LGBTQ+ Therapy

Affirming Therapy in Illinois for LGBTQIA+ Adults & Their Relationships

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Therapy for the LGBTQ+ community…provided by LGBTQ+ professionals.

  • Therapy for LGBTQIA+ individuals and non-traditional relationships such as polyamory, kink, and more.

  • We treat depression, anxiety, trauma, and other general mental health concerns. We also cover topics such as gender, sex, identity, AuDHD, and more.

  • We use general therapy modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), internal family systems (IFS), and more.

  • While most sessions are 45-60 minutes, each session is fully personalized to you and your concerns. This is your space.

  • We accept most major insurances.

  • We offer virtual sessions throughout Illinois.

  • To learn more, check out our FAQ page.

LGBTQ Therapist Near Me
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The LGBTQ community faces unique mental health challenges, including higher rates of anxiety, depression, and trauma, often resulting from experiences of discrimination, stigma, and social exclusion. Rejection, bullying, and violence can deeply impact emotional well-being, making access to supportive mental health care even more essential. At Freelife Behavioral Health, we offer a safe, affirming space to navigate these challenges, build resilience, and foster healing.

Sexual Shame

Overcome shame tied to your desires and embrace sexual confidence.

Navigating Identity

Build confidence and live authentically by exploring who you are.

Societal Expectations

Heal from religious trauma, family conflicts, and guilt.

Compulsive Behavior

Address compulsive behaviors, patterns, or habits in a supportive and nonjudgmental space.

Relationship Challenges

Improve communication, set boundaries, and navigate dynamics like polyamory.

Transitions

Build resilience and rediscover purpose during life’s changes.

What is LGBTQ+ Therapy?

LGBTQIA+ affirming therapy is mental health care that respects and understands queer identities as valid and whole, not something to be questioned, minimized, or “worked through.” An affirming therapist does not assume heterosexuality, gender norms, or relationship structures, and does not ask you to explain or justify who you are. At Freelife, affirming therapy means care that centers your lived experience and supports you without judgment.

How does LGBTQ+ therapy help?

Therapy can help queer folks navigate stress, anxiety, relationships, trauma, and life transitions, while also addressing experiences like discrimination, identity fatigue, shame, or feeling unseen. It offers a space to explore your identity safely, strengthen coping tools, build emotional insight, and feel more grounded in yourself and your relationships.

Do I need therapy just because I’m LGBTQIA+?

No. Being queer is not a problem that needs fixing. Therapy can be helpful if you want support, clarity, or a place to process your experiences, but it’s never a requirement. At Freelife, therapy is about offering support when and if you want it, not about pathologizing identity.

Why Freelife BH for LGBTQ Therapy?

FreeLife BH is dedicated to creating an inclusive and supportive environment where clients feel truly seen, respected, and understood. Our approach emphasizes shared experiences, especially within the LGBTQ+ community, to build a sense of connection and belonging. By acknowledging the unique challenges faced by this community—such as navigating identity acceptance, managing relationship dynamics, and overcoming societal pressures—FreeLife BH provides specialized care that goes beyond generic solutions.

Therapy at FreeLife means working with professionals who truly understand your world—because they’ve lived it too. Our therapists don’t just affirm your identity; they share in the experiences, challenges, and nuances that come with being part of the LGBTQ+ community. This shared perspective allows us to provide not only expert guidance but also an authenticity and connection that can only come from genuine understanding. Here, you’re not just seen—you’re deeply understood and supported as you navigate your unique journey.

The Therapy Process—Explained

Intake

We start by getting to know you, your goals, and what’s bringing you to therapy in a way that feels welcoming and low-pressure.

Assessment

Together, we explore patterns, history, and current challenges to better understand what support will be most helpful for you.

Treatment

Your therapist works with you using evidence-based, affirming approaches tailored to your needs, identity, and pace.

Integration

You practice applying what you’re learning in real life, building insight, resilience, and trust in yourself over time.

Follow-Up

We check in, adjust as needed, and make sure your care continues to support your growth beyond each session.

You deserve support that sees all of you.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • LGBTQIA+ affirming therapy can support a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, burnout, relationship challenges, identity exploration, and life transitions. It also creates space to process experiences that are more common for queer folks, such as minority stress, identity fatigue, discrimination, shame, or navigating safety and visibility in different environments.

  • There’s no set number of sessions. Some people come to therapy for short-term support around a specific issue, while others choose longer-term care for deeper exploration and ongoing support. Your therapist will collaborate with you to determine what feels most helpful, and you can adjust your goals at any time.

  • Yes. Affirming therapy uses the same evidence-based approaches as general therapy, but within a framework that understands and respects queer identities. For many LGBTQIA+ people, working with an affirming therapist can actually make therapy more effective because you do not have to spend time educating your provider or defending who you are.

  • No. You do not need to be out to anyone to begin therapy. Affirming therapy meets you where you are, whether you are out, questioning, selectively out, or not out at all. Your therapist will respect your pace, privacy, and safety.

  • Freelife accepts Blue Cross and Blue Shield PPO, Blue Choice PPO, and Aetna PPO insurance plans. Clients using these plans will be responsible for the portion of costs dictated by their individual plans (co-pays).

    Clients not using these insurance plans will be responsible for paying for their sessions themselves. Freelife is happy to provide a superbill to these clients if they would like to submit this to their insurance company for out-of-network reimbursement.

  • Freelife therapists offer both virtual and in-person options.

    We utilize technology powered by Google which is HIPAA compliant and easy to use.

    We also offer in-person sessions at our office located at 1300 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60657.

Getting Started is Easy

To get started, fill out the form below and we will reach out for your free consultation.