LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in 20912
Casi Leisure
Counselor, LGPC, M Ed
Verified Verified
Takoma Park, MD 20912
Waitlist for new clients
As a queer and nonbinary person who has worked in the public education field for over 10 years, there was always one thing I wanted to be: someone I needed when I was younger. Representation matters, and for the LGBTQIA+ community being visible and understood also matters. That’s where my passion for the mental health field grew into becoming a Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor. I want to be a support for anyone who has felt left out of these spaces. I don’t believe there is only one way to approach therapy. I am eclectic and holistic in my approaches and will work with you to find the best possible fit for your journey!
As a queer and nonbinary person who has worked in the public education field for over 10 years, there was always one thing I wanted to be: someone I needed when I was younger. Representation matters, and for the LGBTQIA+ community being visible and understood also matters. That’s where my passion for the mental health field grew into becoming a Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor. I want to be a support for anyone who has felt left out of these spaces. I don’t believe there is only one way to approach therapy. I am eclectic and holistic in my approaches and will work with you to find the best possible fit for your journey!
Megan Kalbaugh
Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Takoma Park, MD 20912
As a therapist on the LGBTQ+ spectrum, I love to celebrate living the best life possible with the deck of cards we have been given.
Thank you for considering me to be a part of your mental health journey. I believe in a holistic approach, and that a variety of interventions are required to assist clients in illuminating who they want to be. My approach is interactive, non-pathologizing, and client-centered. I believe that clients have developed skills through their life that have helped them get this far, and sometimes we need an extra eye to help us see our own skills, strengths, and patterns. I started my work in Ohio in 2017, and through moves to NC and DC, I have developed a very integrative model through the therapists I've had the pleasure of working with.
As a therapist on the LGBTQ+ spectrum, I love to celebrate living the best life possible with the deck of cards we have been given.
Thank you for considering me to be a part of your mental health journey. I believe in a holistic approach, and that a variety of interventions are required to assist clients in illuminating who they want to be. My approach is interactive, non-pathologizing, and client-centered. I believe that clients have developed skills through their life that have helped them get this far, and sometimes we need an extra eye to help us see our own skills, strengths, and patterns. I started my work in Ohio in 2017, and through moves to NC and DC, I have developed a very integrative model through the therapists I've had the pleasure of working with.
Sara Mindel
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Takoma Park, MD 20912
I am a passionate about working with LGBTQ+ and BIPOC folx and I work towards healing the emotional experience and bodies, in all bodies, including all sizes (HAES), genders, and relationship orientations including kink, poly and ethical monogamy.
Satisfaction, joy and self-awareness are key elements to a fulfilling life. Although that seems easier said than done, I believe that we can find these elements with encouraging support and guidance. I am a committed, compassionate therapist who is ready to help you uncover your inner strengths to make the changes you want and live a more gratifying life. I believe that we all take a journey to find ourselves, but it becomes even more difficult when we are burdened by depression, addiction and/or trauma. Finding the right fit can help us get through difficult times, creating positive relationship is paramount to our happiness.
I am a passionate about working with LGBTQ+ and BIPOC folx and I work towards healing the emotional experience and bodies, in all bodies, including all sizes (HAES), genders, and relationship orientations including kink, poly and ethical monogamy.
Satisfaction, joy and self-awareness are key elements to a fulfilling life. Although that seems easier said than done, I believe that we can find these elements with encouraging support and guidance. I am a committed, compassionate therapist who is ready to help you uncover your inner strengths to make the changes you want and live a more gratifying life. I believe that we all take a journey to find ourselves, but it becomes even more difficult when we are burdened by depression, addiction and/or trauma. Finding the right fit can help us get through difficult times, creating positive relationship is paramount to our happiness.
Robyn S. Zeiger
Counselor, PhD, LCPC, LPC
Verified Verified
Takoma Park, MD 20912
For the past 4 decades plus, I have specialized in LGBTQ issues. I currently focus on gender identity issues and assist my transgender clients with navigating their often challenging journeys. As an "out" cisgender lesbian practitioner, I strive to help my LGBTQ clients travel from a place of shame to pride. Much of our work centers on self- esteem and the ways in which homophobia and transphobia impact so many areas of our lives-including family, career, and our intimate relationships. I love animals and also do veterinary counseling and consulting. My style is interactive and casual. I highly value your confidentiality.
For the past 4 decades plus, I have specialized in LGBTQ issues. I currently focus on gender identity issues and assist my transgender clients with navigating their often challenging journeys. As an "out" cisgender lesbian practitioner, I strive to help my LGBTQ clients travel from a place of shame to pride. Much of our work centers on self- esteem and the ways in which homophobia and transphobia impact so many areas of our lives-including family, career, and our intimate relationships. I love animals and also do veterinary counseling and consulting. My style is interactive and casual. I highly value your confidentiality.
Joan Bellsey
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW-C, CAC
Verified Verified
Silver Spring, MD 20912 (Online Only)
Alcohol & Drug Abuse, Depression and Anxiety, Uncertainty about Your Career Path, LGBTQ, Relationship Ambivalence,Parenting, Wondering If you are Gay? Coaching.
You've always thought of yourself as confident and determined in your life's purpose, but now you are feeling overwhelmed with feelings of anxiety and thoughts or failure and loss. You may be thinking things are just too difficult to handle alone. If life is throwing you a challenge make the call. I can help. " Let Thoughts Come and Go. Just don't Serve them Tea."
Alcohol & Drug Abuse, Depression and Anxiety, Uncertainty about Your Career Path, LGBTQ, Relationship Ambivalence,Parenting, Wondering If you are Gay? Coaching.
You've always thought of yourself as confident and determined in your life's purpose, but now you are feeling overwhelmed with feelings of anxiety and thoughts or failure and loss. You may be thinking things are just too difficult to handle alone. If life is throwing you a challenge make the call. I can help. " Let Thoughts Come and Go. Just don't Serve them Tea."
Shantell Pitts
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
Takoma Park, MD 20912 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I have experience in conducting individual, couples and group therapy with clients from diverse backgrounds including: military service members, seniors, young adults, members of the LGBTQ community, and individuals involved in the criminal justice system in the DMV area.
As a therapist, I aim to create an environment that feels both welcoming and safe to anyone who enters. I most often work with individuals struggling from anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, relationship difficulties, identity, and life transitions and strive to help individuals identify their strengths, utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and mindfulness-based approaches, to support the therapeutic process. I believe in the importance of meeting someone where they are and I aim to empower clients by teaching skills that help them to manage obstacles that interfere with quality of life and wellbeing.
I have experience in conducting individual, couples and group therapy with clients from diverse backgrounds including: military service members, seniors, young adults, members of the LGBTQ community, and individuals involved in the criminal justice system in the DMV area.
As a therapist, I aim to create an environment that feels both welcoming and safe to anyone who enters. I most often work with individuals struggling from anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, relationship difficulties, identity, and life transitions and strive to help individuals identify their strengths, utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and mindfulness-based approaches, to support the therapeutic process. I believe in the importance of meeting someone where they are and I aim to empower clients by teaching skills that help them to manage obstacles that interfere with quality of life and wellbeing.
Evyan Roberts
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, LGSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Takoma Park, MD 20912
The people I work with want to change the way they feel and relate to themselves, their life circumstances, and their relationships. We might be a good fit if you are experiencing sadness, anxiety, low motivation or self-esteem, intergenerational trauma, and/or feelings of grief and loss. I particularly enjoy working with people who want to increase self-worth, self-esteem, and self-empowerment, women of color, indigenous populations, and LGBTQIA+, survivors of trauma, domestic violence, sexual assault, and harassment, and people living with medical conditions, grief, and loss.
The people I work with want to change the way they feel and relate to themselves, their life circumstances, and their relationships. We might be a good fit if you are experiencing sadness, anxiety, low motivation or self-esteem, intergenerational trauma, and/or feelings of grief and loss. I particularly enjoy working with people who want to increase self-worth, self-esteem, and self-empowerment, women of color, indigenous populations, and LGBTQIA+, survivors of trauma, domestic violence, sexual assault, and harassment, and people living with medical conditions, grief, and loss.
Anna Ehrlich
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Takoma Park, MD 20912
My name is Anna and as an LGBTQ+ identifying therapist, I understand the unique challenges faced by members of the LGBTQ+ community. My goal is to provide a safe and affirming space for individuals to explore their thoughts and feelings, and to work collaboratively towards healing and personal growth.
My name is Anna and as an LGBTQ+ identifying therapist, I understand the unique challenges faced by members of the LGBTQ+ community. My goal is to provide a safe and affirming space for individuals to explore their thoughts and feelings, and to work collaboratively towards healing and personal growth.
Dandelion Counseling & Care
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW, LCSW, LCSW-C, PMH-C
Verified Verified
Takoma Park, MD 20912
At Dandelion, we have therapists with various specialties ranging from maternal wellness, to LGBTQIA issues, to work with children and teens.
We a group psychotherapy practice comprised of clinicians who provide compassionate counseling and therapy services, using a team approach, to meet the diverse needs of busy Washingtonians. We love to support families or people individually in their journeys to live healthier and more well lives. Our team includes graduate student interns, provisionally-licensed clinicians, fully licensed clinicians, and an executive leadership and life coach.
At Dandelion, we have therapists with various specialties ranging from maternal wellness, to LGBTQIA issues, to work with children and teens.
We a group psychotherapy practice comprised of clinicians who provide compassionate counseling and therapy services, using a team approach, to meet the diverse needs of busy Washingtonians. We love to support families or people individually in their journeys to live healthier and more well lives. Our team includes graduate student interns, provisionally-licensed clinicians, fully licensed clinicians, and an executive leadership and life coach.
Laurie Wevers
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Takoma Park, MD 20912
As a Queer therapist and spiritual companion, I like to do things a little differently. At this time in my career, I’m mostly working with beloved humans who are bravely journeying through deconstructing their religion of origin and are wanting to explore a spirituality beyond religion. I’m doing this because it was part of my story and was a life-altering transformation I wrestled on my own. The good news for me was coming out the other side as my truest self, and with a new expansive spirituality that feeds my seeker-soul and fills me with awe and wonder (without the rules and guilt/shame). You’re not alone! You belong here.
As a Queer therapist and spiritual companion, I like to do things a little differently. At this time in my career, I’m mostly working with beloved humans who are bravely journeying through deconstructing their religion of origin and are wanting to explore a spirituality beyond religion. I’m doing this because it was part of my story and was a life-altering transformation I wrestled on my own. The good news for me was coming out the other side as my truest self, and with a new expansive spirituality that feeds my seeker-soul and fills me with awe and wonder (without the rules and guilt/shame). You’re not alone! You belong here.
Thomas Tsakounis
Counselor, MS, LCPC, NCC, BC-TMH, RH(AHG)
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Takoma Park, MD 20912 (Online Only)
I work with people from all walks of life, particularly with the LGBTQIA+ community and I am committed to providing a safe, supportive environment that allows you to grow and explore.
Relationships and intimacy require work and attention – as an experienced counselor, I’d like to help you with that work, building a road to a more fulfilled life. If you are interested in learning more about developing stronger emotional connections with yourself and/or your partner(s); exploring ethical non-monogamy and kink; stimulating love and desire; building communication skills around sex and intimacy; and/or exploring sexual confidence, eroticism, and self-esteem these are areas of focus for me and I would like to invite you to meet with me for a free, thirty-minute consultation. Contact me to schedule your appointment.
I work with people from all walks of life, particularly with the LGBTQIA+ community and I am committed to providing a safe, supportive environment that allows you to grow and explore.
Relationships and intimacy require work and attention – as an experienced counselor, I’d like to help you with that work, building a road to a more fulfilled life. If you are interested in learning more about developing stronger emotional connections with yourself and/or your partner(s); exploring ethical non-monogamy and kink; stimulating love and desire; building communication skills around sex and intimacy; and/or exploring sexual confidence, eroticism, and self-esteem these are areas of focus for me and I would like to invite you to meet with me for a free, thirty-minute consultation. Contact me to schedule your appointment.
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Kelli A Cronin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Takoma Park, MD 20912 (Online Only)
I am excited to provide compassionate & competent care for transgender, non-binary, and gender expansive adults, and other LGBTQIA+ identities.
My intention is for you to feel safe bringing all parts of yourself into our sessions. All of you - all feelings, all identities - are welcome. Only in a relationship of relative safety & non-judgement can growth happen. I maintain that YOU are the expert on you and as such I take a client-centered, collaborative, and relational approach to therapy. I will use our relationship, my experience, and YOUR insight & self-knowing, as well as appropriate tools & techniques. I will ask about your goals, challenges, strengths, and what has worked for you in the past. Your care will be as individual as you are.
I am excited to provide compassionate & competent care for transgender, non-binary, and gender expansive adults, and other LGBTQIA+ identities.
My intention is for you to feel safe bringing all parts of yourself into our sessions. All of you - all feelings, all identities - are welcome. Only in a relationship of relative safety & non-judgement can growth happen. I maintain that YOU are the expert on you and as such I take a client-centered, collaborative, and relational approach to therapy. I will use our relationship, my experience, and YOUR insight & self-knowing, as well as appropriate tools & techniques. I will ask about your goals, challenges, strengths, and what has worked for you in the past. Your care will be as individual as you are.
Janice Fain Dean
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Silver Spring, MD 20912
I enjoy working with women and men; with LGBT individuals; and a special interest is working with musicians, artists, writers, and others exploring the creative process.
Kindness, unconditional acceptance, and deep listening: these are the basis of my work. If you are looking for someone who will connect with you, understand your particular life or work situation, and help you find and use your strengths to create more calm, better communication, more ease and love in your life, contact me. I always begin with deep listening, to help people find their own inner resources and build wellbeing. My office is fully accessible.
I enjoy working with women and men; with LGBT individuals; and a special interest is working with musicians, artists, writers, and others exploring the creative process.
Kindness, unconditional acceptance, and deep listening: these are the basis of my work. If you are looking for someone who will connect with you, understand your particular life or work situation, and help you find and use your strengths to create more calm, better communication, more ease and love in your life, contact me. I always begin with deep listening, to help people find their own inner resources and build wellbeing. My office is fully accessible.
Lorraine Biros
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC
Not Verified Not Verified
Takoma Park, MD 20912
I have a laid-back style and focus on creating safe space. My approach is pretty eclectic. Although my primary work is with the LGBTQ community--I have a strong LGBT and social justice background--it is not exclusive. I enjoy working with people willing to push their boundaries and learn about themselves. I also enjoy working with people exploring all kinds of creativity. I focus on what you see as your strengths. Building on those strengths makes the most sense to me when working with you.
I have a laid-back style and focus on creating safe space. My approach is pretty eclectic. Although my primary work is with the LGBTQ community--I have a strong LGBT and social justice background--it is not exclusive. I enjoy working with people willing to push their boundaries and learn about themselves. I also enjoy working with people exploring all kinds of creativity. I focus on what you see as your strengths. Building on those strengths makes the most sense to me when working with you.
Leslie C. Kilpatrick
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MEd, LCSW
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Takoma Park, MD 20912
If you’re considering therapy, you may be in a time of stress or transition. My goal is to ease your access to psychotherapy by providing you or your family with confidential online therapy, from the comfort of your own home. While I work with clients of all ages in any stage of life, my specialties include teen and family LGBTQIA issues, prenatal/postpartum challenges, parenting children with special needs and working with women who feel “stuck.”
If you’re considering therapy, you may be in a time of stress or transition. My goal is to ease your access to psychotherapy by providing you or your family with confidential online therapy, from the comfort of your own home. While I work with clients of all ages in any stage of life, my specialties include teen and family LGBTQIA issues, prenatal/postpartum challenges, parenting children with special needs and working with women who feel “stuck.”
Ginny Hughes
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
Takoma Park, MD 20912
Throughout my years of practice my work has been enriched by all the people I have supported to experience their capacity while navigating some of life’s most difficult challenges. Now more than ever, living in a COVID-19 pandemic, facing day to day challenges can feel even more overwhelming. I believe in each person’s competence and resilience, and I am confident that I can help clients to live life to the fullest with integrity, dignity and courage. I work with families, couples and individuals from diverse backgrounds. LGBTQIA clients are welcome.
Throughout my years of practice my work has been enriched by all the people I have supported to experience their capacity while navigating some of life’s most difficult challenges. Now more than ever, living in a COVID-19 pandemic, facing day to day challenges can feel even more overwhelming. I believe in each person’s competence and resilience, and I am confident that I can help clients to live life to the fullest with integrity, dignity and courage. I work with families, couples and individuals from diverse backgrounds. LGBTQIA clients are welcome.
Rachael Schultz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Takoma Park, MD 20912
I believe in the power of therapy to tap into our existing strengths, foster growth and connection, shift patterns, and move us toward living a more fulfilling life.
I believe in the power of therapy to tap into our existing strengths, foster growth and connection, shift patterns, and move us toward living a more fulfilling life.
Jessica Rotem
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Takoma Park, MD 20912
I have been honored to work with families, young children, and adults for nearly ten years. In my practice I lean on the tenets of trauma-informed practices, the neuroscience of connection, and attachment research. As a result of our work together, I have witnessed clients’ immense personal growth, improvements in social and family relationships, decreases in work issues, and a healthy integration of tools learned in therapy. I believe that through our work together, we can unearth the keys to you having more ease in your day-to-day and shift away from unhelpful patterns of thoughts and actions.
I have been honored to work with families, young children, and adults for nearly ten years. In my practice I lean on the tenets of trauma-informed practices, the neuroscience of connection, and attachment research. As a result of our work together, I have witnessed clients’ immense personal growth, improvements in social and family relationships, decreases in work issues, and a healthy integration of tools learned in therapy. I believe that through our work together, we can unearth the keys to you having more ease in your day-to-day and shift away from unhelpful patterns of thoughts and actions.
Emily Pitt
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSWC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Takoma Park, MD 20912
Therapy works best when there is a safe and supportive therapy relationship, where you can explore the issues that brought you into therapy in a nonjudgmental environment. I also know that many people come to therapy to make some changes. For this reason, I combine traditional talk therapy with skills-based methods that teach you specific ways to address your concerns. I will work with you to meet your goals while also helping you to understand yourself better, and to understand the patterns that might sometimes get you stuck.
Therapy works best when there is a safe and supportive therapy relationship, where you can explore the issues that brought you into therapy in a nonjudgmental environment. I also know that many people come to therapy to make some changes. For this reason, I combine traditional talk therapy with skills-based methods that teach you specific ways to address your concerns. I will work with you to meet your goals while also helping you to understand yourself better, and to understand the patterns that might sometimes get you stuck.
Laura Marques Brown
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
Takoma Park, MD 20912
It’s not just that you don’t rock the boat, it’s that you steady the boat while it's being rocked by others. And you are nothing if not determined. So why that unsettled panicky flutter in bed? You know the one.... mild nausea and critical thoughts on loop while sleep escapes you. The truth is, steadying the boat gives you a perception of control. A sense that everything will be okay if you can just keep up the façade of okay. But these days the exhaustion is bone deep. At this point you have tried everything from meditation to medication to whitewashed therapy filled with worksheets and more pressure to preform.
It’s not just that you don’t rock the boat, it’s that you steady the boat while it's being rocked by others. And you are nothing if not determined. So why that unsettled panicky flutter in bed? You know the one.... mild nausea and critical thoughts on loop while sleep escapes you. The truth is, steadying the boat gives you a perception of control. A sense that everything will be okay if you can just keep up the façade of okay. But these days the exhaustion is bone deep. At this point you have tried everything from meditation to medication to whitewashed therapy filled with worksheets and more pressure to preform.
See more therapy options for 20912
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.