LGBTQ+ Therapists in Highland Park, NJ
See all therapists in Highland Park
Lara Dubowchik
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified
Verified
In private practice, I work with these as well as everyday worries, difficulties with relationships,
trans
issues, spiritual exploration, and healing trauma.
I am an experienced licensed clinical social worker trained by the IFS institute. I take an integrative approach to therapy, emphasizing healing mind, body, and soul. I believe that therapy should be enjoyable and non-judgmental. I am told that I create a collaborative and compassionate environment where my clients and I are able to tap into deep inner wisdom, provide insight, and apply concrete methods to heal and move forward. The result? Becoming brave enough to build a deep connection to your truest self and live authentically. Spirituality is incorporated, as desired.
Institute for Personal Growth -LGBTQ
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
Verified
IPG PAVED THE WAY for other
gay
affirmative therapists - we started in 1983 specifically to provide therapy to the
gay
and
lesbian
community, back when most practitioners thought it was a mental illness. We're still trailblazers: we work with
transgender
people, bisexuals/pansexuals, kinky people, couples who practice consensual nonmonogamy, and others who make up the "Q" in
LGBTQ
. You may not want therapy BECAUSE you are
gay
, but you definitely want a therapist who is not only affirming but knowledgeable. We understand the special issues of
LGBTQ
individuals, couples, and families, and we provide sex therapy as well.
Waitlist for new clients
Philip Andrew Libby
Licensed Psychoanalyst, PhD ABD, MA, LP, NCPsyA
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I offer psychotherapy for individuals and relationships, work with professionals from diverse backgrounds, and am
LGBTQ
+ affirmative.
Have you been wanting to make meaningful changes in your life but feel hesitant to start therapy? I know how courageous making this move is, and provide a relaxed, supportive atmosphere as you explore your emotional life. I partner with you to identify your goals for personal growth. Together we create a safe space for you to clarify patterns of behavior and thinking that may be bogging you down. We can look at repeated sources of disappointment or dissatisfaction so that you can grow away from them and into a more vibrant relation to yourself, others, and the world.
Not accepting new clients
Pat Spencer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Whether looking for individual or couples therapy, finding the right therapist can be challenging. Who would be a good match? Who has the balance of supporting you and challenging you when needed? Who do you trust? Perhaps I can be that right match. I have experience in the
LGBT
, military, and Veterans communities. I have experience working with adults and children from cultures across the world. I have worked with various issues including trauma, depression, anxiety, work/school/sports performance. I have a calm, friendly, interactive, supportive style while focusing on the healing power of a therapeutic relationship.
Institute for Personal Growth
Psychologist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
Here at IPG, we know it's the connection between therapist and client that is most important. We have around 30 therapists through 3 offices in Freehold, Highland Park, and Jersey City. Since 1983 we've combined compassionate care with high-level expertise. We provide individual, family, child, and relationship counseling for problems ranging from depression to life transitions to marital strife. We also have a large group of certified sex therapists, a special focus on the
LGBTQ
community, services for
transgender
youth, therapy for those involved in BDSM and/or consensual non-monogamy, and a group for sex and pornography addicts.
Bobbie McArdle
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LSW
Verified
Verified
Hello! I am currently accepting new clients and am open to all populations although I primarily work with individuals who identify in the
LGBTQIA
+ community. Many people have been impacted by mental health issues recently and I can walk with you through your challenges to get you back on track. I have experience helping clients with anxiety, depression, and trauma. My approach is flexible and down to earth using research proven techniques. I AM ALSO A GENDER SPECIALIST who provides assistance to
transgender
, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming adults, adolescents, and their families.
Not accepting new clients
Manda Gatto
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified
Verified
My specialty areas include mental health issues of children, adolescents and adults; developmental/life transitions; families and family therapy; group therapy; trauma; women's issues; substance use disorders;
LGBT
and gender non-conformity, advocacy in the mental health care system.
Whether you are coping with a new challenge or working through an old challenge in a new way, I believe that good therapy begins with a relationship between the therapist and client, it has to work for you for it to work. My goal is to provide respectful, compassionate, genuinely caring services from a person-centered perspective in order to assist people to achieve satisfaction with their lives. I work to support individuals, groups and families to re/discover and utilize their own inherent strengths and resources, capacity for growth and goals for transformation.
Institute for Personal Growth -Transgender Svc
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
Verified
At IPG, we are proud pioneers in gender affirming psychotherapy for
transgender
and gender nonconforming people. We view gender diversity as normal, not a mental illness. We're more experienced than any other practice in New Jersey, with 800+
trans
clients and 30+ years of experience. We were recently awarded a PROUD Award recognizing our decades of work with and dedication to the
transgender
community. At all three of our locations (Highland Park, Jersey City, and Freehold) we have skilled gender specialists who work with
trans
and GNC adults, adolescents, and children as young as three. Why consult anyone less than an expert?
Waitlist for new clients
Simi Lichtman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
3 Endorsed
Verified
3 Endorsed
My clients include couples, domestic violence victims, sexual violence survivors, incarcerated offenders, and
LGBTQ
youth, among others.
Finding the right therapist for you is so important; please feel free to give me a call so we can see if we’d be a good fit! I provide trauma-informed individual and couples therapy to adolescents and adults of all genders, and specialize in working with survivors of sexual and domestic violence. In order to begin the difficult work of exploring your emotions and understanding yourself, you need a safe and understanding setting. For this reason, the emphasis of my therapy is on creating an empathic and nonjudgmental space for you to talk about the things that feel too overwhelming to experience on your own.
Kathleen Bakos
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LSW
Verified
Verified
It's hard to admit needing, or accept help sometimes. Maybe you are feeling overwhelmed, lost, or inertia about self-motivated change? If you're struggling with managing anxiety or depression, infertility, adoption issues, trauma,
LGBTQ
, ADHD, child behavior, mariage, or impulse control I can help. I will "meet you where you are" emotionally, and together we can navigate what you are experiencing. I want to walk with you while you find mental wellness, manage stressors, obtain clarity, and gain the peace of mind that you deserve. There's much healing in being heard, understood, and taking time to process emotions.
Not accepting new clients
Kelly Stolberg
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I also specialize in working with the
LGBTQIA
+ community including gender related issues and concerns.
I am a firm believer that change and recovery are possible for everyone. Therapy and change can be both difficult and challenging experiences. My approach centers around trust and the importance of the therapeutic relationship. I am an open-minded and nonjudgmental support who can walk with a person through this journey. I hope to help individuals learn more about themselves and how to live more authentically. I love supporting people in harnessing their own individuality while helping them navigate the world and it's stress. We don't necessarily live in a world that embraces uniqueness, let me assist you in tapping into that magic.
Not accepting new clients
Margaret Nichols
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
Verified
I work with the general public - individuals and couples with a wide range of issues, with sub-specialties in sexual dysfunction, trauma and with the
LGBT
population.
My work is a vocation, not a job. I love being a therapist because it allows me to connect with diverse people in a deep, meaningful way and to have the privilege of trying to help them on their unique journeys. I'm a diplomate in sex therapy as well as a licensed psychologist, and I am trained in EMDR, hypnotherapy,and two methods of couples counseling as well. I pride myself on keeping up with the most current developments in my field because I owe it to the people I'm trying to help.
Tammy Dorff
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified
Verified
I have specialized training and experience in play therapy, parenting, working with
LGBTQ
clients and their families, EMDR, crisis intervention, and feminist therapy.
I have a diverse practice in which I work with adults, children, adolescents and couples who are struggling with a variety of different issues. These include depression, anxiety/panic attacks, relationship problems, school and behavioral issues, parenting challenges, ADHD, low self-esteem, stress, sexual orientation and gender identity concerns, struggles with spirituality, self-injurious behavior, adoption, dealing with medical problems, grief and loss, trauma, and coping with divorce and its aftermath. My ideal client is one who wants help and is feeling ready to do the work necessary to improve and enrich his or her life.
Institute for Personal Growth-Freehold Office
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
Verified
Here at IPG, we know it's the connection between therapist and client that is most important. We have around 30 therapists through 3 offices in Freehold, Highland Park, and Jersey City. Since 1983 we've combined compassionate care with high-level expertise. We provide individual, family, child, and relationship counseling for problems ranging from depression to life transitions to marital strife. We also have a large group of certified sex therapists, a special focus on the
LGBTQ
community, services for
transgender
youth, therapy for those involved in BDSM and/or consensual non-monogamy, and a group for sex and pornography addicts.
Waitlist for new clients
Heather Petracco
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
It is easy to wear a mask to the world and pretend everything is okay- it is even expected for some of us. However, this wears us down to the point where even the smallest of changes in our daily lives can make us overwhelmed. We should not have to pretend to be something different for the sake of appearing "okay" or pleasing others. I have been there. Acceptance and healing is a long and tough road to navigate, and I am here to guide you.
David Rogoff
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
My goal: your being the most you can be in a life you can embrace, celebrate and be at peace with. To this process, I bring my knowledge, skill, respect and humanity, offering understanding, validation, support, and therapeutic interventions geared to increasing your self-awareness, and helping you find new and more rewarding ways of meeting the challenges and opportunities of life, as well as recovering from its assaults. Call and let's talk.
Uma Patel
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
You’re exhausted from feeling like this. Feeling like there is something… off. This could be persistent feelings of emptiness in your chest, feelings of jitters in your stomach, or thoughts that won’t let go in your mind. As you’re reading this, I want to congratulate you. You have already completed the first step towards taking control.
Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) Center
Psychologist, PhD, ABPP
Verified
4 Endorsed
Verified
4 Endorsed
You are making an important decision right now. You're struggling and you need an EXPERT to help you. We are seven expert Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) clinicians who have over 100 years of combined clinical and research experience. We see individuals, couples and families and use only evidence-based practices. We will leverage a combination of clinical assessment and interview to develop the most effective treatment plan for you to meet your goals and reduce your suffering. We approach treatment in a respectful, collaborative fashion. "We work together on what matters to you."
Nicole Mednis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LSW
Verified
Verified
Imagine you had a friend struggling with a problem, wouldn’t you do everything in your power to help them? Now imagine that friend is you. Give yourself the same grace, respect, and attention you would give to a friend in need. Whether you have been struggling with depression throughout the pandemic in silence or are just realizing your persistent anxiety is not getting better with exercise. Therapy can be the solution to heal the past and keep you focused on the present.
Gliceria Pérez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
I enjoy working with individuals, groups and families who have experienced trauma, depression, anxiety, grief/loss issues, etc. I am interested in working with children (10+), adolescents, young adults, adults, couples, and People of Color who are ready and willing to work on repairing their relationships with self and others (peers, partners, family and friends).
See more therapy options for
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.