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LGBT therapists in Silver Spring, MD

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

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.

Jacquelyn Wellmeier

Jacquelyn Wellmeier

Therapist

Virtual • Maryland


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.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Empowering, Holistic
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Dr. Shannon Howard

Dr. Shannon Howard

Therapist

Virtual • Maryland


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.""

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Regina Lawson

Regina Lawson

Therapist

Virtual • Maryland


“Clients experience me as warm, direct, and supportive, and I am committed to helping them create meaningful, lasting change.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Angelina Diaz

Angelina Diaz

Therapist

Virtual • Maryland


“I look forward to providing an opportunity for you to connect with someone who is compassionate, empathetic, and nonjudgmental.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Kristine Hickman

Kristine Hickman

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Maryland


“I practice patient-centered, conversational communication and I am accessible, open, honest and caring.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
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
Dr. Arthur Chen

Dr. Arthur Chen

Psychologist

Virtual • Maryland


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.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 4 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
Earlene Kimberly Dunbar

Earlene Kimberly Dunbar

Therapist

Virtual • Lanham, MD


“Her compassionate, client-centered approach ensures that those she serves feel heard, understood, and supported every step of the way.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Kimberly Fourney

Kimberly Fourney

Therapist

Virtual • Maryland


“My goal is to create a space where all parts of you are welcome—especially the ones that have felt hidden, rejected, or silenced.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Identity issues, Panic disorders
Affirming, Creative, Empowering

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Ethel Bakke

Ethel Bakke

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Havre de Grace, MD


“My approach to therapy is Rogerian, which is a person-centered approach that is nonjudgmental, accepting and empathetic.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Inquisitive, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Linda Fonju

Linda Fonju

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Laurel, MD


“My approach combines medication management, and therapeutic support to help clients navigate their mental health journey with confidence, resilience, and hope...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Korey Puckett

Korey Puckett

Therapist

Virtual • Maryland


“I love to provide a safe empathic place during therapy. I love helping clients gain insight and skills to improve their well-being.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Depression, Grief or loss, Men's issues
Participatory, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Meghan Boyd

Meghan Boyd

Therapist

Virtual • Maryland


“I became a therapist because I needed one like me. Growing up with complex, enduring trauma, I often felt unseen and unsupported in therapy.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions, Depression
Direct, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Gracie Michaels-Greenberg

Gracie Michaels-Greenberg

Therapist

Virtual • Maryland


“My belief in the power of human relationships to facilitate healing and change is fundamental to my work as a therapist–when individuals heal and grow, we collectively heal and grow and make more space in ourselves and in this world for love to...”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Affirming, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Julia Smail

Julia Smail

Therapist

Virtual • Maryland


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.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Dr. Ericka Jenifer

Dr. Ericka Jenifer

Psychologist

Virtual • Maryland


“As a psychologist specializing in neuropsychology, health psychology, and women's issues, I am passionate about serving diverse communities.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Robyn Weiner

Robyn Weiner

Therapist

Virtual • Maryland


“With over 20 years of experience, I'm passionate about helping people navigate life's challenges and work toward meaningful change.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Eating disorders, End of life care
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 14 insurance carriers
Imani Craig

Imani Craig

Therapist

Virtual • Maryland


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.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Family issues
Empowering, Humorous, Solution-oriented
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Sondra Petty

Sondra Petty

Therapist

Virtual • Maryland


“My greatest strength is the empathy and compassion with my clients. We are on this journey together.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Eating disorders
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Rachel Francis

Rachel Francis

Therapist

Virtual • Maryland


“I prioritize person centered therapy and specialize in CBT treatment. My expertise includes depression, anxiety, low self esteem, self harm, adjustment disorders, bipolar, and serving the LGBTQ+ community.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Challenging, Empowering
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Deitra Fant

Deitra Fant

Therapist

Virtual • Oxon Hill, MD


“I believe therapy is a partnership—we'll move at your pace, focus on what matters most to you, and celebrate your progress along the way.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Direct, Inquisitive, Solution-oriented
Accepts 12 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Melanie Sipes

Melanie Sipes

Therapist

Virtual • Maryland


“I will work with you and encourage you to learn skills that increase your independence, self-esteem, and your autonomy.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Challenging, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Carla Lester

Carla Lester

Therapist

Virtual • Maryland


“I take a person-centered and strength-based approach to therapy. I meet all my clients where they are and don't force them to be where I think they should be.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Robyn Manning

Robyn Manning

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Edgewood, MD


“I emphasize empathy, open-mindedness, and expertise, creating a safe and therapeutic environment where your mental health needs are addressed with careful precision and genuine concern.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Holistic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Awa Diakite

Awa Diakite

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Maryland


“I believe in a collaborative approach, ensuring you feel heard and empowered throughout your journey to better mental health.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Creative, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Cortney Merritt

Cortney Merritt

Therapist

Virtual • Maryland


“My approach is grounded in trauma-informed, whole-person care rooted in the core values of social work, including dignity, respect, and the belief that every person has strengths worth building on.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Holistic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 11 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Erik Messinger

Dr. Erik Messinger

Therapist

Virtual • Maryland


“I believe therapy works best when it's a true partnership between us. My style is direct but compassionate...”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
David Pfeffer

David Pfeffer

Therapist

Virtual • Maryland


“I believe in a proactive, collaborative approach to counseling, where you are actively engaged in making real changes in your life.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Garrett Marple

Garrett Marple

Therapist

Virtual • Maryland


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.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Challenging, Energetic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Orvon White

Orvon White

Therapist

Virtual • Maryland


“Orvon's therapeutic approach is one that is affirming, welcoming, validating, empowering, motivation and caring.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 13 insurance carriers
Jada Pannell

Jada Pannell

Therapist

Virtual • Maryland


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.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Grief or loss
Challenging, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Byron Porcher

Byron Porcher

Therapist

Virtual • Maryland


“I use evidence-based approaches including CBT, DBT, trauma-informed care, and strengths-based therapy...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Humorous, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Dr. Adrienne Ellis

Dr. Adrienne Ellis

Therapist

Virtual • Maryland


“I generally utilize a cognitive behavioral approach (CBT) to treatment, but I will also utilize, an integrative model, solution focused model or incorporate christian based principles if requested.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Stress management
Direct, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Mayowa Ogundiyun

Mayowa Ogundiyun

Therapist

Virtual • Maryland


“With 8 years of experience in the field, working with individuals from ages 16-65, struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, identity and relationship issues, and life transitions.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Participatory, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Percival Fisher

Percival Fisher

Therapist

Virtual • Maryland


“Client's have shared with me that at the end of each our session together that they have felt heard, validated, and respected.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Grief or loss
Affirming, Direct, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Olumide Akinwumi

Olumide Akinwumi

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Maryland


“My practice is evidence-based, and it is provided on a compassionate and individualized basis to assist individuals with mental health needs to function optimally.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Participatory, Solution-oriented
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Minadia Ellis

Minadia Ellis

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Maryland


“I prioritize a holistic framework, recognizing the interconnectedness of mental and physical well-being.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dwan Rowe

Dwan Rowe

Therapist

Virtual • Maryland


“After a session with me, you will leave with a laugh, feeling lighter and hopefully some practical knowledge that you can use in your everyday life.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Direct, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Cherry Delahay

Cherry Delahay

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Maryland


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.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

About our LGBTQIA+ affirming therapists in Silver Spring, MD

Number of therapists serving Silver Spring, MD
There are over 653 therapists in Silver Spring, MD accepting new patients.
653+
Average years in practice
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9 years
Top specialties offered
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  • 100%LGBTQIA+
  • 98%Anxiety
  • 96%Depression
  • 90%Stress management
  • 84%Trauma
Insurances accepted
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  • 99%Aetna
  • 85%Cigna
  • 82%Carelon Behavioral Health
  • 69%CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
  • 60%Ascension
Languages spoken
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  • 99%English
  • 5%Spanish
  • 3%French
  • 1%Yoruba
  • 1%Hindi
How they see their clients
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  • 91%Online only
  • 9%In-person or online
Provider gender
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  • 79%Woman
  • 19%Man
  • 2%Non-binary
License types
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  • 41%Licensed Clinical Social Worker - Clinical
  • 30%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
  • 25%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.

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