Transgender Therapists in Minnesota
I love to take an integrated approach to working with people and seeing people in the context of all aspects of their lives. As a queer, nonbinary transgender person I am passionate about intersectional social justice and working towards a world in which everyone is treated with respect and dignity. I enjoy working with people from all backgrounds, however, I specialize in working with LGBTQIA+ people, people with co-occurring disorders, and persons living with HIV.
I love to take an integrated approach to working with people and seeing people in the context of all aspects of their lives. As a queer, nonbinary transgender person I am passionate about intersectional social justice and working towards a world in which everyone is treated with respect and dignity. I enjoy working with people from all backgrounds, however, I specialize in working with LGBTQIA+ people, people with co-occurring disorders, and persons living with HIV.
Pride Counseling Services PLLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Mankato, MN 56001
We provide gender affirmative mental health assessments to help people who are transgender, gender non-conforming, nonbinary, or agender prepare and receive a letter for surgery.
At Pride Counseling Services, we believe in the power of compassion, understanding, and personalized care. Our mission is to provide a safe and supportive environment where LGBTQ+ people can embark on their journey towards healing and personal growth. We specialize in outpatient therapy, offering flexible and accessible services tailored to meet the unique needs of each client.
We provide gender affirmative mental health assessments to help people who are transgender, gender non-conforming, nonbinary, or agender prepare and receive a letter for surgery.
At Pride Counseling Services, we believe in the power of compassion, understanding, and personalized care. Our mission is to provide a safe and supportive environment where LGBTQ+ people can embark on their journey towards healing and personal growth. We specialize in outpatient therapy, offering flexible and accessible services tailored to meet the unique needs of each client.
I specialize in trauma focused EMDR and Adaptive Internal Relations (AIR Network), substance use issues, and the care and treatment of the LGBTQIA community including transgender folk. As a male to female transgender person and a mental health professional I provide culturally specific services to the LGBTQIA community. I am an expert in the care and treatment of people living with or at high risk for HIV.
I specialize in trauma focused EMDR and Adaptive Internal Relations (AIR Network), substance use issues, and the care and treatment of the LGBTQIA community including transgender folk. As a male to female transgender person and a mental health professional I provide culturally specific services to the LGBTQIA community. I am an expert in the care and treatment of people living with or at high risk for HIV.
Josh Januschka
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
Minneapolis, MN 55403
Waitlist for new clients
I have expertise in working with individuals who are transgender and gender-expansive, as well as the greater LGBTQIA2S+ community.
Every person needs a secure space where they can become their most authentic selves. I strive to approach therapy with radical genuineness, compassion, warmth, and humor. I believe that therapy at its best is a creative, judgment-free space between equals. This creates an environment where you can be yourself and learn to manage thoughts and emotions getting in your way. I like to incorporate techniques from DBT, Motivational Interviewing, Person-Centered Therapy, attachment theory, body-centered approaches, sports psychology, mindfulness, body positivity, trauma-informed practices, and sometimes a dash of geek culture references.
I have expertise in working with individuals who are transgender and gender-expansive, as well as the greater LGBTQIA2S+ community.
Every person needs a secure space where they can become their most authentic selves. I strive to approach therapy with radical genuineness, compassion, warmth, and humor. I believe that therapy at its best is a creative, judgment-free space between equals. This creates an environment where you can be yourself and learn to manage thoughts and emotions getting in your way. I like to incorporate techniques from DBT, Motivational Interviewing, Person-Centered Therapy, attachment theory, body-centered approaches, sports psychology, mindfulness, body positivity, trauma-informed practices, and sometimes a dash of geek culture references.
Jack Sparks
Pre-Licensed Professional, MS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Eagan, MN 55121
Waitlist for new clients
I work with clients ages 12 and up. I have special passions for treating folks struggling with disordered eating patterns, negative self talk, symptoms of post traumatic stress, self harm, and suicidal ideation: if you feel like life isn't worth living, I want to explore that with you. Instead of shutting it down, let's built a life you DO experience as worth living. As a transgender and autistic therapist I love to work with clients looking to explore and process gender, sexual orientation, and/or neurodivergence.
I work with clients ages 12 and up. I have special passions for treating folks struggling with disordered eating patterns, negative self talk, symptoms of post traumatic stress, self harm, and suicidal ideation: if you feel like life isn't worth living, I want to explore that with you. Instead of shutting it down, let's built a life you DO experience as worth living. As a transgender and autistic therapist I love to work with clients looking to explore and process gender, sexual orientation, and/or neurodivergence.
James Schwartz
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
Saint Louis Park, MN 55416
Waitlist for new clients
I am excited by working with transgender, nonbinary, and gender expansive folks exploring gender, transition, difficulties, and joys, LGBTQIA+ folks, neurodivergent folks, folks experiencing and exploring grief and loss. My work is rooted in my values of accountability, transparency, anti-racism, disability justice, intersectional feminism, fat liberation, and queer/trans theory.
I am excited by working with transgender, nonbinary, and gender expansive folks exploring gender, transition, difficulties, and joys, LGBTQIA+ folks, neurodivergent folks, folks experiencing and exploring grief and loss. My work is rooted in my values of accountability, transparency, anti-racism, disability justice, intersectional feminism, fat liberation, and queer/trans theory.
Xavier Schmitz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MS, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Minneapolis, MN 55417
Waitlist for new clients
I have extensive experience working with transgender and LGBQ+ communities and feel empowered when people of color, immigrants, refugees, people with disabilities, people of all sizes, and others marginalized by the mainstream take up space in nature.
Whether you’re a nature lover or nature avoider, love to move your body or can’t stand to break a sweat, this therapy is for you. With today’s stressors, we all need nature more than ever. Take your therapy outdoors and gain the benefits of moving your eyes off the screen, engaging your senses, and really feeling your body in nature...all while addressing your personal goals.
I have extensive experience working with transgender and LGBQ+ communities and feel empowered when people of color, immigrants, refugees, people with disabilities, people of all sizes, and others marginalized by the mainstream take up space in nature.
Whether you’re a nature lover or nature avoider, love to move your body or can’t stand to break a sweat, this therapy is for you. With today’s stressors, we all need nature more than ever. Take your therapy outdoors and gain the benefits of moving your eyes off the screen, engaging your senses, and really feeling your body in nature...all while addressing your personal goals.
Elliot C Nuckols
Licensed Professional Counselor, MPS, LADC
Verified Verified
Woodbury, MN 55125
Waitlist for new clients
Much of my work is centered around gender – from issues surrounding identity exploration, to social/medical transition, to gender dysphoria, to gender-identity-related interpersonal challenges. Some of my favorite work is in helping to bridge the communication gaps between teens and their families after a teen has come out as trans/gender nonconforming! I also have experience with depression, anxiety, substance use, military families, sexuality and sexual health, emetophobia (phobia of vomit), phase-of-life challenges, uncertainty/anxiety about the future, kink/BDSM, and partner conflict/miscommunication.
Much of my work is centered around gender – from issues surrounding identity exploration, to social/medical transition, to gender dysphoria, to gender-identity-related interpersonal challenges. Some of my favorite work is in helping to bridge the communication gaps between teens and their families after a teen has come out as trans/gender nonconforming! I also have experience with depression, anxiety, substance use, military families, sexuality and sexual health, emetophobia (phobia of vomit), phase-of-life challenges, uncertainty/anxiety about the future, kink/BDSM, and partner conflict/miscommunication.
I offer clinical expertise in working with transgender folks throughout their experience as well as substance abuse, relapse prevention, sexual addiction, HIV counseling and education.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (Minnesota, Illinois & Massachusetts) and hold a certificate in Alcohol and Drug Counseling. I offer clinical services to individuals, couples and families as well as clinical supervision to therapists. My training and who I am is heavily influenced by the LGBTQ+ community and my practice is open and affirming to any identity or relationship however defined. At this time, all sessions are provided via telehealth.
I offer clinical expertise in working with transgender folks throughout their experience as well as substance abuse, relapse prevention, sexual addiction, HIV counseling and education.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (Minnesota, Illinois & Massachusetts) and hold a certificate in Alcohol and Drug Counseling. I offer clinical services to individuals, couples and families as well as clinical supervision to therapists. My training and who I am is heavily influenced by the LGBTQ+ community and my practice is open and affirming to any identity or relationship however defined. At this time, all sessions are provided via telehealth.
Through the counseling process, I emphasize cultivating a trusting and safe environment and therapeutic relationship to help process and manage intense emotions and life transitions. I utilize integrative, culturally sensitive, body-centered, and trauma-informed approaches. I welcome discussion of systemic impacts on mental health, gender, race, trauma and sexuality. I have experience with gender-expansive/ transgender individuals, neurodiversity, BIPOC, adolescents, and adults.
Through the counseling process, I emphasize cultivating a trusting and safe environment and therapeutic relationship to help process and manage intense emotions and life transitions. I utilize integrative, culturally sensitive, body-centered, and trauma-informed approaches. I welcome discussion of systemic impacts on mental health, gender, race, trauma and sexuality. I have experience with gender-expansive/ transgender individuals, neurodiversity, BIPOC, adolescents, and adults.
Patricia Lynch
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Rochester, MN 55902
My philosophy is based on the social work premise that as a therapist I must meet the client where the client is...meaning that I want to understand your needs and goals to help you create the life you want. I offer therapy to assist clients with difficulties associated with anxiety, depression, grief and loss, PTSD, sexual identity and transgender issues. Women in all stages of life and folks transitioning to new identities are of special interest to me. I am passionate about providing specialized services, including trauma processing, to meet the psychological and emotional needs of law enforcement officers and their families.
My philosophy is based on the social work premise that as a therapist I must meet the client where the client is...meaning that I want to understand your needs and goals to help you create the life you want. I offer therapy to assist clients with difficulties associated with anxiety, depression, grief and loss, PTSD, sexual identity and transgender issues. Women in all stages of life and folks transitioning to new identities are of special interest to me. I am passionate about providing specialized services, including trauma processing, to meet the psychological and emotional needs of law enforcement officers and their families.
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Melanie M Alford
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, MPH, LICSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
I specialize in working with individuals from the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and non-conforming gender communities.
Real change comes from understanding why our own impulses and behaviors hold us back from experiencing our true potential and discovering the skills to create the change we seek. I believe in a holistic, person-centered approach to therapy that helps people find the answers that were inside them all along. As a therapist, I am intuitive and compassionate, yet direct, and employ a mix of modalities, including traditional psychotherapy, cognitive therapy and mindfulness techniques.
I specialize in working with individuals from the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and non-conforming gender communities.
Real change comes from understanding why our own impulses and behaviors hold us back from experiencing our true potential and discovering the skills to create the change we seek. I believe in a holistic, person-centered approach to therapy that helps people find the answers that were inside them all along. As a therapist, I am intuitive and compassionate, yet direct, and employ a mix of modalities, including traditional psychotherapy, cognitive therapy and mindfulness techniques.
Nicole specializes in working with youth and young adults, aged 10-26 and primarily works with transgender youth, gender identity exploration, sexual orientation exploration, self-harm, and suicidal ideation.
Nicole is an empathetic, direct, and nonjudgmental therapist who utilizes compassion and humor in their work with youth. As a Japanese American and member of the LGBTQ+ community, Nicole is passionate about providing a social justice lens and safe space to discuss systemic oppression, implicit biases, the current political environment, and the impact of these environmental stressors on the therapeutic relationship and our collective mental health.
Nicole specializes in working with youth and young adults, aged 10-26 and primarily works with transgender youth, gender identity exploration, sexual orientation exploration, self-harm, and suicidal ideation.
Nicole is an empathetic, direct, and nonjudgmental therapist who utilizes compassion and humor in their work with youth. As a Japanese American and member of the LGBTQ+ community, Nicole is passionate about providing a social justice lens and safe space to discuss systemic oppression, implicit biases, the current political environment, and the impact of these environmental stressors on the therapeutic relationship and our collective mental health.
Heteroflexible Therapy, Ltd
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Minneapolis, MN 55408
Are most days a struggle? Heteroflexible Therapy is there to help. Whether you struggle with relationships, addictions, dealing with the loss of a loved one, or past issues of abuse we will work together to meet your personal goals. The practice offers a warm and accepting environment for individuals and couples. Connie Studer, M.A., LMFT, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, is skilled at recognizing the most effective therapy approach to help you find more satisfaction and joy in life. An open and affirming practice for straight, lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, and transgender individuals.
Are most days a struggle? Heteroflexible Therapy is there to help. Whether you struggle with relationships, addictions, dealing with the loss of a loved one, or past issues of abuse we will work together to meet your personal goals. The practice offers a warm and accepting environment for individuals and couples. Connie Studer, M.A., LMFT, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, is skilled at recognizing the most effective therapy approach to help you find more satisfaction and joy in life. An open and affirming practice for straight, lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, and transgender individuals.
I have a special interest and experience working with transgender clients and their families.
I am currently only providing online therapy through Thera-Link a HIPPA compliant platform. As a strength based systemic family therapist, I believe in looking at the whole person not just the "issues or labels" clients are struggling with when they seek out therapy. My approach explores the emotional, physical, behavioral, relational, cultural and spiritual aspects of clients lives that interfere and/or enhance quality of life.
I have a special interest and experience working with transgender clients and their families.
I am currently only providing online therapy through Thera-Link a HIPPA compliant platform. As a strength based systemic family therapist, I believe in looking at the whole person not just the "issues or labels" clients are struggling with when they seek out therapy. My approach explores the emotional, physical, behavioral, relational, cultural and spiritual aspects of clients lives that interfere and/or enhance quality of life.
Seal Dwyer Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Saint Cloud, MN 56301
Seal Dwyer Counseling works with people healing from chronic trauma, or who have gender and sexuality challenges, relationship conflicts, and body image issues. We offer a harm-reduction approach, treating trauma with EMDR. Our therapists and counselors are trauma-informed, and treat PTSD, DID, Gender Dysphoria, and trauma- or gender-related concerns as well as stress, anxiety, depression, and other issues affecting our daily lives. We believe that all folks can heal and that all folks deserve the relief from the impact of trauma. In a world that makes certain bodies and identities unsafe, this office is a safe place.
Seal Dwyer Counseling works with people healing from chronic trauma, or who have gender and sexuality challenges, relationship conflicts, and body image issues. We offer a harm-reduction approach, treating trauma with EMDR. Our therapists and counselors are trauma-informed, and treat PTSD, DID, Gender Dysphoria, and trauma- or gender-related concerns as well as stress, anxiety, depression, and other issues affecting our daily lives. We believe that all folks can heal and that all folks deserve the relief from the impact of trauma. In a world that makes certain bodies and identities unsafe, this office is a safe place.
G Zachariah White
Psychologist, PsyD, LP
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
I would like to help you overcome whatever it is that interferes with your sexual, emotional, or relational health. I will work with you to create a safe and compassionate space where you can see yourself and your problem in a new light. Together we will examine how the problem came into your life, how it affects you, and how you might change your relationship with it. I have experience working with lesbian, gay, straight, bisexual, transgender, queer, polyamorous, and kinky clients individually and with partners.
I would like to help you overcome whatever it is that interferes with your sexual, emotional, or relational health. I will work with you to create a safe and compassionate space where you can see yourself and your problem in a new light. Together we will examine how the problem came into your life, how it affects you, and how you might change your relationship with it. I have experience working with lesbian, gay, straight, bisexual, transgender, queer, polyamorous, and kinky clients individually and with partners.
I am also a safe space for those who identify within the LGBTQIA+ community who are struggling with self-identity, gender dysphoria, or self-acceptance.
Hi, I'm Kim. :) I'm a queer, AuDHD therapist, and my therapeutic approach centers around celebrating your individuality and helping you get to know yourself on a deeper level. People are complex beings and therapy is not "one size fits all," so let's work together to figure out what's the most beneficial for you. I am here to challenge you and help you grow, but I also believe that laughter and a genuine connection are essential elements of a safe, healing environment. You are welcome as you are—humor, sarcasm, and expletives included. :)
I am also a safe space for those who identify within the LGBTQIA+ community who are struggling with self-identity, gender dysphoria, or self-acceptance.
Hi, I'm Kim. :) I'm a queer, AuDHD therapist, and my therapeutic approach centers around celebrating your individuality and helping you get to know yourself on a deeper level. People are complex beings and therapy is not "one size fits all," so let's work together to figure out what's the most beneficial for you. I am here to challenge you and help you grow, but I also believe that laughter and a genuine connection are essential elements of a safe, healing environment. You are welcome as you are—humor, sarcasm, and expletives included. :)
; gay, straight, transgender, polyamorous.
Every person's experience in therapy is unique. I know that my 20+ years of experience, the ongoing training I consistently pursue and the areas in which I have particular expertise are important factors to the people who come to see me. I create a safe and compassionate environment so individuals and couples can freely express their questions and needs. Beyond those critical pieces, I believe that the success of the therapy will rest on our ability to work together in an atmosphere of mutual respect and trust.
; gay, straight, transgender, polyamorous.
Every person's experience in therapy is unique. I know that my 20+ years of experience, the ongoing training I consistently pursue and the areas in which I have particular expertise are important factors to the people who come to see me. I create a safe and compassionate environment so individuals and couples can freely express their questions and needs. Beyond those critical pieces, I believe that the success of the therapy will rest on our ability to work together in an atmosphere of mutual respect and trust.
Robert L Reis II
Psychologist, PhD, LP
Verified Verified
Minneapolis, MN 55402
Waitlist for new clients
I can help you deal with your pain, celebrate your joys, and manage the day to day. I believe that we are partners in the counseling process, and together we can figure out what works best for you. Some special interest areas include working with life transitions and adjustment, exploring values and identity, working with depression and anxiety, working with individuals that identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender, and working with men. Please contact me to discuss how I can help you meet your goals.
I can help you deal with your pain, celebrate your joys, and manage the day to day. I believe that we are partners in the counseling process, and together we can figure out what works best for you. Some special interest areas include working with life transitions and adjustment, exploring values and identity, working with depression and anxiety, working with individuals that identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender, and working with men. Please contact me to discuss how I can help you meet your goals.
See more therapy options for Minnesota
Transgender Therapists
As a gender-diverse individual, why might I want to see a therapist who is also gender diverse?
A trans or gender-diverse client may want to see a therapist who is also trans or gender diverse because the client may feel safer sharing their experiences and more confident that the therapist will understand, validate, and support them. But trans or gender-diverse clients can also benefit from therapy with cisgender therapists; this is a personal decision based on the connection between the client and the therapist, and if that connection is strong, therapy will be successful.
What if I cannot find a therapist who shares my gender identity?
Therapy can still be effective if a therapist does not share a client’s gender identity; a large body of research indicates that the most important factor in successful therapy is the therapeutic alliance. A therapist can also be interviewed for sensitivity and competence on gender identity and expression to ensure they possess appropriate knowledge and skills. Many therapists have excellent training and extensive experience working with gender-diverse clients, and that expertise can be invaluable despite a therapist not sharing the same firsthand experiences.
How can I recognize a good therapist for working with gender-diverse clients?
An experienced therapist should be able to help clients explore their gender identity and expression, alleviate discomfort related to their gender identity, treat mental health challenges and trauma, address existing relationships and communication with family members and loved ones, and determine the next steps pertaining to nonmedical or medical gender-affirming interventions. To recognize a good therapist, clients can ask about these topics and explore their comfort and connection with the clinician.
How might I inquire about a therapist’s experience working with transgender clients?
Clients should feel comfortable asking therapists directly about their experience working with transgender or gender-diverse clientele. For example, clients may ask about the therapist’s training and education with regard to gender identity, how many trans clients they’ve worked with in the past, and what sorts of matters were discussed. You may wish to inquire how a therapist specifically supports the needs of transgender clients or clients questioning their gender identity. A good clinician who is nonetheless not the right fit for you is often happy to make referrals to others based on the concerns you articulate in a preliminary conversation.