LGBTQ+ Therapists in Glover Park, Washington, DC
![Photo of Mia Newell, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e8894a52-d153-4f0b-bc59-f5e2d1ca7432/4/320x400.jpeg)
Mia Newell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Glover Park, Washington, DC 20007
I have a background in supporting survivors of abuse, LGBTQ folks, polyamorous and traditional couples, as well as first responders.
Sometimes the world can feel impossibly heavy, and it is exhausting to cope with underlying challenges like chronic stressors, depression, anxiety, or trauma. Having a space to fully vent your worries and frustrations without fear or guilt is so important for mental health, but often so difficult to find. I approach my clients with warmth and without judgment. I work to cultivate a collaborative connection with clients, while empowering them to make sustainable, long-term changes, beyond our time together.
I have a background in supporting survivors of abuse, LGBTQ folks, polyamorous and traditional couples, as well as first responders.
Sometimes the world can feel impossibly heavy, and it is exhausting to cope with underlying challenges like chronic stressors, depression, anxiety, or trauma. Having a space to fully vent your worries and frustrations without fear or guilt is so important for mental health, but often so difficult to find. I approach my clients with warmth and without judgment. I work to cultivate a collaborative connection with clients, while empowering them to make sustainable, long-term changes, beyond our time together.
![Photo of Elise Khanijao, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/72855a54-0576-466d-91fd-7dee263f4644/2/320x400.png)
Elise Khanijao
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Glover Park, Washington, DC 20007
Whether you're part of the LGBTQIA+ community, embrace a multicultural background, or simply feel that society's expectations don't align with your true self, I invite you to reach out.
Imagine this: You, at the center of a journey towards a more fulfilling life. You might be at a crossroads, navigating life's unpredictable transitions, or yearning to break free from a path that feels confining. What you're looking for is someone who truly gets it, who can be your anchor in the storm, and your guide to uncharted territories. I understand that your needs are unique, and your aspirations are deeply personal. You're seeking support, empathy, and practical tools to help you thrive. Your ultimate goal might be to find acceptance within yourself and make choices that resonate with your authentic self.
Whether you're part of the LGBTQIA+ community, embrace a multicultural background, or simply feel that society's expectations don't align with your true self, I invite you to reach out.
Imagine this: You, at the center of a journey towards a more fulfilling life. You might be at a crossroads, navigating life's unpredictable transitions, or yearning to break free from a path that feels confining. What you're looking for is someone who truly gets it, who can be your anchor in the storm, and your guide to uncharted territories. I understand that your needs are unique, and your aspirations are deeply personal. You're seeking support, empathy, and practical tools to help you thrive. Your ultimate goal might be to find acceptance within yourself and make choices that resonate with your authentic self.
![Photo of Paula D Atkinson, LICSW, E-RYT, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b622edde-ab7a-4677-9c5e-e0f791399e86/2/320x400.png)
Paula D Atkinson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, E-RYT, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Glover Park, Washington, DC 20007 (Online Only)
My goal for every one of my clients is peace, freedom and sanity. For over a decade, I have helped clients who suffer from depression and anxiety, relationship strife, self doubt and the deep despair that results from living in a society that worships perfection, productivity, restriction, and rigidity. My passion is working with those who suffer from a history of dieting, disordered eating, food obsession, and body hatred. The treatment I provide is Body Justice-focused, weight neutral, and anti-diet. I am an IFS-trained therapist, our work together will be warm, playful, transformative, grounding, and fun!
My goal for every one of my clients is peace, freedom and sanity. For over a decade, I have helped clients who suffer from depression and anxiety, relationship strife, self doubt and the deep despair that results from living in a society that worships perfection, productivity, restriction, and rigidity. My passion is working with those who suffer from a history of dieting, disordered eating, food obsession, and body hatred. The treatment I provide is Body Justice-focused, weight neutral, and anti-diet. I am an IFS-trained therapist, our work together will be warm, playful, transformative, grounding, and fun!
![Photo of Dr. Ja'lessa Hardwick, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/69ca0f52-3415-4fef-bd88-a3436bbe1c86/2/320x400.jpeg)
Life is challenging and even though we try, it's often difficult to do it all on own. My goal is to support you in navigating life's challenges by better understanding yourself. Together, we will seek to understand your past experiences and their connection to your current-day behaviors/emotions in an effort to re-envision your future. This is done in a careful way that intentionally considers your individual context (i.e., culture, identity).
Life is challenging and even though we try, it's often difficult to do it all on own. My goal is to support you in navigating life's challenges by better understanding yourself. Together, we will seek to understand your past experiences and their connection to your current-day behaviors/emotions in an effort to re-envision your future. This is done in a careful way that intentionally considers your individual context (i.e., culture, identity).
![Photo of Jessica Kwerel, LPC, LCPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5a41f2cf-200a-4836-b5aa-122fafd1eae1/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jessica Kwerel
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LCPC
Verified Verified
Glover Park, Washington, DC 20007
Waitlist for new clients
Being a human in 2024 is incredibly difficult. I provide a comfortable and nonjudgmental space in which to safely explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. I can help you strengthen your relationship with yourself and the people who are important to you, develop more effective coping strategies and emotional flexibility, and learn how to better tolerate and manage big feelings. My goal as a therapist is to help you feel truly understood, help you to understand and accept yourself, and give you tools to move through the world in a more adaptive way.
Being a human in 2024 is incredibly difficult. I provide a comfortable and nonjudgmental space in which to safely explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. I can help you strengthen your relationship with yourself and the people who are important to you, develop more effective coping strategies and emotional flexibility, and learn how to better tolerate and manage big feelings. My goal as a therapist is to help you feel truly understood, help you to understand and accept yourself, and give you tools to move through the world in a more adaptive way.
![Photo of Barbara L E Cristy, LICSW, BCD, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c65eacf-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/4/320x400.jpeg)
Barbara L E Cristy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, BCD
Verified Verified
Glover Park, Washington, DC 20007 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I believe the most important thing about therapy is empowering you so that you can make conscious choices about your life. My style is active and involved. Working collaboratively, I can help you define your goals and see what is causing your pain, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and problems in relationships. As a child, you learned ways of coping with your environment that were safe for you at the time. Those coping behaviors became habitual but, as an adult, no longer work for you and interfere with your happiness and your ability to function at your highest level.
I believe the most important thing about therapy is empowering you so that you can make conscious choices about your life. My style is active and involved. Working collaboratively, I can help you define your goals and see what is causing your pain, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and problems in relationships. As a child, you learned ways of coping with your environment that were safe for you at the time. Those coping behaviors became habitual but, as an adult, no longer work for you and interfere with your happiness and your ability to function at your highest level.
![Photo of Malini Basdeo, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b829b009-4a15-4ebc-a118-ec595ec30727/2/320x400.png)
Malini Basdeo
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Glover Park, Washington, DC 20007 (Online Only)
I believe that everyone should have the opportunity to engage in intentional self-reflection at some point in their lives, whether they are experiencing a significant life event, a transition, or the routine challenges of day-to-day. Within the context of a warm, collaborative, and compassionate therapeutic relationship, I will work alongside you as you learn more about your own feelings and habits, and gain deeper awareness of where they come from. My areas of interest include mood and anxiety disorders, relationship concerns, and helping individuals heal from experiences of trauma, including interpersonal violence and adversity.
I believe that everyone should have the opportunity to engage in intentional self-reflection at some point in their lives, whether they are experiencing a significant life event, a transition, or the routine challenges of day-to-day. Within the context of a warm, collaborative, and compassionate therapeutic relationship, I will work alongside you as you learn more about your own feelings and habits, and gain deeper awareness of where they come from. My areas of interest include mood and anxiety disorders, relationship concerns, and helping individuals heal from experiences of trauma, including interpersonal violence and adversity.
![Photo of Debra Ann Cruz - Debra Cruz Counseling, LLC., CEAP, CEC, LCPC, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7d0d892d-09c3-4e01-9f46-58aa613fb78c/2/320x400.jpeg)
Debra Cruz Counseling, LLC.
Licensed Professional Counselor, CEAP, CEC, LCPC, LPC
Verified Verified
Glover Park, Washington, DC 20016 (Online Only)
Debra Ann Cruz is a speaker, author, psychotherapist, and executive coach, and romantic intimacy specialist. Over the past 20 years, I have worked hard to create an innovative blend of psychotherapy, spirituality, and executive coaching to help clients reach breakthroughs and emotional healing to level up to own the success and prosperity they desire and deserve. Her specialty is helping high-functioning professionals, executives, and leaders to stop holding themselves back due to a negative internal dialogue of fear, anxiety, and self-doubt from their past.
Debra Ann Cruz is a speaker, author, psychotherapist, and executive coach, and romantic intimacy specialist. Over the past 20 years, I have worked hard to create an innovative blend of psychotherapy, spirituality, and executive coaching to help clients reach breakthroughs and emotional healing to level up to own the success and prosperity they desire and deserve. Her specialty is helping high-functioning professionals, executives, and leaders to stop holding themselves back due to a negative internal dialogue of fear, anxiety, and self-doubt from their past.
![Photo of Sara Sheikh, LCSW-C, LICSW, RYT-500, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ea9873bf-a6df-48d6-8303-2f5c91de15f8/3/320x400.jpeg)
Sara Sheikh
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, LICSW, RYT-500
Verified Verified
Glover Park, Washington, DC 20016
You might be feeling stuck in ways that disrupts your quality of life and creative potential, desiring to heal wounds from painful life experiences, adjusting to a big change, or grieving a loss that carries great significance and impact. You’re here because you’re looking for a safe, supportive, judgment free space to heal and grow. You’ve tried traditional talk therapy but need an approach the values the wisdom of the body-mind connection. You’re ready to process feelings, sensations and ways of being that no longer serve you. You’re motivated for a life that feels whole, authentic, and connected.
You might be feeling stuck in ways that disrupts your quality of life and creative potential, desiring to heal wounds from painful life experiences, adjusting to a big change, or grieving a loss that carries great significance and impact. You’re here because you’re looking for a safe, supportive, judgment free space to heal and grow. You’ve tried traditional talk therapy but need an approach the values the wisdom of the body-mind connection. You’re ready to process feelings, sensations and ways of being that no longer serve you. You’re motivated for a life that feels whole, authentic, and connected.
![Photo of Rebecca Durbahn, PhD, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6f374c26-22e3-4c4e-8dd2-404ef9e104b8/1/320x400.jpeg)
Rebecca Durbahn
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LCSW
Verified Verified
Glover Park, Washington, DC 20007 (Online Only)
I am currently accepting new clients! I would love to work with you as you navigate life's journey. What I can provide is a safe, non-judgmental space to support and walk along side you as we work together to reach your desired goals and outcomes. I want to be your ally, your champion, and one piece of your support network to alleviate the suffering, the depression, the anxiety, the stress associated with simply being human. My approach is collaborative, person centered, and real.
I am currently accepting new clients! I would love to work with you as you navigate life's journey. What I can provide is a safe, non-judgmental space to support and walk along side you as we work together to reach your desired goals and outcomes. I want to be your ally, your champion, and one piece of your support network to alleviate the suffering, the depression, the anxiety, the stress associated with simply being human. My approach is collaborative, person centered, and real.
![Photo of Jennifer Wiggins, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/68ab47b7-300e-4fa5-a894-0d8ea5992250/3/320x400.jpeg)
Jennifer Wiggins
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Glover Park, Washington, DC 20007
Life has the ability to impact our physical, mental and emotional wellness. I am an avid believer that therapy has the ability to promote wellness throughout the challenges that each of us face. Do you ever find yourself battling negative thoughts? Feeling overwhelmed with trying to cope with feelings? Are you in need of a space where you can feel seen and heard? Whether you are facing loss, traumas, family conflict, life transitions or difficulty with social wellness, my collaborative and supportive style supports you as you work toward your wellness goals.
Life has the ability to impact our physical, mental and emotional wellness. I am an avid believer that therapy has the ability to promote wellness throughout the challenges that each of us face. Do you ever find yourself battling negative thoughts? Feeling overwhelmed with trying to cope with feelings? Are you in need of a space where you can feel seen and heard? Whether you are facing loss, traumas, family conflict, life transitions or difficulty with social wellness, my collaborative and supportive style supports you as you work toward your wellness goals.
15 Second Videos
Mia Newell
Paula D Atkinson
Debra Cruz Counseling, LLC.
Sara Sheikh
Jesse Wingate
![Photo of Melissa Murphy, MSW, LCSW-C, LICSW, LCSW, C-DBT, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/55217f3d-2e96-4b95-a126-224040c21578/2/320x400.jpeg)
Melissa Murphy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW-C, LICSW, LCSW, C-DBT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Glover Park, Washington, DC 20016 (Online Only)
Accepting NEW clients — Feelings of anxiety, depression, and grief are totally normal responses in these difficult times. My goal as a therapist is to guide clients through whatever is keeping them from living their happiest lives — whether the issue is more recent/due to COVID, or a deeper issue that has been draining someone’s energy for years (or a lifetime). I operate from a collaborative, strengths-based perspective to help clients understand their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. I help clients develop skills and strategies to mitigate OCD, anxiety, depression, ADHD, and trauma/PTSD symptoms that interfere with well-being.
Accepting NEW clients — Feelings of anxiety, depression, and grief are totally normal responses in these difficult times. My goal as a therapist is to guide clients through whatever is keeping them from living their happiest lives — whether the issue is more recent/due to COVID, or a deeper issue that has been draining someone’s energy for years (or a lifetime). I operate from a collaborative, strengths-based perspective to help clients understand their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. I help clients develop skills and strategies to mitigate OCD, anxiety, depression, ADHD, and trauma/PTSD symptoms that interfere with well-being.
![Photo of Dr. Jesse Wingate, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/89dad9ea-ab13-490a-8f00-969e2ce084e2/2/320x400.png)
Dr. Jesse Wingate
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Glover Park, Washington, DC 20007 (Online Only)
Hello! Thank you for taking the time to learn more about me and how I might be able to help you with your goals and needs. My hope is that my profile might give you a glimpse of my approach to therapy. I consider myself collaborative, strengths-based, and compassionate in my style. I'm licensed in Virginia, Washington, D.C., Vermont, and am authorized to practice telepsychology with clients in 35+ states via PSYPACT.
Hello! Thank you for taking the time to learn more about me and how I might be able to help you with your goals and needs. My hope is that my profile might give you a glimpse of my approach to therapy. I consider myself collaborative, strengths-based, and compassionate in my style. I'm licensed in Virginia, Washington, D.C., Vermont, and am authorized to practice telepsychology with clients in 35+ states via PSYPACT.
![Photo of Alissa DiFranco, MFT, CFRC, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7145211e-1c24-431a-b7a1-d3a865e69906/1/320x400.jpeg)
Alissa DiFranco
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, CFRC
Verified Verified
Glover Park, Washington, DC 20007 (Online Only)
My style of working is thoughtful and direct. I am committed to helping people discover and enhance their emotional capacity in order to create more satisfying lives. Through the transformative experience of being deeply understood by another in an authentic, safe and honest relationship, people can transform destructive patterns into more satisfying expressions of self.
My style of working is thoughtful and direct. I am committed to helping people discover and enhance their emotional capacity in order to create more satisfying lives. Through the transformative experience of being deeply understood by another in an authentic, safe and honest relationship, people can transform destructive patterns into more satisfying expressions of self.
![Photo of Inma Iglesias, LICSW, LCSW-C, RPT-S, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/45ba66ab-b132-4bc0-aa70-e161c4703636/1/320x400.jpeg)
Inma Iglesias
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW-C, RPT-S
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Glover Park, Washington, DC 20016 (Online Only)
I work with children, adolescents, and adults. I specialize in attachment, conflictive relationships, life transitions, anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD and executive functioning deficits. I have experience working with children that struggle with behavior and emotional dysregulation. I provide family therapy to support parents in managing behavioral challenges at home and can also provide coaching to their teachers. As a Play Therapist Supervisor and board approved supervisor in Maryland, I offer clinical consultation and trainings to other mental health professionals.
I work with children, adolescents, and adults. I specialize in attachment, conflictive relationships, life transitions, anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD and executive functioning deficits. I have experience working with children that struggle with behavior and emotional dysregulation. I provide family therapy to support parents in managing behavioral challenges at home and can also provide coaching to their teachers. As a Play Therapist Supervisor and board approved supervisor in Maryland, I offer clinical consultation and trainings to other mental health professionals.
Online Therapists
![Photo of Jerry St Louis, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/23b6f33e-99ce-43b1-ba18-970214e514dd/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jerry St Louis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20019 (Online Only)
Helping you find the best you. I tend to focus on LGBTQIA+ Issues, which include but are not limited to social anxiety, fear about coming out or being rejected, and concerns about being alone. I also provide therapeutic services to individuals dealing with addiction (i.e. Crystal Meth, Sex-Drug Fusion). It is important that people of all gender identities, sexual orientations, races, and body size feel respected and heard with me. People of all backgrounds should be able to get the help they need without fear of microaggressions or further oppression by the therapist. I am also an officiant and offer pre-martial counseling.
Helping you find the best you. I tend to focus on LGBTQIA+ Issues, which include but are not limited to social anxiety, fear about coming out or being rejected, and concerns about being alone. I also provide therapeutic services to individuals dealing with addiction (i.e. Crystal Meth, Sex-Drug Fusion). It is important that people of all gender identities, sexual orientations, races, and body size feel respected and heard with me. People of all backgrounds should be able to get the help they need without fear of microaggressions or further oppression by the therapist. I am also an officiant and offer pre-martial counseling.
![Photo of Dallas Williams-Sierra, LICSW, EMDR-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/51801d43-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Dallas Williams-Sierra
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, EMDR-C
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20009 (Online Only)
I recognize that LGBTQ persons have unique challenges and may face additional obstacles when choosing a psychotherapist.
*At this time, I am only accepting new clients for EMDR treatment* Are you struggling with processing past traumatic events? EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a psychotherapy that enables people to heal from the symptoms and emotional distress that are the result of disturbing life experiences. EMDR provides a proven approach to address the symptoms of trauma that can interfere with thriving in your everyday life. EMDR allows individuals to process incredible amounts of material in a shockingly short time.
I recognize that LGBTQ persons have unique challenges and may face additional obstacles when choosing a psychotherapist.
*At this time, I am only accepting new clients for EMDR treatment* Are you struggling with processing past traumatic events? EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a psychotherapy that enables people to heal from the symptoms and emotional distress that are the result of disturbing life experiences. EMDR provides a proven approach to address the symptoms of trauma that can interfere with thriving in your everyday life. EMDR allows individuals to process incredible amounts of material in a shockingly short time.
![Photo of Oz Ezkibel, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2f449e4c-0c69-4363-a908-2732185e424f/1/320x400.jpeg)
Oz Ezkibel
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20036
As a Latino Queer Therapist, I have learned that understanding the intersections of my identities and how I show up in multiple spaces has been imperative to my personal growth and my understanding of belonging. Growing up, I always felt othered and often times unwanted. Therapy for me is about learning to understand our inner dialogues, validate our emotional experiences, and effect change in a way that is consistent with our desired narrative.
As a Latino Queer Therapist, I have learned that understanding the intersections of my identities and how I show up in multiple spaces has been imperative to my personal growth and my understanding of belonging. Growing up, I always felt othered and often times unwanted. Therapy for me is about learning to understand our inner dialogues, validate our emotional experiences, and effect change in a way that is consistent with our desired narrative.
![Photo of Roland Scheppske, MA, LPC-R, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4beb3661-0803-4598-9eff-25c64e9af53a/2/320x400.jpeg)
Roland Scheppske
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, LPC-R
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20036
Roland loves working with the aromantic and asexual community, failure-to-launch young adults, queer veterans and military families, those with people pleasing tendencies, the gay male population, and people working on improving their abilities to self-advocate and empower themselves.
With over 12 years in the medical field, Roland utilizes the relationship between the client and therapist to facilitate forward growth and healing, with the goal of becoming the best version of themselves. Roland uses a variety of therapeutic approaches, including experiential and reality-based approaches to highlight implementing changes in the here & now. As a big proponent of creating connections, Roland makes the therapy setting conversational and comfortable to promote safety and collaboration in the therapeutic space.
Roland loves working with the aromantic and asexual community, failure-to-launch young adults, queer veterans and military families, those with people pleasing tendencies, the gay male population, and people working on improving their abilities to self-advocate and empower themselves.
With over 12 years in the medical field, Roland utilizes the relationship between the client and therapist to facilitate forward growth and healing, with the goal of becoming the best version of themselves. Roland uses a variety of therapeutic approaches, including experiential and reality-based approaches to highlight implementing changes in the here & now. As a big proponent of creating connections, Roland makes the therapy setting conversational and comfortable to promote safety and collaboration in the therapeutic space.
![Photo of DeLante Fludd, LGPC, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0c3b1d60-f516-46a7-90d1-0ea7e935f492/2/320x400.jpeg)
I'm a Washington, DC Native with a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Trinity Washington University. I have developed a passion for combining my 10+ years of experience in the arts with helping individuals meet their mental health and wellness goals in a counseling setting. I am passionate about the experience of gender diverse and members of the LGBTQ+ community, I believe every individual is unique and their worldview should be validated.
I'm a Washington, DC Native with a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Trinity Washington University. I have developed a passion for combining my 10+ years of experience in the arts with helping individuals meet their mental health and wellness goals in a counseling setting. I am passionate about the experience of gender diverse and members of the LGBTQ+ community, I believe every individual is unique and their worldview should be validated.
See more therapy options for Glover Park, Washington
Nearby LGBTQ+ Therapists Searches for Glover Park, Washington
- Au-Tenleytown
- Berkley
- Burleith
- Cleveland Park
- Foxhall
- Georgetown
- Kalorama
- Spring Valley
- Tenleytown
- The Palisades
- West End
- Woodley Park
LGBTQ+ Therapists
Do LGBTQ-affirmative therapists receive special training?
Yes. Many therapists who practice LGBTQ-affirmative therapy have completed specialized training, either during their degree program or as continuing education, to learn the core principles of affirmative therapy and how to best support their LGBTQ clients; some have received certifications in LGBTQ-affirmative therapy. Prospective clients should inquire as to a clinician’s background and training to ensure a good fit.
Why might I want to see an LGBTQ-affirming or LGBTQ-friendly therapist?
Queer and gender-non-conforming individuals frequently experience bias and marginalization in day-to-day life. Working with a therapist who understands these unique challenges, as well as accepts and affirms their identity, can help LGBTQ clients feel safe and supported during therapy—allowing them to better navigate their relationships, mental health, and anything else that they wish to explore during therapy. It is important to note that many therapists can be effective in their work with LGBTQ+ individuals, even in the absence of specific training or background knowledge. The most important component in therapy is the alliance between therapist and client, and this alliance can exist between individuals with very different backgrounds.
How can I find an LGBTQ-friendly therapist?
You may wish to inquire about a therapist’s expertise with your specific challenges or concerns—depression, for example, or relationship strife—as well as their past experiences treating LGBTQ+ clients. Prospective clients may also ask whether a therapist has obtained additional training and/or certification in LGBTQ-affirmative techniques.
How can I inquire about a therapist’s experience with LGBTQ issues?
Prospective clients should feel empowered to directly ask therapists whether they have received training or been certified in LGBTQ-affirming therapy; competent therapists will be happy to explain their educational background and preferred approach(es) to help a client find the best match for them. Clients may also wish to ask how a therapist has treated clients with their particular challenges in the past and what they expect treatment to look like.
Are all the therapists listed in the LGBTQ directory themselves members of the LGBTQ community?
While therapists may choose to disclose their sexual orientation or gender identity in their profiles, the LGBTQ directory features not only those who have shared this information but also those who assert specialized training or experience in providing support to queer individuals, couples or families.