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LGBT therapists in Newark, NJ

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Top LGBT-friendly therapists and psychiatrists in Newark, NJ

Find affirming mental health support in Newark with 1,174 licensed providers experienced in LGBTQIA+ care. Headway connects you with warm, open-minded therapists who understand your unique needs through virtual or in-person sessions, with many providers offering free consultations.

Melissa Boucher

Melissa Boucher

Therapist

Virtual • New Jersey


“I work from a client-centered approach while encouraging a side-by-side journey of self-exploration and growth.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Jessica Hammond

Jessica Hammond

Therapist

Virtual • New Jersey


“I believe that everyone deserves a safe environment to explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences without judgment.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Open-minded, Participatory
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Alisha Adebayo

Alisha Adebayo

Therapist

Virtual • New Jersey


“I believe strongly in meeting you where you are. Even if it is a place you have never opened the doors for another.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Creative, Humorous
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Nick King

Nick King

Therapist

Virtual • New Jersey


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 7 insurance carriers
Deana Duckenfield

Deana Duckenfield

Therapist

Virtual • New Jersey


“I believe healing happens at the intersection of science and humanity. My approach is grounded in evidence-based practices—like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and trauma-informed care—but it's guided just as much by warmth,...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Creative, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Tara Canavera

Tara Canavera

Therapist

Virtual • New Jersey


“My journey into social work began through my own experience healing from trauma, which allows me to connect with clients in a genuine, relatable, and compassionate way.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Francisco Rivera

Francisco Rivera

Therapist

Virtual • New Jersey


“Drawing on evidence-based practices like Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and solution-focused techniques, I aim to help you develop practical tools to manage challenges and create meaningful change.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Energetic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 13 insurance carriers
Kelly Belmontes

Kelly Belmontes

Therapist

Virtual • New Jersey


“I work to ensure my clients feel heard, unconditionally accepted and validated in session, but also challenged to try new ways of thinking and behaving in order to work towards their goals.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Challenging, Participatory
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Deirdre Arato

Deirdre Arato

Therapist

Virtual • New Jersey


My journey began as a deeply personal quest for healing, shaped by significant challenges such as abandonment, neglect, and trauma. Overcoming hardships like poverty, familial substance abuse, and toxic relationships led me to a lifelong struggle with anxiety and feelings of isolation. In my search for relief, I explored countless self-help resources, pursued degrees in psychology, and experimented with therapeutic techniques, yet nothing seemed to offer lasting change.

Everything shifted for me about three years ago when I experienced a transformative moment that inspired the creation of the Blue Lotus Approach. This method has not only helped me heal but has also profoundly impacted my clients, guiding them toward self-awareness and resilience.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Panic disorders
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Angelique Zaks

Angelique Zaks

Therapist

Virtual • Manalapan Township, NJ


Hi there! My name is Angelique. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Clinical Addictions Counselor, working with clients virtually in the State of New Jersey and Pennsylvania. More importantly, I am a fiercely dedicated advocate for your healing. My formal training and background in substance use treatment spaces have led to an expertise of with individuals in recovery from alcohol or substance use, and addictive behaviors (gambling, shopping, relationships, etc). I also specialize in working with women who are looking to achieve goals of self improvement, navigate difficult life transitions, relationship or family strain, and questions of identity along the way. Wherever you're starting from, I will support you, celebrate your wins, and work hard to get you to where you need to go.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Yancun Wisseh

Yancun Wisseh

Therapist

Virtual • Ewing Township, NJ


“The therapeutic alliance that is the client-therapist relationship will become the greatest change agent-Trust, genuineness, and participation.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Participatory
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Kyle Reinhardt

Kyle Reinhardt

Therapist

Virtual • New Jersey


“Whether you're dealing with life's "plot twists" or just trying to navigate a world that feels increasingly loud, I'm here to help you find your footing.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Shiy Ajao

Shiy Ajao

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • New Jersey


“My goal is to empower individuals to recognize, change dysfunctional thinking, behavior leading to improved emotional regulation, and overall well-being.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Nicole Scott

Nicole Scott

Therapist

Virtual • New Jersey


“By the end of our time together, my goal is that you will feel heard and understood, free from intrusive thoughts of past experiences or unworthiness, and capable of identifying and changing unhelpful thought patterns and actions in order to feel...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Holistic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Janis Powell

Janis Powell

Therapist

Virtual • New Jersey


“My approach is collaborative. We will work together to increase insight, change beliefs you have about yourself, others, & the world to produce positive, lasting change.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, End of life care, Family issues
Affirming, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Linda Onunkwo

Linda Onunkwo

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • New Jersey


“I take time to truly listen and work collaboratively with you to create a treatment plan tailored to your needs, lifestyle, and goals.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Sara Wickizer

Sara Wickizer

Therapist

Virtual • New Jersey


I am a highly seasoned clinician with years of experience in both mental health care and substance use services. My professional journey began in the substance use field, sand a deep understanding of the co-occurring mental health challenges many individuals face.

My clinical experience includes providing outpatient individual therapy and supporting individuals experiencing acute psychosis in inpatient psychiatric settings. After gaining many years of clinical experience, I expanded into leadership roles, providing clinical supervision and program oversight while managing co-occurring programs across New Jersey. I am also passionate about building the next generation of clinicians and serve part-time as an adjunct professor. I earned my degrees from Rutgers University School of Social Work and Honors College, where I was a member of the Phi Alpha Honor Society and graduated summa cum laude.

I bring a diverse background and extensive knowledge to my clinical practice, having worked across a wide range of mental health and substance use settings. Over the years, I have gained experience with many different diagnoses, from anxiety and depression to trauma and co-occurring disorders. My expertise spans multiple evidence-based approaches, including ACT, CBT, DBT, SFT, trauma-informed care, person-centered therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and psychoanalytic techniques. This breadth allows me to tailor treatment to each individual’s unique needs, strengths, and goals, ensuring a personalized, effective, and compassionate approach to care.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Holistic, Humorous, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Neken Pringle

Neken Pringle

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • South Amboy, NJ


“My approach is calm, collaborative, and focused on helping you feel heard while finding practical solutions that fit your daily life.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Doreen Germosen

Doreen Germosen

Therapist

Virtual • New Jersey


“The most inspiring part of being a mental health provider is taking on a role in the transformation and resilience of a person's story.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Creative, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 11 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Susan Goodwin

Susan Goodwin

Therapist

Virtual • New Jersey


Susan Goodwin is a highly qualified and experienced therapist holding licenses as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC). With a passion for helping individuals overcome mental health and substance use challenges, Susan brings a wealth of expertise to her practice.



LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Jonathan Goelz

Jonathan Goelz

Therapist

Virtual • New Jersey


“I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence, & depression.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Federica Bisone

Federica Bisone

Therapist

Virtual • Metuchen, NJ


“My approach blends humanistic and psychodynamic therapy, creating an empathic, nonjudgmental space to explore the patterns shaping your inner life.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Tahira Santana

Tahira Santana

Therapist

Virtual • New Jersey


“I believe you are the expert on your own life, and my role is to provide the tools and support you need to find the balance and relief you seek.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Chasity Fowlkes

Chasity Fowlkes

Therapist

Virtual • New Jersey


“Chasity takes a client-centered, solution-focused, strength-based, and trauma-informed approach to counseling.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Identity issues, PTSD
Affirming, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Dionne Fontenelle

Dionne Fontenelle

Therapist

Virtual • New Jersey


“My clinical approach is grounded in evidence-based practices, utilizing standardized screening tools, risk assessments, and detailed clinical documentation to support accurate diagnoses and individualized treatment recommendations for diverse...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Creative, Solution-oriented
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Arianna Roberts

Arianna Roberts

Therapist

Virtual • New Jersey


“My biggest passion in this work is seeing my clients find their solutions with my support and guidance.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Direct, Open-minded
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Kesar Hernandez

Kesar Hernandez

Therapist

Virtual • New Jersey


I’m a therapist who specializes in supporting individuals and couples through some of life’s most overwhelming and tender seasons. Whether you’re navigating the emotional complexities of pregnancy or postpartum, struggling with intrusive thoughts or anxiety, feeling stuck in depression, or working to strengthen your relationship, you don’t have to do it alone.

I have a particular passion for perinatal mental health, helping clients adjust to identity changes, manage expectations, and process the emotional ups and downs that can come with trying to conceive, pregnancy, and early parenthood. I also work closely with individuals experiencing OCD, anxiety, and depression, providing tools to reduce distress and build a greater sense of control and confidence.

For couples, I offer a supportive space to improve communication, rebuild connection, and navigate conflict in a more productive and meaningful way.

My goal is to create a space where you feel understood, supported, and empowered to move forward.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Danielle Graham

Danielle Graham

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Moorestown, NJ


I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor based in New Jersey, with experience beginning in 2021. I earned my Master of Social Work from Rutgers University where I built a strong foundation in working with adults navigating complex emotional and behavioral health challenges. Over the years, I've worked with people dealing with anxiety, depression, coping with aging, life transitions, bipolar disorder, substance use, trauma, LGBTQIA+ identity, and the weight that comes from carrying too much for too long. I work individually with adults and seniors, and I understand what it feels like to want change but not quite know where to start. My goal is to help you figure that out, one step at a time.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions, Depression
Affirming, Challenging, Empowering
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Emily Fitzgerald

Emily Fitzgerald

Therapist

Virtual • New Jersey


“My approach to therapy is collaborative, supportive, and grounded in both insight and skills building.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Humorous, Solution-oriented
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Andrea Douglas

Andrea Douglas

Therapist

Virtual • New Jersey


“I bring a compassionate and collaborative approach to therapy, tailoring evidence-based methods like CBT, SFT, and trauma-informed care to fit each client's unique needs.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Challenging, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Richard Houseal

Richard Houseal

Therapist

Virtual • New Jersey


“My care approach is solution-oriented and short-term, but the results are aimed to be long-term through processing, reframing, and utilizing helpful and productive interventions.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Direct, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Dr. Latoya Smalls

Dr. Latoya Smalls

Therapist

Virtual • New Jersey


“As a counseling professional, it is essential to challenge my clients in a supportive and encouraging way that will not present as overly critical of their knowledge and experience, that will assist with promoting personal growth.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Lorraine Smith

Lorraine Smith

Therapist

Virtual • Mount Holly, NJ


“I view therapy as a collaborative journey... to help them better understand what happened, what is happening now, and how they can move forward amid everything that has happened.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Marisa Bonamassa-Cimino

Marisa Bonamassa-Cimino

Therapist

Virtual • New Jersey


“I value creating a supportive, nonjudgmental space where clients feel heard, understood, and respected.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Ciani Young

Ciani Young

Therapist

Virtual • New Jersey


“I focus on providing practical tools for you to use in your daily life while also creating a compassionate space for healing and self-exploration.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Direct, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Michael Di Salvo

Michael Di Salvo

Therapist

Virtual • New Jersey


“He/Him/His has over thirty years of experience. He as several specialty care areas in psychotherapy including but not limited to CBT, DBT, Trauma Focused, Grief, Psychodynamic Therapy, Positive Psychology.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Robin Siegel

Robin Siegel

Therapist

Virtual • New Jersey


I believe therapy works best when it feels like a genuine partnership. You can expect me to bring warmth, curiosity, and clear feedback to our work together. I’m not afraid to gently challenge patterns that may be holding you back, but always from a place of empathy and respect. My goal is to help you understand yourself more deeply and build the emotional skills needed to feel more grounded and in control of your life.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Energetic, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Laura Perez

Laura Perez

Therapist

Virtual • New Jersey


“I help people slow down, breathe again, and reconnect with the parts of themselves they've had to silence just to get through the day.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Anthony Boyd

Anthony Boyd

Therapist

Virtual • New Jersey


“I'm warm, direct, curious, and comfortable sitting with experiences that feel complicated, painful, or difficult to name.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Direct, Warm
Accepts 2 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Zorianny Baez

Dr. Zorianny Baez

Therapist

Virtual • New Jersey


I am here to walk with you on your journey, offering guidance that respects your individuality. If you're ready to take the next step toward a more fulfilling life, I invite you to reach out and let's start working together toward the future you envision. I have over fifteen years of experience in the mental health field. I graduated from Lehman College with Summa cum laude honors. I obtained my Master's degree from New York University and my Doctorate in Social Work from Rutgers University.

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

Offers free consultationsView profile and book

About our LGBTQIA+ affirming therapists located within 20 miles of Newark, NJ

Number of therapists within 20 miles of Newark, NJ
There are over 48 therapists in Newark, NJ accepting new patients.
48+
Average years in practice
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9 years
Top specialties offered
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  • 100%LGBTQIA+
  • 100%Anxiety
  • 100%Depression
  • 92%Stress management
  • 85%Trauma
Insurances accepted
Watercolor illustration of insurance cards
  • 98%Aetna
  • 65%Horizon Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Jersey
  • 63%Cigna
  • 63%Carelon Behavioral Health
  • 56%United Healthcare
Languages spoken
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  • 94%English
  • 6%Russian
  • 4%Spanish
  • 2%French
  • 2%Hebrew
How they see their clients
Watercolor illustration of therapy session
  • 100%In-person or online
Provider gender
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  • 79%Woman
  • 21%Man
License types
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  • 44%Licensed Clinical Social Worker
  • 31%Licensed Professional Counselor
  • 15%Advanced Practice Nurse
  • 8%Licensed Psychologist
  • 2%Medical Doctor
Treatment approaches
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  • 100%Individual therapy
  • 25%Family therapy
  • 17%Couples therapy
  • 13%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.

Factors to Consider When Choosing an LGBTQIA Therapist in Newark

Searching for LGBTQIA therapists in Newark starts with finding identity-affirming care that matches your needs. An LGBTQIA+-affirming therapist may support people exploring sexuality, gender identity, relationship concerns, family dynamics, anxiety, depression, or life transitions. As you compare therapists, look for profiles that mention affirmative therapy, WPATH training, gender-diverse experience, or direct experience with LGBTQIA+ communities. This can help you find a therapist whose training, listed specialties, and approach align with the kind of support you want.

Newark offers both local office visits and virtual therapy options, which can help widen your search for an affirming therapist. If nearby options feel limited, virtual appointments may make it easier to find therapists specializing in gender identity, sexuality therapy, counseling for LGBTQIA+ concerns, or support for couples and families. Beyond specialty, consider appointment availability, scheduling flexibility, therapist background, and whether a free phone consultation is offered. Reading therapist bios can also show how they describe their approach, communication style, and experience with LGBTQIA+ populations before you book.

Therapy in Newark can be a significant expense without insurance. Using in-network insurance is one of the most reliable ways to reduce session costs and understand what you may pay before care begins. Headway helps you find licensed therapists who accept a wide range of insurance plans, many of whom are accepting new patients, and offers upfront cost estimates after you enter your insurance details. You can browse therapists, review bios, compare virtual and in-person options, and book directly when you’re ready.

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