LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Buckingham County, VA
Are you ready to feel empowered and notice you feel most relaxed with animals and in nature? Perhaps, traditional-talk therapy doesn't feel quite right for you and you're curious about an experiential approach to heal and grow. When working with me and our amazing animals (horses, goats, dogs) on the farm, you can anticipate learning to leverage your strengths, building resilience and finding meaning through challenges. I provide care for children, adolescents, adults and families, many of whom need help with anxiety, depression, stress, panic attacks, trauma, PTSD, grief, ADHD, family issues, and coping with disease and disability.
Are you ready to feel empowered and notice you feel most relaxed with animals and in nature? Perhaps, traditional-talk therapy doesn't feel quite right for you and you're curious about an experiential approach to heal and grow. When working with me and our amazing animals (horses, goats, dogs) on the farm, you can anticipate learning to leverage your strengths, building resilience and finding meaning through challenges. I provide care for children, adolescents, adults and families, many of whom need help with anxiety, depression, stress, panic attacks, trauma, PTSD, grief, ADHD, family issues, and coping with disease and disability.
I have experience working with children, adolescents, young adults, and older adults. While I use a variety of approaches (including AEDP, Existential Theory, Attachment Theory, EFT, and DBT), ultimately I like to let our work together inform which approach suits our time best. I am knowledgeable about trauma-informed practice and bring a lot of my own life experiences into the sessions, through my work as a teacher, professional firefighter, and professionaI musician.
I have experience working with children, adolescents, young adults, and older adults. While I use a variety of approaches (including AEDP, Existential Theory, Attachment Theory, EFT, and DBT), ultimately I like to let our work together inform which approach suits our time best. I am knowledgeable about trauma-informed practice and bring a lot of my own life experiences into the sessions, through my work as a teacher, professional firefighter, and professionaI musician.
Online Therapists
Mx. Lauren Johnson— OCD, I-CBT, & LGBTQ
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
13 Endorsed
Online Only
Many of my clients are neurodivergent & LGBTQIA+ folks who’ve spent years trying to make sense of intrusive thoughts that confuse & disturb them.
For some, exposure therapy isn't the right fit. Inference-Based CBT (I-CBT) offers a cognitive approach focused on understanding how OCD’s reasoning works, not forcing exposures. OCD pulls your attention to imagined possibilities, away from what you know. Together, we learn to recognize these shifts & rebuild trust in yourself, your senses, & your judgment.
Many of my clients are neurodivergent & LGBTQIA+ folks who’ve spent years trying to make sense of intrusive thoughts that confuse & disturb them.
For some, exposure therapy isn't the right fit. Inference-Based CBT (I-CBT) offers a cognitive approach focused on understanding how OCD’s reasoning works, not forcing exposures. OCD pulls your attention to imagined possibilities, away from what you know. Together, we learn to recognize these shifts & rebuild trust in yourself, your senses, & your judgment.
I’m queer-affirming, neurodivergence-friendly, and I won’t leave you alone with “insight” that doesn’t change anything.
If you’ve been “holding it together” while feeling anxious, numb, or stuck in the same loops, I get it. You get through the day, then crash—overthinking, doom-scrolling, or feeling weirdly numb. Maybe you’ve been carrying old trauma, masking neurodivergent traits, or feeling directionless while your needs stay unspoken and unmet. You want your energy back, steadier moods, and a life that feels like yours—not just one you’re getting through. If any of that resonates with you, I think I can help.
I’m queer-affirming, neurodivergence-friendly, and I won’t leave you alone with “insight” that doesn’t change anything.
If you’ve been “holding it together” while feeling anxious, numb, or stuck in the same loops, I get it. You get through the day, then crash—overthinking, doom-scrolling, or feeling weirdly numb. Maybe you’ve been carrying old trauma, masking neurodivergent traits, or feeling directionless while your needs stay unspoken and unmet. You want your energy back, steadier moods, and a life that feels like yours—not just one you’re getting through. If any of that resonates with you, I think I can help.
Jess
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
1 Endorsed
Charlottesville, VA 22911
Waitlist for new clients
If you’re looking for a trauma therapist in Charlottesville, VA who is collaborative, queer-affirming, and slow paced, I offer a steady and collaborative space for healing.
Welcome! Based in Charlottesville, VA, I specialize in treating symptoms of trauma in adults and teens. Many clients I work with are rebuilding a sense of felt safety and autonomy after relationships where their choices, voice, or boundaries were repeatedly undermined.
I’m a direct therapist, but I work gently and with intention. Trauma therapy isn’t about pushing or reliving everything at once, but instead about slowing down and working within your capacity. We’ll move at a pace that prioritizes your safety and agency, especially if past relationships made it hard to trust your own instincts.
If you’re looking for a trauma therapist in Charlottesville, VA who is collaborative, queer-affirming, and slow paced, I offer a steady and collaborative space for healing.
Welcome! Based in Charlottesville, VA, I specialize in treating symptoms of trauma in adults and teens. Many clients I work with are rebuilding a sense of felt safety and autonomy after relationships where their choices, voice, or boundaries were repeatedly undermined.
I’m a direct therapist, but I work gently and with intention. Trauma therapy isn’t about pushing or reliving everything at once, but instead about slowing down and working within your capacity. We’ll move at a pace that prioritizes your safety and agency, especially if past relationships made it hard to trust your own instincts.
We get to know the whole person; Instead of seeing problems to fix, we see people in need of remembering they are already whole. Whether you are caught in cycles that leave you exhausted, want better relationships but find them splintering, and/or find yourself shutting down or shutting off – you don’t have to suffer in silence. Nor do you have to suffer alone. Our identities often intersect with our struggles and our strengths. We'll meet you where you're at, and help you get where you're going. No matter where you are on your journey of becoming – together healing is possible.
We get to know the whole person; Instead of seeing problems to fix, we see people in need of remembering they are already whole. Whether you are caught in cycles that leave you exhausted, want better relationships but find them splintering, and/or find yourself shutting down or shutting off – you don’t have to suffer in silence. Nor do you have to suffer alone. Our identities often intersect with our struggles and our strengths. We'll meet you where you're at, and help you get where you're going. No matter where you are on your journey of becoming – together healing is possible.
I specialize in working with the queer community, trauma, and substance use (you do not need to identify with any of these to see me!).
I am committed to staying up to date on the most evidence-based and effective trauma treatments for my clients. Trauma can create insidious effects on us. We can have emotional, physical, mental and physiological responses to memories and triggers. Understanding how we are impacted can help us identify goals for treatment. All of our goals are collaborative.
I specialize in working with the queer community, trauma, and substance use (you do not need to identify with any of these to see me!).
I am committed to staying up to date on the most evidence-based and effective trauma treatments for my clients. Trauma can create insidious effects on us. We can have emotional, physical, mental and physiological responses to memories and triggers. Understanding how we are impacted can help us identify goals for treatment. All of our goals are collaborative.
Warmest welcome to you! I'm a strengths-based therapist with over 20 years of diverse clinical experience. My K9 co-therapist Sicily has over 30 dog years of service in schools and care centers. The counseling and support I provide offers connection, partnership and guidance in discovering and doing what it takes to find solutions, move forward and live fully. Together we will successfully and mindfully navigate the challenges and changes you’re facing. Imagine shifting patterns, moving obstacles, changing behaviors, creating awesomeness and finding peace. You'll discover you're the expert on yourself, your life and your situation.
Warmest welcome to you! I'm a strengths-based therapist with over 20 years of diverse clinical experience. My K9 co-therapist Sicily has over 30 dog years of service in schools and care centers. The counseling and support I provide offers connection, partnership and guidance in discovering and doing what it takes to find solutions, move forward and live fully. Together we will successfully and mindfully navigate the challenges and changes you’re facing. Imagine shifting patterns, moving obstacles, changing behaviors, creating awesomeness and finding peace. You'll discover you're the expert on yourself, your life and your situation.
Emotional challenges and mental illness do not discriminate. No matter your race, orientation, gender, or religion, you matter. Open Mind Health offers a diverse group of providers who specialize in helping others find relief from a full spectrum of challenges. We offer 21 customized Wellness Tracks that address core symptoms, core life domains, & diverse populations to get the roots of emotional challenges – no one-size fits all or band aid approaches. We assess and advance your Personal Evolution so that you can become your best self. 96% of our clients rate their experience with Open Mind Health as Excellent or Very Good.
Emotional challenges and mental illness do not discriminate. No matter your race, orientation, gender, or religion, you matter. Open Mind Health offers a diverse group of providers who specialize in helping others find relief from a full spectrum of challenges. We offer 21 customized Wellness Tracks that address core symptoms, core life domains, & diverse populations to get the roots of emotional challenges – no one-size fits all or band aid approaches. We assess and advance your Personal Evolution so that you can become your best self. 96% of our clients rate their experience with Open Mind Health as Excellent or Very Good.
Lighthouse Counseling of Fredericksburg, PLC
Licensed Professional Counselor
1 Endorsed
Fredericksburg, VA 22408
Lighthouse Counseling specializes in providing quality treatment to gay/ lesbian/transgender/gender diverse persons, those whose substance use is causing problems, and those with emotion regulation problems including coping with Borderline Personality Disorder.
Lighthouse Counseling of Fredericksburg, PLC is a group practice committed to working with those who are suffering, marginalized, and feeling like no one understands. So many times, we all struggle to verbalize and contend with emotional difficulties and finding someone to walk that path with you, can be healing and hopeful. We strive to make our practice “A Place to find Hope” using evidence-based therapeutic interventions provided in a compassionate and validating environment.
Lighthouse Counseling specializes in providing quality treatment to gay/ lesbian/transgender/gender diverse persons, those whose substance use is causing problems, and those with emotion regulation problems including coping with Borderline Personality Disorder.
Lighthouse Counseling of Fredericksburg, PLC is a group practice committed to working with those who are suffering, marginalized, and feeling like no one understands. So many times, we all struggle to verbalize and contend with emotional difficulties and finding someone to walk that path with you, can be healing and hopeful. We strive to make our practice “A Place to find Hope” using evidence-based therapeutic interventions provided in a compassionate and validating environment.
I specialize in working with couples, parents, and members of the LGBTQ+ community.
I utilize a person-centered approach, focusing on each individual's lived experiences and perceptions in order to find the right approach for growth to occur. I believe that therapy can be enjoyable and does not always have to look like traditional talk therapy to be beneficial and productive. I enjoy utilizing unique, creative, and expressive techniques.
I specialize in working with couples, parents, and members of the LGBTQ+ community.
I utilize a person-centered approach, focusing on each individual's lived experiences and perceptions in order to find the right approach for growth to occur. I believe that therapy can be enjoyable and does not always have to look like traditional talk therapy to be beneficial and productive. I enjoy utilizing unique, creative, and expressive techniques.
MySpectrum Counseling & Coaching
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
5 Endorsed
North Chesterfield, VA 23236
The specialty areas of the Therapists at MySpectrum include (but are not limited to): children, adolescents, adults (any age); substance use and addiction, LGBTQ (including coming out, identity, etc.,), play therapy, art therapy, Autism, life transitions, depression, anxiety, stress management, medical issues impacting mental health, and wellbeing.
MySpectrum is an outpatient therapy practice located at 707 North Courthouse Road in North Chesterfield, Virginia. We offer outpatient counseling and coaching to any person, on any spectrum. We focus on the Autism Spectrum, Mental Health Spectrum, Substance Use Spectrum, and the Whole Life Spectrum. Our philosophy is that any person, regardless of situation, should have access to skilled Therapists who will truly meet you where you are at in your journey. To that end, each Therapist specializes in certain areas so that we can capture the needs of any person. We serve all of Virginia through Teletherapy.
The specialty areas of the Therapists at MySpectrum include (but are not limited to): children, adolescents, adults (any age); substance use and addiction, LGBTQ (including coming out, identity, etc.,), play therapy, art therapy, Autism, life transitions, depression, anxiety, stress management, medical issues impacting mental health, and wellbeing.
MySpectrum is an outpatient therapy practice located at 707 North Courthouse Road in North Chesterfield, Virginia. We offer outpatient counseling and coaching to any person, on any spectrum. We focus on the Autism Spectrum, Mental Health Spectrum, Substance Use Spectrum, and the Whole Life Spectrum. Our philosophy is that any person, regardless of situation, should have access to skilled Therapists who will truly meet you where you are at in your journey. To that end, each Therapist specializes in certain areas so that we can capture the needs of any person. We serve all of Virginia through Teletherapy.
Your mental health gets in the way of the tasks you need to do to move your life forward; maybe you struggle with loneliness. Sometimes you feel overwhelmed by a monster to-do list that spans several areas of your life; you struggle to adopt positive habits or manage negative ones; you feel paralyzed by challenges like cleaning out a storage unit, finding a job, or negotiating a bill with a health insurance company. Sometimes you get stuck in patterns of procrastination and shame. Sometimes you don't know who to trust; sometimes you struggle to manage relationships in a healthy way.
Your mental health gets in the way of the tasks you need to do to move your life forward; maybe you struggle with loneliness. Sometimes you feel overwhelmed by a monster to-do list that spans several areas of your life; you struggle to adopt positive habits or manage negative ones; you feel paralyzed by challenges like cleaning out a storage unit, finding a job, or negotiating a bill with a health insurance company. Sometimes you get stuck in patterns of procrastination and shame. Sometimes you don't know who to trust; sometimes you struggle to manage relationships in a healthy way.
I specialize in working with LGBT adults and adolescents, especially those navigating family dynamics or fertility planning.
In our work together, we will explore the challenges you may be experiencing. I offer a safe place free of judgement where you can unload and unpack. My approach integrates Solution-Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, the Gottman method, psychodynamic theory, and strength-based approaches.
I specialize in working with LGBT adults and adolescents, especially those navigating family dynamics or fertility planning.
In our work together, we will explore the challenges you may be experiencing. I offer a safe place free of judgement where you can unload and unpack. My approach integrates Solution-Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, the Gottman method, psychodynamic theory, and strength-based approaches.
I have training in LGBTQ+ Affirmative Care, Ketamine-Assisted and Psychedelic-Integrative Psychotherapy, Mindfulness, Breathwork, Somatic Integrative Internal Family Systems, and CBT.
Are you feeling dragged down by life? The Zen proverb "Let go, or be dragged" reminds us that in order to be free of suffering, we must learn to let go. I am inspired by secular Buddhism and believe that suffering is an innate human experience, not created from life's problems, but from our clinging to "the way things should be" and resisting impermanence and change. I help individuals develop acceptance through mindfulness techniques and other holistic practices. I will help you discover how to let go of unnecessary thoughts and beliefs and how to find equanimity within, even amongst the most chaotic storms.
I have training in LGBTQ+ Affirmative Care, Ketamine-Assisted and Psychedelic-Integrative Psychotherapy, Mindfulness, Breathwork, Somatic Integrative Internal Family Systems, and CBT.
Are you feeling dragged down by life? The Zen proverb "Let go, or be dragged" reminds us that in order to be free of suffering, we must learn to let go. I am inspired by secular Buddhism and believe that suffering is an innate human experience, not created from life's problems, but from our clinging to "the way things should be" and resisting impermanence and change. I help individuals develop acceptance through mindfulness techniques and other holistic practices. I will help you discover how to let go of unnecessary thoughts and beliefs and how to find equanimity within, even amongst the most chaotic storms.
Immigration Psychological Evaluations- Dr.
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, LMFT
2 Endorsed
Online Only
Navigating the immigration process can be overwhelming. Your lawyer is handling the legal side, but you’re left feeling anxious, confused, and scared. The stress of this process it’s taking its toll, and you’re searching for support, that’s where I come in. An Immigration Psychological Evaluation can provide critical support for your case. This could be the key factor in keeping your family together rather than torn apart. Whether you're seeking asylum, facing hardship, applying for a waiver, or proving the emotional impact of separation, I take the time to provide a comprehensive evaluation. You don’t have to do this alone.
Navigating the immigration process can be overwhelming. Your lawyer is handling the legal side, but you’re left feeling anxious, confused, and scared. The stress of this process it’s taking its toll, and you’re searching for support, that’s where I come in. An Immigration Psychological Evaluation can provide critical support for your case. This could be the key factor in keeping your family together rather than torn apart. Whether you're seeking asylum, facing hardship, applying for a waiver, or proving the emotional impact of separation, I take the time to provide a comprehensive evaluation. You don’t have to do this alone.
Julia Malone | CA, AZ, VA Couple & EMDR
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
11 Endorsed
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
I specialize in working with adults, couples, &parents and as a queer therapist and military spouse, I'm passionate about working with the LGBTQ+ & military community.
Feeling like "It's me, HI, I'm the problem it's me"? The anxiety and overwhelm just feel too much and you're looking for a place to unpack some painful memories from the past. As you've gotten older, navigated relationships, or have had children of your own, you have really been struggling to feel confident and find clarity in navigating life's challenges. I'm Julia and I help adults work through generational (complex) trauma alleviate their anxiety, change patterns of perfectionism, people pleasing, and codependency and connect deeply with themselves and those they love. Let's break cycles of generational trauma together!
I specialize in working with adults, couples, &parents and as a queer therapist and military spouse, I'm passionate about working with the LGBTQ+ & military community.
Feeling like "It's me, HI, I'm the problem it's me"? The anxiety and overwhelm just feel too much and you're looking for a place to unpack some painful memories from the past. As you've gotten older, navigated relationships, or have had children of your own, you have really been struggling to feel confident and find clarity in navigating life's challenges. I'm Julia and I help adults work through generational (complex) trauma alleviate their anxiety, change patterns of perfectionism, people pleasing, and codependency and connect deeply with themselves and those they love. Let's break cycles of generational trauma together!
It is vital to provide a supportive, attuned presence to help my patients work through the struggles, problems, and difficulties that have brought them into treatment. I build a relationship of trust with my patients to help them feel the support and care I have for them. Diligently exploring a patient's negative emotions and problematic relationships leads to healing. Through simple challenges, highlighting interpersonal and emotional patterns, encouragement, and honest feedback, I aim to help the patient feel the love and support needed to heal and change.
It is vital to provide a supportive, attuned presence to help my patients work through the struggles, problems, and difficulties that have brought them into treatment. I build a relationship of trust with my patients to help them feel the support and care I have for them. Diligently exploring a patient's negative emotions and problematic relationships leads to healing. Through simple challenges, highlighting interpersonal and emotional patterns, encouragement, and honest feedback, I aim to help the patient feel the love and support needed to heal and change.
You pour your morning coffee and stare off. "This is fine," you tell yourself. But this is not fine. Life feels like a gigantic dumpster fire. You're not alone: I've been there, too. Your story is sacred and deserves to be heard, held, and believed. For 8 years, I have supported teens and adults with childhood wounds, grief, religious trauma, or sexual assault in creating more confidence, balance, and comfort in their lives. I especially enjoy working with folks who are exploring their sexuality or questioning their spiritual beliefs, but these are not necessary for us to work together.
You pour your morning coffee and stare off. "This is fine," you tell yourself. But this is not fine. Life feels like a gigantic dumpster fire. You're not alone: I've been there, too. Your story is sacred and deserves to be heard, held, and believed. For 8 years, I have supported teens and adults with childhood wounds, grief, religious trauma, or sexual assault in creating more confidence, balance, and comfort in their lives. I especially enjoy working with folks who are exploring their sexuality or questioning their spiritual beliefs, but these are not necessary for us to work together.
Grab your comfiest clothes, maybe a cup of coffee. Join me in my cozy office with floor to ceiling plants, and 2 turtles, or outdoors, at your favorite spot. We'll laugh, talk and do a little therapy too. My name is Jenny and I have been a LCSW for 18 years, and practicing for 23. Your story is as individualized as your fingerprint, and I believe your therapy should be too. Take your time getting to know me and my approaches on 4RC's FB page, Instagram page (4riversjenny), or fourriverscounseling.org.
Grab your comfiest clothes, maybe a cup of coffee. Join me in my cozy office with floor to ceiling plants, and 2 turtles, or outdoors, at your favorite spot. We'll laugh, talk and do a little therapy too. My name is Jenny and I have been a LCSW for 18 years, and practicing for 23. Your story is as individualized as your fingerprint, and I believe your therapy should be too. Take your time getting to know me and my approaches on 4RC's FB page, Instagram page (4riversjenny), or fourriverscounseling.org.
See more therapy options for Buckingham County
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.