LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Durham, NC
Joy E Close
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Durham, NC 27709 (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.
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.
Hi, I'm so glad you're here. My name is Dylan Hines, a mental health counselor at Three Oaks Behavioral Health & Wellness. I am deeply passionate about supporting members of the queer ( LGBTQ+) community through mental health care and community education. I also enjoy working alongside adolescents and adults of all ages as they explore identities and values; manage anxiety, depression, and daily stressors; process trauma; navigate life transitions; and work towards their goal of creating a more fulfilling life.
Hi, I'm so glad you're here. My name is Dylan Hines, a mental health counselor at Three Oaks Behavioral Health & Wellness. I am deeply passionate about supporting members of the queer ( LGBTQ+) community through mental health care and community education. I also enjoy working alongside adolescents and adults of all ages as they explore identities and values; manage anxiety, depression, and daily stressors; process trauma; navigate life transitions; and work towards their goal of creating a more fulfilling life.
We are actively anti-racist, anti-ableist, queer- & gender-celebratory, sex-positive, fat positive, and abolitionist.
Welcome to Healing Arts Collaborative! We are a community-driven therapy and healing arts practice based on Eno, Tutelo, Saponi, Occaneechi, Shakori, Cheraw, Tuscarora, and Lumbee ancestral land (so-called Durham, North Carolina). We are mental healthcare workers committed to providing safe, affirming, and culturally responsive healthcare for our 2S LGBTQI+ community.
We are actively anti-racist, anti-ableist, queer- & gender-celebratory, sex-positive, fat positive, and abolitionist.
Welcome to Healing Arts Collaborative! We are a community-driven therapy and healing arts practice based on Eno, Tutelo, Saponi, Occaneechi, Shakori, Cheraw, Tuscarora, and Lumbee ancestral land (so-called Durham, North Carolina). We are mental healthcare workers committed to providing safe, affirming, and culturally responsive healthcare for our 2S LGBTQI+ community.
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.
Caroline Swindell
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, LCMHC-A
Verified Verified
Durham, NC 27701
My practice includes anti-racist, body neutrality, and queer-allied values to ensure equity in my practice, my goal is to ensure that ALL my clients feel safe for their own counseling journey.
We live in a world where we are constantly expected to grow and change without even knowing ourselves. With all my clients, I see them as the experts of their own life and aim to create a supportive space for vulnerability and radical acceptance. If they are struggling to find to their inner voice, I work with them to do this by processing their life experiences and trauma. By following a person centered and eclectic strategy, we develop tools for a deeper self-understanding of their needs and boundaries. I love working with children, individuals, parents, and couples to become comfortable with self-acceptance and emotions.
My practice includes anti-racist, body neutrality, and queer-allied values to ensure equity in my practice, my goal is to ensure that ALL my clients feel safe for their own counseling journey.
We live in a world where we are constantly expected to grow and change without even knowing ourselves. With all my clients, I see them as the experts of their own life and aim to create a supportive space for vulnerability and radical acceptance. If they are struggling to find to their inner voice, I work with them to do this by processing their life experiences and trauma. By following a person centered and eclectic strategy, we develop tools for a deeper self-understanding of their needs and boundaries. I love working with children, individuals, parents, and couples to become comfortable with self-acceptance and emotions.
I believe your identities and how you move through the world are important and deserve to take up space in the therapy room. The ways white supremacy and other oppressive parts of our world affect your journey are often parts that go unrecognized by others. I especially love working with folks who are LGBTQIA+, neurodivergent, and/or have an identity that is marginalized in some way by our normative culture.
I believe your identities and how you move through the world are important and deserve to take up space in the therapy room. The ways white supremacy and other oppressive parts of our world affect your journey are often parts that go unrecognized by others. I especially love working with folks who are LGBTQIA+, neurodivergent, and/or have an identity that is marginalized in some way by our normative culture.
I work with adults of all ages, especially Black and brown men, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and college students. As a personal witness to the lack of competent mental health care, especially for queer Black men, I work towards closing that gap. My work with clients encompasses career transitions, relocation, relationship issues, life transitions, living with physical disabilities, suicidal ideations, and depression.
I work with adults of all ages, especially Black and brown men, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and college students. As a personal witness to the lack of competent mental health care, especially for queer Black men, I work towards closing that gap. My work with clients encompasses career transitions, relocation, relationship issues, life transitions, living with physical disabilities, suicidal ideations, and depression.
Monisha Berkowski
Psychologist, PhD, CST
Verified Verified
Durham, NC 27701 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
My work is rooted in psychological science and within an anti-racist, LGBTQ+-affirming, body liberation, sex-positive framework.
Does it feel you or your relationship are stuck in a cycle that isn't working for you? By recognizing and repairing these patterns, we can cultivate lasting change in our relationship to ourselves and others. Most of my clients want to improve their relationships, sex lives, or explore their identities or transitions. I specialize in sex and relationship therapy, enhancing intimacy and desire, improving mismatched libido, and working through pain or dysfunction, particularly within the queer community. My approach is active, inquisitive, humorous, and nonjudgmental. I offer a balance of insight-oriented work and practical tools.
My work is rooted in psychological science and within an anti-racist, LGBTQ+-affirming, body liberation, sex-positive framework.
Does it feel you or your relationship are stuck in a cycle that isn't working for you? By recognizing and repairing these patterns, we can cultivate lasting change in our relationship to ourselves and others. Most of my clients want to improve their relationships, sex lives, or explore their identities or transitions. I specialize in sex and relationship therapy, enhancing intimacy and desire, improving mismatched libido, and working through pain or dysfunction, particularly within the queer community. My approach is active, inquisitive, humorous, and nonjudgmental. I offer a balance of insight-oriented work and practical tools.
Brianna Hicks
Lic Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor, MA, LCMHCS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Durham, NC 27701
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.
Jordan Grob
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LCAS
Verified Verified
Durham, NC 27701 (Online Only)
Hello and welcome! I’m a queer therapist with over 13 years experience treating and teaching about trauma. I am direct (no more “nod and smile” therapist stereotype!). I am loving. And I believe active listening involves more than asking "...and how does that make you feel?" I use transparency in my approach, because I believe this allows for the most effective exploration of oneself in relationship to others. I offer individual therapy rooted in internal family systems, attachment and polyvagal theories to curious, compassionate adults who are motivated to heal.
Hello and welcome! I’m a queer therapist with over 13 years experience treating and teaching about trauma. I am direct (no more “nod and smile” therapist stereotype!). I am loving. And I believe active listening involves more than asking "...and how does that make you feel?" I use transparency in my approach, because I believe this allows for the most effective exploration of oneself in relationship to others. I offer individual therapy rooted in internal family systems, attachment and polyvagal theories to curious, compassionate adults who are motivated to heal.
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As a queer, trans, neurodivergent, disabled person myself, my personal lived experience offers a unique, informed approach.
We all deserve to build lives worth living. And while our lives are inherently worth living, mental health struggles may cause that vision to blur in and out of focus depending on what’s going on in our lives. I believe that all the wisdom we need is within us already. To me, it’s about recognizing, becoming attuned to, and building confidence in that wisdom, as well as confidence in ourselves. I am skilled in conducting therapy with LGBTQIA+ clients, individuals with personality disorders (and their loved ones), neurodivergent clients, folks with chronic pain/illness, mood disorders, and people who have experienced trauma.
As a queer, trans, neurodivergent, disabled person myself, my personal lived experience offers a unique, informed approach.
We all deserve to build lives worth living. And while our lives are inherently worth living, mental health struggles may cause that vision to blur in and out of focus depending on what’s going on in our lives. I believe that all the wisdom we need is within us already. To me, it’s about recognizing, becoming attuned to, and building confidence in that wisdom, as well as confidence in ourselves. I am skilled in conducting therapy with LGBTQIA+ clients, individuals with personality disorders (and their loved ones), neurodivergent clients, folks with chronic pain/illness, mood disorders, and people who have experienced trauma.
Meg Higgins
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Durham, NC 27704 (Online Only)
I’m fat, I’m queer, I have an intersectional lens, and I want to dismantle systems of oppression one client session at a time.
You are sitting in therapy watching your therapist's lips move while she tells you for the fourth time that her cousin is gay and just got a “very butch” haircut. You can’t help thinking, “She just doesn’t get it.” He misgenders you, or forgets your partner’s pronouns, she pulls out Food and Mood, and he talks about how apple cider vinegar might be the solution to all your problems. She hasn't lived in a fat body. He hasn’t experienced homophobia or heterosexism from the inside. What initially seemed like a small hill to climb in your relationship has started to feel like a mountain.
I’m fat, I’m queer, I have an intersectional lens, and I want to dismantle systems of oppression one client session at a time.
You are sitting in therapy watching your therapist's lips move while she tells you for the fourth time that her cousin is gay and just got a “very butch” haircut. You can’t help thinking, “She just doesn’t get it.” He misgenders you, or forgets your partner’s pronouns, she pulls out Food and Mood, and he talks about how apple cider vinegar might be the solution to all your problems. She hasn't lived in a fat body. He hasn’t experienced homophobia or heterosexism from the inside. What initially seemed like a small hill to climb in your relationship has started to feel like a mountain.
Much of my education has centered on queerness and communities of color.
To future clients, I find that sharing about myself in the beginning of our relationship can help create a better sense of the lenses through which I approach the world and therapy. I believe my training is only one of the lenses that helps me understand and work with problems and clients. My personal experiences also inform what I see and what I do not see. It is possible that my personal identities may be helpful or a limitation in our work together – so I think it is helpful to learn your thoughts about this too. I think it is important to be able to discuss this throughout our journey together if relevant.
Much of my education has centered on queerness and communities of color.
To future clients, I find that sharing about myself in the beginning of our relationship can help create a better sense of the lenses through which I approach the world and therapy. I believe my training is only one of the lenses that helps me understand and work with problems and clients. My personal experiences also inform what I see and what I do not see. It is possible that my personal identities may be helpful or a limitation in our work together – so I think it is helpful to learn your thoughts about this too. I think it is important to be able to discuss this throughout our journey together if relevant.
I’m Alex Lowrie (she/her), and I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate. I am an LGBTQIA+ identifying and affirming clinician and am passionate about providing folx of all genders and identities a safe place to land while building comfort, confidence, and safety. I really enjoy exploring gender and sexual identity, working with the LGBTQIA+ community, and folx experiencing trauma, depression, and anxiety. My goal as a therapist in this work is to help make self-exploration feel like the exciting process it is, while being mindful of and honoring that there is often religious, familial, or other trauma linked to identity work.
I’m Alex Lowrie (she/her), and I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate. I am an LGBTQIA+ identifying and affirming clinician and am passionate about providing folx of all genders and identities a safe place to land while building comfort, confidence, and safety. I really enjoy exploring gender and sexual identity, working with the LGBTQIA+ community, and folx experiencing trauma, depression, and anxiety. My goal as a therapist in this work is to help make self-exploration feel like the exciting process it is, while being mindful of and honoring that there is often religious, familial, or other trauma linked to identity work.
I'm a BIPOC, transgender, and LGBTQIA+ affirmative counselor licensed in NC and SC.
You're feeling stuck in your behaviors and patterns but don’t know how to break free from the cycle. Maybe you’ve made a few changes in life and you’re finding it difficult to fit into your environment because the people surrounding you aren’t supportive of your new self. We all want to be heard and supported — especially when we’re unsure of our next steps in life and grow as a person. You just want to be accepted for who you are. You are worthy to be seen, heard, and accepted for who you are in every stage of life. Schedule a consult today to take the next step of your healing process and self-exploration journey.
I'm a BIPOC, transgender, and LGBTQIA+ affirmative counselor licensed in NC and SC.
You're feeling stuck in your behaviors and patterns but don’t know how to break free from the cycle. Maybe you’ve made a few changes in life and you’re finding it difficult to fit into your environment because the people surrounding you aren’t supportive of your new self. We all want to be heard and supported — especially when we’re unsure of our next steps in life and grow as a person. You just want to be accepted for who you are. You are worthy to be seen, heard, and accepted for who you are in every stage of life. Schedule a consult today to take the next step of your healing process and self-exploration journey.
My trauma-informed approach is attachment-based, integrating cognitive and behavioral therapies with narrative, play, and expressive arts with a feminist, neurodivergent, and queer-affirmative lens.
Our lives are woven from the threads of our storied experiences, each shaping who we are and how we construct meaning. My counseling philosophy promotes healing and transformation by attending to you and your stories with a belief in everyone's capacity for flourishing, fostered by acceptance, love, and belonging. Therapy is an empowering and collaborative journey nurtured by authenticity, trust, and compassion. You contain within yourself the resources you need to thrive. I'm here to help you work towards healing, resilience, and lasting change.
My trauma-informed approach is attachment-based, integrating cognitive and behavioral therapies with narrative, play, and expressive arts with a feminist, neurodivergent, and queer-affirmative lens.
Our lives are woven from the threads of our storied experiences, each shaping who we are and how we construct meaning. My counseling philosophy promotes healing and transformation by attending to you and your stories with a belief in everyone's capacity for flourishing, fostered by acceptance, love, and belonging. Therapy is an empowering and collaborative journey nurtured by authenticity, trust, and compassion. You contain within yourself the resources you need to thrive. I'm here to help you work towards healing, resilience, and lasting change.
Cat Salemi
Lic Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Durham, NC 27705 (Online Only)
I identify as non-binary and is am a proud member of the LGBTQIA2+ community.
You’ve been looking a therapist who doesn’t try to put you in a box, and is genuinely curious about YOUR lived experience. You want therapy to be based on an empathic connection, with goals for how you want to heal or grow. You want your experience navigating your gender, sexuality, neurodiversity, and experience living in this society to be deeply witnessed. I’m experienced in helping individuals with ADHD and on the autism spectrum, using a non-pathological and neurodiversity-based approach. I am passionate about helping transgender, non-binary, and neurodiverse individuals find happiness and live life as their authentic selves.
I identify as non-binary and is am a proud member of the LGBTQIA2+ community.
You’ve been looking a therapist who doesn’t try to put you in a box, and is genuinely curious about YOUR lived experience. You want therapy to be based on an empathic connection, with goals for how you want to heal or grow. You want your experience navigating your gender, sexuality, neurodiversity, and experience living in this society to be deeply witnessed. I’m experienced in helping individuals with ADHD and on the autism spectrum, using a non-pathological and neurodiversity-based approach. I am passionate about helping transgender, non-binary, and neurodiverse individuals find happiness and live life as their authentic selves.
Nancy Kent
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, LCMHC-S, CCTP
Verified Verified
Durham, NC 27713 (Online Only)
I've counseled on parenting, LGBTQ, medical/chronic health and developmental disability, career and other life transitions.
I've always wanted to incorporate animals into therapeutic activities. My family has all rescues and I’ve volunteered with APS of Durham for over 10 years. Animal assisted therapy is generally done with the therapist's personal animal. My pre-Covid sessions were typically in home with you and your pet, developing more connection and emotional support. I moved my small practice to tele-health but try to be available and flexible to meet when you need. It’s also important that the therapy is a fit for what you need and you can be yourself. I’m building a therapy space in Hendersonville early 2025 for in person sessions.
I've counseled on parenting, LGBTQ, medical/chronic health and developmental disability, career and other life transitions.
I've always wanted to incorporate animals into therapeutic activities. My family has all rescues and I’ve volunteered with APS of Durham for over 10 years. Animal assisted therapy is generally done with the therapist's personal animal. My pre-Covid sessions were typically in home with you and your pet, developing more connection and emotional support. I moved my small practice to tele-health but try to be available and flexible to meet when you need. It’s also important that the therapy is a fit for what you need and you can be yourself. I’m building a therapy space in Hendersonville early 2025 for in person sessions.
I am queer-affirming and welcome individuals of all cultures, races, ethnicities, religions, and abilities.
Hi there! My name is Bekah, and I am a therapist at Three Oaks Behavioral Health & Wellness. I enjoy working with adults and teens on topics including identity, LGBTQ+ matters, self-esteem, life transitions, relationships, stress, depression, and inner child work. I am deeply passionate about working with folks seeking to unpack experiences of religious harm and spiritual abuse. I’ve experienced firsthand how isolating and confusing re-evaluating long-held belief systems can be, and I would love to support you as you identify what holds meaning for you and begin creating a life that aligns with your values.
I am queer-affirming and welcome individuals of all cultures, races, ethnicities, religions, and abilities.
Hi there! My name is Bekah, and I am a therapist at Three Oaks Behavioral Health & Wellness. I enjoy working with adults and teens on topics including identity, LGBTQ+ matters, self-esteem, life transitions, relationships, stress, depression, and inner child work. I am deeply passionate about working with folks seeking to unpack experiences of religious harm and spiritual abuse. I’ve experienced firsthand how isolating and confusing re-evaluating long-held belief systems can be, and I would love to support you as you identify what holds meaning for you and begin creating a life that aligns with your values.
See more therapy options for Durham
Nearby LGBTQ+ Therapists Searches for Durham
- Apex
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- Chapel Hill
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- Hillsborough
- Morrisville
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- Raleigh
- Research Triangle
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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.