Book LGBT-friendly therapy, covered by insurance
LGBT therapists in Silver Spring, MD


Top LGBT-friendly therapists and psychiatrists in Silver Spring, MD
Headway connects LGBTQIA+ individuals in Silver Spring with 664 licensed providers who offer affirming, open-minded care. Access talk therapy and medication management through virtual or in-person sessions, with many patients paying as low as $0 per session through insurance.
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.
Great to meet you! I am Dr. Shannon Howard, a Licensed Professional Counselor (LCPC, LPC) for the states of DC & MD, a Certified Life Coach, and an Author. I have been helping individuals, children, couples, and families navigate grief and loss, trauma, anxiety, adjustment, depression and more for over 24 years.
My educational background consists of a dual Master's in both Counseling and Clinical Psychology. I received my first master's at Towson University in 2000, a second Masters and Doctorate in 2008 and 2010 from The American School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University. I minored in Philosophy as well as Women's Studies.
I possess specialized training in areas of trauma, specifically in the assessment and treatment of sex offenders and survivors of sexual assault. I have worked in an adult inpatient psychiatric hospital, a day program for adults with chronic and acute mental illness, as well as on an outpatient basis as a private practitioner and with a group practice. I worked with Parole and Probation to help clients maintain compliance and management while on the registry. As a Certified Life Coach, I help coaching clients discover what they truly desire. We collaborate to create a roadmap to move you forward and build a future that feels grounded and authentic to you.
At present, I offer a full range of services and am open to accepting new virtual clients.
*PLEASE NOTE YOU MUST BE IN EITHER DC OR MD AT THE TIME OF YOUR SCHEDULED APPOINTMENT!
**I offer a 10-minute grace period to all clients before logging off of the Zoom platform. If you wish to reschedule, please message me here on Headway.""
Hi, I'm Dr. Arthur Chen, a licensed psychologist in Boca Raton and a Clinical Director. My passion is helping you navigate challenges and build lasting well-being through evidence-based strategies, genuine empathy, and active collaboration.
I specialize in Major Depressive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, eating disorder recovery, and substance abuse recovery. Our practice, where I'm Clinical Director, also handles severe issues like bipolar disorder and psychosis.
My style is active, empathetic, and results-oriented. I don't just listen; I provide direct feedback and insightful questions to deepen your self-awareness. I'll gently challenge you to explore new perspectives and identify patterns, always in a safe space. My core is unconditional positive regard and profound care, ensuring you feel safe and accepted, truly heard and understood.
My strength is equipping you with practical skills for daily life. I provide concrete tools to manage difficult emotions, improve communication, develop robust coping mechanisms, and cultivate emotional resilience. My commitment is tangible results: symptom reduction, sustainable recovery, deeper self-discovery, and ultimately, an improved quality of life. Whether you want to "figure things out" or enhance your mental fitness, I'm here to guide you.
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.
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 provide a thoughtful, intentional space for clients to explore, heal, and grow. My approach blends evidence-based practices with a deep respect for each client’s story, helping them move toward clarity, emotional balance, and a more aligned way of living.
I have been practicing therapy for about 5 years, receiving my master's degree from Saint Leo University in 2023 and my LCSW-C licensure in 2026. My main focus areas are complex trauma and attachment based issues, but I also am very effective at dealing with individuals with depression, anxiety, ADHD, and Autism.
With 8 years of experience in the mental health field, I firmly believe in the parity of mental and physical health. Life often leads us into dark tunnels, and my role in therapy is to guide individuals toward the light at the end of those tunnels.
I'm a psychiatric nurse practitioner in Maryland with a background in both medication management and therapy — and I believe the best care happens when we tailor it to you. I specialize in anxiety, ADHD, and depression, and I work with patients who want a provider who actually listens before deciding anything. Many of the people I see found me through their community — they wanted someone they could trust, who'd take the time to get to know them. My approach is warm and direct: I'll tell you exactly what I'm thinking and make sure every session reflects where you are right now.
About our LGBTQIA+ affirming therapists in Silver Spring, 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


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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