LGBTQ+ Therapists in Silver Spring, MD
See all therapists in Silver Spring
Rachael Stern
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified
Verified
The status quo tells us we can’t trust ourselves, our knowing, or our bodies. Rachael believes that our innate knowing - when we can access it, is not only the gold we seek, but the light we shine for ourselves and in the world around us. From experience with eating disorders, self-injury, trauma, chronic pain, couples and larger family systems and the
LGBTQIA
umbrella to professional work in issue focused non-profits/campaigns (and even performing), Rachael is deeply in tune with the political and social ecosystems that our intersectional identities transverse on a moment to moment basis
Waitlist for new clients
Jeannette Craigfeld
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified
Verified
I specialize in working with anxiety,
LGBTQ
+ issues, low self-esteem, perfectionism, and relationship concerns. I work particularly well with clients who struggle with being compassionate towards themselves and need a space to understand and embrace their authentic selves so they can pursue what they truly value in life.
Arvin Sanders
Pre-Licensed Professional, PhD
Verified
Verified
Do you ever feel like no one really listens to you or understands you? Are you a person of color or a part of the
LGBTQIA
+ community and feel discriminated against or rejected? Life comes with many challenges and while you may try your hardest to beat those challenges but sometimes you need a little help. So how can I help? My goal is to assist you with self-discovery, self-healing, and empowerment to face life head-on. I specialize in working with adults and adolescents with of various racial identities and/or sexual identities.
Pride Therapy DC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified
3 Endorsed
Verified
3 Endorsed
More than your Therapist -Your Biographer-- In sharing your story- you can get Perspective , Power and Peace.
LGBTQ
- Supportive Therapy-providing an empathetic ear and concrete solutions. Whether your struggling with Anxiety, Trauma or Relationship Issues- or not being in one -you don't have to do it alone. Have You - your kid or spouse come out as
Transgender
,
Lesbian
Bisexual
or
Gay
or HIV+ and have questions I have helped many others like you and have trained thousands of Healthcare Providers on how to be more clinically competent and sensitive in their care. Let's do the work together!
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:
Silver Spring, MD 20910 & Online
Waitlist for new clients
Kris Oseth
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LCPC, LPCC, CPT
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I work with clients of all backgrounds, while specializing in following areas:
LGBTQ
+,
Transgender
/Gender-Diverse/Non-binary transitioning process and identity; kink/poly/non-monogamous relationships, sex work, substance use/misuse – goals for sobriety/recovery or harm reduction, out of control sexual behavior, anxiety/trauma, Personal Training, EMDR.
I will work with you to illuminate the meaning of your experience and help you practice greater self-acceptance. Therapy goals/counseling/education will be tailored to your unique needs. I may show you how to change your behavior by using Mindfulness/changing your thoughts, recovery/harm reduction tools to address substance use, guidance/education/resources for exploring sexual orientation/gender identity/transitioning/coming out, provide couples/individual work for better communication in relationships, and/or I can apply EMDR/somatic-based approaches for trauma/anxiety and even substance using/behavioral urges.
Leah Johnson
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC, LCMHCA, NCC
Verified
Verified
I hold sex positive healing space for people of color,
LGBTQ
+ youth, and young adults seeking to address multicultural disparities, sexuality and identity concerns, career/school challenges, anxiety, depression, spirituality, and developmental congruency.
Are you in need of restoration, guidance, empowerment, or simply unwavering support? I can be your person! I have over 15 years worth of work delving into a counseling experience that encourages my people to rest, to be kind to self, to think beyond their current situation, to explore the unknown, to embrace what could be and to just exist. If you’re willing to do the work, I’m willing to work with you. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor at PsycYourMind Consulting, LLC. I am accepting new clients for secure Telehealth sessions via online scheduling.
Robyn S. Zeiger
Counselor, PhD, LCPC, LPC
Verified
Verified
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.
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
Waitlist for new clients
Molly McCracken
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LMSW
Verified
Verified
I am a
queer
, white, fat, cis-woman.
In my practice, clients find a warm, non-judgmental space where they can learn to get to know and accept themselves. I provide SOLEY teletherapy, which means that I am able to work with clients across the state. I work with youth and adults who are struggling to cope with issues including depression, family conflict, anxiety, negative body image, self-esteem, family conflict, and navigating oppressive social systems.
Not accepting new clients
Steve Geishecker
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW, LCSW-C, ACSW
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
I have expertise working with the
LGBTQ
+ community.
Feeling depressed, confused, anxious? Let's talk about how I might be able to help. Creating a safe and supportive space is an important foundation for a good partnership in therapy. Rest assured that you will be entering the therapeutic process without judgment and with unconditional positive regard. I approach therapy as a collaborative process of exploration with the goal of achieving greater self-awareness and the ability to manage life in better balance. Good chemistry and a healthy rapport are essential elements in creating a meaningful working relationship.
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Achieving Joy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, LICSW
Verified
Verified
Therapists within this practice are active participants within the
LGBTQ
community who specialize in an array of mental wellness needs from the
LGBTQ
perspective.
Achieving Joy's counseling boutique is created to improve the emotional, mental, and spiritual wellness of the
LGBTQ
community. Our counselor's are diverse, licensed and are active participants within the community. We provide a safe space for individuals and couples to explore monogamous and non-monogamous relationships, complete pre-marital counseling, and create action steps to reach your life goals. We also provide group counseling, workshops, and annual conferences. Our purpose is to help you create a plan of action to achieve your joy.
Not accepting new clients
Melvin Cauthen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW-C
Verified
Verified
My scope of work includes but is not limited to; depression, anxiety,
gay
and
lesbian
issues, relationship concerns, and conflict resolution.
I am a licensed clinical social worker in private practice licensed in the District of Columbia and the State of Maryland. I work with individuals and couples to address their concerns and strengthen their relationships. My practice is focused on motivated, interactive communication. I will work with you to achieve the solutions to the problems that are weighing you down and keeping you from being the person that you want to be. Together, we will develop a plan for change, growth and acceptance.
Joan Bellsey
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW-C, CAC
Verified
Verified
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.
Caroline Erickson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified
Verified
Are you struggling with anxiety? Would you like to set more boundaries in your life? Are you a member of the
LGBTQIA
+ community looking for a
Queer
-identified, affirming therapist? Is your relationship causing you stress? These are areas I thrive in supporting. Research shows that the success of therapy often depends on the “fit” between the client and therapist. With a background as a sexuality educator and communication facilitator, I’m experienced in creating a safe space for individuals and people in relationships to bring their concerns, build skills, and feel more comfortable having difficult conversations.
James Edwardaro Willey
Psychological Associate, MS
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Our practice specializes in working with People of Color and
LGBTQ
+ clients.
Understanding who you are or what you are feeling is difficult when you are not even sure what words to use to describe your experience or what questions to ask yourself. Naming that is a big step. You may put on a mask to navigate the world in order to reduce the pressures you feel from society. High expectations when you were younger may make mistakes seem unacceptable. The journey to explore who you are may seem lonely. You may notice similarities in the relationships you form now with the relationship you have with your family. The early traumas in your life may be triggering you now in ways that are frustrating and upsetting.
Not accepting new clients
Allison Hoke
Counselor, LGPC
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I am a
trans
and
queer
therapist with a strong passion for working with the
LGBTQIA
+ community.
Have you reached a point where you're realizing that past experiences and beliefs about yourself are impacting your life now? Are you wanting to live joyfully as your most authentic self, but having a hard time doing so? Do you want to improve your relationship with your partner, but think a guide would be helpful? Then you've come to the right place! Through exploration and skills-building, I will help you develop greater resilience, and a deeper connection with yourself and your community. I work with individuals, couples, and polyamorous/non-monogamous folks.
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.
Silver Spring, MD 20910
& Online
Waitlist for new clients
Peter Fritch
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified
Verified
I offer trauma-informed, shame-free,
LGBT
-affirming, sex-positive and kink-positive therapy for each and every person I've had the honor of working with. My practice is grounded in choice and consent, safety, collaboration, trustworthiness, empowerment, and social justice. As a
queer
therapist and community mental health worker, I've had extensive experience with people struggling with trauma, substance use, and addiction; anxiety, depression, mania, hearing voices, and OCD; with people diagnosed with personality disorders; and with
trans
adults. NOTE: Preference for new clients will go to
trans
/
LGBTQIA
clients and trauma therapy
Silver Spring, MD 20910
& Online
Waitlist for new clients
See more therapy options for
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.