Transgender Therapists in Philadelphia, PA
I have provided care for those in the transgender community for several years, which my focus being in an integrated health setting.
My goal is to help those in the LGBTQ+ community navigate the social and personal challenges of gender identity and sexual orientation, as well as co-occurring mental health symptoms that they may be experiencing. I provide a safe therapeutic environment to meet the unique needs of this community. I have experience working with those of varying gender identities, sexual orientations, as well as varying non-monogamous relationship orientations. I also have experience working with individuals preparing for or receiving gender affirming medical care.
I have provided care for those in the transgender community for several years, which my focus being in an integrated health setting.
My goal is to help those in the LGBTQ+ community navigate the social and personal challenges of gender identity and sexual orientation, as well as co-occurring mental health symptoms that they may be experiencing. I provide a safe therapeutic environment to meet the unique needs of this community. I have experience working with those of varying gender identities, sexual orientations, as well as varying non-monogamous relationship orientations. I also have experience working with individuals preparing for or receiving gender affirming medical care.
Melissa Sziga Dessereau
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA, CST
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19103
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.
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.
As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I specialize in transgender-affirming therapy, navigating LGBTQ+ relationships, coming out to family and friends, self-actualization, self-love, found family and community, and navigating today’s sociopolitical landscape.
You do not have to navigate life’s challenges alone. I offer therapy for individuals (14 and older) and couples seeking help with challenging relationships, improving self-esteem, living as your authentic self, learning to set boundaries, anxiety and depression, and learning to embrace change.
As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I specialize in transgender-affirming therapy, navigating LGBTQ+ relationships, coming out to family and friends, self-actualization, self-love, found family and community, and navigating today’s sociopolitical landscape.
You do not have to navigate life’s challenges alone. I offer therapy for individuals (14 and older) and couples seeking help with challenging relationships, improving self-esteem, living as your authentic self, learning to set boundaries, anxiety and depression, and learning to embrace change.
Jacob serves as the clinical director for Therapy Center of Philadelphia (TCP), where he and his supervisees specialize in providing mental healthcare for people who identify as transgender/non-binary/gender expansive, as well as the larger LGBTQIA+ communities and their families.
TCP helps people co-construct an atmosphere in which they can share their stories, expand their relationships, and find their power in a way that aligns with their values. Jacob also believes in the healing magic of art, music, gaming, fandom, pets, humor, and questioning everything, all of which he considers important to both therapy and supervision.
Jacob serves as the clinical director for Therapy Center of Philadelphia (TCP), where he and his supervisees specialize in providing mental healthcare for people who identify as transgender/non-binary/gender expansive, as well as the larger LGBTQIA+ communities and their families.
TCP helps people co-construct an atmosphere in which they can share their stories, expand their relationships, and find their power in a way that aligns with their values. Jacob also believes in the healing magic of art, music, gaming, fandom, pets, humor, and questioning everything, all of which he considers important to both therapy and supervision.
As a HAES-oriented therapist I honor bodies of all shapes and sizes, and enjoy working with folks who struggle with body image, disordered eating, and gender dysphoria.
I believe in a trauma-informed approach that views clients through various lenses, and considers social, cultural, and systematic influences. I offer an inclusive space that explores how identity, oppression, and/or marginalization plays a role in one’s perception of themselves and their outlook on healing and recovery. As a mindfulness-based therapist, my perspective focuses on your present experience as a practice that supports you in cultivating an awareness of your thoughts, reactions, and relational patterns.
As a HAES-oriented therapist I honor bodies of all shapes and sizes, and enjoy working with folks who struggle with body image, disordered eating, and gender dysphoria.
I believe in a trauma-informed approach that views clients through various lenses, and considers social, cultural, and systematic influences. I offer an inclusive space that explores how identity, oppression, and/or marginalization plays a role in one’s perception of themselves and their outlook on healing and recovery. As a mindfulness-based therapist, my perspective focuses on your present experience as a practice that supports you in cultivating an awareness of your thoughts, reactions, and relational patterns.
My name is Levi (they/them), I am a non-binary, transmasculine transgender therapist working from a trauma-informed, IFS lense.
I provide an affirming and accepting relationship within which you will find support to examine your experiences and goals. My practice is person-centered, and queer, trans, kink and body-positive. I use tools from EMDR and IFS to go deep, find emotional release, and provide stabilizing positive experiences around trauma processing.
My name is Levi (they/them), I am a non-binary, transmasculine transgender therapist working from a trauma-informed, IFS lense.
I provide an affirming and accepting relationship within which you will find support to examine your experiences and goals. My practice is person-centered, and queer, trans, kink and body-positive. I use tools from EMDR and IFS to go deep, find emotional release, and provide stabilizing positive experiences around trauma processing.
As a queer transgender man, I know how it feels to be a person in process, claiming what is right and real for me, and having the courage to break free of others’ expectations.
Pain brings people to therapy. Whether grief, shame, or trauma, the past lives in the body and impacts your perspective and choices, often leading to isolation. Therapy brings you back into connection. Through EMDR and IFS approaches, I will support you in healing old wounds, building loving relationships with yourself and your loved ones, and transforming your pain into compassion and resilience. I believe therapy provides a safe space to unpack the internal and external pressures that determine how you show up in the world, and to explore what feels authentic to you. You will find you can live more joyfully in the present.
As a queer transgender man, I know how it feels to be a person in process, claiming what is right and real for me, and having the courage to break free of others’ expectations.
Pain brings people to therapy. Whether grief, shame, or trauma, the past lives in the body and impacts your perspective and choices, often leading to isolation. Therapy brings you back into connection. Through EMDR and IFS approaches, I will support you in healing old wounds, building loving relationships with yourself and your loved ones, and transforming your pain into compassion and resilience. I believe therapy provides a safe space to unpack the internal and external pressures that determine how you show up in the world, and to explore what feels authentic to you. You will find you can live more joyfully in the present.
As a queer transgender person, I am thankful to be able to give back to my community as an out therapist.
In therapy with me, I will help you understand your relationship patterns and empower you to make autonomous, well thought-out decisions in your life, as well as get relief from your symptoms and generally cope better. Coming from a somatic and trauma-informed background means I deeply appreciate the ways our bodies carry the potential for healing.
As a queer transgender person, I am thankful to be able to give back to my community as an out therapist.
In therapy with me, I will help you understand your relationship patterns and empower you to make autonomous, well thought-out decisions in your life, as well as get relief from your symptoms and generally cope better. Coming from a somatic and trauma-informed background means I deeply appreciate the ways our bodies carry the potential for healing.
Books include: The Puerto Rican Syndrome (Gradiva Award; Boyer Prize), Please Select Your Gender, Transgender Psychoanalysis, Psychoanalysis in the Barrios (Gradiva Award).
In my practice (in Philadelphia and New York) I offer a welcoming setting and provide a safe space for your pain 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 30+ years and I have found that words can hurt, words can make people sick, but words can also save. Talking cures.
Books include: The Puerto Rican Syndrome (Gradiva Award; Boyer Prize), Please Select Your Gender, Transgender Psychoanalysis, Psychoanalysis in the Barrios (Gradiva Award).
In my practice (in Philadelphia and New York) I offer a welcoming setting and provide a safe space for your pain 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 30+ years and I have found that words can hurt, words can make people sick, but words can also save. Talking cures.
Grace Molloy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, ESFT
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19129
Waitlist for new clients
I am an LGBTQ-affirming and neurodivergent-affirming therapist who specializes in working with teen, young adult, and family clients around symptoms of depression, Autism, gender dysphoria, and trauma.
In my therapy space, I aim to create a warm and open environment to explore your strengths and needs. I enjoy bringing my full personality into the therapy space through humor, reflection, and self-awareness. I am a fierce advocate for my clients and strive to reconnect them with their families (biological, adoptive, and found) and communities.
I am an LGBTQ-affirming and neurodivergent-affirming therapist who specializes in working with teen, young adult, and family clients around symptoms of depression, Autism, gender dysphoria, and trauma.
In my therapy space, I aim to create a warm and open environment to explore your strengths and needs. I enjoy bringing my full personality into the therapy space through humor, reflection, and self-awareness. I am a fierce advocate for my clients and strive to reconnect them with their families (biological, adoptive, and found) and communities.
I have completed Gottman Method Couples Therapy Level 1 and received a certificate for Advanced Training in Affirmative Therapy for Transgender Communities.
Welcome! I’m Joe - a therapist in private practice in Philadelphia. In 2019, I earned my M.S. in Clinical and Counseling Psychology with a concentration in Diverse and Underserved Populations. I am currently earning my Ph.D in Human Sexuality, concentrating on Sex Therapy. I have a passion for working with individuals and couples of diverse backgrounds on personal and relational issues. I specialize in supporting neurodivergent, LGBTQ+ folx, and individuals with disabilities.
As a neurodivergent and non-binary person, I understand firsthand the challenges of navigating a world that isn’t always designed with us in mind.
I have completed Gottman Method Couples Therapy Level 1 and received a certificate for Advanced Training in Affirmative Therapy for Transgender Communities.
Welcome! I’m Joe - a therapist in private practice in Philadelphia. In 2019, I earned my M.S. in Clinical and Counseling Psychology with a concentration in Diverse and Underserved Populations. I am currently earning my Ph.D in Human Sexuality, concentrating on Sex Therapy. I have a passion for working with individuals and couples of diverse backgrounds on personal and relational issues. I specialize in supporting neurodivergent, LGBTQ+ folx, and individuals with disabilities.
As a neurodivergent and non-binary person, I understand firsthand the challenges of navigating a world that isn’t always designed with us in mind.
Meet Our Transgender Therapists
I have helped clients address struggles with anxiety, depression, self-injury, low self-esteem, lesbian/gay/bisexual & transgender identity issues, family relationship difficulties, religious traumas, & eating disorders / negative body image.
Accepting new clients! Insurance-covered TeleHealth-Psychotherapy in 43 states & self-pay treatment nationwide! Contact me to have your health insurance benefits verified.
It takes strength & courage to acknowledge personal shortcomings, painful experiences, & life stressors. I commend you for seeking professional help & I would be honored to be part of your journey of healing & self-improvement. I'm a licensed clinical psychologist, lesbian, & woman of color.
I have helped clients address struggles with anxiety, depression, self-injury, low self-esteem, lesbian/gay/bisexual & transgender identity issues, family relationship difficulties, religious traumas, & eating disorders / negative body image.
Accepting new clients! Insurance-covered TeleHealth-Psychotherapy in 43 states & self-pay treatment nationwide! Contact me to have your health insurance benefits verified.
It takes strength & courage to acknowledge personal shortcomings, painful experiences, & life stressors. I commend you for seeking professional help & I would be honored to be part of your journey of healing & self-improvement. I'm a licensed clinical psychologist, lesbian, & woman of color.
Sara Edwards
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC, CCTP-II
Verified Verified
12 Endorsed
Serves Area
Maybe you are looking for a therapist for a sexuality concern, sex therapy, sexual pain, trauma, or for transgender-affirming care.
I am trained and licensed as a professional counselor, with an additional degree in human sexuality. I have a humanistic, CBT, and mindfulness background, and am also certified to treat complex trauma (C-PTSD). I see all sorts of people, and specialize in working with trans and NB folks, and treating women who experience sexual pain and painful sex.
Maybe you are looking for a therapist for a sexuality concern, sex therapy, sexual pain, trauma, or for transgender-affirming care.
I am trained and licensed as a professional counselor, with an additional degree in human sexuality. I have a humanistic, CBT, and mindfulness background, and am also certified to treat complex trauma (C-PTSD). I see all sorts of people, and specialize in working with trans and NB folks, and treating women who experience sexual pain and painful sex.
You 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'm a LGBTQIA+ and relationship affirming, racial justice-oriented therapist. I integrate a variety of approaches while utilizing humor and pulling from my own personal experiences when appropriate (and when given permission). I want to help you identity and demolish any barriers in your path that are getting in the way of you being your most authentic self.
You 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'm a LGBTQIA+ and relationship affirming, racial justice-oriented therapist. I integrate a variety of approaches while utilizing humor and pulling from my own personal experiences when appropriate (and when given permission). I want to help you identity and demolish any barriers in your path that are getting in the way of you being your most authentic self.
I am passionate about accessible care for couples, women, queer individuals, and transgender folks.
Hi there! I’m Emmarose (She/Her), and I’m a sex & relationship therapist passionate about helping individuals and partners connect, grow, and thrive. Whether you’re looking to reignite the spark in your relationship, explore your sexuality, navigate new gender expression, or embrace your true self unapologetically, I’m here to create a space where all parts of you are celebrated. As a proud queer woman, I know how important it is to feel seen and understood in therapy. I approach my work with curiosity, compassion, and a good dose of humor because healing doesn’t have to feel heavy all the time.
I am passionate about accessible care for couples, women, queer individuals, and transgender folks.
Hi there! I’m Emmarose (She/Her), and I’m a sex & relationship therapist passionate about helping individuals and partners connect, grow, and thrive. Whether you’re looking to reignite the spark in your relationship, explore your sexuality, navigate new gender expression, or embrace your true self unapologetically, I’m here to create a space where all parts of you are celebrated. As a proud queer woman, I know how important it is to feel seen and understood in therapy. I approach my work with curiosity, compassion, and a good dose of humor because healing doesn’t have to feel heavy all the time.
I come to my work not merely as an outsider with expertise, but as a neurodivergent and transgender individual myself who has lived experience navigating many of the issues I work to help others heal from.
When we are facing life stressors, we often focus on addressing the immediate symptoms. This can be very adaptive. However, if we only ever focus on the immediate symptoms of our struggles, then we may never recognize or have the possibility of healing the cause of our pain. I believe that therapy provides a powerful space to explore, understand, and ultimately heal the root causes of our struggles. I approach my work with insight from a variety of therapeutic frameworks, including Narrative Therapy, IFS, Solution Focused Therapy, & Attachment Theory. I am also formally trained in EMDR which I can incorporate into therapy.
I come to my work not merely as an outsider with expertise, but as a neurodivergent and transgender individual myself who has lived experience navigating many of the issues I work to help others heal from.
When we are facing life stressors, we often focus on addressing the immediate symptoms. This can be very adaptive. However, if we only ever focus on the immediate symptoms of our struggles, then we may never recognize or have the possibility of healing the cause of our pain. I believe that therapy provides a powerful space to explore, understand, and ultimately heal the root causes of our struggles. I approach my work with insight from a variety of therapeutic frameworks, including Narrative Therapy, IFS, Solution Focused Therapy, & Attachment Theory. I am also formally trained in EMDR which I can incorporate into therapy.
I also support transgender/non-binary individuals explore how social or medical transitions impact their sexuality and relationships.
While my specialization lies in sex therapy, I'm a therapist for all. Whether you are navigating trauma, anxiety, exploring your identity/sexuality, or addressing relationship challenges, I help people connect with their desires and find new ways to communicate. I work with individuals, couples, polycules, friends, and families.
I also support transgender/non-binary individuals explore how social or medical transitions impact their sexuality and relationships.
While my specialization lies in sex therapy, I'm a therapist for all. Whether you are navigating trauma, anxiety, exploring your identity/sexuality, or addressing relationship challenges, I help people connect with their desires and find new ways to communicate. I work with individuals, couples, polycules, friends, and families.
I specialize in the following: Queer and Transgender issues, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, Anxiety, Depression, Adolescent and Young Adult Issues, Stress Management, Aging, Grief Counseling
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor who has been working in the field since 2017. I have had the opportunity to work with clients one-on-one and in groups, and have been fortunate to work with a diverse range of peoples in a diverse range of settings. I work primarily from a Feminist Psychotherapeutic lens and incorporate multiple modalities as needed.
I specialize in the following: Queer and Transgender issues, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, Anxiety, Depression, Adolescent and Young Adult Issues, Stress Management, Aging, Grief Counseling
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor who has been working in the field since 2017. I have had the opportunity to work with clients one-on-one and in groups, and have been fortunate to work with a diverse range of peoples in a diverse range of settings. I work primarily from a Feminist Psychotherapeutic lens and incorporate multiple modalities as needed.
Penny Orr
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC-S, ATR-BC, ATCS, RPT
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19103
I am a parent of a transgender child of whom I am proud.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, stressed or anxious? Through stress management, identity exploration, mindfulness, and active listening, I hope that I can help you to understand yourself better, love yourself more and manage your feelings and behaviors better. I use a combination of counseling, art therapy, play therapy, and pet therapy(depending on interest and age) to help you to be comfortable with the person that you are instead of the person you think you should be.
I am a parent of a transgender child of whom I am proud.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, stressed or anxious? Through stress management, identity exploration, mindfulness, and active listening, I hope that I can help you to understand yourself better, love yourself more and manage your feelings and behaviors better. I use a combination of counseling, art therapy, play therapy, and pet therapy(depending on interest and age) to help you to be comfortable with the person that you are instead of the person you think you should be.
Hoping to heal as a neurodivergent queer or transgender person?
In the space we share, I see every client within their systemic context, holding the impact of social, cultural, and relational forces while we navigate through concerns. My multicultural, feminist approach centers on anti-racism and the specific needs of 2SLGBTQ+ adults. My clients can expect to be seen and affirmed as we work together toward healing.
Hoping to heal as a neurodivergent queer or transgender person?
In the space we share, I see every client within their systemic context, holding the impact of social, cultural, and relational forces while we navigate through concerns. My multicultural, feminist approach centers on anti-racism and the specific needs of 2SLGBTQ+ adults. My clients can expect to be seen and affirmed as we work together toward healing.
See more therapy options for Philadelphia
Nearby Transgender Therapists Searches for Philadelphia
- Ardmore
- Bala Cynwyd
- Cheltenham
- Drexel Hill
- Elkins Park
- Lansdowne
- Manayunk
- Merion Station
- Narberth
- Upper Darby
- Wyncote
- Wynnewood
Transgender Therapists
As a gender-diverse individual, why might I want to see a therapist who is also gender diverse?
A trans or gender-diverse client may want to see a therapist who is also trans or gender diverse because the client may feel safer sharing their experiences and more confident that the therapist will understand, validate, and support them. But trans or gender-diverse clients can also benefit from therapy with cisgender therapists; this is a personal decision based on the connection between the client and the therapist, and if that connection is strong, therapy will be successful.
What if I cannot find a therapist who shares my gender identity?
Therapy can still be effective if a therapist does not share a client’s gender identity; a large body of research indicates that the most important factor in successful therapy is the therapeutic alliance. A therapist can also be interviewed for sensitivity and competence on gender identity and expression to ensure they possess appropriate knowledge and skills. Many therapists have excellent training and extensive experience working with gender-diverse clients, and that expertise can be invaluable despite a therapist not sharing the same firsthand experiences.
How can I recognize a good therapist for working with gender-diverse clients?
An experienced therapist should be able to help clients explore their gender identity and expression, alleviate discomfort related to their gender identity, treat mental health challenges and trauma, address existing relationships and communication with family members and loved ones, and determine the next steps pertaining to nonmedical or medical gender-affirming interventions. To recognize a good therapist, clients can ask about these topics and explore their comfort and connection with the clinician.
How might I inquire about a therapist’s experience working with transgender clients?
Clients should feel comfortable asking therapists directly about their experience working with transgender or gender-diverse clientele. For example, clients may ask about the therapist’s training and education with regard to gender identity, how many trans clients they’ve worked with in the past, and what sorts of matters were discussed. You may wish to inquire how a therapist specifically supports the needs of transgender clients or clients questioning their gender identity. A good clinician who is nonetheless not the right fit for you is often happy to make referrals to others based on the concerns you articulate in a preliminary conversation.