LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Cambridge, MA
Julian C Post
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cambridge, MA 02139 (Online Only)
I specialize in working with fellow members of the LGBTQ+ community, men/male-identified folks, and young adults.
Hi there! I'm a Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW) providing therapy to help folks live happier, healthier, and more authentic lives. As the mixed-race child of a single mother who immigrated to the US to make a better life for her family, I want to carry on her mission to improve the lives of others. My therapeutic approach emphasizes building relationships, creating structure, and using whatever strengths, interests, and passions you have to build consistent momentum towards reaching your goals. I believe in progress, not perfection, and folks motivated to grow and heal by doing the work are always welcome in my practice.
I specialize in working with fellow members of the LGBTQ+ community, men/male-identified folks, and young adults.
Hi there! I'm a Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW) providing therapy to help folks live happier, healthier, and more authentic lives. As the mixed-race child of a single mother who immigrated to the US to make a better life for her family, I want to carry on her mission to improve the lives of others. My therapeutic approach emphasizes building relationships, creating structure, and using whatever strengths, interests, and passions you have to build consistent momentum towards reaching your goals. I believe in progress, not perfection, and folks motivated to grow and heal by doing the work are always welcome in my practice.
As a queer person, Alex knows that safe spaces can be difficult to find, so their main goal is to provide a safe space for you to feel comfortable to process life’s difficulties.
There is no wrong reason to seek therapy, what’s important is that you’re here. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Alex has a variety of experiences as she has worked in addiction services, a day treatment center, and outpatient therapy conducting individual and group therapy counseling sessions with adolescents and adults. Currently, they primarily work with folks on matters relating to gender, sexuality, trauma, anxiety, ADHD, and adjusting to various life events. Alex believes that you are the expert of your life, so they primarily utilize a compassion-focused, strengths-based approach.
As a queer person, Alex knows that safe spaces can be difficult to find, so their main goal is to provide a safe space for you to feel comfortable to process life’s difficulties.
There is no wrong reason to seek therapy, what’s important is that you’re here. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Alex has a variety of experiences as she has worked in addiction services, a day treatment center, and outpatient therapy conducting individual and group therapy counseling sessions with adolescents and adults. Currently, they primarily work with folks on matters relating to gender, sexuality, trauma, anxiety, ADHD, and adjusting to various life events. Alex believes that you are the expert of your life, so they primarily utilize a compassion-focused, strengths-based approach.
He has experience working with depression, anxiety, trauma, LGBTQ issues, intimate partner violence, and family stress.
Change is beautiful, difficult, and inevitable. You do not have to navigate it alone. Connor is a licensed mental health counselor who strives to form therapeutic relationships marked by thoughtfulness, insight, and patience. Connor’s approach seeks to empower clients to access their strengths as a means to growth and change. As a queer clinician with a background in community mental health, intersectionality, identity, and social conscientiousness are integral to his work as a therapist and his relationships with his clients.
He has experience working with depression, anxiety, trauma, LGBTQ issues, intimate partner violence, and family stress.
Change is beautiful, difficult, and inevitable. You do not have to navigate it alone. Connor is a licensed mental health counselor who strives to form therapeutic relationships marked by thoughtfulness, insight, and patience. Connor’s approach seeks to empower clients to access their strengths as a means to growth and change. As a queer clinician with a background in community mental health, intersectionality, identity, and social conscientiousness are integral to his work as a therapist and his relationships with his clients.
Dr. Forte (she/her) works with young adults and adults. Her areas of interest include: Anxiety, depression, working with individuals along the LGBTQIA+ spectrum, including transgender and gender-expansive identities, difficult life transitions, acculturation/adjustment to immigration, interpersonal difficulties, and trauma. She is a warm, affirming therapist who brings authenticity to the therapeutic relationship and whose work emphasizes acceptance and exposure-based treatments, integrating ACT, interpersonal psychotherapy, CBT, and prolonged exposure therapy.
Dr. Forte (she/her) works with young adults and adults. Her areas of interest include: Anxiety, depression, working with individuals along the LGBTQIA+ spectrum, including transgender and gender-expansive identities, difficult life transitions, acculturation/adjustment to immigration, interpersonal difficulties, and trauma. She is a warm, affirming therapist who brings authenticity to the therapeutic relationship and whose work emphasizes acceptance and exposure-based treatments, integrating ACT, interpersonal psychotherapy, CBT, and prolonged exposure therapy.
Dipesh J Patel
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MBA, MSW, LCSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Cambridge, MA 02139 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I specialize in working with adults and adolescents across a wide range of issues, including depression, anxiety, self-confidence/self-esteem, career challenges, coping with life changes, and LGBTQ-related issues.
My mantra is that therapy, good therapy, should create some sort of movement. Whether it’s helping you create actual, tangible change in your life or helping move along an internal conversation that you can’t seem to make progress in, my job is to help you get wherever you're trying to go.
I specialize in working with adults and adolescents across a wide range of issues, including depression, anxiety, self-confidence/self-esteem, career challenges, coping with life changes, and LGBTQ-related issues.
My mantra is that therapy, good therapy, should create some sort of movement. Whether it’s helping you create actual, tangible change in your life or helping move along an internal conversation that you can’t seem to make progress in, my job is to help you get wherever you're trying to go.
Maria Cimino
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Cambridge, MA 02140 (Online Only)
I work with adults and young adults and specialize in parenting, LGBTQIA issues, interpersonal issues and mindfulness.
I am a Clinical Social Worker with 30 years of experience. My goal is to build a strong therapeutic relationship based on trust and safety. My style is active, compassionate and collaborative. With a focus on active listening and curiosity, I believe healing happens. I have experience working with those who want to develop both a strong sense of themselves so that they can have healthier relationships and a more fulfilling quality of life.
I work with adults and young adults and specialize in parenting, LGBTQIA issues, interpersonal issues and mindfulness.
I am a Clinical Social Worker with 30 years of experience. My goal is to build a strong therapeutic relationship based on trust and safety. My style is active, compassionate and collaborative. With a focus on active listening and curiosity, I believe healing happens. I have experience working with those who want to develop both a strong sense of themselves so that they can have healthier relationships and a more fulfilling quality of life.
I’m also drawn towards assisting college students, individuals within the LGBTQ+ community, and those with disordered eating patterns.
After several years in the field, I cannot explain how inspired I am by the many individuals and stories I have encountered. When I think of counseling, I think of several things: listening, developing a true connection, skill-building, productive honesty, and even celebrating the possibility of not needing counseling anymore. My therapeutic approach is comprised of these several aspects, along with moments of light-hearted humor.
I’m also drawn towards assisting college students, individuals within the LGBTQ+ community, and those with disordered eating patterns.
After several years in the field, I cannot explain how inspired I am by the many individuals and stories I have encountered. When I think of counseling, I think of several things: listening, developing a true connection, skill-building, productive honesty, and even celebrating the possibility of not needing counseling anymore. My therapeutic approach is comprised of these several aspects, along with moments of light-hearted humor.
I conduct research in the Race and Gender Justice Lab of William James College and have co-published research on the experience of transgender youth seeking gender affirmations, as well as on gender and orientation diversity, in the court systems.
I utilize a psychodynamic (insight oriented) approach, integrating relational therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) and trauma informed treatments. I also employ tools from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mentalization Based Therapy, when clinically appropriate. I strongly believe that our identities and backgrounds, including our culture, sexual orientation, and gender identity, play a large role in our development and identity formation. I value clinical relationships built on trust and aim to foster a safe and judgement-free space that helps my clients gain insight into their feelings, thoughts, and patterns of behavior.
I conduct research in the Race and Gender Justice Lab of William James College and have co-published research on the experience of transgender youth seeking gender affirmations, as well as on gender and orientation diversity, in the court systems.
I utilize a psychodynamic (insight oriented) approach, integrating relational therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) and trauma informed treatments. I also employ tools from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mentalization Based Therapy, when clinically appropriate. I strongly believe that our identities and backgrounds, including our culture, sexual orientation, and gender identity, play a large role in our development and identity formation. I value clinical relationships built on trust and aim to foster a safe and judgement-free space that helps my clients gain insight into their feelings, thoughts, and patterns of behavior.
I am passionate about working with women, the queer community, trauma survivors, & people struggling with personality disorders.
I strongly believe that everyone should have a safe space where they feel accepted and supported for who they are. Human beings possess an incredible capacity for growth, and I am passionate about facilitating this journey. I believe that self-improvement is fundamental to navigating life's complexities and empowering individuals to take charge of their lives. However, it's common to encounter obstacles that hinder personal growth, and facing these challenges alone can be overwhelming. As a therapist, I prioritize building a trusting and supportive therapeutic alliance with my clients to address their unique needs.
I am passionate about working with women, the queer community, trauma survivors, & people struggling with personality disorders.
I strongly believe that everyone should have a safe space where they feel accepted and supported for who they are. Human beings possess an incredible capacity for growth, and I am passionate about facilitating this journey. I believe that self-improvement is fundamental to navigating life's complexities and empowering individuals to take charge of their lives. However, it's common to encounter obstacles that hinder personal growth, and facing these challenges alone can be overwhelming. As a therapist, I prioritize building a trusting and supportive therapeutic alliance with my clients to address their unique needs.
Murron A O'Neill
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cambridge, MA 02138
I am a social worker at the New England Center for OCD and Anxiety helping clients of all ages. I have experience helping people struggling with OCD, anxiety, and related disorders, and particularly enjoy working with neurodivergent, queer, and gender nonconforming clients. My goals are your goals. I am a firm believer that I, as your therapist, should not be someone that is telling you what kind of person you should be. I am the resource and guide on your journey to transform into the version of yourself you would most like to be. Your life is your story, and you deserve the tools to write it.
I am a social worker at the New England Center for OCD and Anxiety helping clients of all ages. I have experience helping people struggling with OCD, anxiety, and related disorders, and particularly enjoy working with neurodivergent, queer, and gender nonconforming clients. My goals are your goals. I am a firm believer that I, as your therapist, should not be someone that is telling you what kind of person you should be. I am the resource and guide on your journey to transform into the version of yourself you would most like to be. Your life is your story, and you deserve the tools to write it.
I have a passion for working with queer clients and clients exploring alternative relationship structures like ethical non-monogamy and polyamory.
I believe that the most profound healing happens in connection with others. I utilize a psychodynamic, client-centered approach which prioritizes connecting meaningfully with my clients on their own terms, and allowing my client's needs to drive the direction of therapy. I draw on my training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and couples / family therapy to enrich my work with individuals. I am a postgraduate Fellow at Clinical Alliance Services, LLC and the Psychodynamic Couple & Family Institute of New England.
I have a passion for working with queer clients and clients exploring alternative relationship structures like ethical non-monogamy and polyamory.
I believe that the most profound healing happens in connection with others. I utilize a psychodynamic, client-centered approach which prioritizes connecting meaningfully with my clients on their own terms, and allowing my client's needs to drive the direction of therapy. I draw on my training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and couples / family therapy to enrich my work with individuals. I am a postgraduate Fellow at Clinical Alliance Services, LLC and the Psychodynamic Couple & Family Institute of New England.
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Therapy clients may be seeking insight, new ways of coping, relief from suffering, or to be less alone with life’s challenges. I draw flexibly from many approaches, and ultimately, I believe it is the relationship that heals, as well as learning to be a kind friend to oneself. I believe that good mental health means feeling you have choices and making them consciously. Many of my clients strive to be more fully themselves. My practice has a focus on the BGLTQ+ Community, especially trans, gender diverse, and polyamorous people, and I also tend to see a lot of geeky and neurodivergent people.
Therapy clients may be seeking insight, new ways of coping, relief from suffering, or to be less alone with life’s challenges. I draw flexibly from many approaches, and ultimately, I believe it is the relationship that heals, as well as learning to be a kind friend to oneself. I believe that good mental health means feeling you have choices and making them consciously. Many of my clients strive to be more fully themselves. My practice has a focus on the BGLTQ+ Community, especially trans, gender diverse, and polyamorous people, and I also tend to see a lot of geeky and neurodivergent people.
Therapy often deals with intense feelings and experiences, and I believe it should also be infused with humor, creativity, and a focus on the whole person. I strive to build trusting, safe, and authentic relationships with my clients to encourage openness and pave the way to fruitful therapy. I love working with teenagers and adults navigating life transitions; stress around school, work, and relationships; gender and sexual identity exploration; and anxiety and perfectionism. I have particular expertise in and passion for working with LGBTQ+ individuals.
Therapy often deals with intense feelings and experiences, and I believe it should also be infused with humor, creativity, and a focus on the whole person. I strive to build trusting, safe, and authentic relationships with my clients to encourage openness and pave the way to fruitful therapy. I love working with teenagers and adults navigating life transitions; stress around school, work, and relationships; gender and sexual identity exploration; and anxiety and perfectionism. I have particular expertise in and passion for working with LGBTQ+ individuals.
I specialize in helping clients who want to address anxiety, depression, relationship issues, cancer, lgbtq identity and self-effectiveness.
I specialize in helping clients who want to address anxiety, depression, relationship issues, cancer, lgbtq identity and self-effectiveness.
In addition to clinical work, I engage in research exploring various LGBTQ+ topics, including trans identity development.
My therapeutic approach is grounded in psychodynamic and relational theories while integrating principles from liberation and feminist psychologies and emotion-focused, mindfulness, and acceptance-based interventions. I seek to understand how clients view themselves in relation to their social and cultural contexts. I strive to co-create an affirming and authentic space with clients by meeting them where they are at and seeking to understand what healing looks like for them at this point in their lives.
In addition to clinical work, I engage in research exploring various LGBTQ+ topics, including trans identity development.
My therapeutic approach is grounded in psychodynamic and relational theories while integrating principles from liberation and feminist psychologies and emotion-focused, mindfulness, and acceptance-based interventions. I seek to understand how clients view themselves in relation to their social and cultural contexts. I strive to co-create an affirming and authentic space with clients by meeting them where they are at and seeking to understand what healing looks like for them at this point in their lives.
Alyssa Christopher
Pre-Licensed Professional, they, she
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cambridge, MA 02138
I enjoy working with multiply marginalized clients, especially those at the intersection of the Black/African diaspora, queer/trans, and disabled/neurodivergent communities.
My therapeutic orientation is grounded in principles from Liberation psychology, Black/African-centered psychology, mad pride, and disability justice. I work with clients to explore their lived experiences and emotions in the context of intersecting systems of power, privilege, and oppression. I also collaborate with clients in exploring alternative models of understanding psychiatric disabilities outside of pathologization and the medical model of health and wellness. I aim to co-create a therapeutic space that prioritizes transparency, agency, authenticity, understanding, and connection.
I enjoy working with multiply marginalized clients, especially those at the intersection of the Black/African diaspora, queer/trans, and disabled/neurodivergent communities.
My therapeutic orientation is grounded in principles from Liberation psychology, Black/African-centered psychology, mad pride, and disability justice. I work with clients to explore their lived experiences and emotions in the context of intersecting systems of power, privilege, and oppression. I also collaborate with clients in exploring alternative models of understanding psychiatric disabilities outside of pathologization and the medical model of health and wellness. I aim to co-create a therapeutic space that prioritizes transparency, agency, authenticity, understanding, and connection.
Melissa Bryant
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Cambridge, MA 02139 (Online Only)
I'm a Social Worker licensed to practice in the states of Massachusetts and California trained in treating anxiety, OCD, mood disorders, life transitions, trauma, grief & loss. I am a strong advocate for social justice issues and have a commitment to working with marginalized communities over my 10+ years in the social services field. I have acquired specialized training in working with LGBTQ+ and Aging folks.
I'm a Social Worker licensed to practice in the states of Massachusetts and California trained in treating anxiety, OCD, mood disorders, life transitions, trauma, grief & loss. I am a strong advocate for social justice issues and have a commitment to working with marginalized communities over my 10+ years in the social services field. I have acquired specialized training in working with LGBTQ+ and Aging folks.
Elizabeth Hajjar
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cambridge, MA 02138 (Online Only)
As a LGBTQIA+ individual, I recognize the unique challenges and experiences faced by those in our community.
I'm Elizabeth (she/her), a therapist passionate about supporting clients of all ages. In our sessions, laughter and humor play a vital role. I prioritize the therapeutic relationship, believing it is the cornerstone of effective therapy. Genuine connections promote trust, authenticity, and mutual respect, enabling you to be your true self. I work with adults, couples, kids, and families. I draw from modalities like CBT, DBT, and IFS. I reject the one-size-fits-all approach and understand that every individual is unique. We can work together towards personal growth, healing, and empowerment.
As a LGBTQIA+ individual, I recognize the unique challenges and experiences faced by those in our community.
I'm Elizabeth (she/her), a therapist passionate about supporting clients of all ages. In our sessions, laughter and humor play a vital role. I prioritize the therapeutic relationship, believing it is the cornerstone of effective therapy. Genuine connections promote trust, authenticity, and mutual respect, enabling you to be your true self. I work with adults, couples, kids, and families. I draw from modalities like CBT, DBT, and IFS. I reject the one-size-fits-all approach and understand that every individual is unique. We can work together towards personal growth, healing, and empowerment.
Are you struggling with your relationship? Have you tried to figure it out yourself, but keep getting stuck? I can help! I am a therapist who specializes in relationships, sex, LGBTQ, and other mental health concerns. Managing relationships, sexual identity, and/or sexual concerns can be really difficult. You want to find a therapist who has the expertise and strategies to help you navigate this difficult time. At Rhode Island Sex Therapy, all of our therapists understand this complexity so you can be assured we are the top sex therapy practice in New England.
Are you struggling with your relationship? Have you tried to figure it out yourself, but keep getting stuck? I can help! I am a therapist who specializes in relationships, sex, LGBTQ, and other mental health concerns. Managing relationships, sexual identity, and/or sexual concerns can be really difficult. You want to find a therapist who has the expertise and strategies to help you navigate this difficult time. At Rhode Island Sex Therapy, all of our therapists understand this complexity so you can be assured we are the top sex therapy practice in New England.
Sherene Smith
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cambridge, MA 02139 (Online Only)
Living with an LGBTQAIP and/or erotically diverse identity can often bring extra challenges along with experiences of resiliency and strength. As a queer-identified, polyamorous and gender fluid therapist, I value creating a safe space where multiple aspects of identity are welcome and opportunities for healing are abundant.
Living with an LGBTQAIP and/or erotically diverse identity can often bring extra challenges along with experiences of resiliency and strength. As a queer-identified, polyamorous and gender fluid therapist, I value creating a safe space where multiple aspects of identity are welcome and opportunities for healing are abundant.
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Nearby LGBTQ+ Therapists Searches for Cambridge
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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.