LGBTQ+ Affirming OCD Therapists in Illinois (2026)
OLEE Index · Updated November 2026
67 OCD specialists in Illinois describe themselves as LGBTQ+ affirming. That matters for OCD especially: themes like sexual orientation OCD or gender-related intrusive thoughts need a clinician who can treat the OCD without questioning or "settling" your identity. Here are the highest-ranked LGBTQ+ affirming OCD therapists in Illinois.
67
OCD providers scored
5
score 80 or higher
52
offer telehealth
19
accepting new patients
Top 20 OCD specialists, ranked by OLEE score
Scores are out of 100 and based only on public evidence of OCD expertise: how clearly a provider describes exposure and response prevention (ERP), how central OCD is to their practice, specialized training and affiliations, and credentials. No one pays to be listed or ranked. How we score.
Most therapists who list OCD were never trained in the treatment that works. Here’s how to find one who was.
1
Search your state, sorted by score
Open OLEE search, choose your state and sort by score. We scored more than 5,000 OCD providers on publicly verifiable evidence of OCD expertise. No one pays to be listed or ranked.
Every profile shows the evidence behind the score. Look for: A clear description of how they use exposure and response prevention (ERP); specialized OCD training such as the IOCDF’s Behavior Therapy Training Institute (BTTI); and an International OCD Foundation listing.
4
Ask before you book
“Do you use exposure and response prevention, and where were you trained in it?” and “How many of your current clients have OCD?” A real specialist answers clearly and specifically.
Who are the best LGBTQ+ affirming OCD therapists in Illinois?
Based on the OLEE Index, the highest-scoring OCD specialists in Illinois who describe themselves as LGBTQ+ affirming are Karen Lynn Cassiday (94/100), Lisa Hinckley Berghorst (93/100) and Amanda Holly (90/100).
Why does an LGBTQ+ affirming OCD therapist matter?
People in the LGBTQ+ community deserve care that doesn’t pathologize their identity. For OCD themes involving sexual orientation or gender, an affirming specialist treats the doubt and compulsions with ERP rather than trying to resolve the question itself.
Can OCD make me doubt my sexual orientation?
Yes. Sexual orientation OCD causes unwanted, distressing doubts about orientation and compulsive checking for certainty. It is treatable with ERP. See our guide to sexual OCD for more.
What should I look for in an OCD therapist?
Look for someone who specifically uses exposure and response prevention (ERP) and for whom OCD is a large part of their caseload. Specialized training such as the IOCDF Behavior Therapy Training Institute (BTTI) is a strong signal. Ask how many of their current clients have OCD.
OLEE scores measure publicly verifiable signals of OCD expertise, not treatment outcomes. Always confirm licensure, availability and fit directly with a provider. If you are in crisis, call or text 988 (US).