LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Smyrna, GA
Lydia Walters
Associate Professional Counselor, MS, EdS, APC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Smyrna, GA 30082
I specialize in working with those in the LGBTQIA+ community, anxiety, depression, and trauma survivors.
I work with a therapy dog in person (hypoallergenic). Are you struggling with anxiety and depression making it hard to navigate your day-to-day tasks? Is your past trauma keeping you stuck from living a full life? Are you exploring your sexual or gender identity and concerned about how it will interact with relationships around you? I meet my clients where they are, without judgment, and we work together to create a space for hope and healing.
I specialize in working with those in the LGBTQIA+ community, anxiety, depression, and trauma survivors.
I work with a therapy dog in person (hypoallergenic). Are you struggling with anxiety and depression making it hard to navigate your day-to-day tasks? Is your past trauma keeping you stuck from living a full life? Are you exploring your sexual or gender identity and concerned about how it will interact with relationships around you? I meet my clients where they are, without judgment, and we work together to create a space for hope and healing.
As an Alternative Lifestyle-affirming member of the LGBTQIA, she arrived at her specialties through a combination of formal training and lived experience.
Alexandra Gray is a Licensed Associate Professional Counselor who began practicing in Georgia in 2022. Her specialties are Autism, ADHD, Anxiety Disorders, and the LGBTQIA community. A significant portion of her practice deals with navigating complexities and liminal spaces around neurodivergence and alternative lifestyles (the “Standard Issue Model Society vs. Specialty Model Human” conundrum); the road from religious trauma to found family; OCD; Shame and Self-Esteem; and the yearning to chase Emotionally Unavailable Families. She is also a Kink-affirming therapist who recognizes that normalcy is diverse.
As an Alternative Lifestyle-affirming member of the LGBTQIA, she arrived at her specialties through a combination of formal training and lived experience.
Alexandra Gray is a Licensed Associate Professional Counselor who began practicing in Georgia in 2022. Her specialties are Autism, ADHD, Anxiety Disorders, and the LGBTQIA community. A significant portion of her practice deals with navigating complexities and liminal spaces around neurodivergence and alternative lifestyles (the “Standard Issue Model Society vs. Specialty Model Human” conundrum); the road from religious trauma to found family; OCD; Shame and Self-Esteem; and the yearning to chase Emotionally Unavailable Families. She is also a Kink-affirming therapist who recognizes that normalcy is diverse.
Hi! My name is Whitney and I am a licensed Associate Professional Counselor in Georgia. I have experience working with adolescents and adults struggling with anxiety, anger management, depression, trauma and life transitions. I am passionate about working with adolescents, young adults and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. I love working with clients who are seeking change in their lives and are ready to live a meaningful life.
Hi! My name is Whitney and I am a licensed Associate Professional Counselor in Georgia. I have experience working with adolescents and adults struggling with anxiety, anger management, depression, trauma and life transitions. I am passionate about working with adolescents, young adults and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. I love working with clients who are seeking change in their lives and are ready to live a meaningful life.
Dani Broadway graduated in 2016 with their Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University. Dani utilizes a mindfulness based cognitive behavioral therapy approach to counseling. Dani believes healing happens in the present and aims to teach clients to be more present with themselves and their environment. Dani's areas of specialty include gender identity and LGBTQ+ issues, life transitions, and chronic diseases. In their spare time, Dani enjoys traveling to new places, hiking, and spending time with their wife and pets.
Dani Broadway graduated in 2016 with their Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University. Dani utilizes a mindfulness based cognitive behavioral therapy approach to counseling. Dani believes healing happens in the present and aims to teach clients to be more present with themselves and their environment. Dani's areas of specialty include gender identity and LGBTQ+ issues, life transitions, and chronic diseases. In their spare time, Dani enjoys traveling to new places, hiking, and spending time with their wife and pets.
Are you and your partner experiencing issues in your relationship? Is there still a question in your mind about your sexual identity? Your concerns can never be too large or small to discuss. I am here to listen with a nonjudgmental ear. The concerns you have about your life are real, no matter your sexual identity, gender, or race. As a Marriage and Family Therapist, it is my privilege to assist Gay, Lesbian, and Heterosexual couples, families, and individuals with navigating their unique life journeys.
Are you and your partner experiencing issues in your relationship? Is there still a question in your mind about your sexual identity? Your concerns can never be too large or small to discuss. I am here to listen with a nonjudgmental ear. The concerns you have about your life are real, no matter your sexual identity, gender, or race. As a Marriage and Family Therapist, it is my privilege to assist Gay, Lesbian, and Heterosexual couples, families, and individuals with navigating their unique life journeys.
Anitra Stewart
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Smyrna, GA 30080 (Online Only)
Have you been searching for an affirming LGBT therapist? Are you considering therapy for the first time, but unsure if it's right for you? Have you been dealing with anxiety, depression, grief/loss, relationship issues, sexual orientation concerns, or other life stressors? Well you've come to the right place! Together we can work through life's challenges in a safe, non judgmental environment. I will work with you to help you develop the tools to navigate your stressors in a healthy way.
Have you been searching for an affirming LGBT therapist? Are you considering therapy for the first time, but unsure if it's right for you? Have you been dealing with anxiety, depression, grief/loss, relationship issues, sexual orientation concerns, or other life stressors? Well you've come to the right place! Together we can work through life's challenges in a safe, non judgmental environment. I will work with you to help you develop the tools to navigate your stressors in a healthy way.
Candice Cruse
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Smyrna, GA 30082
Waitlist for new clients
I often find myself supporting people who are neurodiverse, LGBTQIA+, ethically nonmonogamous, those with “alternative” faiths, and teens.
Have you tried therapy before and walked away feeling misunderstood? Have you worried that you wouldn't be able to share everything about yourself in session, fearing judgement? When we don’t fit the norms around us, it’s pretty easy for anxiety and depression to wreak havoc on our mental health and self-esteem, making it more difficult to feel comfortable enough to be vulnerable. Having struggled with alienation myself, I’ve gravitated to helping people who experience this too.
I often find myself supporting people who are neurodiverse, LGBTQIA+, ethically nonmonogamous, those with “alternative” faiths, and teens.
Have you tried therapy before and walked away feeling misunderstood? Have you worried that you wouldn't be able to share everything about yourself in session, fearing judgement? When we don’t fit the norms around us, it’s pretty easy for anxiety and depression to wreak havoc on our mental health and self-esteem, making it more difficult to feel comfortable enough to be vulnerable. Having struggled with alienation myself, I’ve gravitated to helping people who experience this too.
Afiya Yabuku
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, NCC, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Smyrna, GA 30080
I work with children (2-17), adults, couples, families, and the LGBTQ+ population.
I believe that therapy is all about unlocking the strength and potential that exists within each of us. As a counselor, my job is to motivate people to stand courageously in the truth of who they are. This principle guides the work I do with children, adults, couples, and families.
I work with children (2-17), adults, couples, families, and the LGBTQ+ population.
I believe that therapy is all about unlocking the strength and potential that exists within each of us. As a counselor, my job is to motivate people to stand courageously in the truth of who they are. This principle guides the work I do with children, adults, couples, and families.
Vernita Williams
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Smyrna, GA 30080 (Online Only)
I am a licensed professional counselor in Georgia with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
I am a licensed professional counselor in Georgia with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Are you trying to make improvements in your life and hitting road blocks? Feeling depressed? Feeling stuck? Anxious? Confused about yourself or your own goals? Therapy may be a good option for you. Throughout my years as a therapist, I have worked with clients who simply need to talk through difficult life events to clients who have significant and debilitating mental illnesses. I work with clients who experience anxiety, depression, life transitional problems, LGBTQ issues, women's issues, trauma, and ADHD. I primarily use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) in sessions.
Are you trying to make improvements in your life and hitting road blocks? Feeling depressed? Feeling stuck? Anxious? Confused about yourself or your own goals? Therapy may be a good option for you. Throughout my years as a therapist, I have worked with clients who simply need to talk through difficult life events to clients who have significant and debilitating mental illnesses. I work with clients who experience anxiety, depression, life transitional problems, LGBTQ issues, women's issues, trauma, and ADHD. I primarily use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) in sessions.
I prefer to use and focus on trans-theoretical models of solution-focused behavioral therapy, cognitive recovery-oriented therapy, motivational interviewing, EMDR, and embracing change therapy.
Hello, I'm Marissa Herrera. I'm excited to meet you and help you wherever you may find yourself on your therapy journey! My ideal client would be an individual who is ready and open in their healing journey. Potential issues could be related to sexual identity/orientation, depression, anxiety, ADHD, cultural, and interpersonal challenges, and difficulty with daily functioning. Their goals would be to decrease days associated with body dysphoria, sx related to depression/anxiety, etc; improving self-report of self-worth/self-esteem, interpersonal relationships, etc.
I prefer to use and focus on trans-theoretical models of solution-focused behavioral therapy, cognitive recovery-oriented therapy, motivational interviewing, EMDR, and embracing change therapy.
Hello, I'm Marissa Herrera. I'm excited to meet you and help you wherever you may find yourself on your therapy journey! My ideal client would be an individual who is ready and open in their healing journey. Potential issues could be related to sexual identity/orientation, depression, anxiety, ADHD, cultural, and interpersonal challenges, and difficulty with daily functioning. Their goals would be to decrease days associated with body dysphoria, sx related to depression/anxiety, etc; improving self-report of self-worth/self-esteem, interpersonal relationships, etc.
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Taking the step to therapy can be a scary and daunting decision. I will treat you with empathy and respect. I will create a space in which you can talk freely without fear of being judged. I am an ally to LGBTQ+, BIPOC, fire service, and veterans. I am a licensed professional counselor with over 15 years of experience. I work out of a psychodynamic approach. I focus on the way in which present day circumstances are influenced by past events. Whether you are looking to heal from PTSD, process intergenerational trauma, relieve depression or anxiety, learn to develop healthy boundaries, heal your inner child
Taking the step to therapy can be a scary and daunting decision. I will treat you with empathy and respect. I will create a space in which you can talk freely without fear of being judged. I am an ally to LGBTQ+, BIPOC, fire service, and veterans. I am a licensed professional counselor with over 15 years of experience. I work out of a psychodynamic approach. I focus on the way in which present day circumstances are influenced by past events. Whether you are looking to heal from PTSD, process intergenerational trauma, relieve depression or anxiety, learn to develop healthy boundaries, heal your inner child
Counseling Services of Atlanta
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Smyrna, GA 30082
We treat: Depression, Anxiety, Anger, Stress, relationship issues, Parenting, Divorce, Couples, Mood Disorders, Childhood abuse, Sexual Abuse, Trauma, PTSD, OCD, Loneliness, Grief, Eating disorders, Addiction (all forms), ADHD/ADD, Women's Issues, LGBT Issues, Men's Issues,Teen Issues, Bipolar, Play therapy/social skills for ages 3 and up, and Life coaching.
Counseling Services of Atlanta offers individual, couples, and family therapy. We offer therapy and counseling services for both adults and children of all ages including video sessions. We now have 4 male therapists and 20 female therapists! We can treat a wide variety of mental health concerns and sessions are available by video if needed. We are centrally located to provide services for Marietta, East Cobb, West Cobb, Smyrna, Vinings, Kennesaw, Powder Springs, Austell, Mableton, Dallas, Douglasville, Hiram, Acworth, Atlanta, Peachtree Corners, Lawrenceville, Alpharetta, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Duluth, and Tucker areas.
We treat: Depression, Anxiety, Anger, Stress, relationship issues, Parenting, Divorce, Couples, Mood Disorders, Childhood abuse, Sexual Abuse, Trauma, PTSD, OCD, Loneliness, Grief, Eating disorders, Addiction (all forms), ADHD/ADD, Women's Issues, LGBT Issues, Men's Issues,Teen Issues, Bipolar, Play therapy/social skills for ages 3 and up, and Life coaching.
Counseling Services of Atlanta offers individual, couples, and family therapy. We offer therapy and counseling services for both adults and children of all ages including video sessions. We now have 4 male therapists and 20 female therapists! We can treat a wide variety of mental health concerns and sessions are available by video if needed. We are centrally located to provide services for Marietta, East Cobb, West Cobb, Smyrna, Vinings, Kennesaw, Powder Springs, Austell, Mableton, Dallas, Douglasville, Hiram, Acworth, Atlanta, Peachtree Corners, Lawrenceville, Alpharetta, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Duluth, and Tucker areas.
Karen Elizabeth Demski
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Smyrna, GA 30082 (Online Only)
Hey you! Yes you! Out there scrolling through this website looking for a therapist and feeling overwhelmed by the choice. I am an autistic, fat, queer and chronically ill therapist who loves to help other similar individuals. I find I fit best with other ND clients. Most of my clients are queer, trans, ADHD, autistic and/or Audhd and OCD. I utilize talk therapy (psychotherapy and psychodynamic) so being able to verbally process would be highly beneficial. I speak sarcasm and memes fluently. If I haven't mentioned something please ask- I'm always up for learning.
Hey you! Yes you! Out there scrolling through this website looking for a therapist and feeling overwhelmed by the choice. I am an autistic, fat, queer and chronically ill therapist who loves to help other similar individuals. I find I fit best with other ND clients. Most of my clients are queer, trans, ADHD, autistic and/or Audhd and OCD. I utilize talk therapy (psychotherapy and psychodynamic) so being able to verbally process would be highly beneficial. I speak sarcasm and memes fluently. If I haven't mentioned something please ask- I'm always up for learning.
Summit's Edge Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, NCC, LPC, CCH
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Smyrna, GA 30080
We are an Anti-Racist, Neuro-Diverse, Trans-Inclusive, LGBTQ+, and Gender, Sexual, & Romantic Minorities-Affirming practice. We are respectful of all cultures and exercise humility toward our client’s religious identities. We serve children (3+), teens, and adults, individuals, couples (all structures), families. We create treatment plans that utilize evidence-based treatments while considering the unique experiences and identifies of our clients. Our clients want to feel safe to explore their needs with a therapist that understands them.
We are an Anti-Racist, Neuro-Diverse, Trans-Inclusive, LGBTQ+, and Gender, Sexual, & Romantic Minorities-Affirming practice. We are respectful of all cultures and exercise humility toward our client’s religious identities. We serve children (3+), teens, and adults, individuals, couples (all structures), families. We create treatment plans that utilize evidence-based treatments while considering the unique experiences and identifies of our clients. Our clients want to feel safe to explore their needs with a therapist that understands them.
The Relationship House LLC
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Smyrna, GA 30080
The Relationship House is an Anti-Racist, Trans-Inclusive, and LGBTQIA+ Affirming practice.
We are a Relationship Therapy Center that specializes in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT). We are dedicated to helping couples, families, and individuals have healthy, long-lasting relationships. We are unique in our trauma informed and attachment based approach to emotional, mental, and relational health. We understand the complexity of relationships and have the skills to help you build strong, intimate bonds. As EFT informed therapists, we recognize that secure and responsive relationships decrease anxiety and depression, reduce stress, and improve physical health.
The Relationship House is an Anti-Racist, Trans-Inclusive, and LGBTQIA+ Affirming practice.
We are a Relationship Therapy Center that specializes in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT). We are dedicated to helping couples, families, and individuals have healthy, long-lasting relationships. We are unique in our trauma informed and attachment based approach to emotional, mental, and relational health. We understand the complexity of relationships and have the skills to help you build strong, intimate bonds. As EFT informed therapists, we recognize that secure and responsive relationships decrease anxiety and depression, reduce stress, and improve physical health.
I am so happy that you are taking steps to take charge of your mental well-being & I am honored that I can potentially assist. Seeking a mental health provider is a huge step and I am happy to connect you with me for a brief consultation to ensure that I am fit for your desired services.I work with children, teenagers, adults, couples/families, active duty military/veterans, LGBTQIA+SGL, and BIPOC experiencing depression, anxiety, life transition, families who have participated in adoption, perinatal/maternal health, trauma-related symptoms, interpersonal relationship conflict, mood-related concerns, domestic violence, and life tran
I am so happy that you are taking steps to take charge of your mental well-being & I am honored that I can potentially assist. Seeking a mental health provider is a huge step and I am happy to connect you with me for a brief consultation to ensure that I am fit for your desired services.I work with children, teenagers, adults, couples/families, active duty military/veterans, LGBTQIA+SGL, and BIPOC experiencing depression, anxiety, life transition, families who have participated in adoption, perinatal/maternal health, trauma-related symptoms, interpersonal relationship conflict, mood-related concerns, domestic violence, and life tran
Jennifer A Riapos
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Smyrna, GA 30080
Waitlist for new clients
Jennifer has a passion for and specializes in working with LGBTQ+ youth, addiction issues, trauma, & families in crisis; a wealth of experience working with clients with bipolar, anxiety, depression, personality disorders, anger and relationship issues.
Jennifer earned her Master's degree in Social Work at Kennesaw State University graduating cum laude. She is currently a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a member of the National Association of Social Workers. A New Jersey native, Jennifer relocated to Cobb County in 2005 as a single parent raising two children. She is active in the community and her church. Jennifer has extensive experience working with varied populations: working with a pregnancy resource center; inpatient adolescents; individuals/families in the community; as well as substance abuse/mental health IOP/PHP treatment settings.
Jennifer has a passion for and specializes in working with LGBTQ+ youth, addiction issues, trauma, & families in crisis; a wealth of experience working with clients with bipolar, anxiety, depression, personality disorders, anger and relationship issues.
Jennifer earned her Master's degree in Social Work at Kennesaw State University graduating cum laude. She is currently a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a member of the National Association of Social Workers. A New Jersey native, Jennifer relocated to Cobb County in 2005 as a single parent raising two children. She is active in the community and her church. Jennifer has extensive experience working with varied populations: working with a pregnancy resource center; inpatient adolescents; individuals/families in the community; as well as substance abuse/mental health IOP/PHP treatment settings.
Dr. Elizabeth A. Mellin
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, ACS
Verified Verified
Smyrna, GA 30080 (Online Only)
As a queer therapist and fellow traveler, I support you in focusing on your needs, perhaps for the very first time.
Growing up with a parent’s addiction, mental illness, unhealed trauma, or rigid religious beliefs may have profoundly shaped how you see yourself and relate to others. These wounds, rooted in family or faith, might now resurface as patterns of approval-seeking, fear of authority, overfunctioning, burnout, people-pleasing, hyper-independence, rescuing, or overgiving—behaviors that can harm your relationships. You may feel exhausted, angry, resentful, ashamed, or inadequate. And if you're an LGBTQ+ individual or a woman, societal expectations and marginalization can amplify these struggles, making healing even more challenging.
As a queer therapist and fellow traveler, I support you in focusing on your needs, perhaps for the very first time.
Growing up with a parent’s addiction, mental illness, unhealed trauma, or rigid religious beliefs may have profoundly shaped how you see yourself and relate to others. These wounds, rooted in family or faith, might now resurface as patterns of approval-seeking, fear of authority, overfunctioning, burnout, people-pleasing, hyper-independence, rescuing, or overgiving—behaviors that can harm your relationships. You may feel exhausted, angry, resentful, ashamed, or inadequate. And if you're an LGBTQ+ individual or a woman, societal expectations and marginalization can amplify these struggles, making healing even more challenging.
I am LGBTQIA+ inclusive, kink and BDSM positive, and poly-friendly.
My clients are often frustrated, lost, confused and at their breaking point in their sexual relationships. They have shame or guilt regarding some aspect of their sexuality. They question their sexuality, ruminate over whether they are “having sex the right way?” and struggle to connect to their partners and their own bodies. My clients are curious about exploring their sexuality, motivated to heal their trauma and face cultural messages to achieve wellness, pleasure and liberation.
I am LGBTQIA+ inclusive, kink and BDSM positive, and poly-friendly.
My clients are often frustrated, lost, confused and at their breaking point in their sexual relationships. They have shame or guilt regarding some aspect of their sexuality. They question their sexuality, ruminate over whether they are “having sex the right way?” and struggle to connect to their partners and their own bodies. My clients are curious about exploring their sexuality, motivated to heal their trauma and face cultural messages to achieve wellness, pleasure and liberation.
See more therapy options for Smyrna
Nearby LGBTQ+ Therapists Searches for Smyrna
- Atlanta
- Austell
- Brookhaven
- Chamblee
- Dunwoody
- East Point
- Kennesaw
- Mableton
- Marietta
- Powder Springs
- Roswell
- Sandy Springs
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.