Transgender Therapists in Philadelphia, PA
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Melissa Sziga Dessereau
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA, CST
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
They completed their Master of Science in Family Therapy/Sex Therapy at Thomas Jefferson University, Master of Arts in Child Development from Tufts University, and Affirming Approaches for
Transgender
Communities at Widener U.
Sziga is a perceptive and nuanced therapist with a refreshingly frank style. For over 25 years, they have been working with individuals, couples, and families to foster personal growth and satisfying relationships. They have a way of making clients feel comfortable, understood, and at ease — like no matter what you say they get it and don’t judge you. And they're funny.

Michelle Matthews
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Is your teen struggling with their identity? Maybe they’ve recently shared they’re queer, or trans, or questioning? As a queer and trans therapist, I have a passion for working with teens and adolescents discovering who they are and how they want to be in the world. I create an affirming space for them to express their individuality, build confidence, and learn more about their authentic self. I work well with folks ages 12+ who experience
gender dysphoria
, anxiety, depression, grief, struggles with change, and problems in school or in relationships.
Not accepting new clients

Anna Shaw
Pre-Licensed Professional, MSW, LSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I have most experience working with
transgender
/LGBQIA+ identity, complex trauma, oppression, disability, and anxiety/depression. I have worked alongside many clients who have experienced neglect, abuse and rejection within their family of origin. I am here to help untangle the intricate web of symptoms and reactions that complex trauma creates. I provide tools to support you in finding meaningful ways to connect with yourself and others as you bravely step forward in your journey. You are the expert on your healing. I embrace integrating your personal belief systems and healing practices into our work.

Hannah Heffner (She Her)
Licensed Professional Counselor, ATR-BC, LPC
Verified
Verified
I’m currently in an advanced post graduate training program at Widener University in Affirmative Therapy for
Transgender
Communities and (TGNCNB) folk.
I have a passion for working with teens and young adults who are exploring their identity and hold a safe and supportive space for LGBTQ+ affirming counseling. I work well with teens and young adults who experience anxiety, depression, disordered eating and self-harm behaviors. I take a Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), person-centered, trauma informed approach within a social justice frame to support clients in blending the creative and practical so that clients enjoy the process of exploration and can see results in their mood and behaviors.

Patricia Gherovici
Licensed Psychoanalyst, PhD
Current Research: How
transgender
issues are reorienting psychoanalytic practice while making us redefine notions of sexuality.
In my practice I offer a welcoming setting and provide a safe space for your suffering or difficulties. When you speak about yourself to someone who is trained to listen and examine the circumstances that motivated your consultation, a change occurs. A psychoanalyst is a person trained to hear what is happening under the surface, and provides a place where you may speak and hear yourself differently. I have been working as a psychoanalyst and psychotherapist for 25 years and I have found that words can hurt, words can make people sick, but words can also save. Talking cures.
Not accepting new clients

Anna Kiesnowski
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I specialize in working with
transgender
, non-binary, and gender-expansive identified young people, as well as providing support and guidance to their families and caregivers. I also have extensive experience working with LGB & Queer individuals. I prioritize meeting my clients wherever they are on their journey toward self-discovery and healing.

Rachel Simon
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, MEd
Verified
Verified
People often want to improve some aspect of their emotional and mental health. In our work together, we will explore the areas of your life that are challenging or distressing, access and process difficult emotions, and make meaning of patterns in your unique narrative. My practice is based in relational, psychodynamic and strengths-based theoretical orientations. I also integrate narrative and feminist approaches to enrich and empower the existing resilience in each client. I have specialized experience in working with
transgender
and queer individuals and provide affirming, nonjudgmental therapy for all folks from age 4 to 54.
Not accepting new clients

Maureen Zdanis
Psychologist, PhD, she/her
Verified
Verified
At any stage of development, we are bound to encounter obstacles to our ability to thrive. I help clients to become proactive agents in their own process. I have worked extensively with clients across all ages to reduce symptoms, promote growth, and instill lasting change. I support children, teens, adults, and families in healing from anxiety, trauma, grief, and depression. I have a speciality in working with LGBTQIA+ individuals, especially GNC and
transgender
folks. I am licensed to treat people in about 25 states. This means if you relocate for college or other life circumstances, you can maintain continuity of treatment.

Gender Dysphoria Assessments & Letters - PA
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
I specialize in helping people work through
gender dysphoria
in a supportive and affirming space. From HRT to gender affirming surgeries, your goals for transition will be honored in the assessment and letter. Questions in the assessment are intended to capture your progress so far and clarify your goals, without pathologizing your gender.

Tanya Koifman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
I work with the LGBTQ+ community, and provide gender-affirming support for
transgender
& non-binary individuals.
I am a warm, affirming, non-judgmental psychotherapist with over 20 years of experience, and I work with an interactive, humanistic, strengths-based, trauma-informed, HAES-aligned, and transparent, narrative approach. I believe that people have the innate capacity to heal and change. We will work together to develop a deeper understanding of your life goals and perspectives, so that we can custom-tailor techniques to make life most meaningful for you. We will work together toward resolving life challenges by identifying your personal strengths, coping strategies, and by helping you to see things in your life from a different lens.

Hayley Roverana
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified
Verified
Accepting new clients! You just want to know that you can walk into a room and don't have to play the "pronoun game", pretend you only have one partner, or have to listen to someone minimize your relationship, sexuality, or
gender dysphoria
. I am here, above all, to be your biggest advocate. I aim to create a radically accepting space to confront, question, and explore what makes you who you are. I’m not afraid to talk about the hard things. Sex, intimacy, relationships, trauma… This is your space to let it all out. Everyone is welcome here. Judgement isn't tolerated. Arriving with your real, raw, and heavy baggage is celebrated.

Danielle Stoner
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PMH-C
Verified
Verified
Licensed in NY and PA! Have you been feeling anxious, depressed, or overwhelmed? Are you having issues in your relationship, and you're not sure how to fix them? I am here to help. I provide inclusive, identity-affirming care to adolescents, adults, and couples seeking help for a variety of issues, such as depression, anxiety, relationship stress, trauma, coping with chronic illness, and more. I am experienced working with the LGBTQ+ population, particularly
transgender
and gender non-conforming individuals, as well as those experiencing
gender dysphoria
.

Sophie Nathan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, LCSW-C
Verified
Verified
I have experience working with ADHD, LGBTQ+ Identities, Nonbinary and
Transgender
identity, Anxiety, and Depression.
My goal is to help clients feel heard, supported and understood. Whether you are coming to therapy to navigate difficult life changes, in order to set healthy boundaries, for support in reframing your anxious thoughts, thinking through how your past family dynamics affect you or navigating your identity, I am here to offer encouraging guidance, direct engagement and nurturing support. Therapy is a collaborative process and I take a relational approach to support you in expressing yourself authentically, navigating change, reframing negative self talk, setting healthy boundaries and supporting you in enhancing the way you cope.

Cori Grachek
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
I work with clients ages 18-70+, of diverse ethnicity/religious backgrounds, sexual orientation, male, female, non-binary,
transgender
, with people experiencing issues with relationships, divorce, coming out, communication, family, discerning religious life, anxiety, depression, career decisions, managing stress.
Life can be really hard. Sometimes you need help to move through the tougher times. You are the expert on your life and with my experience and expertise we form a strong, workng relationship. I work and teach from an integrative perspective incorporating mindfulness with the traditional therapeutic approaches Cognitive Behavioral and Humanistic. I believe that healing, growth and change are best supported by raising our awareness around our thoughts, actions, feelings and our physical selves. I advocate movement, internal work and meditative practice when appropriate.

Rebecca B Bassman
Pre-Licensed Professional, LMFT
Verified
3 Endorsed
Verified
3 Endorsed
Rebecca affirms diverse sexual orientations, gender identities, relationship configurations, and sexual practices, including but not limited to: – Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Pan, Queer – Asexual – Polyamory –
Transgender
, Genderqueer, .
Rebecca is a graduate of Thomas Jefferson’s Marriage and Family Therapy program with a specialty in Sex Therapy. Clients would say that they value Rebecca’s open communication style and her ability to look through a systemic lens. Rebecca is culturally competent and well versed on a wide range of human sexuality issues and topics.

Michael Zwizanski
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
I have experience working with queer, gay, lesbian, non-binary and
transgender
clients of various cultural backgrounds and have supported clients along their journey to finding their authentic self and identity.
In my work, I seek to make a connection that will cultivate a safe, judgement-free space to work through challenging issues & promote self-discovery. My stance in life and in my practice is anti-racist, sex positive, LGBTQ+ competent and gender affirming. I recognize my privilege as a cis-gender, white, male professional and strive to position myself as an equal collaborator in the processes of growth and change within my clients. Coming from an entertainment industry background, I have worked extensively with artists, musicians, actors and entrepreneurs and understand the creative process,

Tyra A Wilson
Pre-Licensed Professional, MS
Verified
Verified
I specialize in treating participants suffering from severe trauma, PTSD, depression, grief, IPV, sexual abuse/physical abuse/emotional abuse and
transgender
/nonbinary and LGBQT communities.
In many communities and cultures therapy is frowned upon, perceived as a weakness labeling the individual as an outcast. This is very much not the case. Many people believe they are alone, and they suffer in silence because of the stigma that comes with therapy. You do not have to suffer any longer. You deserve peace.
Waitlist for new clients

L. Elaine Dutton
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
4 Endorsed
Verified
4 Endorsed
I have considerable experience working with people who identify as
transgender
, non-binary, gender nonconforming, LGBQ, asexual, etc.
I view psychotherapy as a collaborative experience between therapist and patient. I see my role as that of a space holder and guide. I will shed light on and explore what may be causing difficulty in your life, provide affirmation, and offer tools that will help sustain your therapeutic goals. I believe that transformation and change can evolve through collaboration and the development of a renewed narrative that is validating and hopeful.

Emma Shakarshy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I have primarily worked with adults and adolescents, and I have in-depth experience working with queer and
transgender
folks.
My goal as a therapist is to provide the space for my clients to explore and understand themselves. I believe in the power of therapy as a space to connect and to name one's truths and desires aloud. I provide clients with an empathic, nonjudgmental space where they can explore the stories they have learned about themselves over time. Much of my work is focused around the intersections of identity, trauma, and mental health, and I am committed to exploring the ways that race, gender, and other social identities show up in the world and in the therapy room.

Marla R Cobin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LCSW, MEd
Verified
Verified
Hello! Thanks for looking at my profile. Feel free to send a message if you'd like to schedule a free 30 minute consult. Finding a good fit is so important in choosing a therapist. The relationship is critical. I work with adolescents and adults, specializing in women, girls, and queer, gay, lesbian, bisexual, and
transgender
and nonbinary folks. I practice decolonizing and liberation focused therapy. My areas of focus include sexuality and trauma. I consider myself a client centered, relational, and culturally sensitive psychotherapist. I am board certified in teletherapy. I am licensed in Pennsylvania and Delaware.
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Is online therapy a good option?
Therapy conducted online or over the phone can be just as effective as in-person therapy, as long as there is a strong alliance between the client and the therapist. To find a therapist who provides telehealth services to clients in your area, click “Online Therapy” on the directory homepage and search by your city or town or your zip code.
What’s the difference between a psychologist, a therapist, and a counselor?
Therapists, psychologists, and counselors are all licensed mental health professionals. In the United States, psychologists have earned a doctoral degree. The terms “therapist” and “counselor” are used somewhat interchangeably, but generally therapists offer longer-term, mental health care, while counselors offer shorter-term care that may focus on one domain, such as marriage, career, or academic challenges.
What type of therapist is right for me?
Clients should consider factors such as insurance coverage and their primary reason(s) for seeking therapy to determine the type of professional best suited to their needs. Someone struggling with mental health challenges such as depression or anxiety, for example, may wish to seek out a clinical psychologist, psychologist or therapist, while someone navigating career obstacles or marital upheaval may benefit from seeing a counselor who can offer short-term, targeted support.
Is everyone in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory a licensed therapist?
The Psychology Today directory lists providers who offer legitimate mental health services to the public, including psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and counselors. Many have been licensed by the country or state where they practice; providers whose license or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Some clinicians or organizations provide services for which their state or country does not offer licenses, such as pastoral counseling. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
What type of therapy is right for me?
The type of therapy best suited to a particular individual depends on several factors, including their primary reason for seeking therapy, their preferred timeline (some therapy types last for a set number of sessions, while others are open-ended), and their personality and preferences—some may prefer a more structured approach. For many individuals, multiple types of therapy could provide a good fit.
Is online therapy cheaper than in-person therapy?
Many therapists charge the same amount for online therapy as they do for in-person therapy—though clients may still find this cost-effective if it cuts down on their transportation costs. Health insurance plans often offer equivalent coverage for online and in-person therapy; indeed, in many places, they are legally required to do so. Text-based or on-demand therapy apps may be cheaper than traditional one-on-one psychotherapy; however, the practice may be less effective and is not likely to be covered by insurance.