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LGBT therapists in West Hartford, CT

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Top LGBT-friendly therapists and psychiatrists in West Hartford, CT

Find affirming mental health support in West Hartford with 373 licensed providers who understand LGBTQIA experiences. Headway connects you with warm, open-minded therapists offering flexible virtual or in-person sessions, with many clients saving 75% through insurance.

Dr. Douglas Zelisko

Dr. Douglas Zelisko

Psychiatrist

Virtual & in-person • <1 mi away • West Hartford, CT


I am Dr. Douglas Zelisko (often affectionately referred to as "Dr. Z"), a Board-Certified Psychiatrist dedicated to holistic and integrative mental health care. My educational background includes degrees from Amherst College and St. George's University School of Medicine, followed by a Psychiatry residency at the UConn School of Medicine.

I specialize in treating adults with a wide range of issues, specifically:

  • Anxiety and Depression
  • Trauma
  • Grief and Loss
  • Relationship Issues
  • Focus / ADHD
  • Physical ailments related to mental health

My practice is unique in that I combine traditional psychiatric expertise with holistic methods to treat the "whole you"—mind, body, and spirit—rather than just addressing symptoms.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Affirming, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Robin Nichols

Robin Nichols

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 1.4 mi away • Hartford, CT


“I provide a warm, relaxed, and empathetic environment where clients can explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors without fear of judgment.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Creative, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Mekessia Richards-Carby

Mekessia Richards-Carby

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual & in-person • 1.4 mi away • Hartford, CT


“Understanding mental health is influenced by many factors; I work with my patients to explore their biology, psychology, and environment to better care for their mental health needs.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Lisa Turner

Lisa Turner

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 4.7 mi away • Bloomfield, CT


“I have a passion for helping & having empathy for others along with a strong desire to fight injustices.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Empowering, Holistic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Hanna Levesque

Hanna Levesque

Therapist

In-person • 4.2 mi away • Avon, CT


Do you like horses? I believe healing happens in relationships, with ourselves, with others, and with the natural world around us. My path to becoming a therapist has always been rooted in a deep respect for both human resilience and the calming, grounding presence of animals.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with both a Bachelor's and a Master’s degree in Social Work (a minor in Criminology) and over seven years of clinical experience supporting individuals across a variety of settings, including private practice, forensic social work, residential programs, telehealth, and community outreach. Throughout my career, I have worked alongside adolescents and adults navigating anxiety, trauma, depression, life transitions, emotional regulation challenges, and relationship stress. I also have experience supporting individuals involved in the legal system, which has deepened my understanding of how stress, environment, and personal history shape behavior and coping.

Hanna’s Healing Hounds & Hooves, LLC was created from my vision of offering therapy that extends beyond the traditional office setting. As a certified equine-assisted psychotherapy provider, I integrate nature-based and somatic approaches to help clients reconnect with their bodies, build emotional awareness, and develop healthier patterns of coping. I feel honored to do this work and to witness the ways people grow when given the right environment, support, and compassion.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Inquisitive, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Jenece Hill-White

Jenece Hill-White

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 5.3 mi away • Farmington, CT


“I will encourage clients to stand in their truth and be willing to be a productive part of their change process.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Marie Goodine

Marie Goodine

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 6.5 mi away • Farmington, CT


“My goal is to provide a safe environment where you can explore and enhance your strengths and empower you to find strategies that support you through life's challenges.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 15 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Naikyyia Manick

Dr. Naikyyia Manick

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 12 mi away • Southington, CT


“Rather than "fixing" problems, she works alongside clients to help them reframe perspectives, strengthen coping strategies, and build healthier relationships with themselves and others.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
George Pipkin

George Pipkin

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 22 mi away • Waterbury, CT


“I believe therapy should be a conversation, not a lecture. My style is direct, and solution-focused—I listen without judgment, ask thoughtful questions, and help clients identify practical steps they can take between sessions.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Direct, Humorous, Solution-oriented
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Tonya Peart

Tonya Peart

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 26 mi away • Hamden, CT


“Before becoming a therapist, I spent years working in highly regulated corporate environments... This experience allows me to connect with clients navigating workplace stress, burnout, leadership challenges, and major life transitions.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Holistic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 10 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Gordon Nelson

Gordon Nelson

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Branford, CT


“I provide compassionate, client-focused, strength-based, trauma-informed care in a space that feels safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Humorous, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Juli Cioffi-Smith

Juli Cioffi-Smith

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 26 mi away • North Haven, CT


Thank you so much for looking at my profile. I'm a Social Worker with over 20 years experience treatment children, adolescents, young adults, parents/caregivers, and adults. I have honored to help my clients travel their individual paths in order to feel better about their worlds. Helping people identity what is stopping them from reaching their goals and breaking down these barriers drives my work.

I've been trained in various treatment options but I know it all comes back to the relationship we build together. As your therapist, I hope to provide you with support, strategies and gentle though direct, feedback and reflection. And most likely there will be some humor thrown in because sometimes the work we will do together needs it!

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Direct, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 10 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Joey Meuser

Joey Meuser

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 26 mi away • North Haven, CT


“Joey provides compassionate, LGBTQIA+ affirming care rooted in a holistic approach that honors the mind-body connection.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Schuyler Manhattan

Schuyler Manhattan

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Greenwich, CT


You can have a positive mindset with SOLUTION-FOCUSED THERAPY. Feeling worried, or your thoughts race, your sleep is off, or you get that feeling in your stomach? At times we get frustrated enough with someone that it affects your work, family life, or health. I know how it sucks to be questioning, stuck, and worked up with tension and concern. Then, self-doubt creeps in--but it doesn’t need to be like that anymore. If you’re curious how to get things calmer, under control, and feel more self-assured, I’m here as a confidant who listens deeply AND offers tools that really work. You CAN increase confidence!

I’m Schuyler ("SKY-ler") Manhattan, a licensed CT-based counselor and coach with an opening now for morning, afternoon, or evening. I see adult individuals, couples and families online and in-person.

Types of modalities we may use:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Emotionally Focused Therapy
  • Gottman Method
  • Hypnotherapy
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP)
  • Positive Psychology
  • Reality Therapy
  • Solution Focused Brief (SFBT)
  • Somatic
  • Structural Couple Therapy
  • Structural Family Therapy

I graduated from the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) with a graduate degree in Mental Health Counseling. I also graduated from NYU.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Humorous, Participatory, Solution-oriented
Accepts 10 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Celisse Del Valle

Celisse Del Valle

Therapist

Virtual • Connecticut


“My style is warm, collaborative, and down-to-earth. I don't believe therapy should feel intimidating or overly clinical.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Direct, Empowering, Inquisitive
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Melissa Mcweeny

Melissa Mcweeny

Therapist

Virtual • Connecticut


I help women move through fear, self-doubt, and old patterns so they can step into clarity, confidence, and fulfillment — both personally and professionally. Many of my clients are navigating transitions like ending relationships, redefining careers, or growing businesses while trying to protect their mental health. Together, we focus on strengthening self-trust, setting boundaries, and creating a mindset that supports lasting change. As a therapist and mindset coach, I combine evidence-based tools with forward-focused coaching to help you move from awareness to action — and build the confidence to trust yourself again.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Lauren Kuhnel

Lauren Kuhnel

Therapist

Virtual • Connecticut


“I combine a psychodynamic approach with other therapeutic techniques to address your unique needs, utilizing evidence-based therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), trauma-focused and mindfulness techniques.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Maxine Kibble-Cacioppo

Maxine Kibble-Cacioppo

Therapist

Virtual • Connecticut


“My role as your therapist is to create a safe and supportive environment during our sessions to foster trust and facilitate change.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Direct, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Anna Imperiale, Lcsw

Anna Imperiale, Lcsw

Therapist

Virtual • Guilford, CT


“My approach is warm, interactive, and non-judgmental. I help people develop their personal insight, self-esteem, motivation, and identify coping skills that meet their specific needs.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Amanda Jurgens

Amanda Jurgens

Therapist

Virtual • Connecticut


“I am a relational therapist who works with individuals, couples and families struggling to feel understood and secure.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, End of life care
Direct, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 1 insurance carrier

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Richard Spears

Richard Spears

Therapist

Virtual • Connecticut


“I specialize in supporting high performers who wrestle with anxiety and the risk of burnout, guiding them toward strategies to regain their equilibrium.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Creative, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Jenna Dearborne

Jenna Dearborne

Therapist

Virtual • Connecticut


“My approach to therapy is to start building a relationship with my client and get to know each other on a human level to build trust.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Challenging, Humorous, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
MJ Jacquot

MJ Jacquot

Therapist

Virtual • Connecticut


“My approach encompasses a variety of evidenced based interventions and my goal is to help identify and nourish strengths, to reframe situations, thoughts or feelings that have previously caused suffering, and to explore meaning and purpose.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Identity issues, Relationship issues, Stress management
Affirming, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Eilakeisha Spencer

Eilakeisha Spencer

Therapist

Virtual • Connecticut


“I believe that healing is more powerful when clients feel seen, understood, and heard by someone who relates to their perspective.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, PTSD
Affirming, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Kara Riggott

Kara Riggott

Therapist

Virtual • Connecticut


“I feel that as the client you are the expert of yourself and focus on teaching you to be your own therapist.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Emily Velidow

Emily Velidow

Therapist

Virtual • Connecticut


“My favorite part of this work is offering space for people to unload the weight they carry and hope they can move on a little bit lighter.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Nathan Tyson

Nathan Tyson

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Connecticut


I understand that the decision to seek help for mental health needs can be a nerve-racking and scary process. When it comes to patient care, I am most passionate about the preservation of dignity and making my patients feel seen. I meet fear or nervousness with acceptance, encouragement, and knowledge.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Emily Lopez

Emily Lopez

Therapist

Virtual • Connecticut


“I provide an integrative approach to help my clients reach their goals... specialized training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, and Motivational...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Michael Wolftrand

Michael Wolftrand

Therapist

Virtual • Southbury, CT


“My training in play therapy and ACT allows me to help people accept their challenging thoughts and emotions instead of combating them.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Magdalena Bonk

Magdalena Bonk

Therapist

Virtual • Connecticut


I'm Magdalena, and I've been doing this work for 14 years — across schools, community

mental health, and private practice. What that span of experience gave me is range: I've

worked with people in serious crisis and people who are simply stuck, and I've learned

that the gap between those two things is smaller than most people think. I trained at

UNC Wilmington and have spent my career working with adults across the full

complexity of what life throws at people — anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, parenting,

major life transitions, and identity. I offer therapy in both English and Polish, and I'm

LGBTQ+-affirming. I accept insurance and offer a sliding scale. My goal isn't to be your

therapist forever — it's to give you what you need so you can get on with your life.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Jenny Chukwudike

Jenny Chukwudike

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Hartford, CT


“As a double-certified nurse practitioner with expertise in both family and psychiatry medicine, I approach care with a holistic perspective, emphasizing comprehensive well-being.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Rosemarie Patrizio

Rosemarie Patrizio

Therapist

Virtual • Connecticut


“My therapeutic style is warm, direct, and collaborative. Clients often tell me they feel comfortable with me quickly because I create a safe, non‐judgmental space where they can be honest and vulnerable.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, End of life care
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Abike Becroft

Abike Becroft

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Connecticut


I have been working in healthcare since 2007, working as a certified nursing assistant taking care of elderly patients in long term care facilities and home care. I later graduated as a Licensed Practical Nurse in 2008 and continued to work in long term care facilities caring for the elderly. I graduated as a Registered Nurse from Bridgeport Hospital School of Nursing and went on to taking care of patients ranging from young adults to geriatric with acute conditions, stable chronic conditions and complex medical conditions. In 2018, I graduated as a Nurse Practitioner and worked with patients post cardiac surgery, critically ill patient in the intensive care unit and a mix of neurology, neurosurgery, general surgery, vascular surgery and medically unstable psychiatric patients. After experiencing postpartum, with my extensive medical background, I decided to pursue a degree in Psychiatry to help more people goring through what I went through. I graduated with my PMHNP from Western Connecticut State University in 2025. Through my education, I was able to provide care for patients, both stable and acute, with depression, ADHD, PTSD, Anxiety, and mood disorders.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Tameika Ivey

Tameika Ivey

Therapist

Virtual • Connecticut


“My approach is grounded in CBT and integrates DBT, ACT, trauma-informed, and strengths-based practices to help clients develop insight, build effective coping skills, and create meaningful change.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Mariah Benjamin

Mariah Benjamin

Therapist

Virtual • Connecticut


“I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help you change the way you think about your self and then we take small steps in changing your behaviors, doing and saying the things you have always wanted too.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Family issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Jennifer Spencer

Jennifer Spencer

Therapist

Virtual • Connecticut


“My twenty years in the healing profession has taught me the value of compassion to understand emotional pain and discovering the courage to change.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Jennifer Uhrlass

Jennifer Uhrlass

Therapist

Virtual • Connecticut


I regularly work with individuals facing a variety of life's diverse challenges including anxiety/ panic, family-of-origin concerns, depression, maternal mental health, transition to parenthood, trauma, grief/ loss, sexual issues, and career related concerns. I also have a specialization in sex and relationship therapy.

My clients are often seeking a combination of clarity, coping skills, and in general -- more ease and happiness in their daily life. I also have a unique specialization in "relationship therapy for one" where we unpack what might be keeping you stuck or unhappy when it comes to your overall relationship health/ satisfaction.

I have been a licensed therapist for over a decade and received my training at state of the art educational institutes including Syracuse University and other hospital and outpatient centers across NY and Manhattan. I have also sought out ongoing participation in professional clinical consultation groups with some of the most influential therapists and thought leaders of our time. These varied and diverse professional training experiences enable me to provide the best possible care to each client I serve. In addition, I also provide training and mentorship for new therapists looking to specialize in sex and relationship health.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Creative, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 2 insurance carriers
Mira Patel

Mira Patel

Therapist

Virtual • Connecticut


“I will help you navigate it in a way that is motivating and freeing. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Connecticut with six years of experience supporting individuals on their mental health journeys.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Lemlem Egziabher

Lemlem Egziabher

Therapist

Virtual • Connecticut


For over 20 years, I have had the privilege of sitting with people through some of life's hardest moments: depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, and the pain of racism and loss. My goal is to build a real connection with you, so you never feel alone in figuring this out. I'm here to support you on your journey of self-exploration and personal growth.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Energetic, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Yomaris Ramos Rivera

Yomaris Ramos Rivera

Therapist

Virtual • Connecticut


“I believe therapy should be more than just a space to vent — it should help you understand yourself more deeply, break unhealthy emotional patterns, and create meaningful change.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers

Frequently asked questions

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Find the right LGBTQ-friendly therapy provider for you

Headway makes it easier to connect with affirming therapists who understand your identity — from finding the right therapist, to understanding costs, to scheduling with ease.

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1 Cost may vary based on your location, age, and insurance coverage.