LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in 23173
Dr. Émilie Ellis
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Richmond, VA 23173 (Online Only)
Accepting new clients! I work primarily with LGBTQ+ people who have experienced trauma and are looking to improve their lives. This might be wanting to feel less anxious or depressed, have healthier relationships, have a deeper knowledge of yourself, or something else. I also have a particular interest in working with clients living with disabilities and chronic conditions, especially those who are "in transition" from non-disabled to disabled. I am a Qualifying WPATH Member and can provide mental health services for individuals looking for support specific to gender-related topics, like social & medical transitioning.
Accepting new clients! I work primarily with LGBTQ+ people who have experienced trauma and are looking to improve their lives. This might be wanting to feel less anxious or depressed, have healthier relationships, have a deeper knowledge of yourself, or something else. I also have a particular interest in working with clients living with disabilities and chronic conditions, especially those who are "in transition" from non-disabled to disabled. I am a Qualifying WPATH Member and can provide mental health services for individuals looking for support specific to gender-related topics, like social & medical transitioning.
Jen Zegan-Lister
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Richmond, VA 23173
I’m currently a doctoral student researching the intersection of the LGBTQIA community, trauma, and substance use at JMU.
Hello! I’m Jen/Jay and I specialize in working with the queer community, trauma, and substance use (you do not need to qualify for all or any of these to come see me). If complex trauma and PTS/D symptoms are things you struggle with, I am trained in EMDR and Brainspotting. In my office you choose what you’d like to address and what is off limits. This is your space to explore and process what you need and want to. You are the only expert of yourself. I like to meet you where you’re at and explore what is challenging and/or painful. My goal is to help my community heal and find wholeheartedness and acceptance, exactly as you are.
I’m currently a doctoral student researching the intersection of the LGBTQIA community, trauma, and substance use at JMU.
Hello! I’m Jen/Jay and I specialize in working with the queer community, trauma, and substance use (you do not need to qualify for all or any of these to come see me). If complex trauma and PTS/D symptoms are things you struggle with, I am trained in EMDR and Brainspotting. In my office you choose what you’d like to address and what is off limits. This is your space to explore and process what you need and want to. You are the only expert of yourself. I like to meet you where you’re at and explore what is challenging and/or painful. My goal is to help my community heal and find wholeheartedness and acceptance, exactly as you are.
Vee Fuhriman
Resident in Counseling, MA, LPC-R
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Richmond, VA 23173 (Online Only)
Vee Fuhriman is a queer, trans, disabled, neurodivergent therapist with lived experience that uses their life experience and professional experience to help you develop the skills necessary to become the best version of yourself.
Vee Fuhriman uses a trauma informed lens working with the intersectionality of the LGBTQIA+, Neurodivergent, and minority populations dealing with eating disorders and CPTSD. Vee works with dissociative disorders and complex trauma clients to help heal past wounds in order to help them get back to their lives and be able to move forward into whatever goals they want to achieve.
Vee Fuhriman is a queer, trans, disabled, neurodivergent therapist with lived experience that uses their life experience and professional experience to help you develop the skills necessary to become the best version of yourself.
Vee Fuhriman uses a trauma informed lens working with the intersectionality of the LGBTQIA+, Neurodivergent, and minority populations dealing with eating disorders and CPTSD. Vee works with dissociative disorders and complex trauma clients to help heal past wounds in order to help them get back to their lives and be able to move forward into whatever goals they want to achieve.
Lauren Johnson
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Richmond, VA 23173 (Online Only)
Are you feeling trapped by your OCD/anxiety, stuck in a cycle of fear & avoidance? Is your trauma history impacting your mental health & relationships? Are you looking for support to help you better understand your neurotype or identity? Whatever your journey is, I am here to come alongside you! My mission is to help trauma survivors from the neurodivergent, LGBTQIA+, & non-monogamous communities learn how to get unstuck, break free from fear, & live according to your values— what matters most to you. Serving clients via telehealth in Virginia, South Carolina, Florida, and Vermont!
Are you feeling trapped by your OCD/anxiety, stuck in a cycle of fear & avoidance? Is your trauma history impacting your mental health & relationships? Are you looking for support to help you better understand your neurotype or identity? Whatever your journey is, I am here to come alongside you! My mission is to help trauma survivors from the neurodivergent, LGBTQIA+, & non-monogamous communities learn how to get unstuck, break free from fear, & live according to your values— what matters most to you. Serving clients via telehealth in Virginia, South Carolina, Florida, and Vermont!
Brianna Knox | Trauma Specialist | Emdr Therapist
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Richmond, VA 23173 (Online Only)
As a Black, Queer, Millennial therapist, I am passionate about providing relatable therapy to BIPOC and LGBTQ+ Millennials.
What could your life be without the shame and guilt of childhood trauma? You are struggling to feel worthy of love. You are uncertain of how to give it and often wondering if you will ever find a relationship that just feels good. I get it. It is so difficult to surround yourself with love in adulthood when the people who raised you didn't do so for you in childhood. Come and work with me. I'll help you heal your inner child and break cycles of intergenerational trauma, so that you can build a life and relationships that you will love.
As a Black, Queer, Millennial therapist, I am passionate about providing relatable therapy to BIPOC and LGBTQ+ Millennials.
What could your life be without the shame and guilt of childhood trauma? You are struggling to feel worthy of love. You are uncertain of how to give it and often wondering if you will ever find a relationship that just feels good. I get it. It is so difficult to surround yourself with love in adulthood when the people who raised you didn't do so for you in childhood. Come and work with me. I'll help you heal your inner child and break cycles of intergenerational trauma, so that you can build a life and relationships that you will love.
Lance Crawford
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Richmond, VA 23173 (Online Only)
Welcome to my practice! My name is Lance Crawford, I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state(s) of Virginia and Oregon. I was born and raised in a small town in Virginia however, I am currently living in Portland, OR. I have been in the mental health field since 2013 and have been privileged enough to have worked with a range of populations including: young adults/college students, at-risk youth, LGBTQIA+, addiction/substance use, underserved minority groups, and community mental health.
Welcome to my practice! My name is Lance Crawford, I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state(s) of Virginia and Oregon. I was born and raised in a small town in Virginia however, I am currently living in Portland, OR. I have been in the mental health field since 2013 and have been privileged enough to have worked with a range of populations including: young adults/college students, at-risk youth, LGBTQIA+, addiction/substance use, underserved minority groups, and community mental health.
ActNow for Mental Health
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LICSW , LCSW-C
Verified Verified
Richmond, VA 23173 (Online Only)
health system, which includes LGBTQIA+ and POC populations, people with physical and/or intellectual disabilities, and people who are uninsured or underinsured.
Whether it be due to navigating health insurance coverage, figuring out one’s career path, entering into first relationships, juggling familial responsibilities, grappling with academic pressures, student loan debt, and financial uncertainties, or a combination of these various life transitions, it is clear young adults (ages 17-32) in the U.S. are in a mental health crisis. ActNow for Mental Health's services are free of charge for those aged 17-32 in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington DC. Our services do not require insurance!
health system, which includes LGBTQIA+ and POC populations, people with physical and/or intellectual disabilities, and people who are uninsured or underinsured.
Whether it be due to navigating health insurance coverage, figuring out one’s career path, entering into first relationships, juggling familial responsibilities, grappling with academic pressures, student loan debt, and financial uncertainties, or a combination of these various life transitions, it is clear young adults (ages 17-32) in the U.S. are in a mental health crisis. ActNow for Mental Health's services are free of charge for those aged 17-32 in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington DC. Our services do not require insurance!
Sara Burleson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LGSW, MSW
Verified Verified
Richmond, VA 23173 (Online Only)
I'm deeply committed to creating an inclusive and affirming space for all individuals, including members of the LGBTQIA+ community, the kink community, and sex workers. With a sex-positive and affirming approach, I offer support and guidance to clients exploring their identities, relationships, sexual experiences, and lifestyle changes. Whether you're navigating questions of gender identity, sexual orientation, ethical non-monogamy, kink dynamics, or seeking sex therapy, I provide a non-judgmental environment where you can explore these aspects of yourself openly and authentically.
I'm deeply committed to creating an inclusive and affirming space for all individuals, including members of the LGBTQIA+ community, the kink community, and sex workers. With a sex-positive and affirming approach, I offer support and guidance to clients exploring their identities, relationships, sexual experiences, and lifestyle changes. Whether you're navigating questions of gender identity, sexual orientation, ethical non-monogamy, kink dynamics, or seeking sex therapy, I provide a non-judgmental environment where you can explore these aspects of yourself openly and authentically.
Stephanie Wachs
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Richmond, VA 23173 (Online Only)
I’m body positive and LGBTQ+ friendly.
Hello! My name is Stephanie (she/her/hers) and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I specialize in working with individuals and couples through life adjustments, job changes and finding meaning in your day to day. I'm happy to help you reach your goals in managing your mental health and your life! You can expect to feel empowered and encouraged after our sessions with tools to manage the things that come up in life with more ease.
I’m body positive and LGBTQ+ friendly.
Hello! My name is Stephanie (she/her/hers) and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I specialize in working with individuals and couples through life adjustments, job changes and finding meaning in your day to day. I'm happy to help you reach your goals in managing your mental health and your life! You can expect to feel empowered and encouraged after our sessions with tools to manage the things that come up in life with more ease.
Chris Vara
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW-C, MDiv
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Richmond, VA 23173
I have worked extensively with families of and individuals who are trans and non-binary, as well as people who identify as poly, kink, pansexual, and/or LGB.
Are you caught in cycles that leave you exhausted? Do you want to have better relationships but find them splintering? Are you self-critical in your efforts to obtain perfection? Do you find yourself shutting down or shutting off? You don't have to suffer in silence. Nor do you have to leave any part of yourself behind - I work with the whole person. Our identities often intersect with our struggles and our strengths. I'll meet you where you're at, and help you get where you're going. Whether you are just starting or looking to maintain your recovery from eating disorders, trauma and/or OCD, together recovery is possible.
I have worked extensively with families of and individuals who are trans and non-binary, as well as people who identify as poly, kink, pansexual, and/or LGB.
Are you caught in cycles that leave you exhausted? Do you want to have better relationships but find them splintering? Are you self-critical in your efforts to obtain perfection? Do you find yourself shutting down or shutting off? You don't have to suffer in silence. Nor do you have to leave any part of yourself behind - I work with the whole person. Our identities often intersect with our struggles and our strengths. I'll meet you where you're at, and help you get where you're going. Whether you are just starting or looking to maintain your recovery from eating disorders, trauma and/or OCD, together recovery is possible.
Kimberly Embe-Mamong
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
University Of Richmond, VA 23173 (Online Only)
Step into a sanctuary of healing and personal development! I'm deeply committed to offering guidance to individuals of all ages and genders as they navigate life's hurdles. Whether you're grappling with bullying, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, the transition to college, or marital discord, I'm here to accompany you on your journey. I provide support to adolescents, LGBTQ+ community, college students and adults. Whether it's managing stressful relationships or jobs or balancing multiple roles, I'm here to offer guidance and support.
Step into a sanctuary of healing and personal development! I'm deeply committed to offering guidance to individuals of all ages and genders as they navigate life's hurdles. Whether you're grappling with bullying, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, the transition to college, or marital discord, I'm here to accompany you on your journey. I provide support to adolescents, LGBTQ+ community, college students and adults. Whether it's managing stressful relationships or jobs or balancing multiple roles, I'm here to offer guidance and support.
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Felicia Campbell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Richmond, VA 23173 (Online Only)
We have learned to survive by appearing strong, stoic, fearless and unshaken in the face of pervasive pain, trauma and suffering. We have also learned to care for a world that has been historically unkind in return. I provide a safe and empowering space for BIPOC women and femmes to be radically vulnerable and authentic without judgment as we exist outside of the confines of these expectations and our roles as caretakers, professionals or both. I am committed to ensuring that you receive the compassionate, culturally sensitive, LGBTQIA+ affirming, trauma-informed care that you deserve as you embrace a lifestyle of wellness.
We have learned to survive by appearing strong, stoic, fearless and unshaken in the face of pervasive pain, trauma and suffering. We have also learned to care for a world that has been historically unkind in return. I provide a safe and empowering space for BIPOC women and femmes to be radically vulnerable and authentic without judgment as we exist outside of the confines of these expectations and our roles as caretakers, professionals or both. I am committed to ensuring that you receive the compassionate, culturally sensitive, LGBTQIA+ affirming, trauma-informed care that you deserve as you embrace a lifestyle of wellness.
Becca Wright Gillis
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Richmond, VA 23173 (Online Only)
Becca has experience working with anxiety, depression, crisis, self-esteem, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, ADHD, OCD, eating disorders, trauma, high-risk backgrounds, early adults’ difficulties, in or active Veterans, challenges relating to multicultural heritages, LGBTQ+ related issues, ethnicity related injustices, and pandemic.
Becca values being a warm and accepting licensed professional counselor serving in the state of Virginia and West Virginia. Rebecca has a passion for working with those who are feeling lost or unsure of themselves. She believes deeply in working together to develop a sacred and healing place that is needed for growth and transformation to happen. A place where all change begins through curiosity and taking a first step.
Becca has experience working with anxiety, depression, crisis, self-esteem, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, ADHD, OCD, eating disorders, trauma, high-risk backgrounds, early adults’ difficulties, in or active Veterans, challenges relating to multicultural heritages, LGBTQ+ related issues, ethnicity related injustices, and pandemic.
Becca values being a warm and accepting licensed professional counselor serving in the state of Virginia and West Virginia. Rebecca has a passion for working with those who are feeling lost or unsure of themselves. She believes deeply in working together to develop a sacred and healing place that is needed for growth and transformation to happen. A place where all change begins through curiosity and taking a first step.
Jessica Ogilvie
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Richmond, VA 23173
So many of us have had to disconnect from ourselves to survive in some way, often due difficult experiences that overwhelmed our capacity to cope. As a result, you may be finding that the way you relate to yourself is negatively impacting how you show up in your life and relationships. Perhaps you find yourself engaging in patterns that are harming you despite efforts to stop—leaving you feeling stuck, alone, or even broken. I'm here to help you find new ways of relating to yourself and equip you with tools for coping more effectively. Whatever it is that brings you to therapy, we will work together to find healing.
So many of us have had to disconnect from ourselves to survive in some way, often due difficult experiences that overwhelmed our capacity to cope. As a result, you may be finding that the way you relate to yourself is negatively impacting how you show up in your life and relationships. Perhaps you find yourself engaging in patterns that are harming you despite efforts to stop—leaving you feeling stuck, alone, or even broken. I'm here to help you find new ways of relating to yourself and equip you with tools for coping more effectively. Whatever it is that brings you to therapy, we will work together to find healing.
Katie Rosenthal
Licensed Master's Social Worker
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Richmond, VA 23173 (Online Only)
I believe in creating a calm, approachable, and non-judgmental space for clients to share their thoughts and emotions openly. Through empathy, acceptance, and support, I work from a holistic and strength-based perspective of clients' needs. By exploring and processing inner thoughts and feelings, clients can better understand their situation and ultimately move towards positive change. I offer insight into clients' patterns of behavior and help to identify and build new or existing skills with the purpose of uncovering clients' true potential.
I believe in creating a calm, approachable, and non-judgmental space for clients to share their thoughts and emotions openly. Through empathy, acceptance, and support, I work from a holistic and strength-based perspective of clients' needs. By exploring and processing inner thoughts and feelings, clients can better understand their situation and ultimately move towards positive change. I offer insight into clients' patterns of behavior and help to identify and build new or existing skills with the purpose of uncovering clients' true potential.
Madeleine Burgess
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC-S
Verified Verified
Richmond, VA 23173 (Online Only)
I serve clients in Virginia, Colorado, and Texas. Are you working with challenging experiences and past traumas? The ways in which we choose to make meaning of these experiences are fundamentally personal choices. My approach is non-judgmental. I offer traditional psychotherapy, EMDR, ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) and psychedelic integration therapy.
I serve clients in Virginia, Colorado, and Texas. Are you working with challenging experiences and past traumas? The ways in which we choose to make meaning of these experiences are fundamentally personal choices. My approach is non-judgmental. I offer traditional psychotherapy, EMDR, ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) and psychedelic integration therapy.
Ashlie Manuel
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, RPT, CAPT
Verified Verified
Richmond, VA 23173
I am glad you are here taking the first step. I believe that counseling is a collaborative effort between the counselor and client to create a relationship that empowers clients to accomplish their mental health and wellness goals. I believe that this can be best done through a trauma informed approach that also focuses on the mind, body, and emotions.
I am glad you are here taking the first step. I believe that counseling is a collaborative effort between the counselor and client to create a relationship that empowers clients to accomplish their mental health and wellness goals. I believe that this can be best done through a trauma informed approach that also focuses on the mind, body, and emotions.
Mind Meld Psychotherapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, BCD
Verified Verified
Richmond, VA 23173
Clinical Social Worker committed to providing high-quality care to those facing social exclusion or life challenges. I believe mental health issues often arise from overwhelming emotions experienced in isolation. Without proper support, these emotions can lead to numbness, anxiety, and depression. My goal is to bring these intense emotions into a safe space, helping clients learn to regulate them and reintegrate them into their psyche, leading to a fuller and healthier life.
Clinical Social Worker committed to providing high-quality care to those facing social exclusion or life challenges. I believe mental health issues often arise from overwhelming emotions experienced in isolation. Without proper support, these emotions can lead to numbness, anxiety, and depression. My goal is to bring these intense emotions into a safe space, helping clients learn to regulate them and reintegrate them into their psyche, leading to a fuller and healthier life.
April Spotsville
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Richmond, VA 23173
I am licensed in Texas and Virginia with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment.
I am licensed in Texas and Virginia with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment.
I come alive partnering with the courageous ones who seek guidance looking at the tender, deep places in their lives. My therapeutic practice is grounded in the assumption that we are all doing the best we can as we tend to the joys and struggles of life. I practice from a trauma-informed perspective, and will work with you to create an emotionally safe space that honors all parts of you as we examine past coping strategies that may not be serving you well in this moment, and ultimately allow movement toward healing and transformation. I am committed to approaching my work through a justice-focused, anti-oppression lens.
I come alive partnering with the courageous ones who seek guidance looking at the tender, deep places in their lives. My therapeutic practice is grounded in the assumption that we are all doing the best we can as we tend to the joys and struggles of life. I practice from a trauma-informed perspective, and will work with you to create an emotionally safe space that honors all parts of you as we examine past coping strategies that may not be serving you well in this moment, and ultimately allow movement toward healing and transformation. I am committed to approaching my work through a justice-focused, anti-oppression lens.
See more therapy options for 23173
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.