LGBTQ+ Therapists in Near Northeast, Syracuse, NY
Daran Shipman
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Near Northeast, Syracuse, NY 13203 (Online Only)
Finding an affirming therapist can be a difficult & complex process. For many of us, living as our authentic selves can be challenging. Sometimes there are multiple barriers & difficult decisions ahead. You don’t have to navigate it alone. Together we’ll create a supportive/collaborative space needed to move through any relational challenges, and/or to process difficult experiences. Many clients work with me because they prefer working with a therapist who has first-hand knowledge of trans/queer identities & others work with me because of my 15+ years of experience working systemically with individuals, couples, and families.
Finding an affirming therapist can be a difficult & complex process. For many of us, living as our authentic selves can be challenging. Sometimes there are multiple barriers & difficult decisions ahead. You don’t have to navigate it alone. Together we’ll create a supportive/collaborative space needed to move through any relational challenges, and/or to process difficult experiences. Many clients work with me because they prefer working with a therapist who has first-hand knowledge of trans/queer identities & others work with me because of my 15+ years of experience working systemically with individuals, couples, and families.
Melissa Caldwell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-R
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Near Northeast, Syracuse, NY 13203
Prior to entering private practice, I worked for over 20 years in outpatient and inpatient mental health settings providing therapy to a diverse population. I specialize in working with the LGBTQIA+ community, and often work with clients on exploring their identity. In particular, working with clients who have experienced trauma, including sexual abuse, and how this intersects with the way they see themselves, and their overall sense of self-worth. I also have over 15 years experience working with those suffering from depression, anxiety and severe mental illness.
Prior to entering private practice, I worked for over 20 years in outpatient and inpatient mental health settings providing therapy to a diverse population. I specialize in working with the LGBTQIA+ community, and often work with clients on exploring their identity. In particular, working with clients who have experienced trauma, including sexual abuse, and how this intersects with the way they see themselves, and their overall sense of self-worth. I also have over 15 years experience working with those suffering from depression, anxiety and severe mental illness.
Paul F Pickett
Counselor, PhD, LMHC, NCC, CCMHC
Verified Verified
Near Northeast, Syracuse, NY 13203
I have been working with individuals, couples, and families for 36 years. Despite all of your efforts to change your life you may still find yourself unhappy, discouraged, or lost. We often develop ways to distance ourselves from our emotional pain. While these strategies can undoubtedly provide temporary relief, they never address the origin of our underlying pain in any profound way. Meaningful change, in my opinion, comes from honestly addressing and healing the core issues of our lives. As we all know, honestly facing ourselves can be very difficult and takes courage and determination. Often this can be difficult to do alone.
I have been working with individuals, couples, and families for 36 years. Despite all of your efforts to change your life you may still find yourself unhappy, discouraged, or lost. We often develop ways to distance ourselves from our emotional pain. While these strategies can undoubtedly provide temporary relief, they never address the origin of our underlying pain in any profound way. Meaningful change, in my opinion, comes from honestly addressing and healing the core issues of our lives. As we all know, honestly facing ourselves can be very difficult and takes courage and determination. Often this can be difficult to do alone.
Max Malikow
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
Near Northeast, Syracuse, NY 13203
2,500 years ago Socrates said, "The unexamined life is not worth living." He believed a good life requires an understanding of why we think, act, and feel as we do. Since relationship is part of psychotherapy, the personalities and philosophies of life of the client and therapist must be compatible. I am well-suited for clients who are curious about human behavior - their own as well as that of others. Before there were psychologists, the issues of life were addressed by philosophers. Thoroughly examining life includes considering ancient wisdom and spiritual reality as well as psychology (the science of mind and behavior).
2,500 years ago Socrates said, "The unexamined life is not worth living." He believed a good life requires an understanding of why we think, act, and feel as we do. Since relationship is part of psychotherapy, the personalities and philosophies of life of the client and therapist must be compatible. I am well-suited for clients who are curious about human behavior - their own as well as that of others. Before there were psychologists, the issues of life were addressed by philosophers. Thoroughly examining life includes considering ancient wisdom and spiritual reality as well as psychology (the science of mind and behavior).
Sara Freer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-R
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Near Northeast, Syracuse, NY 13203
Waitlist for new clients
Have you noticed that you haven’t been feeling like yourself lately? Is it harder to get through your day-to-day tasks because you can’t muster the energy for them? Do your relationships feel as though they have suffered? I specialize in treating depression, relationship issues, and anxiety through a variety of modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
Have you noticed that you haven’t been feeling like yourself lately? Is it harder to get through your day-to-day tasks because you can’t muster the energy for them? Do your relationships feel as though they have suffered? I specialize in treating depression, relationship issues, and anxiety through a variety of modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
Jodi Benjaminson, LCSW-R
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-R
Verified Verified
Near Northeast, Syracuse, NY 13203
In my 28 years as a psychotherapist, it continues to be a humbling experience to witness my clients transform into the person they never believed they could be. I understand how difficult it is to come into therapy and why it is so important for me to build a safe and trusting relationship with you. I take a down to earth and respectful therapeutic approach to create a welcoming and healing environment. I am committed to helping my clients become the best version of themselves by tailoring my theraputic approach to fit the unique needs of each individual, couple or family.
In my 28 years as a psychotherapist, it continues to be a humbling experience to witness my clients transform into the person they never believed they could be. I understand how difficult it is to come into therapy and why it is so important for me to build a safe and trusting relationship with you. I take a down to earth and respectful therapeutic approach to create a welcoming and healing environment. I am committed to helping my clients become the best version of themselves by tailoring my theraputic approach to fit the unique needs of each individual, couple or family.
Danielle M. Bannigan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-R
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Near Northeast, Syracuse, NY 13203
We all face challenges in our lives at one time or another. It takes courage to ask for help. I thank you for taking the first step. I believe with the right support and guidance we all have the power to make positive change and grow from our experiences. I provide a trusting, nonjudgmental, and safe space for all.
We all face challenges in our lives at one time or another. It takes courage to ask for help. I thank you for taking the first step. I believe with the right support and guidance we all have the power to make positive change and grow from our experiences. I provide a trusting, nonjudgmental, and safe space for all.
Kimberlee Vargas
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Near Northeast, Syracuse, NY 13203
Congratulations! Today you have taken a first step toward creating more joy and fulfillment in your life. We believe every person has the power to create positive change. Whether you want to address a particular problem in your life, navigate a new transition, recover from a recent or past trauma, let go of a negative behavior pattern, or wish to resolve uncomfortable feelings or emotions, psychotherapy can help. Using an integrative approach, mixed with compassion, honesty, humor, and guidance, we can produce solutions to move life forward by instilling hope and promoting change. We provide a non-judgmental, caring environment.
Congratulations! Today you have taken a first step toward creating more joy and fulfillment in your life. We believe every person has the power to create positive change. Whether you want to address a particular problem in your life, navigate a new transition, recover from a recent or past trauma, let go of a negative behavior pattern, or wish to resolve uncomfortable feelings or emotions, psychotherapy can help. Using an integrative approach, mixed with compassion, honesty, humor, and guidance, we can produce solutions to move life forward by instilling hope and promoting change. We provide a non-judgmental, caring environment.
Bridget O'Shea Bernstein
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Not Verified Not Verified
Near Northeast, Syracuse, NY 13203 (Online Only)
I am committed to creating a soft, genuine, relational space for my clients to get to know their inner systems. I have a graduate degree in Social Work, and I am trained in Internal Family Systems (IFS). I have been engaged with the IFS model for over nine years, and it is the primary model I use for psychotherapeutic work. I have assisted as a staff member on three Level 1 IFS trainings, helping other therapists and practitioners learn the model.
I am committed to creating a soft, genuine, relational space for my clients to get to know their inner systems. I have a graduate degree in Social Work, and I am trained in Internal Family Systems (IFS). I have been engaged with the IFS model for over nine years, and it is the primary model I use for psychotherapeutic work. I have assisted as a staff member on three Level 1 IFS trainings, helping other therapists and practitioners learn the model.
Jean S Pfeifer
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Near Northeast, Syracuse, NY 13203 (Online Only)
SSKY Therapy is open and I am accepting NEW CLIENTS! SSKY stands for: Strength, Stillness, Kindness, You. SSKY Therapy offers individualized treatment. I am in my 32nd year of work as an MFT. In that, my techniques are varied and individualized for your needs. Couples, families, individuals can all expect me to work to help you find a new way. I look forward to meeting you! You can also find me at https://headway.co/providers/jean-Pfeifer.
SSKY Therapy is open and I am accepting NEW CLIENTS! SSKY stands for: Strength, Stillness, Kindness, You. SSKY Therapy offers individualized treatment. I am in my 32nd year of work as an MFT. In that, my techniques are varied and individualized for your needs. Couples, families, individuals can all expect me to work to help you find a new way. I look forward to meeting you! You can also find me at https://headway.co/providers/jean-Pfeifer.
Laura Hruska
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Near Northeast, Syracuse, NY 13203 (Online Only)
Accepting new patients for telehealth. I start with a psychological assessment to better understand symptoms and build a treatment plan with each client to align their goals and needs with the best psychotherapy practices. Specialty areas include: anxiety, depression, trauma, physical health problems, pain, sleep difficulties, and stress management. I generally work with evidence-based treatments, such as CBT, as research supports the use of time-limited (not forever) psychotherapies with a focus on behavioral coping skills, education, and processing emotions and thoughts more effectively. -Please visit my WEBSITE: reillypsych.com
Accepting new patients for telehealth. I start with a psychological assessment to better understand symptoms and build a treatment plan with each client to align their goals and needs with the best psychotherapy practices. Specialty areas include: anxiety, depression, trauma, physical health problems, pain, sleep difficulties, and stress management. I generally work with evidence-based treatments, such as CBT, as research supports the use of time-limited (not forever) psychotherapies with a focus on behavioral coping skills, education, and processing emotions and thoughts more effectively. -Please visit my WEBSITE: reillypsych.com
Neiha Dhar
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Near Northeast, Syracuse, NY 13203 (Online Only)
Sometimes we feel invisible to ourselves and within our social networks. We don't often get the opportunity to slow down and reflect on what we want for ourselves rather than what society or our families have taught us to prioritize. I help people feel seen and heard and to develop a sense of their presence and impact in the world and within their most important relationships.
Sometimes we feel invisible to ourselves and within our social networks. We don't often get the opportunity to slow down and reflect on what we want for ourselves rather than what society or our families have taught us to prioritize. I help people feel seen and heard and to develop a sense of their presence and impact in the world and within their most important relationships.
Mere Fitzsimons
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Near Northeast, Syracuse, NY 13203 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
I offer therapy for adults struggling with anxiety, perfectionism, communication, LGBTQIA+ issues, adult ADHD, and identity exploration.
What if we started from the belief that there's nothing inherently wrong with you? What if you could stop trying so dang hard to "fix" yourself, and instead lean into how to vibrantly be yourself? And what if you could start to feel your emotions, rather than be stuck in the trap of over-thinking? Traditional forms of psychotherapy start from a place of fixing what is "broken". In our work together, we'll instead focus on the internal, relational, and systemic factors that consistently block you from being your most authentic self. From there, we'll explore how you can improve your relationship with yourself and others.
I offer therapy for adults struggling with anxiety, perfectionism, communication, LGBTQIA+ issues, adult ADHD, and identity exploration.
What if we started from the belief that there's nothing inherently wrong with you? What if you could stop trying so dang hard to "fix" yourself, and instead lean into how to vibrantly be yourself? And what if you could start to feel your emotions, rather than be stuck in the trap of over-thinking? Traditional forms of psychotherapy start from a place of fixing what is "broken". In our work together, we'll instead focus on the internal, relational, and systemic factors that consistently block you from being your most authentic self. From there, we'll explore how you can improve your relationship with yourself and others.
Taylor Molloy Pfau
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-R
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Near Northeast, Syracuse, NY 13203
Not accepting new clients
I have been working with clients for over 15 years. I feel most comfortable addressing individual struggles from a strength based perspective. Anxiety, depression and trauma related issues are addressed by utilizing a blend of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, as well as from a Family Systems perspective. This, I believe, allows the client to achieve the most success and a clearer understanding of their own struggles and how to overcome them.
I have been working with clients for over 15 years. I feel most comfortable addressing individual struggles from a strength based perspective. Anxiety, depression and trauma related issues are addressed by utilizing a blend of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, as well as from a Family Systems perspective. This, I believe, allows the client to achieve the most success and a clearer understanding of their own struggles and how to overcome them.
Rachael Lynn Teneyck
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Near Northeast, Syracuse, NY 13203
Not accepting new clients
I have a passion for working with individuals struggling with life changes and mental health. As a licensed clinical social worker, I have 25 years experience working as a therapist in various counseling, school, and mental health environments. I provide individual and family therapy to adolescents, young adults/college age, and adults in a supportive, safe, environment. My goal is to meet individuals where they are at currently and help each person to formulate a plan on where they would like to be.
I have a passion for working with individuals struggling with life changes and mental health. As a licensed clinical social worker, I have 25 years experience working as a therapist in various counseling, school, and mental health environments. I provide individual and family therapy to adolescents, young adults/college age, and adults in a supportive, safe, environment. My goal is to meet individuals where they are at currently and help each person to formulate a plan on where they would like to be.
Michelle Warner
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Near Northeast, Syracuse, NY 13203
Not accepting new clients
Lovely office in the village of Liverpool for In-person and online appointments. Our relationships and our ability to cope are impacted when under stress. Even normal and otherwise happy events add stress to our lives. Do you feel like you are caught in an endless cycle of conflict? Do you feel like your efforts to connect are misunderstood? During these times, you will likely benefit from partnering with a Marriage and Family Therapist, who are professionally trained to help you understand and break these cycles. My website is michellewarnerlmft.com
Lovely office in the village of Liverpool for In-person and online appointments. Our relationships and our ability to cope are impacted when under stress. Even normal and otherwise happy events add stress to our lives. Do you feel like you are caught in an endless cycle of conflict? Do you feel like your efforts to connect are misunderstood? During these times, you will likely benefit from partnering with a Marriage and Family Therapist, who are professionally trained to help you understand and break these cycles. My website is michellewarnerlmft.com
Online Therapists
Danushi Fernando
Counselor, MA, LMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Syracuse, NY 13210 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Are you having trouble showing up as your most authentic self? Are you often worried of being revealed as an imposter? As your therapist, I would like to support you in your journey to wellness. You deserve to heal. You deserve to show up as your most honest and vibrant self in all spheres of your life. I specialize in working with college students, the LGBTQ+ community, couples navigating relationship issues, women and individuals navigating pregnancy and postpartum concerns, and adults processing their trauma histories.
Are you having trouble showing up as your most authentic self? Are you often worried of being revealed as an imposter? As your therapist, I would like to support you in your journey to wellness. You deserve to heal. You deserve to show up as your most honest and vibrant self in all spheres of your life. I specialize in working with college students, the LGBTQ+ community, couples navigating relationship issues, women and individuals navigating pregnancy and postpartum concerns, and adults processing their trauma histories.
Kristen Ruscitto Donato
Counselor, LMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Syracuse, NY 13220 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
IARTC- International Association for Resilience & Trauma Counseling and SAIGE formerly (ALGBTIC) Association for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Issues in Counseling.
As a licensed mental health counselor I like to look at the whole picture. I believe in mind, body and soul being in balance. Come as you are and be accepted in a genuine space.
IARTC- International Association for Resilience & Trauma Counseling and SAIGE formerly (ALGBTIC) Association for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Issues in Counseling.
As a licensed mental health counselor I like to look at the whole picture. I believe in mind, body and soul being in balance. Come as you are and be accepted in a genuine space.
Caitlin Dawson Brown
Counselor, MS, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Syracuse, NY 13202
As a queer identifying therapist, I have an interest in and experience with the LGBTQIA+ community and specialize in gender affirming care.
In therapy we will build upon your own inner strength and authentic self to process and heal pain or psychological injuries that may be getting in the way of living a healthy, integrated and fulfilling life. I believe that therapy is a collaborative process: we will work together to navigate and explore any problems or patterns in your life that may be contributing to the challenges that you face. I am not a therapist that will tell you what to do, but I will help you explore all the parts that make up YOU, including the parts of you that are resilient and know the way forward.
As a queer identifying therapist, I have an interest in and experience with the LGBTQIA+ community and specialize in gender affirming care.
In therapy we will build upon your own inner strength and authentic self to process and heal pain or psychological injuries that may be getting in the way of living a healthy, integrated and fulfilling life. I believe that therapy is a collaborative process: we will work together to navigate and explore any problems or patterns in your life that may be contributing to the challenges that you face. I am not a therapist that will tell you what to do, but I will help you explore all the parts that make up YOU, including the parts of you that are resilient and know the way forward.
Meaghan Greeley
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CCTP, ADHD-CC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Syracuse, NY 13210 (Online Only)
I am neurodivergent and queer, and my lived experience informs and enhances my work.
Do you feel like you are too much, and also not enough? You may have learned to compensate for your challenges by adopting various strategies like masking and people pleasing. You may think other people have similar struggles, but are just better at handling them. When you live that way for a long time it is difficult to know yourself, your needs, your strengths, and even your problems. My affirming approach supports clients learning to see and accept themselves for who they are unconditionally. I trust your internal wisdom and believe you deserve to live fully without exhaustion, shame, guilt, and resentment.
I am neurodivergent and queer, and my lived experience informs and enhances my work.
Do you feel like you are too much, and also not enough? You may have learned to compensate for your challenges by adopting various strategies like masking and people pleasing. You may think other people have similar struggles, but are just better at handling them. When you live that way for a long time it is difficult to know yourself, your needs, your strengths, and even your problems. My affirming approach supports clients learning to see and accept themselves for who they are unconditionally. I trust your internal wisdom and believe you deserve to live fully without exhaustion, shame, guilt, and resentment.
See more therapy options for Near Northeast, Syracuse
Nearby LGBTQ+ Therapists Searches for Near Northeast, Syracuse
- Downtown
- Eastwood
- Far West-Side
- Meadowbrook
- Near Eastside
- North Valley
- Southwest
- University
- University Hill
- Washington Square
- Westcott
Nearby Searches for Near Northeast, Syracuse
- Downtown
- Eastwood
- Far West-Side
- Meadowbrook
- Near Eastside
- Sedgewick
- Southwest
- Strathmore
- University
- University Hill
- Washington Square
- Westcott
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.