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LGBT therapists in West Hartford, CT

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People with insurance pay as low as $0 per session through Headway

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

Find affirming mental health support in West Hartford with 383 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.

Ryan Price

Ryan Price

Therapist

Virtual • Connecticut


I offer counseling that empowers you to navigate life's challenges with resilience and strength. You can access professional support wherever you are, without the need to travel or disrupt your busy schedule.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Challenging, Direct, Humorous
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Dr. Erica Strother

Dr. Erica Strother

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Connecticut


“My approach is rooted in creating a warm, supportive environment where you feel truly heard, comfortable and valued.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Holistic, Solution-oriented

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Alix Tarnowsky

Alix Tarnowsky

Therapist

Virtual • Connecticut


“I bring a deep understanding of the challenges faced by those in helping roles—whether you're a healthcare worker, first responder, therapist, educator, or anyone whose profession asks you to hold space for others.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Direct, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
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 9 insurance carriers
Dr. Olushola Bakare

Dr. Olushola Bakare

Therapist

Virtual • Connecticut


“If racing thoughts or constant worry are running your day, we'll use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to identify what's driving it and build practical tools to quiet it down.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Energetic, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Scott Trefny

Scott Trefny

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Sandy Hook, CT


“I will build trust with you in a completely open non judgmental way. We will make a plan together toward improving your ability to make progress...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Humorous, Open-minded, Participatory
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Jill Chaus Carnes

Jill Chaus Carnes

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • New Milford, CT


“I have over 25 years of experience, working with teens, young adults, adult women and men, with anxiety and depression, including folks with different abilities such as ADHD, autism and physical challenges.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Jessica Chesbro

Jessica Chesbro

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • New Milford, CT


Hi, I'm Jessica and I love supporting youth and their families to bring out confidence and build healthy relationship patterns to support them as they grow in today's world. I have background in Expressive Arts Therapy and bring creative approaches including art, play, and drama therapy techniques as entry points into cognitive behavioral interventions and strategies to assist with behavior, emotion regulation, and understanding of one's self. My philosophical goal as a therapist is to help people I work with curate more joy into their lives and for children to be seen in their unique strengths and supported to grow through challenges. I believe that curiosity is the antidote to depression. Let's get curious together!

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Creative, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Kamay Gaboda

Kamay Gaboda

Therapist

Virtual • Connecticut


“Clients can expect to have me as a trusted partner in their healing journey and walk away feeling capable and empowered.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Tiffany Thompson

Tiffany Thompson

Therapist

Virtual • Connecticut


“I integrate evidence-based approaches such as EMDR, cognitive and insight-oriented work, and practical skills when helpful.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 9 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Patrick Stone

Patrick Stone

Therapist

Virtual • Connecticut


“I've worked as a therapist for four years now helping adults navigate trauma, burn out and relationship issues.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Direct, Humorous
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Ruby Mcarthur

Ruby Mcarthur

Therapist

Virtual • Connecticut


As a clinician, I enjoy working with everyone in all phases of life helping in building self-esteem, managing addiction, trauma, self-discovery, medication management, anger management, re-establishing one's dreams/purpose, building/strengthening relationships one has with self, partners or family systems.

I have worked with foster children, young adults, primary care staff and patients, those who struggled with substance abuse in a methadone clinic, provided supervision to non-licensed social workers in the hospital.

I welcome the opportunity to meet with you for a consultation to see if working together would be a great match like a grilled cheese or peanut butter sandwich.

Best of luck on your journey to health and wellness.

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

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Briana Scott

Briana Scott

Therapist

Virtual • Connecticut


“I utilize humor and southern hospitality, as well as your input, to ensure the space is comfortable for you.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Challenging, Humorous
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Susan Byrne

Susan Byrne

Therapist

Virtual • Connecticut


“I think it is important for the people I work with to take away from sessions a better understanding of themselves and ways to make their life more satisfying.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Nicole Kollanda

Nicole Kollanda

Therapist

Virtual • Connecticut


“I'm Nicole and I specialize in sex positive, trauma-informed therapy to provide a compassionate, tailored approach to each client's unique needs.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Gail Giunta

Gail Giunta

Therapist

Virtual • Connecticut


“I skip the endless venting and passive head-nodding. Instead, I offer a direct, warm, and highly interactive relationship designed to help you actively move forward.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Empowering, Participatory
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Marylin Perez

Marylin Perez

Therapist

Virtual • Connecticut


“I believe that therapy should be a safe and collaborative space where you feel empowered to explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences at your own pace.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Dr. Devika Choudhuri

Dr. Devika Choudhuri

Therapist

Virtual • Connecticut


“I typically use EMDR as a modality and incorporate brain-based and body psychotherapies in conjunction with attachment-focused therapy.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Challenging, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

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 6 insurance carriers
Benjamin Gatliff

Benjamin Gatliff

Therapist

Virtual • Hartford, CT


“My therapeutic style is approachable, humorous, and open-minded, tailored to meet individual client needs.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
Kathleen Sullivan

Kathleen Sullivan

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Connecticut


“Medications are a serious choice and I feel that people deserve informed care and education about their choices.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Empowering, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Tarrance Barbee

Tarrance Barbee

Therapist

Virtual • Connecticut


“I strive to create a warm and welcoming environment where you can share what you feel vulnerable and secure.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Direct, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Francine Forbes

Francine Forbes

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Connecticut


I am a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with 2 years of advance psychiatric practice and a total of 15 years of experience in healthcare. I specialize in evidence-based care for adults living with anxiety, depression, ADHD, stress, and life transitions, combining thoughtful medication management with practical strategies that help clients build a deeper understanding of their mental health.

In addition to my clinical practice, I am an author and whole-body wellness advocate. My book, BePurBold: A Woman's Journey to Whole Body Wellness, reflects my belief that lasting mental health is rooted in lifestyle, resilience, and whole-person well-being. My goal is to offer a supportive, non-judgmental environment where clients feel heard, valued, and active partners in their own care.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Eating disorders
Empowering, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Jonathan Del Valle

Jonathan Del Valle

Therapist

Virtual • Connecticut


I’m Jonathan Del Valle, LCSW, a bilingual English and Spanish psychotherapist trained in EMDR. I work with adults navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, relationships, identity, and major life changes. I have a special interest in working with LGBTQIA+ and Latino communities, and my approach is warm, conversational, culturally responsive, and centered on helping you feel comfortable being yourself in therapy.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Humorous, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Benjamin Gatliff

Benjamin Gatliff

Therapist

Virtual • Connecticut


Finding a therapist who truly gets your life can feel like a long search. One who sees more than a diagnosis, who doesn't need you to explain yourself before you can get to work. If you're part of the LGBTQ+ community, that search often comes with an extra layer: the quiet work of figuring out whether this therapist is actually safe, or whether you'll spend your sessions educating them. With me, you won't have to do that work.

I'm a licensed therapist with more than 22 years of experience in mental health and addiction treatment. I've worked in community mental health centers, psychiatric hospitals, correctional settings, and private practice. I've sat with people in some of the hardest moments of their lives and know how to meet them there without flinching.

My primary focus is LGBTQ+ individuals and couples. That includes navigating identity, coming out at any stage of life, relationship dynamics unique to queer and same-sex partnerships, internalized stigma, minority stress, and everything that comes with living authentically in a world that doesn't always make that easy. I also work with anxiety, depression, trauma and PTSD, substance use and dual diagnosis, men's issues, and stress and burnout.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 15 insurance carriers
Francyne Mireku

Francyne Mireku

Therapist

Virtual • Connecticut


“She is committed to creating a safe, compassionate space that empowers clients to heal, grow, and build resilience.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Grief or loss, Identity issues
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Elbert Ken Shell

Dr. Elbert Ken Shell

Therapist

Virtual • Connecticut


“I believe you have the skills and that you may need some help reconnecting with the gifts of your story.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Holistic, Participatory, Solution-oriented
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Steve Nisbet,LCSWR

Steve Nisbet,LCSWR

Therapist

Virtual • Connecticut


“My style is warm, attentive, and collaborative, with a healthy dose of humor—because therapy should feel human, not clinical.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Grief or loss
Affirming, Humorous, Participatory
Accepts 9 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Alison Birdsey

Alison Birdsey

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Connecticut


“My practice is dedicated exclusively to women's healthcare, offering specialized care for perinatal mental health, perimenopause and menopause, and sexual well-being.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions, Depression
Empowering, Holistic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Alison Panebianco

Alison Panebianco

Therapist

Virtual • Connecticut


I am a Licensed Professional Counselor licensed in the state of Connecticut. I received my Master's of Clinical Mental Health Counseling from University of Saint Joseph and have gone on to complete EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) training and advanced PSI (Postpartum Support International) training to best support my clients.

Currently, I work in private practice via telehealth. I have found telehealth to be extremely convenient for clients offering great flexibility and allowing for the comfort of their chosen spaces during sessions.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Susan Tibeijuka

Susan Tibeijuka

Therapist

Virtual • Connecticut


“With a belief in collaborative therapy, her counseling style is both interactive, warm and empathetic.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Danielle Deramo

Danielle Deramo

Therapist

Virtual • Connecticut


“I work from an emotionally driven place. What that means is together we will explore your feelings & peel away the layers until we figure out what is happening inside to trigger these negative emotions.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Challenging, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Angela Paradis

Angela Paradis

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Connecticut


“My prescribing philosophy is the least amount of medication for the shortest duration to obtain and maintain symptom control.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Xanic Wood

Xanic Wood

Therapist

Virtual • Greenwich, CT


“I believe the therapeutic relationship is at the heart of effective therapy. You don't have to have everything figured out before starting—we can begin exactly where you are.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Audra Tolbert-Martin

Audra Tolbert-Martin

Therapist

Virtual • Connecticut


“I provide a warm, caring, curious and compassionate space to explore your life so that you may live more consciously in abundance and choice.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Creative, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Jeni Fillmore

Jeni Fillmore

Therapist

Virtual • Connecticut


“I meet people exactly where they are and help them build insight, confidence, and practical skills that fit real life.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Ellen Goodrich

Ellen Goodrich

Therapist

Virtual • Connecticut


I believe therapy should feel supportive, practical, and empowering. Clients often describe me as warm, direct, and easy to talk to. I work with adults who want to better understand their emotions, patterns, and relationships, and I focus on helping clients build skills they can actually use in daily life. You don’t have to have everything figured out to start—just a willingness to show up.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Inquisitive, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Juline Hobson

Juline Hobson

Therapist

Virtual • Hartford, CT


“I believe counseling offers healing, growth and clarification for client's as they courageously decide to work with me in a safe, trusting warm and confidential environment.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 14 insurance carriers
Nina Tirado

Nina Tirado

Therapist

Virtual • Connecticut


“As a relational therapist, I ground myself in the pillars of connection, emotional safety, and trust.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, End of life care
Affirming, Direct, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Naina Rana

Naina Rana

Therapist

Virtual • Connecticut


“I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Eating disorders
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

About our LGBTQIA+ affirming therapists in West Hartford, CT

Number of therapists serving West Hartford, CT
There are over 383 therapists in West Hartford, CT accepting new patients.
383+
Average years in practice
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10 years
Top specialties offered
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  • 100%LGBTQIA+
  • 98%Anxiety
  • 95%Depression
  • 91%Stress management
  • 85%Relationship issues
Insurances accepted
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  • 97%Aetna
  • 89%Cigna
  • 88%Carelon Behavioral Health
  • 55%Curative
Languages spoken
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  • 97%English
  • 10%Spanish
  • 1%Hindi
  • 1%Bengali
  • 1%French
How they see their clients
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  • 93%Online only
  • 7%In-person or online
Provider gender
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  • 79%Woman
  • 19%Man
  • 2%Non-binary
License types
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  • 45%Licensed Clinical Social Worker
  • 35%Licensed Professional Counselor
  • 9%Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
  • 9%Licensed Marriage/Family Therapist
  • 2%Licensed Psychologist
Treatment approaches
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  • 99%Individual therapy
  • 40%Family therapy
  • 30%Couples therapy
  • 14%Child or adolescent therapy

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.

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