LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Salt Lake City, UT
Ashley Call
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Salt Lake City, UT 84102
I am passionate about working with the LGBTQ+ community and offering queer-affirming care.
Trying to figure out the next step can be overwhelming and lonely when we feel stuck. Whether we are trying to navigate relationships, personal and religious beliefs, or sexual/gender orientation- it can be hard! I truly believe you are the expert of your life, and believe the answers are within you. Sometimes we may know where we want to get to but feel the next steps to getting there are unsteady, unfamiliar or not even visible at the moment. Having a place to be able to emotionally process and break down realistic and meaningful steps can help to find clarity and find coping strategies that fit for you.
I am passionate about working with the LGBTQ+ community and offering queer-affirming care.
Trying to figure out the next step can be overwhelming and lonely when we feel stuck. Whether we are trying to navigate relationships, personal and religious beliefs, or sexual/gender orientation- it can be hard! I truly believe you are the expert of your life, and believe the answers are within you. Sometimes we may know where we want to get to but feel the next steps to getting there are unsteady, unfamiliar or not even visible at the moment. Having a place to be able to emotionally process and break down realistic and meaningful steps can help to find clarity and find coping strategies that fit for you.
Blue Skies Counseling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW
Verified Verified
Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Jayne started Blue Skies Counseling with the goal of helping women heal who have experienced relationship trauma. Now, as four empathic, LGBTQIA+-allied feminist therapists, our expanded goal is to help you recognize and actively dismantle felt oppression and inequity on an individual basis, including supporting people who are questioning their faith, sexuality, and gender identity. We offer a client-centered, solution-focused approach through multicultural, humanistic, existential, and relational theories in a safe, warm environment. We also use EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), SE, and other modalities to help our clients heal.
Jayne started Blue Skies Counseling with the goal of helping women heal who have experienced relationship trauma. Now, as four empathic, LGBTQIA+-allied feminist therapists, our expanded goal is to help you recognize and actively dismantle felt oppression and inequity on an individual basis, including supporting people who are questioning their faith, sexuality, and gender identity. We offer a client-centered, solution-focused approach through multicultural, humanistic, existential, and relational theories in a safe, warm environment. We also use EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), SE, and other modalities to help our clients heal.
Becky Sorensen
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Salt Lake City, UT 84124
Waitlist for new clients
My main areas of specialization are working within queer and trans communities and those who are going through faith and spirituality deconstruction/reconstruction.
My top priority as a therapist is to support people in being who they genuinely are. I am interested in the beauty which exists within the complexities of our most difficult experiences and predicaments. I try to understand these challenges as unique poetries, which can be both brutally painful and exquisitely fascinating, rather than as diagnoses or problems to be fixed. I strive to prioritize the dynamics of the therapeutic relationship as the most essential means in therapy of exploring your inner world. At times this will be challenging, at other times validating, and always coming from a place of respect for you as a person.
My main areas of specialization are working within queer and trans communities and those who are going through faith and spirituality deconstruction/reconstruction.
My top priority as a therapist is to support people in being who they genuinely are. I am interested in the beauty which exists within the complexities of our most difficult experiences and predicaments. I try to understand these challenges as unique poetries, which can be both brutally painful and exquisitely fascinating, rather than as diagnoses or problems to be fixed. I strive to prioritize the dynamics of the therapeutic relationship as the most essential means in therapy of exploring your inner world. At times this will be challenging, at other times validating, and always coming from a place of respect for you as a person.
Em Lyver
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, CSW
Verified Verified
Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Waitlist for new clients
As a queer person, I am dedicated to providing affirming support for LGBTQ+ people.
I work with teens and adults who are looking to better understand themselves, their emotions, and their relationships. My goal is to provide a supported place for discovery and growth on your terms. In our work together, I offer ideas and skills that help you move toward your goals with greater understanding and self compassion.
As a queer person, I am dedicated to providing affirming support for LGBTQ+ people.
I work with teens and adults who are looking to better understand themselves, their emotions, and their relationships. My goal is to provide a supported place for discovery and growth on your terms. In our work together, I offer ideas and skills that help you move toward your goals with greater understanding and self compassion.
Matthew Maya
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Waitlist for new clients
Hi there, I'm Matthew! For the last eight years I have worked in the mental health profession in various roles and capacities. I have been a youth mentor, a group facilitator, a child welfare worker, and have been working in family, group, and individual therapy. I have a special interest in working with LGBTQIA+ clients who are struggling with identity issues, trauma, and faith transitions. Figuring out who we are and how we belong is a difficult and sometimes challenging task, and it’s okay to ask for help.
Hi there, I'm Matthew! For the last eight years I have worked in the mental health profession in various roles and capacities. I have been a youth mentor, a group facilitator, a child welfare worker, and have been working in family, group, and individual therapy. I have a special interest in working with LGBTQIA+ clients who are struggling with identity issues, trauma, and faith transitions. Figuring out who we are and how we belong is a difficult and sometimes challenging task, and it’s okay to ask for help.
Sterling J Ingram
Pre-Licensed Professional, ACMHC
Verified Verified
Salt Lake City, UT 84111
If you find yourself stuck in the same unbreakable loop, perhaps you need new tools and unconditional support to change. Each client needs a different approach, but all clients need a confidential and judgment free zone if they are going to make real progress. I know that with trained guidance and support, you are capable of navigating any life challenge. Addiction? I will meet you where you are at and develop one on one plan back to health. I also work with non-neurotypical (ADHD, Bi-polarity, Learning Disordered) clients and enjoy helping all humans navigate faith and life transition. (LGBTQIA+ Clients)
If you find yourself stuck in the same unbreakable loop, perhaps you need new tools and unconditional support to change. Each client needs a different approach, but all clients need a confidential and judgment free zone if they are going to make real progress. I know that with trained guidance and support, you are capable of navigating any life challenge. Addiction? I will meet you where you are at and develop one on one plan back to health. I also work with non-neurotypical (ADHD, Bi-polarity, Learning Disordered) clients and enjoy helping all humans navigate faith and life transition. (LGBTQIA+ Clients)
Courtland Tapp
Counselor, ACMHC, MA
Verified Verified
Salt Lake City, UT 84105
I’m passionate about helping gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer clients in a variety of areas. I often help clients build and maintain healthy relationships, work through depression, stress, or anxiety, navigate relationships with less accepting family or friends, deal with difficulties surrounding coming out, overcome sexual challenges, and manage shame, discrimination and stigma.
I’m passionate about helping gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer clients in a variety of areas. I often help clients build and maintain healthy relationships, work through depression, stress, or anxiety, navigate relationships with less accepting family or friends, deal with difficulties surrounding coming out, overcome sexual challenges, and manage shame, discrimination and stigma.
Chris Davids
Psychologist, PhD, LP
Verified Verified
Salt Lake City, UT 84107
I have particular expertise addressing LGBT topics, men's issues, topics of identity and oppression, as well as supporting clients with relationship and interpersonal style concerns.
My PhD training as a counseling psychologist affords me flexibility to support multiple life concerns, and at the root of my work is the belief that relationships are capable of healing. I build strong alliances with those whom I serve in order to best meet client directed goals and foster sustained change. I adhere to evidence-based practices in psychology, and research evidence strongly supports the importance of building a strong therapeutic alliance. Everyone has a unique lens through which they see the world and I strive to see the world as my clients do to provide the best care.
I have particular expertise addressing LGBT topics, men's issues, topics of identity and oppression, as well as supporting clients with relationship and interpersonal style concerns.
My PhD training as a counseling psychologist affords me flexibility to support multiple life concerns, and at the root of my work is the belief that relationships are capable of healing. I build strong alliances with those whom I serve in order to best meet client directed goals and foster sustained change. I adhere to evidence-based practices in psychology, and research evidence strongly supports the importance of building a strong therapeutic alliance. Everyone has a unique lens through which they see the world and I strive to see the world as my clients do to provide the best care.
Nicolaus Garcia
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, CYT-200
Verified Verified
Salt Lake City, UT 84112
My practice focuses on LGBTQ+ and BIPOC issues relating to anxiety and depression, with an emphasis on relationships and sex. Common topics include relationship anxiety and ambivalence, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), hook-up culture, non-monogamy, kink, infidelity, and problematic sex and porn use.
My practice focuses on LGBTQ+ and BIPOC issues relating to anxiety and depression, with an emphasis on relationships and sex. Common topics include relationship anxiety and ambivalence, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), hook-up culture, non-monogamy, kink, infidelity, and problematic sex and porn use.
Joshua Bytendorp
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LCMHC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Salt Lake City, UT 84102 (Online Only)
As a queer neurodivergent (autism/ADHD) sex therapist, I provide a unique experience for my clients to be able to work through issues around sex, sexuality, trauma, religious trauma, gender dysphoria and other mental health issues. I provide a safe nonjudgmental place for those who identify as queer, neurodivergent, kinky, ENM who wants a therapist who has extensive training and understanding of the issues that you face and deal with.
As a queer neurodivergent (autism/ADHD) sex therapist, I provide a unique experience for my clients to be able to work through issues around sex, sexuality, trauma, religious trauma, gender dysphoria and other mental health issues. I provide a safe nonjudgmental place for those who identify as queer, neurodivergent, kinky, ENM who wants a therapist who has extensive training and understanding of the issues that you face and deal with.
Dr. Brett Bartruff
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, DSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Salt Lake City, UT 84107 (Online Only)
I am a proud LGBTQIA+ affirmative therapist and advocate. I aim to help clients discover and engage in a meaningful and purposeful life. The great thing about therapy and wellness is it is different for everyone and should be based on each unique individual. I focus on understanding people holistically, with particular attention on a person’s strengths, attachments, stressful/traumatic events, and cultural environment. I integrate aspects of cognitive therapy, psycho-dynamic principles, adaptive processing theory, and motivational interviewing as part of my therapeutic practice.
I am a proud LGBTQIA+ affirmative therapist and advocate. I aim to help clients discover and engage in a meaningful and purposeful life. The great thing about therapy and wellness is it is different for everyone and should be based on each unique individual. I focus on understanding people holistically, with particular attention on a person’s strengths, attachments, stressful/traumatic events, and cultural environment. I integrate aspects of cognitive therapy, psycho-dynamic principles, adaptive processing theory, and motivational interviewing as part of my therapeutic practice.
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Abigail Camille Anderson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Salt Lake City, UT 84104
I specialize in working with children and adolescents, as well as with LGBTQ youth and adults.
Living authentically requires courage. Sometimes past experiences can feel like a barrier that has to be removed or denied. My practice focuses on honoring the life that has shaped you, and empowering you to use those formative incidents to understand and grow into your truest self. My approach is collaborative, holistic and creative. I work with a variety of treatment styles to support my clients to go deeper into self-knowledge and self-acceptance. Modern life presents sometimes-complicated and difficult situations My job is to empower you to respond to those opportunities from a realistic, authentic self.
I specialize in working with children and adolescents, as well as with LGBTQ youth and adults.
Living authentically requires courage. Sometimes past experiences can feel like a barrier that has to be removed or denied. My practice focuses on honoring the life that has shaped you, and empowering you to use those formative incidents to understand and grow into your truest self. My approach is collaborative, holistic and creative. I work with a variety of treatment styles to support my clients to go deeper into self-knowledge and self-acceptance. Modern life presents sometimes-complicated and difficult situations My job is to empower you to respond to those opportunities from a realistic, authentic self.
Brysen Bocchino
Counselor, CMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
Salt Lake City, UT 84118
Additionally, I particularly enjoy working with clients who identify as members of the LGBTQ+ community (as I too identify as a member myself).
I believe in a holistic approach to therapy, and I do my best to ensure that treatment is tailored specifically to each client. As a therapist, I emphasize the therapeutic relationship between the client and therapist, as I believe that this the foundation and key to successful therapy.
Additionally, I particularly enjoy working with clients who identify as members of the LGBTQ+ community (as I too identify as a member myself).
I believe in a holistic approach to therapy, and I do my best to ensure that treatment is tailored specifically to each client. As a therapist, I emphasize the therapeutic relationship between the client and therapist, as I believe that this the foundation and key to successful therapy.
Trevor Gates-Crandall
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Salt Lake City, UT 84101 (Online Only)
I am a social work educator and clinical social worker who specializes in practice with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer+ people.
I use a solution-focused and person-centered approach, and work best with people who enjoy finding creative solutions to what's bothering them. Most of my clients are interested in being goal-focused, constructing meaningful solutions, identifying appropriate community resources, and engaging in respectful and collaborative dialogue.
I am a social work educator and clinical social worker who specializes in practice with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer+ people.
I use a solution-focused and person-centered approach, and work best with people who enjoy finding creative solutions to what's bothering them. Most of my clients are interested in being goal-focused, constructing meaningful solutions, identifying appropriate community resources, and engaging in respectful and collaborative dialogue.
Tyler Lefevor
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Salt Lake City, UT 84104
I am passionate about helping gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer clients in a variety of areas. I often help clients build and maintain healthy relationships, work through depression, stress, or anxiety, navigate relationships with less accepting family or friends, deal with difficulties surrounding coming out, overcome sexual challenges, and manage shame, discrimination and stigma. I frequently write letters of support for transgender or gender non-conforming individuals who wish to gain access to hormone replacement therapy or surgeries.
I am passionate about helping gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer clients in a variety of areas. I often help clients build and maintain healthy relationships, work through depression, stress, or anxiety, navigate relationships with less accepting family or friends, deal with difficulties surrounding coming out, overcome sexual challenges, and manage shame, discrimination and stigma. I frequently write letters of support for transgender or gender non-conforming individuals who wish to gain access to hormone replacement therapy or surgeries.
Jace Taylor
Pre-Licensed Professional, ACMHC-i
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Salt Lake City, UT 84101
Waitlist for new clients
As a nonbinary individual who is also neurodivergent, I understand some of the unique challenges that both the LGBTQIA+ community and the neurodivergent community experience.
By defining our own meaning within our lives, we can understand what it means for us to think, feel, and act like our authentic selves. I am passionate about understanding the needs, values, and unique experiences of every single client. I want to help empower you to be your own agent of change as I support you through whatever challenges that you are facing within your life. I want to give you the time to process your feelings and gain insight within a safe space that is grounded in affirmation, is accepting, and is dynamically tailored to your unique needs.
As a nonbinary individual who is also neurodivergent, I understand some of the unique challenges that both the LGBTQIA+ community and the neurodivergent community experience.
By defining our own meaning within our lives, we can understand what it means for us to think, feel, and act like our authentic selves. I am passionate about understanding the needs, values, and unique experiences of every single client. I want to help empower you to be your own agent of change as I support you through whatever challenges that you are facing within your life. I want to give you the time to process your feelings and gain insight within a safe space that is grounded in affirmation, is accepting, and is dynamically tailored to your unique needs.
Jessie Buter
Counselor, ACMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Salt Lake City, UT 84111
I believe that we can solve problems by creating new solutions and coping strategies to promote positive change and growth. My goal is to assist you in your personal growth by creating a safe, non-judgmental, and affirming space. I specialize in working with adolescents, young adults, and adults experiencing life transitions, depression/mood disorders, trauma, relationship and family dynamics, and LGBTQIA+ issues.
I believe that we can solve problems by creating new solutions and coping strategies to promote positive change and growth. My goal is to assist you in your personal growth by creating a safe, non-judgmental, and affirming space. I specialize in working with adolescents, young adults, and adults experiencing life transitions, depression/mood disorders, trauma, relationship and family dynamics, and LGBTQIA+ issues.
Michelle Anklan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Salt Lake City, UT 84101 (Online Only)
I work with women, trans, non-binary, and gender diverse/non-conforming clients ages 18+ and will support you in exploring your identity, values, and/or relational patterns, as well as working to manage anxiety, depression, or navigating life changes. I specialize in working with members of the queer community, as well as those who practice "alternative" sexualities including ethical non-monogamy, kink, and BDSM relationships.
I work with women, trans, non-binary, and gender diverse/non-conforming clients ages 18+ and will support you in exploring your identity, values, and/or relational patterns, as well as working to manage anxiety, depression, or navigating life changes. I specialize in working with members of the queer community, as well as those who practice "alternative" sexualities including ethical non-monogamy, kink, and BDSM relationships.
Lara LaBar
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS, AMFT
Verified Verified
Salt Lake City, UT 84111
As a queer ex-LDS woman, I recognize that it can be challenging in Utah to find a therapist who feels "safe enough" to open up to in therapy.
What values would you like to be moving towards in your life? What are you hoping to move away from? I love supporting humans who are attempting to answer these questions. I specialize in supporting folks who are exploring sexual concerns (I am kink and ENM competent and affirming), individuals and couples exploring non-traditional relationships, queer & gender-diverse folks, and people who are navigating major life transitions like faith crises and divorce.
As a queer ex-LDS woman, I recognize that it can be challenging in Utah to find a therapist who feels "safe enough" to open up to in therapy.
What values would you like to be moving towards in your life? What are you hoping to move away from? I love supporting humans who are attempting to answer these questions. I specialize in supporting folks who are exploring sexual concerns (I am kink and ENM competent and affirming), individuals and couples exploring non-traditional relationships, queer & gender-diverse folks, and people who are navigating major life transitions like faith crises and divorce.
Dr. Jessie Smith
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Salt Lake City, UT 84101 (Online Only)
Through working on empowerment, from a feminist and queer theory lens, I help the client learn that they are in charge of their lives outside of therapy.
I believe people possess the strength and ability to move towards growth. I believe everyone has potential - potential to be their best self, potential for power, strength, and resiliency. Sometimes life struggles get in the way of allowing full potential to develop. There often comes a time when an added layer of support allows us to thrive and shine. This is where I can help. I specialize in women's mental health (child-free by choice, career advancement & difficulties, relational dynamics, high-power positions, personal growth focus), and LGBTQ+, transgender, and non-binary focused care, including surgery support letters.
Through working on empowerment, from a feminist and queer theory lens, I help the client learn that they are in charge of their lives outside of therapy.
I believe people possess the strength and ability to move towards growth. I believe everyone has potential - potential to be their best self, potential for power, strength, and resiliency. Sometimes life struggles get in the way of allowing full potential to develop. There often comes a time when an added layer of support allows us to thrive and shine. This is where I can help. I specialize in women's mental health (child-free by choice, career advancement & difficulties, relational dynamics, high-power positions, personal growth focus), and LGBTQ+, transgender, and non-binary focused care, including surgery support letters.
See more therapy options for Salt Lake City
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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.