LGBTQ+ Therapists in Bethesda, MD
See all therapists in Bethesda
Lia Bostian
Counselor, MS, LCPC
Verified
Verified
I welcome
transgender
, genderqueer, and gender non-conforming clients.
I help individual adults with a wide range of emotional problems and decisions, with a special focus on the
LGBT
community. My goal is to enable people to resolve their issues with lasting results and to live more satisfying, healthier lives. Over the past 28 years, people have turned to me for help with depression, anxiety, loneliness, grief, low self-esteem, work stress, parenting, and relationship problems. I have also worked with people experiencing trauma and substance abuse.
Waitlist for new clients
Abby Hall
Counselor, MA, LCPC, NCC
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
I am a
queer
identifying therapist who focuses her practice on working with
queer
populations.
I provide
queer
affirming sex therapy for adult individuals who are wanting to explore their identity, sexuality or address sexual functioning concerns. In our sessions I utilize attachment and trauma-based techniques to work through your concerns, create a better relationship with your body and relationships, and explore your experiences with intimacy. Additionally, I provide services for individuals who are wanting to explore their feelings, attitudes, and beliefs towards sex and sexuality based on their experiences within religious and faith-based communities.
Office is near:
Bethesda, MD 20892 & Online
Waitlist for new clients
Ryan Shea
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified
Verified
I am currently accepting new patients for online video therapy (Telehealth)! I work with children, adolescents, and adults with concerns including depression, anxiety, identity concerns, adjustment and life transitions, grief and loss, and relationship issues. I am particularly passionate about my
LGBTQ
work, both in and out of therapy.
Office is near:
Bethesda, MD 20817 & Online
Shelby Willoughby
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Are you an adult or teen in the
LGBTQIA
+ community, affected by eating disorders self-discovery, body dysmorphia, anxiety, depression, grief, or relational and social difficulties? I have extensive history working with these individuals and those who have experienced intimate partner violence and substance abuse/dependency. If you are looking for bariatric evaluations that are required for the surgical process, I can assist you. I offer this service is to aid in determining readiness, addressing any concerns for underlying eating disorder behavior,pre/post therapeutic support, and exploring options outside of surgery.
Not accepting new clients
Sarah Thompson
Counselor, MA, LGPC
Verified
9 Endorsed
Verified
9 Endorsed
Some of these include ADHD, Anxiety, Autism, Depression,
LGBTQIA
+, Self-Esteem, PTSD & CPTSD, and Trauma.
Therapy provides an opportunity to make growth in all areas from the inside-out. I view therapy as a journey toward self-discovery and fulfillment. It is a collaborative process built on trust, compassion, validation, and support. I want you to feel heard and safe to share your story, free of judgment. I am passionate about working with children, adolescents, young adults, and families.
Not accepting new clients
Mary Randall Ingate
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, MC
Verified
Verified
We all have periods of struggle navigating life; work; and relationships. In my practice I focus on helping individuals and families identify troubling issues while increasing self understanding; coping skills and compassion for themselves and others with the goal of improving relationships and moving forward in life in accordance with their individual goals and values. In my 30+ years of practice I have worked with people from many different cultures including the
LGBTQ
+ community who are struggling with anxiety; mood disorders; and addiction issues. I am committed to helping and working collaboratively with my clients.
Not accepting new clients
Morgan Summers-Slaughter
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I love to work with clients in the process of working through identity struggles, and dynamics at play that impact a person's ability to be authentic. I'm particularly interested in working with young adults, and those in and around the
LGBTQIA
+ community. I work to provide an affirming, supportive space for healing and growth for all clients regardless of their age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious background and practices (or lack thereof), or any other factor.
Not accepting new clients
Carla Lester
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
Each new day creates an opportunity for you to think and live differently. I am a highly skilled and versatile
LGBTQ
+ affirming clinician and have worked in Social Work for over 25 years. I am an LCSW-C in Maryland and the District of Columbia and specialize in working with transitional aged youth and adults ages 18+.
Samuel W Cooper
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LMSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
He has experience working with
LGBTQIA
+, neurodivergent, disabled, immigrant, military, and rural populations.
Samuel Cooper (he/him/they) is a Licensed Master Social Worker, meditation teacher, and yogi. He practices from a trauma-sensitive foundation of pancultural spirituality and eclectic theory, and believes that therapy must be creative, fluid, and collaborative in order to meet the unique and changing needs of each client. No matter how big or small the issues we face, no matter how deep or wide the questions we ask, he believes that each of us contains the power to move towards insight, growth, authenticity, and healing. Sam’s work is ultimately dedicated to the flourishing of all beings.
Thomas J Coughlin
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC, NCC
Verified
Verified
I work with
trans
/gender expansive/non binary clients to reach their goals in transition, be they internal awareness and acceptance, social, medical and/or legal avenues by offering support, connection to other helpful resources, advocating for health care, and writing letters of support for gender affirming medical care, if part of their personal journey.
Sometimes creating or maintaining a happy, satisfying life requires help. As a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, I will listen and engage you in ways that support a life of balance, healing & growth as you move toward a better and more authentic you. Though my practice is not limited to work with the
LGBTQ
population, I have years of experience working with this community especially
trans
/gender expansive/non binary individuals. I am credentialed through the WPATH GEI certification program. More info: https://www.wpath.org/about-gei
Tift Pelias
Counselor, LCPC, NCC
Verified
4 Endorsed
Verified
4 Endorsed
I specialize in the areas of chronic pain, cultural adjustment, anxiety, depression, low self esteem, anger management and
LGBTQ
issues.
Has the pandemic changed your world? Feeling stuck? Experiencing a lack of motivation? Are you struggling with pain from a chronic health issue or pain from daily life frustration? Are you always anxious, angry or depressed? Feel distant from your true self? Therapy can help you to break through the pain to be where you want to be. Warm, supportive, non-judgmental therapeutic exploration can help you to reconnect with or discover the person outside the pain, who is not just a medical diagnosis, an adult child of an alcoholic, your profession, an angry/depressed/anxious person but the real you and your full potential.
Kevin Waldorf-Cruz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
My practice focuses on the
LGBTQIA
+ community.
My style is compassionate and supportive. I specialize in working with clients to enhance psychological growth, build satisfaction, and build community in their lives. I have over 15 years of experience facilitating change and self-integration. Clients often report feeling more alive, willing to take more risks, and feeling secure in their relationships with others following their therapy journey.
Office is near:
Bethesda, MD 20810 & Online
Shelley L Marfori
Psychological Associate, Psy D
Verified
Verified
As a member of the
LGBTQIA
+ community, a trauma survivor, and someone with a chronic pain disorder; I approach the work that I do from a place of empathy and personal understanding. I have an intense passion for understanding personal identity and the way race, culture, class, and sexuality come together to form what we believe about ourselves and what we feel we can accomplish in our lives. Anxiety and trauma can live in our bodies - together we will create a relationship that fosters dynamic and lasting growth, tapping into undiscovered reserves of resiliency that will help navigate the past and prepare for a more hopeful future.
Waitlist for new clients
Jess Stern
Counselor, LGPC, NCC
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I previously worked at the Whitman Walker Health Clinic with people of all different backgrounds, especially members of the
LGBTQ
+ community (a community of which I am also a part of).
Hello. My name is Jess and I am here to help you! I have a passion for working with those who have experienced trauma(s). I am specifically trained in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) which can help relieve post-traumatic symptoms, and other types of mental health disorders.
Office is near:
Bethesda, MD 20810 & Online
Waitlist for new clients
Zenna Mould
LPC Intern
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I am passionate about working with the
LGBTQ
+ community, immigrants, and individuals dealing with trauma.
My name is Zenna Mould and I am a counselor in training at Diversified Lifestyle Services while completing my master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology.
Not accepting new clients
Joey Salvatore
Counselor, MS, LCPC
Verified
Verified
Clients who are looking for support exploring issues in a compassionate and warm space; in need of direction; help clarifying what gives their lives meaning and importance; are dealing with life transition issues and stressors; interpersonal or relationship issues;
LGBTQIA
+ identity or gender issues; conflict of faith/religion/spirituality issues; mood or sleep imbalance and dysregulation issues.
Michael A Vigorito
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, CGP, CST-S
Verified
3 Endorsed
Verified
3 Endorsed
How do you know if your sexual behavior is out of control? It's a subjective question that many men unfortunately wait until relationship, occupational or medical consequences accumulate before considering. I believe the most important person to evaluate concerns with regulating sexual behavior is the man experiencing the dilemma. I start with two basic questions: "What is your conflict with your sexual behavior?" and "What is your vision for your sexual health?" Since 2001, I have provided a safe, informed and confidential space for sexual health conversations with heterosexual,
gay
and
bisexual
men.
Darby Integrative Counseling LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, LCADAS
Verified
8 Endorsed
Verified
8 Endorsed
Our practice is allied with our communities including the:
LGBTQIA
+, minority and immigrant, and kink/poly.
*Currently accepting new clients at Darby Integrative Counseling, LLC, and we are offering in-person and/or video sessions to accommodate your needs during the COVID crisis.* We welcome you to the next courageous step on your journey walking through life's challenges. Are you struggling with fear, grief, sadness, anxiety, or stress? Have anger, shame or guilt been preventing you from the joys of life? Do your relationships at home or work feel strained? Let us awaken your best self and find solutions for the problems you face on your path to wellness.
Cara Miller
Psychologist, PhD, SEP
Verified
Verified
I believe every person has the ability to grow and transform. I believe that we can best do so when accompanied compassionately along our journeys. Through increasing self-awareness, cultivating our inner and external resources, and understanding the interconnected influences of mind and body in our daily lives, we can transform through painful times and arrive into greater and deeper capacity for relationships to ourselves and with others. I specialize in working with adults through trauma healing, grief and loss (including that of beloved animals),
LGBTQIA
+ identities and relationships, depression/anxiety, and life transitions.
Office is near:
Bethesda, MD 20817 & Online
Mirshelle Edwards
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified
5 Endorsed
Verified
5 Endorsed
I embrace AAPI,
LGBTQ
+ & BIPOC identities and relationships.
Identity, school and career stress, trauma, persistent worrying, family relationships, sadness, isolation/withdrawal and shame are my specialty. I facilitate empowering and solution-focused treatment to gain understanding of current cognitive patterns that result in undesired behavior and low mood. My clients learn emotion regulation, assertiveness, effective communication, trauma resolution, positive relationship and behavior change. I target cognitive distortions that are usually responsible for the heightened feeling of low self worth, worry, sadness, loss of interest and pleasure, low self-esteem, relationship issues etc.
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What type of Bethesda mental health professional is right for me?
While most types of therapy have a lot in common, they also fall into clusters that share core features, such as cognitive therapies or psychodynamic approaches. It is important to seek someone who practices evidence-based therapy, meaning one or more forms of treatment that have been scientifically evaluated and tested, and demonstrate consistent improvement for a majority of patients.
If you are unsure about choosing the right therapist or psychologist, it might be useful to first learn more about therapy types and modalities.
If you are unsure about choosing the right therapist or psychologist, it might be useful to first learn more about therapy types and modalities.
How to find a therapist or counselor in Bethesda?
When looking to find a therapist, start by considering training and credentials. Studies also indicate that the therapeutic alliance, or the relationship the client develops with the therapist, is an important factor in their ability to work together to achieve the client’s goals.
What method of therapy is right for me?
When it comes to treatment methods, there's no 'right way.’ Each method of therapy can be beneficial for a variety of issues. Finding a psychologist or therapist who is a good fit for you is the most important step to discovering what type of therapy, or combination of therapeutic approaches, will meet your individual needs. Learn what to expect from different types of therapy and how they work.
How to use my insurance?
Understanding cost and insurance coverage is an important concern for many people. With some basic research and conversations with prospective therapists, you should be able to have a good understanding of the best way to afford therapy.