LGBTQ+ Therapists in Bellevue, WA
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OCD Treatment / Theresa
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSSW, LICSW
Verified
Verified
I'm a
queer
, neurodivergent, and affirming therapist with an anti-oppression approach.
If you're an adult or teen in Washington state suffering from OCD, I would love to hear from you! I specialize in treating OCD, and I am especially skilled in treating “rumination as a compulsion”—mental compulsions that are not visible to anyone else. I offer Exposure with Response Prevention (ERP), Inference-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (I-CBT), and Metacognitive Therapy (MCT), all of which are scientifically effective in treating OCD. I-CBT has been described as profound and a “game-changer.” This compassionate and effective psychotherapy has been changing lives in Canada and Europe for over 20 years.
Matthias Roberts
Counselor, MA, LMHCA
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
Are you trying to find a therapist who understands? When dealing with spiritual or relational harm, religious trauma, sexual shame, and/or being
queer
, navigating the world can feel complicated. Mental health issues are frustrating, anxiety and depression can feel insurmountable, and dealing with non-accepting family seems impossible. The feelings of having a good life — feelings of satisfaction, confidence, and fulfillment — are hard to find.
Luke Thao
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, LMFTA
Verified
Verified
Growing up Hmong-American (second generation),
gay
, and Christian (nondenominational, pastor’s kid), I can appreciate the intersectional experience of navigating multiple and competing identities.
I especially enjoy working with those interested in exploring: socialized masculinity and sexuality (e.g. Out of Control Sexual Behavior, desire discrepancy, body image, values and beliefs...), the specific interaction of faith/spirituality and sexuality (e.g. shame, trauma...), intersectional identity work (i.e. our complex and interacting layers as people), surviving dating, navigating life transitions, and living with anxiety (e.g. social, highly sensitive person...) and depression.
Office is near:
Bellevue, WA 98004 & Online
Dr. Annette Perales
Counselor, PhD, LMHC, LPC, NCC
Verified
Verified
Also, I have experience and passion for serving BIPOC as well as
LGBTQIA
+ individuals.
Has the pandemic impacted your mental well-being? Do you feel anxious, stuck, or disconnected? I work with individuals who deal with challenges, such as self-esteem, anxiety, trauma, relationships issues, sexuality, identity, and more. Your culture is always taken into consideration in every counseling session. Meeting you where you are currently in life is vital in building a working alliance. My goal is to create a therapeutic environment that provides unconditional support for you to feel heard in a non-judgmental approach. I believe you are the expert in your journey to healing.
Matthew Nordin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified
Verified
Choosing a therapist is one of the most important decisions you'll ever make. So take your time and make sure you choose someone who's the right fit. You're inviting one of us into your life, sharing your most intimate thoughts and emotions. Therefore, the therapist you choose should deserve your trust and be very well qualified. I'm a fully licensed therapist. I specialize in
LGBTQ
+ issues, anxiety, and helping people overcome trauma/PTSD and depression. Recently, I was invited to speak at Syracuse University about trauma's effect on journalists as well as evidence-based coping strategies, which of course I share with clients, too.
Waitlist for new clients
Dr. Keren Lehavot
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
Verified
I'm passionate about helping professionals, parents, and
LGBTQ
+ folks connect with their strength and build joy in their life.
You are overwhelmed with work-life balance, work stress, parenting, or feeling stuck. Your relationships with people who are important to you - such as your partner, children, or parents - are suffering, and you’re not quite able to assert the boundaries you need, to put yourself first, or to feel happy or in control. You feel bad about yourself, and you’re constantly depleted of energy. Perhaps you’re overwhelmed with stress related to identities that are important to you, such as your sexual identity, gender or gender identity, race, ethnicity, or religion. You know there must be another way.
Christine Davis
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
My multicultural feminist training includes anti-racism work,
LGBTQ
+ allyship, and workplace burnout prevention.
I am a psychotherapist for And Still We Rise under the supervision of Dr. Natasha Holmes. I hold a Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling Psychology from Texas Woman's University. in Denton, Texas, I believe that everyone can benefit from therapy, and that we all deserve to have a space to learn about ourselves and our relationships. I believe my clients are experts on themselves, and feel honored each time a client chooses to work with me as they grow and heal. I have a strong passion for sexual violence prevention and survivor support.
Melissa McCargar
Counselor, LSWAIC
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
As a
queer
woman I am passionate about inclusivity, equity, and justice by centering the voices and experiences of marginalized people.
I am a psychotherapist for And Still We Rise. I hold a Masters in Social Work from Texas State University. I believe that therapy is a collaborative process where clients are the experts in their own experiences, and that there are no one size fits all solutions. I understand it is important to focus on underserved communities, and I am dedicated to providing a safe, affirming space where individuals feel supported. To achieve this, my approach to therapy is evidence-based and centered in equity and justice.
Allison Sturges
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified
Verified
I also specialize in working with those who identify as
LGBTQ
+ and couples who are experiencing problems in their relationships surrounding communication, intimacy and sex.
I am accepting new clients at this time. - As a therapist, I work with individuals and couples who are seeking positive change in their life and relationships. Change can feel daunting, and finding the right person to help you through the process is important. I offer a relaxed atmosphere for therapy, where humor and lightheartedness can be incorporated into our professional relationship, when appropriate. If this appeals to you, and if you’re ready to work towards change, I may be the right therapist for you.
Randy Marinez
Counselor, MS, LMHC
Verified
Verified
Working with sexual abuse survivors and the
LGBTQ
community means that I am adept at helping clients work-through attachment issues.
I have been counseling since 1981 and opened my private practice in 1988. I have expertise in working with individuals around their history of sexual victimization, people healing from trauma and
LGBTQ
life issues. I also specialize in working with couples whether poly, open, heterosexual and/or
gay
. Included within my expertise is the breadth of issues surrounding sexuality and attachment. I also specialize in helping people become aware of and channel their emotions in a healthy way. Moreover, people who are grappling with existential issues, developmental transitions or life changes find meaning in working with me as well.
Michelle Hillar
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified
Verified
I am a special population consultant in the
LGBTQ
+ community, with training, ongoing consultations and classes.
Currently accepting new clients. Welcome! I have been working in the mental health field for many years, mostly devoted to helping treat anxiety, depression, and family issues. Mental health issues can be frightening and exhausting to deal with, so we will create goals for you to successfully achieve based on your own strengths. I believe we all have the ability within us to help heal our scars, pain, or trauma. We will work together to tap into this potential.
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Blossom Through Therapy, PLLC
Waitlist for new clients
Sar Surmick
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
I specialize in working with Polyamorous and NonMonogamous Folk,
LGBTQ
Youth, and Kinky Folk: individuals, couple, families, and group households.
As a Systemic Therapist I love helping people explore who they are, what they want, and how to get past the hurdles that get in their way. I support people around all issues of identity: how they see themselves, what parts are hidden, and how these things affect their interactions with others. I find that issues of identity are often the core of both personal dissatisfaction and conflicts with others, and so I help people explore what those are and how to work with them.
Bryia Madison
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS
Verified
Verified
I am a
queer
feminist licensed marriage and family therapist associate. I show up to my sessions as an authentic, plant loving, halloween enthusiast. In our work together we will explore and identify those themes in your life that may not serve who you are now. We live in a society with social constructs that people struggle with, Particularly my clients who are
LGBTQIA
+, and sex positive. I help separate you from the stories that are having a negative impact. What are these stories? My work, education, and passion center around finding out what those what those themes and stories are to help you work towards your goals.
Jenn Hornbeck
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LSWAIC
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I specialize in trauma treatment,
LGBTQIA
+ mental health therapy, and gender-affirming mental health therapy.
Your needs and challenges are unique to you and I am here to help support you in finding a pathway to healing. My approach to therapy is strengths-based and maintains that each person is the expert on their own lives. I use a trauma-informed approach to assess the individual needs of each person I work with. Additionally, I utilize the person-in-environment theory, which emphasizes that one’s environment plays a crucial role in their mental health and overall wellbeing. I will share with you the tools you need to succeed and provide you with support along the way.
Waitlist for new clients
Janelle Hamann
Counselor, LMHC
Verified
Verified
I love to aid individuals, couples and
LGBTQ
+ relationships, and families with achieving the change they desire through a tailored and integrative approach. It is a privilege to see my clients flourish through treatment and to provide a safe, nonjudgemental space where self-discovery and personal growth can be achieved through a strong therapeutic relationship.
Office is near:
Bellevue, WA 98004 & Online
Waitlist for new clients
Candace Hunsucker Therapeutic Services, LLC
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, SUDP
Verified
Verified
Co-Occurring populations-those with mental health and substance use issues/Families with children with behavioral health challenges,
LGBTQ
populations, gender identity issues, sexuality, polyamory/non-traditional relationships.
I offer therapeutic sessions for individuals, couples, youth, and families. I help facilitate a process where people can develop insight and understanding of what may be holding them back from wellness, joy, and personal growth. Sometimes this may involve family patterns, behaviors that are not in line with one's values, or relationships that are no longer serving you. My job is to create safety for people to share their authentic selves, honoring strengths and navigating challenges together. My intention is to honor your gifts and to expand new ways of thinking or approaching situations to better meet your goals.
Jade Sierra Callaghan
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
As a cisgender,
queer
, able-bodied, white woman with ADHD, I have the honor and privilege to work with all human beings.
Acceptance might be the first step to change, but change is hard. I aim to create a supportive, holistic, empowering, and safe setting to process and understand what is specifically challenging for you. Often, my clients feel like they “don’t belong,” stuck in unwanted behaviors or looking to understand themselves better. I believe by attuning compassionately to our bodies and minds, as well as each other, we can sense what needs to change and heal. Also, I consider myself a very real person in the therapy space, which often includes understanding, laughter, radical acceptance, forgiveness, and open and honest communication.
Akshita Vaidyanathan | Whole Valley Therapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LSWAIC
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I focus my work on meeting the needs of people of color, especially those who identify as
LGBTQIA
+, neurodivergent, polyamorous, and/or having immigrant experiences.
Afternoon Openings: Being a person of color who is part of the LGBTQIA2S+ community can feel isolating and lonely. Many individuals who hold these intersectional identities also have experiences of trauma, and this combined can make connection – with yourself, with others, with creativity & purposeful work extremely hard. Existing in this intersection – and feeling as though your values are misaligned with capitalist, patriarchal systems – is not easy. Finding a therapist that understands your experience is even harder. You want true healing and transformation, you just need to find the right support to get started or go deeper.
Dr. Alice Huang
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
Verified
I've learned much from working with people of multicultural backgrounds, as well as the
LGBT
community, Veterans & their partners, cancer patients & their family, & more.
Welcoming couples clients! Relationship problems are common, and you have taken a courageous step by seeking therapy. As one of the few psychologists specializing in couple therapy, I've supported hundreds of couples by providing effective, evidence-based treatments that scientific research has shown to bring significant and lasting improvement. My own research on relationships has been published in peer-reviewed journals, and featured here in Psychology Today, international media outlets such as Business Insider Germany, and New York Times Best Seller Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown.
Waitlist for new clients
Svetlana Shjerven
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LSWAIC
Verified
Verified
I believe in the importance of feeling connected in relationships, to our environment, and to ourselves. Addressing the “here and now” that arises during therapy allows our sessions to adapt and work with the difficult emotions or thoughts that come up, in an environment that is judgment free and safe. I specialize in working with those who are experiencing anxiety, depression, agoraphobia, trauma, life transitions, self-esteem issues, grief and chronic pain, among other issues. I am
LGBTQIA
+, gender-affirming and enjoy working with clients along the spectrum of neurodiversity and disability.
See more therapy options for
LGBTQ+ Therapists
Do LGBTQ-affirmative therapists receive special training?
Yes. Many therapists who practice LGBTQ-affirmative therapy have completed specialized training, either during their degree program or as continuing education, to learn the core principles of affirmative therapy and how to best support their LGBTQ clients; some have received certifications in LGBTQ-affirmative therapy. Prospective clients should inquire as to a clinician’s background and training to ensure a good fit.
Why might I want to see an LGBTQ-affirming or LGBTQ-friendly therapist?
Queer and gender-non-conforming individuals frequently experience bias and marginalization in day-to-day life. Working with a therapist who understands these unique challenges, as well as accepts and affirms their identity, can help LGBTQ clients feel safe and supported during therapy—allowing them to better navigate their relationships, mental health, and anything else that they wish to explore during therapy. It is important to note that many therapists can be effective in their work with LGBTQ+ individuals, even in the absence of specific training or background knowledge. The most important component in therapy is the alliance between therapist and client, and this alliance can exist between individuals with very different backgrounds.
How can I find an LGBTQ-friendly therapist?
You may wish to inquire about a therapist’s expertise with your specific challenges or concerns—depression, for example, or relationship strife—as well as their past experiences treating LGBTQ+ clients. Prospective clients may also ask whether a therapist has obtained additional training and/or certification in LGBTQ-affirmative techniques.
How can I inquire about a therapist’s experience with LGBTQ issues?
Prospective clients should feel empowered to directly ask therapists whether they have received training or been certified in LGBTQ-affirming therapy; competent therapists will be happy to explain their educational background and preferred approach(es) to help a client find the best match for them. Clients may also wish to ask how a therapist has treated clients with their particular challenges in the past and what they expect treatment to look like.
Are all the therapists listed in the LGBTQ directory themselves members of the LGBTQ community?
While therapists may choose to disclose their sexual orientation or gender identity in their profiles, the LGBTQ directory features not only those who have shared this information but also those who assert specialized training or experience in providing support to queer individuals, couples or families.