Life to make sure.
LGBT Therapy Chicago Wrap Up
Finding the best LGBT therapist in Chicago can be a challenge. We are hoping this informational page is helpful to you as you find the right queer mental health or couples counselor for your needs.
Remember, counseling and therapy are a unique journey. When you work with the right helping professional. you may find the experience to be life-changing.
