LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in New York
Dr. Michael Jacobs
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
New York, NY 10001 (Online Only)
I specialize in working with teens and adults, many of whom identify as LGBTQIA+ or performing artists, who are feeling anxious, sad, and overwhelmed.
Life can be challenging, and it's natural to feel overwhelmed at times. Whether you're grappling with relationship issues, work stress, or feeling stuck, these obstacles can lead to anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns. You may fear that others are judging you or that something terrible will happen. Perhaps you are having difficulty living up to high standards set by yourself or others, ultimately hindering you. The good news is that you don't have to face these challenges alone. I am here to help you develop effective strategies and tools to embrace life to the fullest, fostering a sense of control and freedom.
I specialize in working with teens and adults, many of whom identify as LGBTQIA+ or performing artists, who are feeling anxious, sad, and overwhelmed.
Life can be challenging, and it's natural to feel overwhelmed at times. Whether you're grappling with relationship issues, work stress, or feeling stuck, these obstacles can lead to anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns. You may fear that others are judging you or that something terrible will happen. Perhaps you are having difficulty living up to high standards set by yourself or others, ultimately hindering you. The good news is that you don't have to face these challenges alone. I am here to help you develop effective strategies and tools to embrace life to the fullest, fostering a sense of control and freedom.
M Julius Owens
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Brooklyn, NY 11249 (Online Only)
I help BIPOC men and LGBTQIA individuals overcome stress, anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship issues, and trauma by taking a whole person approach, focusing on body, mind, self, and spirit. I listen to your story with empathy and respect, integrating it into our sessions for healing. Using evidence-informed care tailored to your needs, I incorporate proven interventions through research informed therapy.
I help BIPOC men and LGBTQIA individuals overcome stress, anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship issues, and trauma by taking a whole person approach, focusing on body, mind, self, and spirit. I listen to your story with empathy and respect, integrating it into our sessions for healing. Using evidence-informed care tailored to your needs, I incorporate proven interventions through research informed therapy.
Kyle McGarty
Counselor, LMHC, MA, MEd
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
New York, NY 10001
I also work with the LGBTQ community, adult professionals, and adoptees.
Healing and transformation rests on the trust and support of the therapeutic relationship. I prioritize building an authentic relationship where you feel safe to be vulnerable without judgment. I aim to help you work through the core of your issues, not just a quick fix. I specialize in body-oriented psychotherapy that includes analysis of both the mind and body to deepen your understanding of your issues and to facilitate change. Working with the body can engender more meaningful awareness, symptomatic relief and transformation.
I also work with the LGBTQ community, adult professionals, and adoptees.
Healing and transformation rests on the trust and support of the therapeutic relationship. I prioritize building an authentic relationship where you feel safe to be vulnerable without judgment. I aim to help you work through the core of your issues, not just a quick fix. I specialize in body-oriented psychotherapy that includes analysis of both the mind and body to deepen your understanding of your issues and to facilitate change. Working with the body can engender more meaningful awareness, symptomatic relief and transformation.
Joshua Halpenny-Nguyen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10001 (Online Only)
I feel especially enjoy working with people of color and LGBTQ+ individuals and couples around identity, sexuality, coming out, and relationships.
Making ourselves vulnerable is one of the most challenging experiences we encounter. We learn to protect ourselves in various ways, sometimes affecting how we interact in social settings when talking to our friends, family, coworkers, and romantic partners. Exploring these issues can be a daunting task - but it doesn’t need to happen alone. I aim to create a safe, welcoming space so that self-exploration and self-reflection don’t seem as scary and daunting. My goal is to build a relationship where you can experience trust, comfort, and feeling understood so that it feels easier being vulnerable with yourself and others.
I feel especially enjoy working with people of color and LGBTQ+ individuals and couples around identity, sexuality, coming out, and relationships.
Making ourselves vulnerable is one of the most challenging experiences we encounter. We learn to protect ourselves in various ways, sometimes affecting how we interact in social settings when talking to our friends, family, coworkers, and romantic partners. Exploring these issues can be a daunting task - but it doesn’t need to happen alone. I aim to create a safe, welcoming space so that self-exploration and self-reflection don’t seem as scary and daunting. My goal is to build a relationship where you can experience trust, comfort, and feeling understood so that it feels easier being vulnerable with yourself and others.
Joseph Mauch
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
New York, NY 10013 (Online Only)
I'm experienced with relational and emotional issues including depression, anxiety, transition, LGBTQ issues, complex trauma, spirituality, substance abuse, and identity issues.
I’m a clinical psychologist and I specialize in therapy for adults. If you’re here, I’m guessing it’s because you are struggling with something in your life and feel like you need help. I know how hard it can be to reach out and ask for help, and I’m glad that you’ve made it this far. Therapy doesn’t have to be daunting and mysterious. At the most basic level, therapy is just two people relating with one another in a relaxed, safe, and supportive atmosphere. What makes it different from other relationships is that we keep the focus on you, and I have specialized training that enables me to foster the conditions necessary for change.
I'm experienced with relational and emotional issues including depression, anxiety, transition, LGBTQ issues, complex trauma, spirituality, substance abuse, and identity issues.
I’m a clinical psychologist and I specialize in therapy for adults. If you’re here, I’m guessing it’s because you are struggling with something in your life and feel like you need help. I know how hard it can be to reach out and ask for help, and I’m glad that you’ve made it this far. Therapy doesn’t have to be daunting and mysterious. At the most basic level, therapy is just two people relating with one another in a relaxed, safe, and supportive atmosphere. What makes it different from other relationships is that we keep the focus on you, and I have specialized training that enables me to foster the conditions necessary for change.
Sabrina Sarro
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MFA, LCSW, C-DBT, CCTP, SIFI
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
New York, NY 10010 (Online Only)
Hi beautiful people! Need support from feeling unseen or navigating a world in which your identities are not affirmed? I'm here to support you in further harnessing your intuitive voice, as well as providing a space to explore your past, current, and potential future. As a Black/Queer/Neurodivergent provider, I am dedicated to helping you synthesize memories and experiences of your life, and how these moments might be informing your identities today. I am deeply invested in you and think of our relationship as a collaborative one in which we both discover and explore what affirms you and makes you feel seen, heard, and supported.
Hi beautiful people! Need support from feeling unseen or navigating a world in which your identities are not affirmed? I'm here to support you in further harnessing your intuitive voice, as well as providing a space to explore your past, current, and potential future. As a Black/Queer/Neurodivergent provider, I am dedicated to helping you synthesize memories and experiences of your life, and how these moments might be informing your identities today. I am deeply invested in you and think of our relationship as a collaborative one in which we both discover and explore what affirms you and makes you feel seen, heard, and supported.
Derek Crichlow
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
New York, NY 10019
Do you want to explore the untapped parts of yourself that make you unique? I am a black, queer, cis-gender male from Long Island and I believe therapy is the best place to discover what makes you unique. In my personal journey to mental wellness, I it was challenging to find a therapist that felt safe, relatable and authentic. I know what it is like to be judged and misunderstood because of your identity and who you love. With my journey, I am empowered to help you navigate your relationships, your past experiences, and the stresses of your daily life.
Do you want to explore the untapped parts of yourself that make you unique? I am a black, queer, cis-gender male from Long Island and I believe therapy is the best place to discover what makes you unique. In my personal journey to mental wellness, I it was challenging to find a therapist that felt safe, relatable and authentic. I know what it is like to be judged and misunderstood because of your identity and who you love. With my journey, I am empowered to help you navigate your relationships, your past experiences, and the stresses of your daily life.
Leila Zhanybekova
Art Therapist, LCAT, ATR-BC, MPS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brooklyn, NY 11209 (Online Only)
My lived experience as a queer Asian immigrant provides me a deep understanding of the nuanced ways that our intersectional identities and surviving through the various systems we exist in affects our mental health.
I specialize in working with acculturation, racial and cultural trauma, gender identity and sexuality, depression, anxiety, and life transition. Together, we collaborate to explore your current struggles, look into your relationships, process your experiences, unpack intergenerational and racial trauma, identify patterns of thought and behavior, and develop insight into your life's path. In session, we build a warm, humorous, and authentic relationship to help you embody your values, grow more connected to yourself and others, build compassion for your emotions, and find a way forward from where you are right now.
My lived experience as a queer Asian immigrant provides me a deep understanding of the nuanced ways that our intersectional identities and surviving through the various systems we exist in affects our mental health.
I specialize in working with acculturation, racial and cultural trauma, gender identity and sexuality, depression, anxiety, and life transition. Together, we collaborate to explore your current struggles, look into your relationships, process your experiences, unpack intergenerational and racial trauma, identify patterns of thought and behavior, and develop insight into your life's path. In session, we build a warm, humorous, and authentic relationship to help you embody your values, grow more connected to yourself and others, build compassion for your emotions, and find a way forward from where you are right now.
Timothy Carreiro
Psychologist, PhD, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
New York, NY 10011 (Online Only)
I specialize in working with the LGBTQA population.
Therapy is an important and significant decision. I believe it is one of the most important choices a person can make. A therapist must be skilled, empathic, kind and generous. I feel that I am all of these things and am fully committed to each and every client I see. Our work together is a partnership in which we explore the things that are holding you back and keeping you from enjoying your life. Whether you are suffering from depression or trying to break unhealthy relationship patterns, I will work with you to improve your life and unravel difficult patterns.
I specialize in working with the LGBTQA population.
Therapy is an important and significant decision. I believe it is one of the most important choices a person can make. A therapist must be skilled, empathic, kind and generous. I feel that I am all of these things and am fully committed to each and every client I see. Our work together is a partnership in which we explore the things that are holding you back and keeping you from enjoying your life. Whether you are suffering from depression or trying to break unhealthy relationship patterns, I will work with you to improve your life and unravel difficult patterns.
Bryan D. Tobias
Licensed Master Social Worker, LMSW
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10001
As your therapist my job is to support, empower and accompany you on your journey of healing, growth, and self-discovery. My practice is deeply rooted in providing affirming care, and I specialize in working with LGBTQIA+ individuals who have faced a wide range of traumatic experiences within their communities, relationships and families, often feeling stuck and overwhelmed in their lives. At the same time my practice emphasizes inclusivity for all people regardless of sexuality. I strive to create an environment where everyone's unique experiences are valued and respected.
As your therapist my job is to support, empower and accompany you on your journey of healing, growth, and self-discovery. My practice is deeply rooted in providing affirming care, and I specialize in working with LGBTQIA+ individuals who have faced a wide range of traumatic experiences within their communities, relationships and families, often feeling stuck and overwhelmed in their lives. At the same time my practice emphasizes inclusivity for all people regardless of sexuality. I strive to create an environment where everyone's unique experiences are valued and respected.
Kenji Takeda
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
New York, NY 10038 (Online Only)
, LGBTQIA+, Asian American mental health, immigration).
As a licensed psychologist in NY and NJ, I offer remote individual psychotherapy to adults (Mon-Thurs: 9am-5pm). My approach is collaborative, and you are an active partner in designing your personal goals. I individualize treatment based on your presenting concerns/needs as well as your unique background and history. Based on my training and experience in a variety of treatment modalities, including CBT, DBT, and Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, I use an integrative approach to help you reach your personal goals, which may involve learning skills to manage life’s difficulties and developing greater understanding of yourself.
, LGBTQIA+, Asian American mental health, immigration).
As a licensed psychologist in NY and NJ, I offer remote individual psychotherapy to adults (Mon-Thurs: 9am-5pm). My approach is collaborative, and you are an active partner in designing your personal goals. I individualize treatment based on your presenting concerns/needs as well as your unique background and history. Based on my training and experience in a variety of treatment modalities, including CBT, DBT, and Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, I use an integrative approach to help you reach your personal goals, which may involve learning skills to manage life’s difficulties and developing greater understanding of yourself.
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Dean DeRenzo
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10022 (Online Only)
I am dedicated to guiding you on your path to emotional well-being and personal development. Specializing in depression, anxiety, and relationship challenges, I bring expertise in supporting individuals with Autism, LGBTQIA+ identities, college students, and professionals navigating various concerns. Together, we'll explore tailored strategies to address your unique needs and facilitate meaningful growth.
I am dedicated to guiding you on your path to emotional well-being and personal development. Specializing in depression, anxiety, and relationship challenges, I bring expertise in supporting individuals with Autism, LGBTQIA+ identities, college students, and professionals navigating various concerns. Together, we'll explore tailored strategies to address your unique needs and facilitate meaningful growth.
Michael Corning
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10019 (Online Only)
As a queer person, I understand how important it is to have a therapist that is knowledgable, affirming, and nonjudgemental. My work is primarily focused on the LGBTQIA+ community and addressing the unique obstacles that our community faces. Whether you’re coming out, transitioning, navigating dating, facing relationship complexities, or striving to understand and connect with your authentic self, I am here to support you on your journey.
As a queer person, I understand how important it is to have a therapist that is knowledgable, affirming, and nonjudgemental. My work is primarily focused on the LGBTQIA+ community and addressing the unique obstacles that our community faces. Whether you’re coming out, transitioning, navigating dating, facing relationship complexities, or striving to understand and connect with your authentic self, I am here to support you on your journey.
William McKenna
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Brooklyn, NY 11215 (Online Only)
We're here, we're queer, let's talk about it! I am a Clinical Social Worker licensed in New York, Massachusetts, and South Carolina with over 10 years of experience providing counseling to LGBTQIA+ young adults and adults. Being a part of the community myself, I bring my own experiences and humor into all sessions to support my clients in the best way possible.
We're here, we're queer, let's talk about it! I am a Clinical Social Worker licensed in New York, Massachusetts, and South Carolina with over 10 years of experience providing counseling to LGBTQIA+ young adults and adults. Being a part of the community myself, I bring my own experiences and humor into all sessions to support my clients in the best way possible.
Leon Setton
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
New York, NY 10011
I utilize an eclectic, psychodynamic approach that is tailored to your individual needs. I work with a wide range of people facing a diversity of challenges. I have specific experience with issues related to substance misuse, LGBTQ identities, HIV/AIDS, anxiety, depression, sexual compulsions, romantic relationships, spirituality & religion, and trauma. I welcome the opportunity to talk with you and be a part of your process of growth and development. Feel free to contact me for more information or an initial consultation.
I utilize an eclectic, psychodynamic approach that is tailored to your individual needs. I work with a wide range of people facing a diversity of challenges. I have specific experience with issues related to substance misuse, LGBTQ identities, HIV/AIDS, anxiety, depression, sexual compulsions, romantic relationships, spirituality & religion, and trauma. I welcome the opportunity to talk with you and be a part of your process of growth and development. Feel free to contact me for more information or an initial consultation.
Elliott Dalton Skaggs
Pre-Licensed Professional, MS, MHC-LP
Verified Verified
Long Island City, NY 11106 (Online Only)
Having a background as founding board president of two LGBTQ+ organizations, I have advocated for many gender and sexual identity minorities.
Are you struggling with difficult feelings or a search for meaning? Are you struggling to feel affirmed in your sense of identity as someone different or marginalized? Are you trying to work through trauma, grief, loss, and other concerns with your past? Are you seeking to improve your career path or interpersonal relationships? Or perhaps you simply need a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental space to process your day-to-day stress. Utilizing a wide range of therapeutic approaches, I help my clients explore themselves to find resilience, healing, and meaning in their lives.
Having a background as founding board president of two LGBTQ+ organizations, I have advocated for many gender and sexual identity minorities.
Are you struggling with difficult feelings or a search for meaning? Are you struggling to feel affirmed in your sense of identity as someone different or marginalized? Are you trying to work through trauma, grief, loss, and other concerns with your past? Are you seeking to improve your career path or interpersonal relationships? Or perhaps you simply need a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental space to process your day-to-day stress. Utilizing a wide range of therapeutic approaches, I help my clients explore themselves to find resilience, healing, and meaning in their lives.
Jor-El Caraballo
Counselor, MA, EdM, LMHC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Brooklyn, NY 11201 (Online Only)
I am a NYC based therapist who helps people battle anxiety, depression and interpersonal/relationship concerns. I also have experience helping clients with concerns related to discrimination, LGBTQ, racial and identity issues. I am only offering online video sessions at this time. I would be happy to discuss how I may help you in taking your next steps.
I am a NYC based therapist who helps people battle anxiety, depression and interpersonal/relationship concerns. I also have experience helping clients with concerns related to discrimination, LGBTQ, racial and identity issues. I am only offering online video sessions at this time. I would be happy to discuss how I may help you in taking your next steps.
Mia Ruth
Mental Health Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
New York, NY 10016
Are you struggling to understand and manage the challenges you are facing? By providing a space in which you can explore root causes and develop healthy thoughts and effective coping mechanisms, I can help. Together we can identify beliefs that contribute to your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, with a goal of increased self understanding and less emotional distress. I am deeply committed to helping you understand how your feelings and thoughts impact your perceptions of yourself, your life, and your relationships. I specialize in LGBTQ-related concerns; all gender identities, gender expressions, and sexualities are welcome.
Are you struggling to understand and manage the challenges you are facing? By providing a space in which you can explore root causes and develop healthy thoughts and effective coping mechanisms, I can help. Together we can identify beliefs that contribute to your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, with a goal of increased self understanding and less emotional distress. I am deeply committed to helping you understand how your feelings and thoughts impact your perceptions of yourself, your life, and your relationships. I specialize in LGBTQ-related concerns; all gender identities, gender expressions, and sexualities are welcome.
Elise Cote-Milnor
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10019 (Online Only)
Do you want to gain insight into your emotions and life history? I am a queer, white, cisgender woman living in Brooklyn, and I firmly believe that therapy is a place to feel safe and understood. I strive to meet my clients with warmth, openness, and curiosity. I approach therapy as a collaborative process for you to explore challenges, set goals, define boundaries, and welcome pleasure into your life. In this safe, therapeutic setting, you can experience emotional healing and chart your path forward.
Do you want to gain insight into your emotions and life history? I am a queer, white, cisgender woman living in Brooklyn, and I firmly believe that therapy is a place to feel safe and understood. I strive to meet my clients with warmth, openness, and curiosity. I approach therapy as a collaborative process for you to explore challenges, set goals, define boundaries, and welcome pleasure into your life. In this safe, therapeutic setting, you can experience emotional healing and chart your path forward.
Shane Dzimian
Pre-Licensed Professional, LMSW
Verified Verified
Kingston, NY 12401 (Online Only)
As a queer, nonbinary clinician, I understand the importance of providing a safe space for visibility, self-exploration, and inclusion.
Hello! I have a strong focus in working with adults who are working to manage anxiety and adjustment to life transitions. I have an affinity for providing therapy for individuals who identify as neuro-divergent, as well as LGBTQ+ individuals. I am here to offer support through a strengths based and compassionate lens in the shared therapy space.
As a queer, nonbinary clinician, I understand the importance of providing a safe space for visibility, self-exploration, and inclusion.
Hello! I have a strong focus in working with adults who are working to manage anxiety and adjustment to life transitions. I have an affinity for providing therapy for individuals who identify as neuro-divergent, as well as LGBTQ+ individuals. I am here to offer support through a strengths based and compassionate lens in the shared therapy space.
See more therapy options for New York
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.