Work with Therin Slayton, PsyD
Neurodivergent & LGBTQ+ Affirming Online Therapist in Illinois
Specializing in Gender-Affirming Therapy, ADHD, Autism, and Neurodivergent Burnout
Now accepting new clients for virtual therapy
Howdy! I’m Therin (they/them)
I’m a therapist, providing virtual therapy in Chicago and across Illinois.
If you’re tired of shrinking, masking, or over-explaining just to get through the day, I see you.
I am a genderqueer, neurodivergent, and disabled psychologist who understands that you aren't "broken,” you are simply navigating a world that wasn't built for you.
Many of my clients are used to being told they’re “too much,” “not enough,” or “doing life wrong.”
They’ve spent years adapting, masking, or pushing past their limits just to fit in or get by. Over time, that takes a real toll.
Therapy with me is a safe, affirming space where you don’t have to perform or justify your existence.
Whether you are dealing with autistic burnout, gender dysphoria, or the weight of ableism, you get to show up as your full self, exactly as you are.
Meet Therin
I am a great fit for…
Queer & LGBTQIA2S+ Adults: Especially trans, nonbinary, and gender-expansive folks who want a therapist who "gets it" without a 101 explanation.
Neurodivergent Folks (ADHD, Autism, AuDHD): Navigating burnout, sensory overwhelm, or the journey of self-discovery.
Disabled Adults: Seeking care that understands access needs and actively challenges ableism.
CNM & Polyamory: Individuals and partners navigating ethical non-monogamy.
The Creative & Deep Thinkers: Artists, graduate students, and creatives who feel things deeply.
I specialize in working with “outliers”—people who notice, feel, and think deeply.
Many of my clients come to therapy feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, burnout, or the pressure to constantly mask who they are.
Together, we explore how past trauma and chronic stress impact the nervous system so you can move out of survival mode and begin feeling calmer, more grounded, and more like yourself again.
What Therapy Feels Like With Me
Clients describe therapy with me as collaborative and deeply human. We move at a pace that respects your nervous system, your energy, and your lived experience.
No Performing: You won’t be asked to justify your identity or "prove" your neurodivergence.
Trauma-Informed & ND-Affirming: We focus on unlearning harmful societal messages and building a life that actually fits your brain and body.
Collaborative Goals: We might work on untangling self-critical thoughts, building trust in your inner voice, or reconnecting with creativity and rest.
Over time, therapy may help you:
Untangle anxious, self-critical, or spiraling thoughts
Understand how masking, expectations, or past experiences still affect you
Build trust in your own needs, boundaries, and inner voice
Strengthen relationships without losing yourself
Reconnect with creativity, rest, and what brings meaning to your life
Areas I Support Clients With
Gender identity exploration
Anxiety therapy and chronic stress
Trauma therapy and PTSD
ADHD, neurodivergence and identity
Therapy for burnout and emotional overwhelm
Relationship and attachment concerns
I provide online LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent-affirming therapy in Chicago and throughout Illinois, supporting adults navigating identity exploration, ADHD and autism burnout, trauma, and relationship challenges.
How I Help
My approach to therapy is trauma-informed, neurodivergent-affirming, and grounded in compassion.
Rather than forcing you into a specific model, I adapt therapy to you. Together, we’ll gently explore what’s been weighing on you and build tools that support your wellbeing, autonomy, and sense of self.
Our work may include:
Exploring patterns that keep you stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected
Letting go of internalized expectations that no longer serve you
Strengthening emotional regulation and self-trust
Healing through connection, creativity, and community
This work isn’t about changing who you are. It’s about helping you feel more at home in yourself and your life.
Why I Do This Work
I know what it’s like to feel unseen or out of place in a world that expects conformity.
Originally from the Great Plains, I learned early how complicated it can be to exist outside the “straight and narrow.” While I pursued a doctorate in clinical psychology for strong clinical training, the heart of my work has always been empathy, affirmation, and respect for lived experience.
My goal is to create a space where you don’t have to justify your existence — you just get to be.
You deserve care that affirms who you are and supports you in building a life that truly fits.
Education, Training & Supervision
Education
Doctor of Psychology (PsyD), Clinical Psychology — Adler University
Master of Arts (MA), Clinical Psychology — Adler University
Bachelor of Arts (BA), Psychology — Emporia State University
Clinical Training
Doctoral internship in college counseling supporting university students
Advanced training in trauma-informed, identity-affirming, and culturally responsive therapy
Clinical experience in community mental health settings, including crisis intervention
Experience supporting clients navigating anxiety, trauma, life transitions, ADHD and neurodiversity, and LGBTQIA+ mental health concerns
Licensure Status
Dr. Therin Slayton has completed their doctoral degree in clinical psychology and is currently practicing under clinical supervision while working toward independent licensure in Illinois.
They provide therapy under the supervision of Dr. Aretha Steele, Licensed Clinical Psychologist and founder of Mindful Healing Counseling, in accordance with Illinois professional guidelines.
Dr. Slayton provides online therapy in Chicago and throughout Illinois, offering identity-affirming care for LGBTQIA+ individuals and others navigating anxiety, trauma, relationships, and life transitions.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes. I provide virtual therapy for adults across Illinois.
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That’s completely normal. We’ll go at your pace, and you won’t be pressured to share more than feels safe.
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Yes. I often work with clients experiencing anxiety, chronic stress, masking fatigue, and burnout.
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Absolutely. I provide affirming care that respects access needs and neurodivergent ways of being.
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I accept BCBS PPO, Blue Choice PPO, and Aetna.
More About Me
When I’m not doing therapy, you’ll probably find me playing video games with my chosen family, falling down rabbit holes on Wikipedia, discovering new music, hanging out with my calico Chex, trying my hand at baking or needle felting, taking a stroll to appreciate nature, or getting lost in a tabletop role-playing game.
Curiosity, creativity, play, and rest matter to me, and I believe they’re essential parts of healing, too.
Affirming Care for Chicago & North-Central Illinois
While I offer virtual therapy throughout the state of Illinois, I am deeply connected to the communities and "creative hubs" of:
Chicago Neighborhoods: Andersonville, Boystown (Northalsted), Rogers Park, Logan Square, and Uptown.
College & Creative Hubs: Evanston, Urbana-Champaign, Oak Park, and DeKalb.
The Great Plains Connection: Drawing from my roots, I am also passionate about providing affirming care to those in more rural parts of Illinois who may lack access to specialized LGBTQ+ and ND providers.
Whether you are looking for an LGBTQ+ therapist in Andersonville or ADHD-affirming support in Champaign, you can access expert, identity-focused care from your own safe space.
Ready to Get Started?
Starting therapy is a courageous step and you don’t have to take it alone.
I offer online therapy for adults across Illinois, and I’d be honored to work with you.
Directly serving the LGBTQ+ and Neurodivergent communities in Chicago and throughout Illinois.