Skip to main content
Headway

Book LGBT-friendly therapy, covered by insurance

LGBT therapists in Buffalo, NY

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 Buffalo, NY

Find affirming mental health support in Buffalo with 2,702 licensed providers experienced in LGBTQIA+ care. Headway connects you with warm, open-minded therapists who understand your unique journey, offering flexible virtual or in-person sessions with copays as low as $0.

Natisha Joseph

Natisha Joseph

Therapist

Virtual • New York


“I am a true believer that "My response is my responsibility". In seeking out assistance via mental health services, you have taken the first steps in reclaiming control of your life.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Adrian Averion

Adrian Averion

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • New York


“My approach is deeply rooted in empathy and collaboration, working closely with clients to help them achieve their personal goals and improve their overall well-being.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Family issues
Inquisitive, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
Maria Dahlmann

Maria Dahlmann

Therapist

Virtual • New York


“Maria is a dynamic and compassionate therapist with over a decade of experience as a licensed clinician.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Ethan Cullinan

Ethan Cullinan

Therapist

Virtual • New York


“I take a warm, compassionate approach that's rooted in a holistic understanding of each client as a whole person.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Creative, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 1 insurance carrier

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Madeleine English

Madeleine English

Therapist

Virtual • Port Jefferson, NY


I am a licensed mental health counselor who specializes in working with women "across the spectrum of motherhood." I work with women experiencing infertility, pregnancy, postpartum depression, anxiety, OCD, heavy mental loads, mom guilt, and empty nests. I have advanced training in perinatal mood and anxiety disorders and use evidence based approaches in my work.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Humorous, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Wedad Muflahi

Wedad Muflahi

Therapist

Virtual • New York


“My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and direct. I am trained in several evidence-based modalities, including EMDR, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and trauma-informed care.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Direct, Empowering
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Sandy Baker

Sandy Baker

Therapist

Virtual • New York


“My interactive approach is empowering my clients to be able to heal long-standing behavioral patterns and negative perceptions that are holding them from being the very best version of themselves.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Nick Galef

Dr. Nick Galef

Psychologist

Virtual & in-person • New York, NY


“My approach tends to be curious, warm, and focused on helping you to find new ways of understanding your current predicament.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Inquisitive, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 1 insurance carrier

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Lauren Ayello

Lauren Ayello

Therapist

Virtual • New York


“I believe that promoting connection within the therapeutic relationship are the building blocks for positive outcomes...”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 11 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Nathan Dawson

Nathan Dawson

Therapist

Virtual • New York


“I believe change and healing happen in a warm, safe, therapeutic environment and I strive to provide you with just that.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Jennifer Kelsch

Jennifer Kelsch

Therapist

Virtual • New York


“I have been in private practice for more than 20 years and absolutely love what I do- supporting my clients to live the happiest and healthiest life that they can!”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 13 insurance carriers
Nicole Jenkins

Nicole Jenkins

Therapist

Virtual • New York


I hold compassionate, knowledgeable, and supportive space where you will feel welcome and safe to explore and access deeply-held feelings, release emotional blockages, experience shifts, and gain clarity. I provide warmth as well as direct and honest insight. I have nearly three decades of experience working in various healing and teaching capacities with highly diverse populations of adults, children and families. My approach to therapy is relational and interactive, creating a comforting environment where you feel seen, heard, and develop tools to guide your progress and growth.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
David Lesser

David Lesser

Therapist

Virtual • Huntington Station, NY


“I have a background in established therapeutic styles such as solution-focused, goal-oriented, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and mindfulness.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Creative, Holistic, Humorous
Accepts 16 insurance carriers
Elizabeth Cambra

Elizabeth Cambra

Therapist

Virtual • New York


“As your therapist, I will help you achieve an understanding and awareness of the obstacles that may be keeping you from living a more full and satisfying life.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Physical health issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Rosarie Foley

Rosarie Foley

Therapist

Virtual • New York


“I'm especially passionate about supporting people who grew up in chaotic or emotionally unpredictable homes...”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Susana Lucero

Susana Lucero

Therapist

Virtual • New York


“I work with adults who want to better understand and work through their depression, anxiety, multicultural concerns, grief, life transitions, relationship issues, and family conflict.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 1 insurance carrier
Melanie MacIntosh

Melanie MacIntosh

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • New York


Melanie MacIntosh, PMHNP-BC, is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over ten years of nursing experience and a strong foundation in behavioral health. She provides compassionate, patient-centered psychiatric care to individuals across the lifespan.

Melanie has extensive experience in both inpatient and outpatient settings and is skilled in psychopharmacology, evidence-based therapeutic interventions, and crisis assessment and response. She holds additional certifications in suicide prevention through the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA), Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), and completed the KySS Child & Adolescent Mental Health Fellowship Program, reflecting advanced training in the assessment and treatment of pediatric and adolescent populations.

She is a recipient of the DAISY Award, the Gold Heart Nurse of Distinction, & a member of the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society, honors that reflect her commitment to clinical excellence, collaborative care, and advocacy for patients and families.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Richard Menjivar

Richard Menjivar

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • New York


“As a bi-lingual, board-certified psychiatric NP, and Army Veteran, my clinical philosophy is to provide holistic, trauma-informed care.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Holistic, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Oluwabusayomi Okerayi

Oluwabusayomi Okerayi

Therapist

Virtual • New York


Hi, I’m happy that you have made it here! My name is Wale Okerayi (she/her) and I am a Psychotherapist serving folks in New York & Texas. I grew up in Houston, Texas and then moved to New York City where I received a double masters degree in Mental Health Counseling from Teachers College Columbia University.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Creative, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Stav Livne

Stav Livne

Psychologist

Virtual • Brooklyn, NY


“I work in a collaborative, insight-oriented way, offering a supportive space to slow down and make sense of what's coming up.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Paul Hargrow

Paul Hargrow

Therapist

Virtual • New York


“I believe psychotherapy is a collaboration - I will be actively engaged with, encouraging, guiding, and advising you when you may need help...”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 12 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Priya Puliyampet

Priya Puliyampet

Therapist

Virtual • New York


“I work primarily from a psychodynamic perspective to examine/explore relational patterns and the way this affects your view of your self and others.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Shaudi Adel

Shaudi Adel

Therapist

Virtual • New York


“My hope is to help you create a "life worth living" in which you can be the best version of yourself and feel more confident in the resilient person you are.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Becky Paulits

Becky Paulits

Therapist

Virtual • New York


“I offer culturally competent, identity affirming, and trauma informed care that places intersectionality at the center of treatment to ensure your unique needs are met.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Participatory, Solution-oriented
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Shiphra Bakhchi

Shiphra Bakhchi

Psychologist

Virtual • New York, NY


I hae a collaborative approach in working with clients with a wide range of backgrounds.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Dr. Desheane Newman

Dr. Desheane Newman

Psychologist

Virtual • New York


“I aim to help you inhabit a more full, authentic, fulfilling, life, less encumbered by symptoms and burdens that are not your own.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Direct, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 1 insurance carrier
Dr. Abigail Elakman

Dr. Abigail Elakman

Psychologist

Virtual & in-person • New York, NY


“I use an integrative approach to help you develop insight, increase resilience, and discover meaning and purpose.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Identity issues
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 1 insurance carrier
Claudia Hinojosa

Claudia Hinojosa

Psychologist

Virtual • New York


“My goal is to provide a warm, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where you feel genuinely heard, understood, and respected from our very first session.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Open-minded, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Stacy Essex

Stacy Essex

Therapist

Virtual • New York


“I believe that everyone has the capacity for growth and healing, and I'm passionate about helping my clients move toward a life that feels more balanced, fulfilling, and authentic.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Direct, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Alyson Seidman

Alyson Seidman

Therapist

Virtual • New York


“I work collaboratively with you to help you understand and identify both your strengths and weaknesses, and to work towards creating an overall wellness.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 14 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Kenneth Kessel

Kenneth Kessel

Therapist

Virtual • New York


“I look for what's nurturing and affirming in each person, couple, child and family and work with you to help it emerge.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Kiara Maher

Kiara Maher

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Albany, NY


“I believe that therapy is a way to help people on their journey to living a more fulfilling and authentic life.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Shelby Muhammedi

Shelby Muhammedi

Therapist

Virtual • New York


I implement a strengths-based perspective methodology. This means I take a holistic and individualistic approach by working through your personal history, environment, lifestyle, and spirituality. Your past is not indicative of your future. Everyone has a personal story that needs to be heard; therefore, I hope to build a partnership that's rooted in a judgment-free environment.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Inquisitive, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Sasha Classe

Sasha Classe

Therapist

Virtual • New York


“Sasha takes a culturally competent, gender-affirming, and trauma-informed approach when working with clients.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Identity issues
Affirming, Empowering, Humorous
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Etosha Blank

Etosha Blank

Therapist

Virtual • New York


“I have several years of experience working with anxiety, depression, personality disorders, and PTSD...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Rachel Horowitz

Rachel Horowitz

Therapist

Virtual • New York


“I think of therapy as a way to organize your internal world, how you map your life, and create language for your experiences.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Humorous, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Laura Fernandez

Laura Fernandez

Therapist

Virtual • New York


“I believe that therapy should be a non-judgmental safe space in order to discuss your individual needs and wants.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 11 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Nicole Gerace

Dr. Nicole Gerace

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Walton, NY


“I provide a supportive, down-to-earth environment where clients can feel heard, understood, and comfortable being themselves.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Dr. Priscilla Ambrose

Dr. Priscilla Ambrose

Therapist

Virtual • New York


Psychodynamic psychotherapy based on psychoanalytical self psychology training.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Holistic, Participatory, Solution-oriented
Accepts 10 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Charmion Browne Diaz

Charmion Browne Diaz

Therapist

Virtual • New York


“I am a compassionate licensed mental health & pastoral counselor with proven ability to utilize eclectic therapeutic modalities.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 11 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book

About our LGBTQIA+ affirming therapists located within 20 miles of Buffalo, NY

Number of therapists within 20 miles of Buffalo, NY
There are over 27 therapists in Buffalo, NY accepting new patients.
27+
Average years in practice
Watercolor illustration of a bookshelf
6 years
Top specialties offered
Watercolor illustration of specialties
  • 100%LGBTQIA+
  • 100%Anxiety
  • 96%Trauma
  • 96%PTSD
  • 93%Stress management
Insurances accepted
Watercolor illustration of insurance cards
  • 96%Aetna
  • 93%Cigna
  • 85%Carelon Behavioral Health
  • 52%Highmark BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York
  • 48%Highmark BlueShield of Northeastern New York
Languages spoken
Watercolor illustration of languages
  • 100%English
How they see their clients
Watercolor illustration of therapy session
  • 100%In-person or online
Provider gender
Watercolor illustration of gender identity
  • 78%Woman
  • 22%Man
License types
Watercolor illustration of license
  • 56%Licensed Mental Health Counselor
  • 37%Licensed Clinical Social Worker
  • 4%Clinical Psychologist
  • 4%Nurse Practitioner
Treatment approaches
Watercolor illustration of treatment approach
  • 100%Individual therapy
  • 44%Family therapy
  • 22%Couples therapy
  • 19%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 Buffalo

Finding LGBTQIA+ therapists in Buffalo starts with looking for identity-affirming care. A therapist’s experience with LGBTQIA+ concerns can shape how they support identity exploration, gender dysphoria, relationship stress, family dynamics, anxiety, or depression. As you compare options, look for therapists who list affirmative therapy, WPATH training, gender-diverse experience, or direct work with LGBTQIA+ communities in their profiles.

Buffalo has a broad mental health care community, but the number of therapists with explicit LGBTQIA+ experience may vary by neighborhood, schedule, and specialty. Virtual sessions can expand your options if you want an affirming therapist who may be a good fit for your needs and accepts your insurance. Before booking, review each therapist’s bio for details on populations served, therapy approach, availability, and whether they offer a free phone consultation.

Therapy in Buffalo can be a significant investment without insurance. Using in-network insurance is one of the most reliable ways to reduce session costs, and Headway helps make that process clearer by showing estimated costs before you book. You can search for LGBTQIA+ therapists, enter your insurance details, review therapist profiles, and book directly when you’re ready.

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