LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Cary, NC
Kelsey S. Crowe
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LCAS, CCS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cary, NC 27511 (Online Only)
I specialize in working with the LGBTQ+ population and those experiencing trauma, addiction, and anxiety.
“Tell me, What is it that you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” –Mary Oliver I am licensed in NC, SC and VA. I truly believe that we already have the answers within us. I want my clients to not only survive the things that challenge them the most, but to thrive and fall in love with their life. I love the process of supporting people in reconnecting to themselves, especially during times of life’s inevitable transitions. You may find yourself separating, becoming a parent or beginning to shift your identity. I am dedicated to providing a safe space where your experience and identity will be celebrated.
I specialize in working with the LGBTQ+ population and those experiencing trauma, addiction, and anxiety.
“Tell me, What is it that you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” –Mary Oliver I am licensed in NC, SC and VA. I truly believe that we already have the answers within us. I want my clients to not only survive the things that challenge them the most, but to thrive and fall in love with their life. I love the process of supporting people in reconnecting to themselves, especially during times of life’s inevitable transitions. You may find yourself separating, becoming a parent or beginning to shift your identity. I am dedicated to providing a safe space where your experience and identity will be celebrated.
I am passionate about emerging adulthood, queer individuals, and queer couples.
It can be hard to know who you are when you have been repressed for so long. When you have been told who you can and cannot be and how to show up in the world, it can be overwhelming to navigate adulthood and make your own decisions. When your beliefs shift or evolve, it can feel like the ground is crumbling beneath your feet. It is scary to be honest when you have hidden and performed in order to survive. But you deserve to know yourself and accept yourself exactly as you are today and hold onto hope for who you will become tomorrow. You can learn to trust your inner voice and make room for every version of yourself.
I am passionate about emerging adulthood, queer individuals, and queer couples.
It can be hard to know who you are when you have been repressed for so long. When you have been told who you can and cannot be and how to show up in the world, it can be overwhelming to navigate adulthood and make your own decisions. When your beliefs shift or evolve, it can feel like the ground is crumbling beneath your feet. It is scary to be honest when you have hidden and performed in order to survive. But you deserve to know yourself and accept yourself exactly as you are today and hold onto hope for who you will become tomorrow. You can learn to trust your inner voice and make room for every version of yourself.
My areas of specialty include LGBTQIA+ issues, trauma, and relationships. I enjoy working with individuals, couples, poly families, and ENM relationships. I also provide clinical supervision to LCMHCA's. With over 10 years of experience, I've come to enjoy helping clients find their voice, recognize their needs, and discover the benefits of self-care and boundaries. My work is heavily focused in Attachment Theory, but I also include aspects of Queer Theory, EMDR, CBT, and others as appropriate.
My areas of specialty include LGBTQIA+ issues, trauma, and relationships. I enjoy working with individuals, couples, poly families, and ENM relationships. I also provide clinical supervision to LCMHCA's. With over 10 years of experience, I've come to enjoy helping clients find their voice, recognize their needs, and discover the benefits of self-care and boundaries. My work is heavily focused in Attachment Theory, but I also include aspects of Queer Theory, EMDR, CBT, and others as appropriate.
Brianna Hicks
Lic Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor, MA, LCMHCS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Cary, NC 27511
For the last ten years I have been helping clients from a variety of backgrounds to move in the direction of making a meaningful, fulfilling life. I have extensive experience working with folks struggling with disordered eating and body image distress, obsessive compulsive tendencies, anxiety, depression, trauma, and challenges related to gender and sexuality. As a person who identifies as queer herself, I am strongly committed to providing a safe, non-judgemental, and affirming space for all folks in the LGTBQ community and provide letters for folks looking to receiving gender affirming medical care.
For the last ten years I have been helping clients from a variety of backgrounds to move in the direction of making a meaningful, fulfilling life. I have extensive experience working with folks struggling with disordered eating and body image distress, obsessive compulsive tendencies, anxiety, depression, trauma, and challenges related to gender and sexuality. As a person who identifies as queer herself, I am strongly committed to providing a safe, non-judgemental, and affirming space for all folks in the LGTBQ community and provide letters for folks looking to receiving gender affirming medical care.
I am queer and trans myself, and joyfully committed to anti-racism, disability justice, body liberation, kink positivity, and neurodiversity affirming practices.
I'm a therapist because I value complexity. We each have our own vision for a life that feels vibrant, authentic, and fulfilling. As your therapist, it's my job to walk with you through the process of learning about yourself, growing, and getting more of what you want out of life. I work primarily with queer and trans people age 16 and older but offer therapy services to clients of all backgrounds. I also offer autism and ADHD assessments for adolescents and adults.
I am queer and trans myself, and joyfully committed to anti-racism, disability justice, body liberation, kink positivity, and neurodiversity affirming practices.
I'm a therapist because I value complexity. We each have our own vision for a life that feels vibrant, authentic, and fulfilling. As your therapist, it's my job to walk with you through the process of learning about yourself, growing, and getting more of what you want out of life. I work primarily with queer and trans people age 16 and older but offer therapy services to clients of all backgrounds. I also offer autism and ADHD assessments for adolescents and adults.
Ellie Mental Health Raleigh Blue Ridge Rd
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, LCMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Cary, NC 27513
We want to help clients from all walks of life and from all different backgrounds. We approach therapy from a holistic, integrative, and supportive framework where we meet clients where they are. We are trans/ queer inclusive, culturally sensitive, and trauma informed. We work with a multitude of issues including identity concerns, anxiety, depression, life transitions, and mood dysregulation.
We want to help clients from all walks of life and from all different backgrounds. We approach therapy from a holistic, integrative, and supportive framework where we meet clients where they are. We are trans/ queer inclusive, culturally sensitive, and trauma informed. We work with a multitude of issues including identity concerns, anxiety, depression, life transitions, and mood dysregulation.
Joy E Close
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Cary, NC 27511 (Online Only)
I specialize in individual therapy with a focus on depression, anxiety, grief and loss, adjustment issues including medical issues, relationship concerns, and LGBTQIA+ affirmative therapy.
Everyone goes through challenges and there is nothing wrong with seeking out extra support when you need it. My goal is to help you attain a better understanding of yourself, to help you develop new skills, improve your coping, and to find resolution for the issues you are facing. My approach is collaborative and I work hard to create a safe space where people feel valued, heard and empowered. I offer a free 15-minute consultation appointment.
I specialize in individual therapy with a focus on depression, anxiety, grief and loss, adjustment issues including medical issues, relationship concerns, and LGBTQIA+ affirmative therapy.
Everyone goes through challenges and there is nothing wrong with seeking out extra support when you need it. My goal is to help you attain a better understanding of yourself, to help you develop new skills, improve your coping, and to find resolution for the issues you are facing. My approach is collaborative and I work hard to create a safe space where people feel valued, heard and empowered. I offer a free 15-minute consultation appointment.
Pulling on my background in LGBTQIA+ and mental health advocacy, as well as lived experiences, I know the intricacies that come with complex intersecting identities in today's society.
I’m a queer therapist committed to creating an inclusive, affirming space where all clients feel safe and supported. I provide individualized care tailored to each person’s needs and goals, with a special focus on LGBTQIA+ and poly/CNM individuals. I also specialize in supporting college and graduate students - offering strategies to manage the unique pressures of academia, stress, and anxiety. With experience in chronic illness, chronic pain, and a Health at Every Size approach, I offer compassionate guidance for those navigating identity, growth, and life’s challenges.
Pulling on my background in LGBTQIA+ and mental health advocacy, as well as lived experiences, I know the intricacies that come with complex intersecting identities in today's society.
I’m a queer therapist committed to creating an inclusive, affirming space where all clients feel safe and supported. I provide individualized care tailored to each person’s needs and goals, with a special focus on LGBTQIA+ and poly/CNM individuals. I also specialize in supporting college and graduate students - offering strategies to manage the unique pressures of academia, stress, and anxiety. With experience in chronic illness, chronic pain, and a Health at Every Size approach, I offer compassionate guidance for those navigating identity, growth, and life’s challenges.
My approach to therapy is non judgemental, trauma-informed, and LGBTQIA+/gender affirming. I specialize in working with clients who are exploring gender or sexual identities, childhood trauma, PTSD, individuals late diagnosed with ADHD or seeking ADHD diagnosis, depression, borderline personality disorder, and anxiety. I work with children, adults and couples to support you through difficult moments, explore how the past impacts you today, strengthen your relationships, and build awareness and understanding of your emotions.
My approach to therapy is non judgemental, trauma-informed, and LGBTQIA+/gender affirming. I specialize in working with clients who are exploring gender or sexual identities, childhood trauma, PTSD, individuals late diagnosed with ADHD or seeking ADHD diagnosis, depression, borderline personality disorder, and anxiety. I work with children, adults and couples to support you through difficult moments, explore how the past impacts you today, strengthen your relationships, and build awareness and understanding of your emotions.
I seek to build a relationship that we can use to establish your future goals and the skills to help you achieve them, develop tools for navigating tough relationships, and shed a little clarity on the chaos of life’s changes and transitions.
I work with young people, adolescents, adults, and families of all configurations, with a special focus on the LGBTQIA+ community. I have experience working with clients from a wide range of cultural and socio-economic backgrounds as well a passion for creating safe and healthy spaces for people to explore themselves and their relationships.
I seek to build a relationship that we can use to establish your future goals and the skills to help you achieve them, develop tools for navigating tough relationships, and shed a little clarity on the chaos of life’s changes and transitions.
I work with young people, adolescents, adults, and families of all configurations, with a special focus on the LGBTQIA+ community. I have experience working with clients from a wide range of cultural and socio-economic backgrounds as well a passion for creating safe and healthy spaces for people to explore themselves and their relationships.
Hello! Thank you for taking the time to view my profile. I value creating a therapeutic space in which individuals of all identities can feel safe to explore their thoughts/emotions and address challenging aspects of their life in which they may need support navigating. As a lesbian identifying clinician, I have a passion for working with folks from the LGBTQIA+ community. I also have an interest in working with those navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, family/relationship issues, life transitions/stress, and self-esteem concerns.
Hello! Thank you for taking the time to view my profile. I value creating a therapeutic space in which individuals of all identities can feel safe to explore their thoughts/emotions and address challenging aspects of their life in which they may need support navigating. As a lesbian identifying clinician, I have a passion for working with folks from the LGBTQIA+ community. I also have an interest in working with those navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, family/relationship issues, life transitions/stress, and self-esteem concerns.
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I use a variety of evidence-based approaches, including psychodynamic therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), solution-focused approaches, and LGBTQIA+ affirmative therapy.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate (LCSWA) who offers therapy to children (6+), teens, and adults. I specialize in working with challenges related to sexuality and gender identity, neurodivergence, various mental health issues (e.g., bipolar, depression, borderline personality disorder, anxiety), life transitions, academic and career goals, and with individuals in recovery from substance use disorders. I identify as a queer woman and have previous experience in activism in queer communities in a Midwestern state.
I use a variety of evidence-based approaches, including psychodynamic therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), solution-focused approaches, and LGBTQIA+ affirmative therapy.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate (LCSWA) who offers therapy to children (6+), teens, and adults. I specialize in working with challenges related to sexuality and gender identity, neurodivergence, various mental health issues (e.g., bipolar, depression, borderline personality disorder, anxiety), life transitions, academic and career goals, and with individuals in recovery from substance use disorders. I identify as a queer woman and have previous experience in activism in queer communities in a Midwestern state.
Additionally, as a veteran of the US Air Force, I also truly enjoy helping service members, families, and the LGBTQIA+ community, as well as those with substance use.
Immediate daytime availability virtually on Monday through Thursday. There are many obstacles life may throw at us. Often these obstacles are unexpected and throw us off our desired path. Sometimes it may even feel that we have lost our way and our original path is out of sight, unable to be found. You may start to feel defeated or overwhelmed by what to do next. But with a little help, there is hope that you can rediscover your path or create an even better one!
Additionally, as a veteran of the US Air Force, I also truly enjoy helping service members, families, and the LGBTQIA+ community, as well as those with substance use.
Immediate daytime availability virtually on Monday through Thursday. There are many obstacles life may throw at us. Often these obstacles are unexpected and throw us off our desired path. Sometimes it may even feel that we have lost our way and our original path is out of sight, unable to be found. You may start to feel defeated or overwhelmed by what to do next. But with a little help, there is hope that you can rediscover your path or create an even better one!
I founded Horizons Marriage & Family Therapy to create a community resource for LGBTQIA+ mental health.
Are you ready to experience therapy with someone who really "gets it"? I'm a member of the LGBTQIA+ community who has over 12 years experience working with the LGBTQIA+ population in therapy spaces. I am passionate about work with individuals aged 11+, addressing relationship challenges, gender identity exploration and "coming out", neurodiverse and queer partnerships, family dynamics related to gender identity and sexuality, and issues surrounding ethical non-monogamy and polyamory. I am actively anti-racist and continue to seek out trainings to recognize my own biases and blind spots.
I founded Horizons Marriage & Family Therapy to create a community resource for LGBTQIA+ mental health.
Are you ready to experience therapy with someone who really "gets it"? I'm a member of the LGBTQIA+ community who has over 12 years experience working with the LGBTQIA+ population in therapy spaces. I am passionate about work with individuals aged 11+, addressing relationship challenges, gender identity exploration and "coming out", neurodiverse and queer partnerships, family dynamics related to gender identity and sexuality, and issues surrounding ethical non-monogamy and polyamory. I am actively anti-racist and continue to seek out trainings to recognize my own biases and blind spots.
I have experience counseling clients with various presenting concerns, such as anxiety, depression, relationship/marriage problems, and life transitions.
Are negative thoughts taking over your life? Is something causing stress in your life? Perhaps you have goals you want to reach or habits you want to adopt or drop, but nothing you try seems to work. Maybe you feel unaccepted by others or struggle to set and keep boundaries. If this sounds like you, I am here to help! Although I work with many types of clients, I particularly enjoy working with fellow members of the LGBTQ+ community and the neurodivergent community.
I have experience counseling clients with various presenting concerns, such as anxiety, depression, relationship/marriage problems, and life transitions.
Are negative thoughts taking over your life? Is something causing stress in your life? Perhaps you have goals you want to reach or habits you want to adopt or drop, but nothing you try seems to work. Maybe you feel unaccepted by others or struggle to set and keep boundaries. If this sounds like you, I am here to help! Although I work with many types of clients, I particularly enjoy working with fellow members of the LGBTQ+ community and the neurodivergent community.
We are not meant to hurt alone. Starting therapy can be the best decision that you can make for yourself. Ashley is passionate about guiding her clients through their unique journey of self-discovery, building self-esteem, and healing. Ashley enjoys pulling strength and resiliency out of her clients. Ashley believes counseling is a collaborative venture, walking alongside, embracing, encouraging, and inspiring all to become the best version of themselves, and when appropriate, to dig into life’s complexities. Ashley’s specializations extend to helping women, teens, LGBTQ+ community, life transitions, anxiety, depression, trauma.
We are not meant to hurt alone. Starting therapy can be the best decision that you can make for yourself. Ashley is passionate about guiding her clients through their unique journey of self-discovery, building self-esteem, and healing. Ashley enjoys pulling strength and resiliency out of her clients. Ashley believes counseling is a collaborative venture, walking alongside, embracing, encouraging, and inspiring all to become the best version of themselves, and when appropriate, to dig into life’s complexities. Ashley’s specializations extend to helping women, teens, LGBTQ+ community, life transitions, anxiety, depression, trauma.
Lauren Michelle Lalchand
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Cary, NC 27513 (Online Only)
Hi there! It's very nice to meet you. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Work Therapist Licensed in both New York and North Carolina with experience as a Director of an outpatient clinic. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, post-pandemic trauma and adults, LGBTQ, and building confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion; after all we will be working together as a team. I utilize various treatment modalities to meet your unique and specific needs by building skills, tools, and enhancing self-esteem.
Hi there! It's very nice to meet you. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Work Therapist Licensed in both New York and North Carolina with experience as a Director of an outpatient clinic. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, post-pandemic trauma and adults, LGBTQ, and building confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion; after all we will be working together as a team. I utilize various treatment modalities to meet your unique and specific needs by building skills, tools, and enhancing self-esteem.
My therapeutic space supports LGBTQ+ folks and identity exploration, Autism, and ADHD.
Hello! I am an LCSWA practicing in Cary, NC. I specialize in working with adult individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, life transitions, and interpersonal relationship issues. In the therapy space you can expect me to center you in your own therapeutic journey. I recognize that the therapy experience is different for everyone, and I enjoy building a supportive therapeutic relationship with my clients that fosters an empathetic space for growth and self-actualization. I am a gender-affirming provider who will advocate for my clients as necessary in medical spaces.
My therapeutic space supports LGBTQ+ folks and identity exploration, Autism, and ADHD.
Hello! I am an LCSWA practicing in Cary, NC. I specialize in working with adult individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, life transitions, and interpersonal relationship issues. In the therapy space you can expect me to center you in your own therapeutic journey. I recognize that the therapy experience is different for everyone, and I enjoy building a supportive therapeutic relationship with my clients that fosters an empathetic space for growth and self-actualization. I am a gender-affirming provider who will advocate for my clients as necessary in medical spaces.
I am a sex positive therapist, and a LGBTQIQ ally and advocate.
My approach to counseling is that of a “fellow traveler” who takes the journey alongside of you in a way that is calm, open, supportive, empathic, and actively engaged with you at all times. I bring a unique existential approach to counseling that helps you in the “here and now,” and daily lived experiences of your life. I work with couples and individual’s ages 13-70. I specialize in working with anxiety, depression, grief/loss, intimacy issues (physical and emotional), LGBTQIA issues, men’s issues, marital conflict, sexual addiction, and complex personal life struggles. There is space here for you!
I am a sex positive therapist, and a LGBTQIQ ally and advocate.
My approach to counseling is that of a “fellow traveler” who takes the journey alongside of you in a way that is calm, open, supportive, empathic, and actively engaged with you at all times. I bring a unique existential approach to counseling that helps you in the “here and now,” and daily lived experiences of your life. I work with couples and individual’s ages 13-70. I specialize in working with anxiety, depression, grief/loss, intimacy issues (physical and emotional), LGBTQIA issues, men’s issues, marital conflict, sexual addiction, and complex personal life struggles. There is space here for you!
Michelle Topal
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Cary, NC 27512
I am a cisgender woman who has been part of & serving the queer community for 40 years, with a focus on those who defy labels & who identify along the gender continuum.
Appointments Available. If you are looking for someone who understands the stress for many of us in these divisive, uncertain political times & is easy to talk to? Or are along the sexual or gender continuum ( LGBTQ+/TGD), looking for someone who gets it? Or are having problems in your most important relationship(s)... I'm here to help. As an out queer person, I've been helping the LGBTQ+ community, as well as teens, parents, & partners, feel heard, cared for, accepted & understood for over 30 years. I create an authentic, safe, affirming space to explore & grow. I look forward to being an encouraging voice to help you find your own.
I am a cisgender woman who has been part of & serving the queer community for 40 years, with a focus on those who defy labels & who identify along the gender continuum.
Appointments Available. If you are looking for someone who understands the stress for many of us in these divisive, uncertain political times & is easy to talk to? Or are along the sexual or gender continuum ( LGBTQ+/TGD), looking for someone who gets it? Or are having problems in your most important relationship(s)... I'm here to help. As an out queer person, I've been helping the LGBTQ+ community, as well as teens, parents, & partners, feel heard, cared for, accepted & understood for over 30 years. I create an authentic, safe, affirming space to explore & grow. I look forward to being an encouraging voice to help you find your own.
See more therapy options for Cary
Nearby LGBTQ+ Therapists Searches for Cary
- Apex
- Chapel Hill
- Durham
- Fuquay Varina
- Garner
- Holly Springs
- Knightdale
- Morrisville
- Raleigh
- Research Triangle
- Research Triangle Park
- Willow Spring
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.