LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Raleigh, NC
I am passionate about working with marginalized persons, including the LGBTQ and BIPOC communities.
Throughout our journey in this world, we often face challenges that can feel too big or ongoing to handle on our own. Whether it’s with chronic feelings of anxiousness, depression, emptiness, issues about sexual orientation, gender, or ethnicity, relationship conflict, sleep disturbances, substance misuse, school/work issues, or any combination of those, many of us struggle silently. But you don't have to struggle silently or alone. It can help to work with a therapist with a deep understanding of what it’s like to live with these struggles and who is passionate about helping others learn to thrive despite their adversities.
I am passionate about working with marginalized persons, including the LGBTQ and BIPOC communities.
Throughout our journey in this world, we often face challenges that can feel too big or ongoing to handle on our own. Whether it’s with chronic feelings of anxiousness, depression, emptiness, issues about sexual orientation, gender, or ethnicity, relationship conflict, sleep disturbances, substance misuse, school/work issues, or any combination of those, many of us struggle silently. But you don't have to struggle silently or alone. It can help to work with a therapist with a deep understanding of what it’s like to live with these struggles and who is passionate about helping others learn to thrive despite their adversities.
It's a gift to get to support folks through big life changes & challenging times, whether it's deconstructing from a high-control religion, coming out (even to oneself) as queer or trans, exploring new relationship structures like ethical non-monogamy / polyamory, and/or starting to understand oneself through the lens of neurodiversity.
My practice is rooted in DBT because dialectical thinking - the notion that multiple seemingly opposing things can coexist - changed my life. Lately I've grown more interested in bottom-up modalities that use the body as a resource for healing (like somatic therapy). I also love using IFS to help folks understand the multitudes we all contain.
It's a gift to get to support folks through big life changes & challenging times, whether it's deconstructing from a high-control religion, coming out (even to oneself) as queer or trans, exploring new relationship structures like ethical non-monogamy / polyamory, and/or starting to understand oneself through the lens of neurodiversity.
My practice is rooted in DBT because dialectical thinking - the notion that multiple seemingly opposing things can coexist - changed my life. Lately I've grown more interested in bottom-up modalities that use the body as a resource for healing (like somatic therapy). I also love using IFS to help folks understand the multitudes we all contain.
Porn addiction? Sex addiction? Has an affair or sexual behavior put your relationship at risk? Many clients contact me after promising themselves or their partner they would stop, yet finding the behavior keeps returning. If secrecy, porn use, or sexual behavior has created shame, conflict, or a crisis in your relationship, you’re not alone. I help clients understand the deeper patterns driving these behaviors and develop practical strategies for lasting change. Recovery from sex addiction is possible with the right structure, accountability, and support. Contact me to schedule an appointment.
Porn addiction? Sex addiction? Has an affair or sexual behavior put your relationship at risk? Many clients contact me after promising themselves or their partner they would stop, yet finding the behavior keeps returning. If secrecy, porn use, or sexual behavior has created shame, conflict, or a crisis in your relationship, you’re not alone. I help clients understand the deeper patterns driving these behaviors and develop practical strategies for lasting change. Recovery from sex addiction is possible with the right structure, accountability, and support. Contact me to schedule an appointment.
I also see LGBTQ individuals who face a distinct set of challenges that significantly affect their mental health.
On the outside you seem fine, but inside your emotions feel loud, heavy, and misunderstood. Maybe you hold back out of fear of judgment, conflict, or feeling “too much.” You deserve a space where your feelings make sense, where you can unpack without shame and learn to communicate with clarity, confidence, and compassion. Together, we’ll strengthen the relationships that matter most—especially the one you have with yourself. I draw from Gottman Method Therapy with couples and EMDR to help process trauma, deepen insight, and create meaningful, lasting change.
I also see LGBTQ individuals who face a distinct set of challenges that significantly affect their mental health.
On the outside you seem fine, but inside your emotions feel loud, heavy, and misunderstood. Maybe you hold back out of fear of judgment, conflict, or feeling “too much.” You deserve a space where your feelings make sense, where you can unpack without shame and learn to communicate with clarity, confidence, and compassion. Together, we’ll strengthen the relationships that matter most—especially the one you have with yourself. I draw from Gottman Method Therapy with couples and EMDR to help process trauma, deepen insight, and create meaningful, lasting change.
Years ago, I visited Ghana where I was introduced to a symbol called the “Sankofa.” The Sankofa translates to “go back and fetch” and symbolizes the importance of looking to the past in order to reclaim lost strength and wisdom. As a therapist, this deeply resonates with me. Often, parts of our past can feel too painful or overwhelming to revisit so we avoid them and do our best to “move on”. However, I’ve seen that even some of life’s most difficult experiences can also become sources of strength, growth, and a deeper understanding of ourselves.
Years ago, I visited Ghana where I was introduced to a symbol called the “Sankofa.” The Sankofa translates to “go back and fetch” and symbolizes the importance of looking to the past in order to reclaim lost strength and wisdom. As a therapist, this deeply resonates with me. Often, parts of our past can feel too painful or overwhelming to revisit so we avoid them and do our best to “move on”. However, I’ve seen that even some of life’s most difficult experiences can also become sources of strength, growth, and a deeper understanding of ourselves.
Kristen Baez
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, LCMHC, MT-BC, MA
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Waitlist for new clients
Life is full of beautiful moments, trying times, and everything in between. Maybe you are going through a big life transition, or you are simply wanting to try something new to better your mental health. I believe in an open, honest, and authentic therapeutic relationship. Together we can creatively navigate the challenges you face and work toward goals to enhance your life.
Life is full of beautiful moments, trying times, and everything in between. Maybe you are going through a big life transition, or you are simply wanting to try something new to better your mental health. I believe in an open, honest, and authentic therapeutic relationship. Together we can creatively navigate the challenges you face and work toward goals to enhance your life.
Having lived both in the U.S. and abroad, I’m familiar with the unpredictability of life and the importance of having tools that help us tell our story and build resilience. I am open to clients experiencing a wide range of concerns and have experience addressing challenges related to depression, anxiety, ADHD, religious trauma, family conflict, relationship challenges, and PTSD.
My therapy style draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) techniques to help clients stay grounded in the present, clarify their values, and actively pursue the life they want.
Having lived both in the U.S. and abroad, I’m familiar with the unpredictability of life and the importance of having tools that help us tell our story and build resilience. I am open to clients experiencing a wide range of concerns and have experience addressing challenges related to depression, anxiety, ADHD, religious trauma, family conflict, relationship challenges, and PTSD.
My therapy style draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) techniques to help clients stay grounded in the present, clarify their values, and actively pursue the life they want.
I primarily work with LGBTQIA+ adults navigating ADHD and/or autism, anxiety, trauma, or life transitions.
It can feel overwhelming to be a human these days. You're trying to hold everything together in the present while healing from the past and building your future. The "This is fine" meme might be feeling a little too real lately. All the while, you're trying to live your life, keep up with work or college, make sense of your experiences and who you are, maintain and improve your relationships, and break free from painful memories, emotions, or patterns. If you're feeling stuck, burnt out, anxious, or unsure how to move forward, you don't have to figure it out on your own.
I primarily work with LGBTQIA+ adults navigating ADHD and/or autism, anxiety, trauma, or life transitions.
It can feel overwhelming to be a human these days. You're trying to hold everything together in the present while healing from the past and building your future. The "This is fine" meme might be feeling a little too real lately. All the while, you're trying to live your life, keep up with work or college, make sense of your experiences and who you are, maintain and improve your relationships, and break free from painful memories, emotions, or patterns. If you're feeling stuck, burnt out, anxious, or unsure how to move forward, you don't have to figure it out on your own.
Openings coming up for August 2026. As a licensed therapist, I will be right there with you during each step of your healing and growth. I specialize in life transitions, family dynamics, anxiety, depression and trauma. I also have specific training in fertility journeys, pregnancy loss, premenstrual disorders, and perinatal or postpartum experiences. It's time to come home to yourself, and I can help! Together we can focus on healing, creating healthy relationships, building new coping skills, and cultivating your best life - whatever that may be.
Openings coming up for August 2026. As a licensed therapist, I will be right there with you during each step of your healing and growth. I specialize in life transitions, family dynamics, anxiety, depression and trauma. I also have specific training in fertility journeys, pregnancy loss, premenstrual disorders, and perinatal or postpartum experiences. It's time to come home to yourself, and I can help! Together we can focus on healing, creating healthy relationships, building new coping skills, and cultivating your best life - whatever that may be.
Mitchell Wright
Lic Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate, MS, LCMHCA, LMHC
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
As a queer man, I am a major advocate for inclusivity and my door is open to anyone who feels marginalized in society.
Creating a comfortable, supportive, and safe environment is essential for your therapeutic experience. I take a person-centered approach, fully embracing each client to foster healing through connection. Together, we'll explore the patterns in your thoughts, emotions, and actions to enhance your self-awareness and create a plan that works for you. I use an eclectic blend of EMDR, IFS, DBT, CBT, and Narrative therapy to uncover unmet needs and find ways to fulfill them in line with your values. Healing is a journey filled with challenges, and my goal is to support you through it while appreciating every step along the way.
As a queer man, I am a major advocate for inclusivity and my door is open to anyone who feels marginalized in society.
Creating a comfortable, supportive, and safe environment is essential for your therapeutic experience. I take a person-centered approach, fully embracing each client to foster healing through connection. Together, we'll explore the patterns in your thoughts, emotions, and actions to enhance your self-awareness and create a plan that works for you. I use an eclectic blend of EMDR, IFS, DBT, CBT, and Narrative therapy to uncover unmet needs and find ways to fulfill them in line with your values. Healing is a journey filled with challenges, and my goal is to support you through it while appreciating every step along the way.
I work with LGBTQIA+ folks, neuroquirky humans, and people living outside of “the norm” in some way - whether that’s in how you relate to others, how you think, how your body functions or feels, what you’ve lived through, what you desire, or any part of your life or identity that’s made you feel like you’ve never quite fit in with the mainstream.
You’ve spent your life making sense of your otherness, your outsiderness - adapting, translating, pushing through. Maybe you’ve been called “too much,” “too sensitive,” “too difficult”. Or maybe you’ve just always felt it: the world wasn’t built for people like you. You’re tiiiiiiiiired of the constant friction, and you’re ready to find a deeper sense of belonging as your authentic self. As an outsider, cycle breaker, or black sheep, you probably feel a little (or a lot) at odds with the world around them, and yearn to get braver and feel safer and more at home in your own life.
I work with LGBTQIA+ folks, neuroquirky humans, and people living outside of “the norm” in some way - whether that’s in how you relate to others, how you think, how your body functions or feels, what you’ve lived through, what you desire, or any part of your life or identity that’s made you feel like you’ve never quite fit in with the mainstream.
You’ve spent your life making sense of your otherness, your outsiderness - adapting, translating, pushing through. Maybe you’ve been called “too much,” “too sensitive,” “too difficult”. Or maybe you’ve just always felt it: the world wasn’t built for people like you. You’re tiiiiiiiiired of the constant friction, and you’re ready to find a deeper sense of belonging as your authentic self. As an outsider, cycle breaker, or black sheep, you probably feel a little (or a lot) at odds with the world around them, and yearn to get braver and feel safer and more at home in your own life.
Brianna Knox | Trauma Therapy | EMDR Therapist
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
2 Endorsed
Online Only
As a Black, Queer, Millennial therapist, providing relatable therapy to BIPOC and LGBTQ+ Millennials energizes me.
Are you feeling overwhelmed with anxiety about the holidays? Dreading putting on a fake smile for toxic family members at Christmas dinner? Struggling with your choice to not even show up to the family function? I got you. I specialize in helping Millennials ditch the shame and guilt of childhood trauma and to build the confidence and self-esteem needed to kick toxic friends and family to the curb.
As a Black, Queer, Millennial therapist, providing relatable therapy to BIPOC and LGBTQ+ Millennials energizes me.
Are you feeling overwhelmed with anxiety about the holidays? Dreading putting on a fake smile for toxic family members at Christmas dinner? Struggling with your choice to not even show up to the family function? I got you. I specialize in helping Millennials ditch the shame and guilt of childhood trauma and to build the confidence and self-esteem needed to kick toxic friends and family to the curb.
I work with children, adolescents, and adults from diverse backgrounds, including members of the Hispanic community, individuals navigating chronic health conditions, survivors of domestic violence, and members of the LGBTQ+ community seeking healing, clarity, and emotional balance.
I provide compassionate, client-centered therapy using evidence-based approaches including CBT, DBT, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. I offer in-person and telehealth counseling in English and Spanish, supporting children, adolescents, and adults as they build coping skills and emotional resilience.
I work with children, adolescents, and adults from diverse backgrounds, including members of the Hispanic community, individuals navigating chronic health conditions, survivors of domestic violence, and members of the LGBTQ+ community seeking healing, clarity, and emotional balance.
I provide compassionate, client-centered therapy using evidence-based approaches including CBT, DBT, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. I offer in-person and telehealth counseling in English and Spanish, supporting children, adolescents, and adults as they build coping skills and emotional resilience.
I help LGBTQ clients with low self-esteem & chronic anxiety impacting their relationships & ability to function.
Anxiety seems to have you from the moment you open your eyes in the morning, if you slept. The fact that you get up and head to work is surprising due to the amount of energy and motivation you need to muster to make it happen. Work is just more difficult due to living in the wreckage of your future and you can’t think. At home the irritability makes you want to isolate yourself. Your anxiety calls the shots and says no to any desire to go places, see people, or do anything new/unknown. What if there is a better way through this?
I help LGBTQ clients with low self-esteem & chronic anxiety impacting their relationships & ability to function.
Anxiety seems to have you from the moment you open your eyes in the morning, if you slept. The fact that you get up and head to work is surprising due to the amount of energy and motivation you need to muster to make it happen. Work is just more difficult due to living in the wreckage of your future and you can’t think. At home the irritability makes you want to isolate yourself. Your anxiety calls the shots and says no to any desire to go places, see people, or do anything new/unknown. What if there is a better way through this?
I am a licensed clinical social worker in North Carolina and Colorado, dedicated to helping individuals in those states. Additionally, I am a licensed in North Carolina, as an addiction treatment specialist.
The individuals or couples I work best with are those who are open to trying new approaches and are willing to explore their own answers with guidance. You won’t need to have all the answers right away, and you don't have to figure it all out on your own. I’m here to support you as you lean into difficult moments, navigate discomfort, and emerge stronger from the experience. Together we will walk through this journey.
I am a licensed clinical social worker in North Carolina and Colorado, dedicated to helping individuals in those states. Additionally, I am a licensed in North Carolina, as an addiction treatment specialist.
The individuals or couples I work best with are those who are open to trying new approaches and are willing to explore their own answers with guidance. You won’t need to have all the answers right away, and you don't have to figure it all out on your own. I’m here to support you as you lean into difficult moments, navigate discomfort, and emerge stronger from the experience. Together we will walk through this journey.
Flourishing Together Counseling & Consulting
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, PhD
Online Only
Hello! I’m Dr. Hurey Hughes, LCSW, owner of Flourishing Together Counseling and Consulting, PLLC. My ideal clients are adolescents, adults, couples, and families seeking support for anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, relationship challenges, grief, life transitions, or personal growth. They often feel overwhelmed, stuck, or uncertain about the next step. My practice provides a compassionate, affirming, and collaborative environment where clients gain insight, build effective coping skills, strengthen resilience, and develop practical strategies to create meaningful, lasting change.
Hello! I’m Dr. Hurey Hughes, LCSW, owner of Flourishing Together Counseling and Consulting, PLLC. My ideal clients are adolescents, adults, couples, and families seeking support for anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, relationship challenges, grief, life transitions, or personal growth. They often feel overwhelmed, stuck, or uncertain about the next step. My practice provides a compassionate, affirming, and collaborative environment where clients gain insight, build effective coping skills, strengthen resilience, and develop practical strategies to create meaningful, lasting change.
I work with LGBTQIA+ individuals and couples, supporting healing around trauma, attachment, and relationships.
The world feels pretty freaking scary and overwhelming right now, yet somehow we’re still expected to keep growing, healing, and trying to be perfect. To be honest, that is not possible. My goal as your therapist is to create a safe space of self-acceptance and authenticity. I strive to make therapy accessible by approaching each client holistically, believing each client knows themselves best, and showing up as a genuine person on the other side of the room. My clients describe me as warm, intuitive, direct, and funny. And we’ll work together to process trauma, your emotions, and build tools that support honoring your needs.
I work with LGBTQIA+ individuals and couples, supporting healing around trauma, attachment, and relationships.
The world feels pretty freaking scary and overwhelming right now, yet somehow we’re still expected to keep growing, healing, and trying to be perfect. To be honest, that is not possible. My goal as your therapist is to create a safe space of self-acceptance and authenticity. I strive to make therapy accessible by approaching each client holistically, believing each client knows themselves best, and showing up as a genuine person on the other side of the room. My clients describe me as warm, intuitive, direct, and funny. And we’ll work together to process trauma, your emotions, and build tools that support honoring your needs.
Neurodivergent and LGBTQIA+ affirming and welcoming.
My approach to counseling is relational person-centered and intuitive, rooted in the belief that each individual’s journey is unique and deserving of agency and trauma-informed, personalized care. In sessions, I integrate various modalities, including Internal Family Systems (IFS), EMDR, CPT,ACT and somatic practices. Compassion and kindness is a priority.
Neurodivergent and LGBTQIA+ affirming and welcoming.
My approach to counseling is relational person-centered and intuitive, rooted in the belief that each individual’s journey is unique and deserving of agency and trauma-informed, personalized care. In sessions, I integrate various modalities, including Internal Family Systems (IFS), EMDR, CPT,ACT and somatic practices. Compassion and kindness is a priority.
Whether you just want to connect for support in navigating general life or you have a more serious or deep rooted diagnosis, we can help. Having a professional to assist in processing things differently than you have before will feel like a weight has been lifted. At Counseling Connections, we offer individual therapy, couples/family therapy, adolescent therapy. Our diverse team provides personalized virtual care to individuals, couples, and families across North Carolina.
Whether you just want to connect for support in navigating general life or you have a more serious or deep rooted diagnosis, we can help. Having a professional to assist in processing things differently than you have before will feel like a weight has been lifted. At Counseling Connections, we offer individual therapy, couples/family therapy, adolescent therapy. Our diverse team provides personalized virtual care to individuals, couples, and families across North Carolina.
Anna Carpenter-Tandem Collaborative Wellness
Counselor, LCMHCA
2 Endorsed
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
I work with individuals, couples, and college students, especially LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent clients.
Many people reach out when the ways they have learned to cope or relate no longer feel true to who they are becoming. You may be navigating identity exploration, life transitions, or relationship challenges while trying to hold it all together. Therapy offers space to slow down, untangle what feels heavy, and reconnect with yourself. It does not have to be stiff or clinical. Complexity, messiness, and even moments of humor are welcome here.
I work with individuals, couples, and college students, especially LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent clients.
Many people reach out when the ways they have learned to cope or relate no longer feel true to who they are becoming. You may be navigating identity exploration, life transitions, or relationship challenges while trying to hold it all together. Therapy offers space to slow down, untangle what feels heavy, and reconnect with yourself. It does not have to be stiff or clinical. Complexity, messiness, and even moments of humor are welcome here.
See more therapy options for Raleigh
Nearby LGBTQ+ Therapists Searches for Raleigh
- Apex
- Cary
- Clayton
- Fuquay Varina
- Garner
- Holly Springs
- Knightdale
- Morrisville
- Rolesville
- Wake Forest
- Wendell
- Willow Spring