Skip to main content
Headway

Book LGBT-friendly therapy, covered by insurance

LGBT therapists in Newark, NJ

Therapist and patient in a therapy session
Calculator Illustration
Get a cost estimate
People with insurance pay as low as $0 per session through Headway

Top LGBT-friendly therapists and psychiatrists in Newark, NJ

Find affirming mental health support in Newark with 1,172 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.

Marc Rubin

Marc Rubin

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 25 mi away • East Brunswick, NJ


“The coping mechanisms that are shared with my client's are established with the abilities of the individual patient in mind, though will also challenge the client at times.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 16 insurance carriers
Liliya Borodkin

Liliya Borodkin

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 29 mi away • Branchburg, NJ


“My approach is warm, collaborative, and tailored to each client's unique needs, drawing from evidence-based practices like CBT and mindfulness.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
Dr. Jenna Paparozzi

Dr. Jenna Paparozzi

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 20 mi away • Waldwick, NJ


Hello! My name is Jenna. I approach each individual with a profound commitment to person-centered care. Specializing in supporting those navigating anxiety or depression, I also work with individuals who want to enhance communication skills, increase distress and frustration tolerance, and overcome challenging life experiences. I received a Masters degree in Social Work from New York University, and a Doctorate in Social Work from Rutgers.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Identity issues
Challenging, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Megan Washburn

Megan Washburn

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 27 mi away • Red Bank, NJ


“My style is flexible and that's very important to me; I want all of my clients to know that therapy will be whatever they need it to be on that particular day.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Direct, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Elizabeth Nass Moschella

Elizabeth Nass Moschella

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Ocean Township, NJ


“I'm passionate about helping individuals find inner peace, build confidence, and develop self-acceptance to they can move towards the life they want.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Sue Santos

Sue Santos

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Hackettstown, NJ


“We believe therapy should feel supportive and compassionate while also providing practical tools, insight, and gentle challenges that help create meaningful change.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Direct, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Syed Zaidi

Dr. Syed Zaidi

Psychiatrist

Virtual & in-person • Freehold Township, NJ


Dr. Zaidi is Triple Board Certified in Psychiatry/Neurology, Child & Adolescent Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine. He has encompassed more than thirty years of extensive and diverse experience in the field of Child, Adolescent & Family Psychiatry. Dr. Zaidi was responsible for the management of a Monmouth Medical Center Children’s Crisis Intervention Service staff and operations; establishing patient services for adolescents, including day and overnight hospitalization; and supervision of multidisciplinary staff in various settings. Dr. Zaidi served as a Clinical Assistant Professor within the Department of Psychiatry at the Drexel School of Medicine. As a Site Director for Psychiatry, he provided supervision and training of medical students and pediatric residents on rotation at Monmouth Medical Center for Drexel School of Medicine and the Physicians Assistants Program from UMDNJ and Seton Hall. Dr. Zaidi has seen children, adolescents, and adults in private practice for over a decade. Dr. Zaidi is certified by the Board of Education to conduct psychiatric evaluations for school districts for Monmouth and surrounding counties.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Inquisitive, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Kim Wielgus

Kim Wielgus

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 27 mi away • Chester, NJ


“My style is integrative, combining treatment modalities like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, some trauma-focused techniques, experiental and sometimes bringing in parts-work (IFS)...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Humorous, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Cheryl Schnabolk

Cheryl Schnabolk

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 28 mi away • Chester, NJ


“My role is to provide unyielding support, validation, practical tools and interventions, non judgmental space for you to speak your true feelings...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Participatory, Solution-oriented
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Juan Barrera

Juan Barrera

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 27 mi away • Red Bank, NJ


“Their work is rooted in the belief that healing begins when you are able to reconnect with yourself—your body, your identity, and your inner voice.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Chibuike Enyinnia

Chibuike Enyinnia

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual & in-person • Hamilton Township, NJ


“I work with all of my patients to achieve full recovery, improved quality of life, and improved relationships and joy by providing comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and supportive therapy for patients of all age group...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Creative, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Dr. Tina Anighoro-Okezie

Dr. Tina Anighoro-Okezie

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Matawan, NJ


“I employ an integrated approach to care, viewing each client as unique to provide tailored treatment recommendations.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Edena Walden

Edena Walden

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • New Jersey


“I obtained my MSN from Vanderbilt University after years of working with incarcerated people and in substance abuse facilities.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Olivia D'Elia

Olivia D'Elia

Therapist

Virtual • New Jersey


“My therapeutic style is warm, collaborative, and grounded in the belief that every person has the capacity to grow, heal, and create meaningful change.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression
Empowering, Humorous, 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
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
Dr. Faith Shank

Dr. Faith Shank

Psychologist

Virtual • Morristown, NJ


“My therapeutic approach is collaborative and grounded in evidence-based treatments, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), trauma-focused interventions, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
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
Laurie Parsons

Laurie Parsons

Therapist

Virtual • New Jersey


“Using a blend of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and mindfulness techniques, I'll help you regain your power and focus your energy on what you can actually change.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, End of life care
Humorous, Inquisitive, Solution-oriented
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Joseph Feola

Joseph Feola

Therapist

Virtual • New Jersey


“I bring over 14 years of experience as a professional high school counselor and 12 years as an adjunct professor of counseling...”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Family issues, Identity issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 14 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
Timothy Perkins

Timothy Perkins

Therapist

Virtual • Vineland, NJ


“Empathetic listening, evidence-based approaches, and unconditional positive regard in feedback is my primary focus in the therapeutic process.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 12 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Carlee Marcinkowski

Carlee Marcinkowski

Therapist

Virtual • New Jersey


“I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC) specializing in working with adults and adolescents with anxiety, depression, acute and chronic trauma, life stressors, self-esteem, and...”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Direct, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 11 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
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
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
Dr. Ijeamaka Emejuru

Dr. Ijeamaka Emejuru

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Piscataway, NJ


“My approach to care is collaborative, holistic, and patient-centered. This includes thoughtful medication management, education about your mental health, and an emphasis on building trust and open communication.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Holistic, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
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
Leandro Olszanski

Leandro Olszanski

Therapist

Virtual • New Jersey


I specialize in helping couples and adults navigate relationship challenges, cultural differences, and major life transitions. My work is especially focused on couples who feel disconnected, stuck in recurring conflict, or unsure how to rebuild trust and emotional closeness. As a Level 3 Gottman Method-trained therapist, I help partners understand their patterns, communicate more effectively, and create a stronger relationship. I also support individuals balancing career, family, cultural adjustment, and the demands of a new chapter.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
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
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
Leydi Fonseca

Leydi Fonseca

Therapist

Virtual • New Jersey


“I work with clients from a warm, welcoming, and compassionate place, making it a priority for each person to feel seen, accepted, and valued.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Heather Reitter

Heather Reitter

Therapist

Virtual • New Jersey


“I am trained in a range of trauma informed therapeutic modalities, including Child Parent Psychotherapy (CPP), ARC Grow, Nurtured Heart Approach, play therapy, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, OCD
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Chad Gurdgiel

Chad Gurdgiel

Therapist

Virtual • Gibbsboro, NJ


“I use a person-centered, strength-based approach and narrative practices to help you examine and reshape the stories that may be keeping you stuck.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Haley Garcia

Haley Garcia

Therapist

Virtual • New Jersey


“I believe in a collaborative approach where we develop goals together and work as a team to help you gain clarity, confidence and emotional well-being.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
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
Dawn Fifth

Dawn Fifth

Therapist

Virtual • New Jersey


“In a safe, non-judgmental space, we'll craft a personalized plan using evidence-based methods like CBT, Mindfulness, and Solution-Focused Therapy to enhance your life, boost confidence, and reduce anxiety.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Empowering, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Chloe Adel

Chloe Adel

Therapist

Virtual • Wayne, NJ


“I strongly believe that we all have inner strengths that can guide us through our individual journeys.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Eating disorders, OCD
Empowering, Humorous, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

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
Watercolor illustration of a bookshelf
9 years
Top specialties offered
Watercolor illustration of specialties
  • 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
Watercolor illustration of languages
  • 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
Watercolor illustration of gender identity
  • 79%Woman
  • 21%Man
License types
Watercolor illustration of license
  • 44%Licensed Clinical Social Worker
  • 31%Licensed Professional Counselor
  • 15%Advanced Practice Nurse
  • 8%Licensed Psychologist
  • 2%Medical Doctor
Treatment approaches
Watercolor illustration of treatment approach
  • 100%Individual therapy
  • 25%Family therapy
  • 17%Couples therapy
  • 13%Child or adolescent therapy

Frequently asked questions

Therapy Chair

Happy patient looking away

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.

Find a provider - your way

Use left and right arrow keys to switch tabs. Press Shift+Tab to return to the tab list from links in the selected tab.

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