LGBTQ+ Therapists in Hamilton, ON
See all counsellors in Hamilton
Stardust Therapeutic Collective
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW, RSSW, SSW, BSW
Verified
Verified
Stardust is a
queer
-owned collective of mental health workers trying to make counselling more accessible and affirming to folks experiencing systemic oppression. All of our team members have lived experience with mental health issues and/or neurodivergence, and we recognize the role that oppression plays in causing and aggravating mental health stuff. We work from a trauma-informed, intersectional and social justice-focused framework. We believe in harm reduction and are strongly sex and sex-worker positive, kink positive, familiar with non-traditional relationship dynamics, body-positive, and anti-capitalist.
Jessica Gilchrist
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified
Verified
I see therapy as a space to speak openly about what it means to be a human. I am a therapist who values safety and understands that trust must be earned. I would like to offer you a warm, welcoming environment, where any topic can be explored without judgement. I have 7 years experience working in the mental health field with children, teens, adults and seniors. Most recently, my work has been in Child and Adolescent Mental Health, where I supported
Trans
and Non-Binary youth, living with complex mental health concerns.
Waitlist for new clients
Luke Bonneville
Registered Social Worker, MSW RSW
Verified
5 Endorsed
Verified
5 Endorsed
Currently, I work with children and teens who find it hard to self-regulate and manage big feelings (anger, anxiety, BPD, ADHD), with
LGBTQ
+ teens and adults experiencing transitions related to gender or sexual orientation, and with adults with mood disorders (anxiety, depression) who want to make changes with their drinking or substance use.
Are you or your child having a difficult time managing overwhelming feelings? Are there parts of yourself that prevent you from feeling open and safe with others? Imagine if you didn’t have to grapple with these challenges alone. In my practice, I help clients work towards becoming their authentic selves, and provide skill-based support to get the most out of life. Holding a Bachelors and Masters degree in social work, I use a combination of play-based therapy, CBT, and DBT to support clients. I’ve been working with children, youth, and families for the past 10 years, in English and French.
Waitlist for new clients
Dan Bevan-Baker
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), RP (Q), MA, MTA, BMus
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I am a white,
queer
, cisgender man and settler. I value authenticity and strive to be collaborative, warm, playful, curious, and compassionate in my work with clients. I invite you to also bring any parts of yourself to our shared therapy space - the hurt, the hidden, the joyful, and anything else we may discover. My approach to care is rooted in intersectional, anti-oppressive, and trauma-informed frameworks. Some specializations of mine include anxiety, perfectionism, relationship challenges,
queer
experiences, identity exploration, HIV/AIDS, and navigating trauma. I work with children, youth, adults, and older adults.
Christy Schaefer
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), BA, MACP, RP (Q)
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Using a client-centered, strengths-based, and compassion-focused approach, I specialize in working with trauma,
LGBTQ
+ issues, anxiety/depression, and relationship issues.
Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, or feeling overwhelmed? Sometimes it can all feel like too much, and it's difficult to see the way forward. Perhaps you are experiencing issues in your relationships, having difficulties managing your emotions or daily stressors. Maybe there are deeper issues - grief, trauma, questioning your purpose or identity- that keep you up at night and prevent you from fully enjoying life. Perhaps you're unsure what's bothering you, but you know that something isn't quite right, and you would like to feel more like yourself again.
Nathan MacRae
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, RSW, MSW
Verified
Verified
As a
queer
-identified
trans
man, I am intimately aware of the unique needs of our community and want to help you craft a path forward to a healthy and fulfilling future. I am passionate about working with individuals with
transgender
, gender-diverse or LGBTQ2A+ identities and their partner(s) and families on challenges related to navigating the world with a marginalized identity, or in coping with other challenges (depression, anxiety, addiction, trauma) from a place of understanding. I also offer gender-affirming hormone (HRT), top surgery and gonadectomy surgical assessments in BC and ON with no waitlist/quick report turnaround.
Michelle Denise Winterburn
Registered Social Worker, BA Hons, MSW, RSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
LGBTQ
+ with over 25 years’ experience working with diverse populations, a Diploma in Human Services Counselling, Honours B.
Are you ready to get out of the loop you’ve found yourself stuck in? Do you know there is something better for you, but you can’t seem to figure out how to get there? Do you feel shackled by your past or the image others may have of you? Are you ready to access and claim your inner power?
Karen Hutchinson
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
As a
Queer
woman, I have a passion for and specialize in supporting 2SLGBTQ+ folx of all ages with their mental health and wellbeing.
Karen believes that all emotions are beautiful and valid, which is evidenced by how much she loves talking about feelings! A self-identified empath and super-feeler, Karen uses a warm and authentic approach, and values creating a comfortable space that fosters safety and connection. Are you a
Queer
identified human who is looking for a safe space to unpack your feelings and experiences and learn some new ways of coping? Are you experiencing a depressed mood or increased anxiety and feel like you've tried it all and nothing's helped? Hi! I’m Karen. I’m a registered social worker and psychotherapist with Positive Space Consulting.
Bee Kind Counselling
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW, BSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Looking for one on one support with issues you are dealing with in your day to day life? You've come to the right place. I am a cis-gendered female, Indigenous,
LGBTQ
+ and ADHD identified therapist who specializes in supporting your specific needs with a personalized plan of care. I work with all kinds of individuals, couples and/or families based on their needs. If this is something you are looking for please feel free to reach out via phone, email or on my website where you may book a free consultation.
Sean Hale
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP
Verified
Verified
I have 12+ years experience working in coaching and psychotherapy. While working with both individuals and couples, I provide an empathetic and non-judgemental approach. I work with a range of clients and specialize in Relationship issues, Men's issues, Life Transitions, Communication, Self-esteem, Identity development, Overcoming Shame, Mood regulation and
LGBTQ
+ issues. My approach is eclectic, meaning that one size does not fit all. I work within your paradigm to find what works for you. I work with you at your pace and using methodologies that are most suited to your needs.
Shareen Kaur Rikhraj
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), RP(Q), MSc, BSc
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) accepting new clients in person and virtually with sliding scale. Proudly supporting BIPOC and 2SLGBTQ+ folks with their mental health. As an immigrant and member of the
Queer
community, I want to be there for others who struggle to have their unique experiences understood. So if you’re racialized or have experienced racial trauma, are a first or second generation immigrant, are
Queer
, and/or need support with changes that are affecting your mental health: Welcome. This is a space for you to be safe, seen and fiercely supported.
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Audrey Barta
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), BSc
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I love supporting individuals navigating
lgbtq
+ related topics, anxiety, sex struggles or spirituality.
The world is a difficult place to simply be in right now, especially on top of the individual stressors that you may be experiencing. It's hard to stay present & grounded amongst all of the chaos. You might be asking yourself what the purpose of all this is, what you’re meant to do with your time here, or why this is all happening to you. You're not alone, and exploring these questions is a starting point to developing, embodying, and deepening who you are. My role is not to analyze, pathologize, or label you, it is to understand you as your whole self, including your experiences, identities, values, & how you've been impacted.
Jennifer Lane
Registered Psychotherapist, MACP, RP, CPT, FNS
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
I work primarily with the
queer
community, and specifically with
transgender
folks navigating their identity and the transition process.
Life can be difficult - we all go through struggles as we navigate the ups and downs of our experience. This can be further complicated when we're a member of a minority or marginalized group. As a
queer
woman myself, I am passionate about working with other
queer
individuals to help them explore and discover who they are, and how they want to express themselves in the world. Whether you're struggling with your sexuality, gender identity, depression, anxiety, or just having a hard time managing stress and life changes - I'm here to help!
Roots in Wellness Affordable Therapy
Registered Psychotherapist
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Our practitioners are Registered Psychotherapists or interns supervised by Registered Psychotherapists who specialize in a multitude of issues, including relationships, parenting,
LGBTQ
+, stress, and trauma.
Affordable therapy spaces available! Are you experiencing symptoms of stress, anxiety, depression, life transitions, or identity issues? Are you feeling disconnected from yourself or those around you, and unsure of what next steps you should take? If so, you are not alone! Life throws many challenges our way that can be overwhelming. At Roots in Wellness, our goal is to empower you with strategies to cope with life’s difficult situations, minimize your suffering, and live a life that is meaningful to you. We are proud to offer low cost therapy, as we believe that finances shouldn’t prevent you from accessing help when you need it.
Sarah Syrett
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified
Verified
Queer
folks are taught early on to squeeze into arbitrary, prescriptive boxes that stifle our self-trust and restrict our self-expression. My goal in our work together is to create an environment where you feel safe to freely explore and liberate yourself from that box - piece by piece - so you can grow to know, accept, and love yourself, paving the way for more joy in everyday life, more fulfillment in relationships, and more self-honouring interactions with the world around you.
Beth Mens
RN
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I'm a registered nurse psychotherapist, and I'm also a
queer
parent, with lived experience of postpartum depression.
Supporting you throughout your reproductive journey is my dream work. Maybe you're wondering if you made the right choice to have a child/try IVF/access an abortion? Maybe you need help setting boundaries with family, or asking for more support? Navigating complications or loss? Maybe you are trying to figure out where all the rage is coming from? I'm here to talk about it.
Derek Cassidy
Registered Social Worker, BSW, MSW, RSW
Verified
Verified
I am a
queer
social worker and psychotherapist offering virtual individual and couples therapy across Ontario. My work over the past decade has predominantly centred 2SLGBTQ+ communities, but I welcome new clients from all backgrounds and identities to my practice. My intention in our sessions is to create a relationship that balances security, curiosity, and discomfort. Therapy can and should be challenging at times, but we will work together to find a sweet spot that centres safety and trust so that we have a secure foundation to explore uncomfortable topics, to push up against difficult emotions, and to interrogate stuck points.
Caitlyn Young
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I also support youth in the
LGBTQ
+ community, including gender identity.
My goal is to give your family a safe space to work on developing skills and building relationships. I work with children and youth to develop the skills they need to cope with difficult emotions and situations, as well as empower parents to feel capable and improve relationships within the family. I provide a holistic approach to support the whole family and strongly believe that helping parents to understanding and supporting their child's identity is one of the most powerful ways of reducing risk around mental health issues.
Not accepting new clients
Alison James
Registered Psychotherapist, BAH, MA, RP
Verified
Verified
I strive to practice from an anti-racist and ableist, intersectional feminist, sex and body positive,
queer
and
trans
allied, and class conscious position.
Do you feel like you’ve gotten too far away from who you really are, or who you want to be? Together, we will bring awareness to where you have been, where you are now, and where you want to go. While insight is essential, true transformation comes not just from being aware of how the past has influenced the present, but by processing through the mental, physical, emotional, and neurological remnants of those previous experiences and embodying new ways of being. Therapy can help you gain the clarity, confidence, and courage you need to change your life.
Rosetta Racco
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, BA, ECE
Verified
Verified
I have been working with children, adolescents, families and people with ASD of all ages for 30 years. I’m a neurodivergent affirming psychotherapist and also have experience working with ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Attachment, Trauma,
Transgender
Teens, OCD, Social & Relationship Skills, LGBTQ2s+ ,Executive Functioning & Emotional Regulation. I use a personalized approach with each individual, includes psychodynamic psychotherapy, the use of assessment tools, individual interviews, child developmental and adult history, attachment theories, sensorimotor activities, play and art-based therapy, CBT, and mindfulness.
See more therapy options for
LGBTQ+ Counsellors
Do LGBTQ-affirmative therapists receive special training?
Yes. Many therapists who practice LGBTQ-affirmative therapy have completed specialised training, either during their degree programme 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 marginalisation 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 specialised training or experience in providing support to queer individuals, couples or families.