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LGBT therapists in Columbia, MD

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Top LGBT-friendly therapists and psychiatrists in Columbia, MD

Find affirming mental health support in Columbia, Maryland with 621 licensed providers who understand gender and sexual identity. Headway connects you with warm, open-minded therapists experienced in LGBTQIA+ mental healthcare, offering virtual and in-person sessions with flexible scheduling and insurance coverage to support your wellbeing.

Nicole Garcia

Nicole Garcia

Therapist

Virtual • Maryland


“For the past six years I have been a Trauma focused therapist who has worked with ages three and up.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Maxine Bouldin

Maxine Bouldin

Therapist

Virtual • Maryland


“I love working with clients who are struggling to build community in the DC area, survivors of trauma and abuse, and high achieving women who have always taken care of everyone else and are ready to finally focus on themselves.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
NaTasha Benjamin

NaTasha Benjamin

Therapist

Virtual • Maryland


“I create a space for hope and healing that allows for self-discovery, empowerment, and collaboration that reinforces the importance of communal healing instead of feeling alone through your respective circumstances.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Creative, Empowering, Holistic
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Dr. Christie Simon Waterman

Dr. Christie Simon Waterman

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Maryland


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.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Affirming, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Alicia Hudson

Alicia Hudson

Therapist

Virtual • Maryland


“I believe therapy should feel like a partnership. Together, we'll work to better understand your experiences, identify your strengths, and create strategies that support your goals and overall well-being.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Kimberly Prager

Kimberly Prager

Therapist

Virtual • Maryland


Kim Prager, Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker/Therapist, studied and trained at University of Wisconsin-Madison. She has 16 years of experience providing therapy to people from all walks of life, Most recently, she worked at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center's integrated executive medicine and oncology clinics.

She believes therapy is a place to be seen and heard and an opportunity for personal growth. Her approach is holistic and trauma informed, often with a focus on adjustment, interpersonal dynamics, grief, and loss.

She welcomes you to reach out to find a way to live more authentically, forge genuine connections, and prioritize value based goals that bring about positive change in your life.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Holistic, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Melanie Spencer

Melanie Spencer

Therapist

Virtual • Maryland


“I'm a therapist with over 15 years of experience treating a variety of concerns from Anxiety and Depression, to Substance Use problems.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Shaqueal Stevens

Dr. Shaqueal Stevens

Therapist

Virtual • Maryland


“I believe that no matter where we are in life regarding our past trauma or challenges, we can always work towards being our best selves.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Affirming, Creative, Empowering
Accepts 10 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Jenny Chukwudike

Jenny Chukwudike

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Maryland


“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 7 insurance carriers
Carolyn Gonterman

Carolyn Gonterman

Therapist

Virtual • Maryland


“My approach is integrative and holistic with a focus on supporting adults in making lasting change, deconstructing shame, and promoting self-empowerment.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Affirming, Direct, Inquisitive
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Darren Wiley

Darren Wiley

Therapist

Virtual • Maryland


“I am by all means an eclectic style counselor. I pull specifically from expressive, person-centered and cognitive behavioral approaches...”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 13 insurance carriers
Dr. Ifeyinwa Nworji-Amah

Dr. Ifeyinwa Nworji-Amah

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Maryland


With 14 years as a psychiatric registered nurse before becoming a practitioner, I bring both clinical expertise and heartfelt understanding to every patient interaction. I strive to create a safe, judgment-free space where you can feel understood and supported. Together, we’ll explore your unique experiences, identify what’s holding you back, and develop strategies to help you move forward with confidence and hope.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Joshua Friedman

Joshua Friedman

Therapist

Virtual • Maryland


I believe that meaningful therapy begins with a strong therapeutic relationship. My first priority is getting to know you, understanding what has brought you to therapy, and creating an environment where you feel comfortable being open and authentic. I want you to feel that I am the therapist you’ve chosen—not the therapist you have to see.

I work with adolescents, adults, and families, and I take an individualized approach to therapy based on each client’s needs, strengths, and goals. Drawing from several evidence-based treatment modalities, I work collaboratively with clients to better understand their experiences, identify the changes they want to make, and develop practical skills to support those changes.

Together, we’ll explore what has brought you to therapy, what you hope to gain from the process, and how our work together can help you move toward the outcomes that are meaningful to you.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Nick King

Nick King

Therapist

Virtual • Maryland


I focus mostly on behavior change. That might be a change from how you think about yourself, relationships, work, or something else. I can help you explore that. My role is to support you in believing that change is possible.

I also work in an open-ended environment. There is no contract or set number of sessions. Therapy should be flexible, and everyone's frequency is different. Most people notice growth within 10 sessions.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Challenging, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 14 insurance carriers
Kevin Carter

Kevin Carter

Therapist

Virtual • Maryland


“My therapeutic approach is organic, inclusive, and integrative, blending CBT with multiple therapeutic modalities to support diverse needs.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Christopher Helton

Christopher Helton

Therapist

Virtual • Maryland


“I strive to create a safe, welcoming space where you feel heard, respected, and supported as we work toward meaningful change.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Grace Chen

Grace Chen

Therapist

Virtual • Maryland


“I believe that therapy in a safe, accepting, and compassionate space allows for the self-understanding necessary for growth and healing.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Dr. Yiwen Wu

Dr. Yiwen Wu

Therapist

Virtual • Maryland


“I help clients look beneath the surface, understand the root causes of their struggles, reshape unhelpful patterns, and turn self-awareness into practical steps toward healing and meaningful change.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Kryselle V. Baptiste

Kryselle V. Baptiste

Therapist

Virtual • Maryland


I’m glad you’re here. I'm passionate about working with couples and individuals. Cooperatively, we navigate relationships, family issues, trauma, anxiety, depression and more. Healing happens through relationships rooted in reciprocity and respect. I strive to create a space where you feel safe, supported and understood. My approach is collaborative and down-to-earth. You don’t need to have everything figured out... we’ll move forward together at a pace that feels right for you.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, End of life care
Creative, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Dr. Jenel Thomas

Dr. Jenel Thomas

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Maryland


“I believe in treating the whole person—not just symptoms—and work collaboratively with you to develop a treatment plan that aligns with your unique needs and goals.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Dr. Leonard Tate

Dr. Leonard Tate

Psychologist

Virtual • Maryland


Hi! As a licensed psychologist with over 20 years of experience, I'm incredibly proud to say that I've worked in multiple settings with people from diverse backgrounds. I've most often worked with African-American men and women, Veterans, individuals suffering from depression, trauma, stress, relationship dysfunction, and substance abuse. Regardless of the issue, the initial question has always been the same: "How can I help this person navigate their world, and become the best version of themselves in the process?"

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Humorous, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 10 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Tamara Whittleton

Tamara Whittleton

Therapist

Virtual • Maryland


Starting therapy can feel intimidating, but you don’t have to figure things out alone. I’m Tamara Whittleton, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who works with adults navigating stress, anxiety, depression, and major life changes. I focus on creating a supportive environment where clients feel comfortable talking openly while developing practical strategies for growth and healing

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Open-minded, Participatory, Solution-oriented
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Dr. Solomon Plonka

Dr. Solomon Plonka

Psychologist

Virtual • Maryland


Hi there! I am a licensed psychologist and completed a doctorate degree in clinical psychology from Adelphi University. I use evidence-based approaches like cognitive-behavioral therapy when working with clients. I specialize in the treatment of individuals with OCD, anxiety disorders, and substance use difficulties, as well as families of individuals who struggle in these ways.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Holistic, Inquisitive
Accepts 11 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Sana Salaam

Sana Salaam

Therapist

Virtual • Maryland


When you work with me you sign up to be challenged and empowered to change your own life.Through our work together, we will partner to be able to help you build the life you want. I cannot promise that it will be easy, but I can tell you that it will be worth it. Together, we will help you identify goals for your life, challenge your old ways of thinking that have been holding you back, and connect your thought patterns to your behaviors.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Challenging, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Jessica Kirschensteiner

Jessica Kirschensteiner

Therapist

Virtual • Maryland


“I have specialized training in trauma, dual diagnoses (mental health and substance use), and in working with LGBTQIA clients.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Affirming, Creative, Open-minded
Accepts 14 insurance carriers
Dr. Adebola Adekoya

Dr. Adebola Adekoya

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Maryland


“I care to listen to your concerns and challenges to be able to help and support you appropriately to get positive mental health outcomes.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Dr. Adria Williams

Dr. Adria Williams

Psychologist

Virtual • Maryland


“My first priority is building a foundation of trust by meeting you where you are with compassion and acceptance.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Direct, Open-minded
Accepts 3 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Christopher DeFranco

Christopher DeFranco

Therapist

Virtual • Maryland


Christopher has over 10 years of experience working with adolescents and adults struggling with a variety of life stressors including LGBTQ+ issues, chemical dependency, depression and anxiety. He also has extensive experience working with neurodiversity, eating disorders, and PTSD.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Creative, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 1 insurance carrier

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Caitlin LaVine

Caitlin LaVine

Therapist

Virtual • Maryland


“I have worked in women's residential settings, youth settings, in addictions treatment, and with clients experiencing a wide range of stressors and challenges.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 15 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Myriah Davis

Myriah Davis

Therapist

Virtual • Maryland


“I work from a compassionate but direct approach - balancing emotional support with practical tools, accountability, and deeper self awareness.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Empowering, Energetic
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Dr. Donette Price

Dr. Donette Price

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Maryland


“My style is warm, down-to-earth, and collaborative — you'll never be rushed or treated like "just another case."”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Vanessa Thompson

Vanessa Thompson

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Maryland


“I believe in the power of the therapeutic relationship and take time to understand the unique needs of each individual.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 13 insurance carriers
Dr. Opeyinka Adesunloye

Dr. Opeyinka Adesunloye

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Maryland


“My therapeutic approach emphasizes patient-centeredness, collaboration, and shared decision-making, which allows you to be actively involved in your care.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Holistic, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Dr. Olukemi Omogoke

Dr. Olukemi Omogoke

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Maryland


You should know that I take your concerns seriously, and I will meet you with compassion, respect, and zero judgment. I understand that reaching out for mental health support can feel intimidating, especially if you have faced stigma, felt dismissed in the past, or worried about what a diagnosis might mean. My goal is to help you feel safe and at ease from the very first conversation.

As a doctoral-prepared, board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over eight years of experience in psychiatric and mental health care, I work with individuals across the lifespan. I commonly support people navigating depression, anxiety, PTSD, stress-related concerns, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and other emotional or behavioral health challenges. I approach each person as a whole, not a label, and I take the time to understand your symptoms in the context of your life, your stressors, your strengths, and your goals.

In our work together, you can expect a collaborative, patient-centered approach. I believe treatment works best when you feel heard and involved, so we will discuss what you are experiencing, what has helped or not helped in the past, and what you want to be different moving forward. If medication is part of your care, I prioritize thoughtful, evidence-based decisions, clear education about options, and ongoing adjustments based on your response and preferences. I also value practical strategies and supportive guidance that you can apply between sessions.

Most importantly, I am passionate about each person I serve because I know you are important, and I recognize the courage it takes to seek help. My role is to offer steady, professional support and a trusting relationship as you work toward clarity, stability, and lasting wellness.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Open-minded, Participatory
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Cynthia Grimes

Cynthia Grimes

Therapist

Virtual • Bethesda, MD


“As a queer, neurodivergent therapist, I specialize in working with neurodivergent individuals and those exploring ADHD or executive functioning difficulties, identity development, relationship challenges, and life transitions.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Challenging, Direct, Empowering
Accepts 3 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
David Kohn

David Kohn

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Columbia, MD


“My approach involves taking a look at the whole person, including life history, personality patterns, relationships, current stressors, and physical health.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Fanta Conde

Dr. Fanta Conde

Therapist

Virtual • Maryland


“Clients can expect to receive support in finding peace, clarity, and effective coping techniques to achieve a better quality of life.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Sarah Hepbron

Sarah Hepbron

Therapist

Virtual • Maryland


“My path to becoming a therapist was born out of my own personal struggles, which gives me a deep respect for the courage it takes to seek help.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Christen Yassin

Christen Yassin

Therapist

Virtual • Maryland


“From our first session, you can expect to be heard, to start building a solid rapport with the therapeutic environment; you can expect a non-judgemental environment...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Jaleesha Saunders

Jaleesha Saunders

Therapist

Virtual • Maryland


“My approach to therapy is warm, collaborative, and client-centered. I believe that every individual is the expert on their own life...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Affirming, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

About our LGBTQIA+ affirming therapists in Columbia, MD

Number of therapists serving Columbia, MD
There are over 620 therapists in Columbia, MD accepting new patients.
620+
Average years in practice
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10 years
Top specialties offered
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  • 100%LGBTQIA+
  • 98%Anxiety
  • 96%Depression
  • 90%Stress management
  • 85%Trauma
Insurances accepted
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  • 99%Aetna
  • 88%Cigna
  • 86%Carelon Behavioral Health
  • 72%CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
  • 65%Ascension
Languages spoken
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  • 99%English
  • 5%Spanish
  • 3%French
  • 2%Yoruba
How they see their clients
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  • 94%Online only
  • 5%In-person or online
Provider gender
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  • 79%Woman
  • 20%Man
  • 1%Non-binary
License types
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  • 43%Licensed Clinical Social Worker - Clinical
  • 28%Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
  • 23%Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
  • 4%Clinical Psychologist
  • 2%Licensed Marriage/Family Therapist
Treatment approaches
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  • 99%Individual therapy
  • 40%Family therapy
  • 26%Couples therapy
  • 17%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.