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LGBT therapists in Bethesda, MD


Top LGBT-friendly therapists and psychiatrists in Bethesda, MD
Finding an LGBTQIA+-affirming therapist in Bethesda is easier with Headway's diverse network of 657 licensed providers. Whether you're exploring identity, navigating relationships, or addressing mental health, our warm and empowering providers are available for free consultations and sessions as soon as next day.
Hello, My name is Julia Smail and I am the owner of Spill The Tea Counseling. I believe we all have feelings & thoughts that are waiting to be expressed. Do you find it challenging transitioning through different parts of your life & managing emotions along the way? How about being able to express yourself & be validated in a safe & trusting space? The challenge in life is finding who you are as a person & not what others want you to be. Building a trusting relationship with yourself can lead to strengthening your identity & developing a sense of self through awareness & mindfulness. Transitions can be challenging but beautiful
I am a neurodivergent-affirming therapist who was diagnosed with ADHD as an adult. I provide a safe space to express thoughts & feelings, as well as establish tools to support you in your growth. With various techniques & tools practiced, you will be able to feel mentally, emotionally, & physically balanced as you navigate through life's transitions.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in treating adolescents and young adults with a variety of presenting problems including OCD, anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, and behavioral concerns. With a compassionate, collaborative approach, I work to empower clients by focusing on their unique strengths and personal resilience.
Hi, I’m a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I graduated from Drexel University with my Master's degree in Nursing. I then completed my Post-Graduate Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I have over twenty years of experience working in healthcare. Psych has always been my passion. My experiences encompass working with clients across the life span, including Child and Adolescents, Adult, and Geriatric patient populations. I’ve provided services to clients presenting with many psychiatric disorders, such as Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, and more. I’m in the belief that mental health wellbeing is a priority. Human beings are resilient. Holistic care is the key to promoting better patient outcomes. Therefore, I believe that with an evidence-based practice treatment plan consisting of psychotherapy and/or a combination of psychotherapy and medication management, one will be able to control their mental health.
I’m a very compassionate, caring, and empathetic person. I strive to provide holistic care and collaborate with my clients to develop a treatment plan that they are comfortable with.
As a licensed clinical professional counselor, I strongly believe in prioritizing yourself and mental health. I've been practicing for the past 8 years working with a variety of clients in all different ages and backgrounds, but within most of my years in practice, I focus on adults in their 20s-40s who may be feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or uncertain as they navigate life transitions, anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, family issues, and boundaries.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a strong background in trauma-informed care, anxiety treatment, and grief work. I believe therapy should feel safe, collaborative, and respectful of your lived experience. I understand how past trauma, chronic stress, and life transitions can shape the nervous system and impact daily functioning, even when life looks “okay” on the outside. My role is to meet you where you are, without judgment, and help you make sense of your experiences while building practical tools for healing. I value authenticity, emotional safety, and meaningful connection in the therapeutic relationship.
I am Dr. Christie Simon-Waterman, a dually certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC) and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with over a decade of experience providing compassionate, evidence-based, and holistic care across the lifespan. My clinical background spans primary care, mental health, and community-based health, allowing me to care for the whole person—mind, body, and spirit.
I earned my nursing education at Coppin State University and completed my doctoral training with a strong focus on health equity, leadership, and integrated care delivery.
In my practice, I specialize in:
- Anxiety, depression, trauma-related conditions, and mood disorders
- Integrated mental health treatment
- Substance use–related concerns and recovery support
- Care for underserved and marginalized populations
My approach is empathetic, collaborative, and trauma-informed. I believe healing happens best when clients feel heard, respected, and empowered. Together, we develop personalized treatment plans that may include therapy, medication management when appropriate, lifestyle interventions, and ongoing support tailored to your goals.
Above all, I am committed to creating a safe, supportive responsive space where clients can build resilience, restore balance, and move forward with confidence and clarity.
If you're carrying anxiety that won't quiet down, grief that feels impossible to move through, or a weight that makes everyday life feel harder than it should, you're in the right place. I work with adults and people across all stages of life who are ready to feel more like themselves again. My approach is grounded in warmth and a deep belief that you are the expert on your own life. There's no judgment here, only a supportive space where you can say what you've been holding back.
Introduction
I have a passion for helping individuals and couples navigate their mental health journeys. I offer virtual therapy sessions, making it convenient for you to receive support from the comfort of your own space. Fluent in both English and Swahili.
Hello, I am Jordan Cox (she/they). The world can feel overwhelming, and it’s natural to experience anxiety, depression, or uncertainty about where to turn. I provide a compassionate, holistic approach with the understanding that life is vivid and complex. Vivid in beauty but also in pain. I strive to create a space where people feel liberated from social norms or traumatic experiences.
I have been a Social Worker for almost 10 years and have had a variety of experiences during that time. Most of my work is with children and families. I graduated with my Masters from West Virginia University and have been a Clinical Social Worker since 2023.
With over 30 years of clinical experience, I provide individual psychotherapy that is collaborative and affirming. I use an integrated therapeutic approach that draws upon evidence-based treatment interventions and creative modalities tailored to each client. I see clients who are navigating anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, adolescent/parent/family conflicts, personal concerns and life transitions. I will support you to identify patterns, develop coping strategies, discover strengths, find solutions, and gain a deeper sense of wholeness and well-being.
About our LGBTQIA+ affirming therapists in Bethesda, MD



- 100%LGBTQIA+
- 98%Anxiety
- 96%Depression
- 90%Stress management
- 84%Trauma

- 99%Aetna
- 85%Cigna
- 82%Carelon Behavioral Health
- 69%CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
- 60%Ascension

- 99%English
- 5%Spanish
- 3%French
- 1%Yoruba
- 1%Hindi

- 91%Online only
- 9%In-person or online

- 79%Woman
- 19%Man
- 2%Non-binary

- 41%Licensed Clinical Social Worker - Clinical
- 30%Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
- 23%Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
- 4%Clinical Psychologist
- 2%Licensed Marriage/Family Therapist

- 99%Individual therapy
- 40%Family therapy
- 25%Couples therapy
- 17%Child or adolescent therapy
Frequently asked questions


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