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LGBT therapists in Buffalo, NY


Top LGBT-friendly therapists and psychiatrists in Buffalo, NY
Find affirming mental health support in Buffalo with 2,703 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.
I know starting with a new therapist can feel hard, and
building trust takes time. I’m patient, warm, and intentional
about creating a comfortable space where you can feel
supported as you grow and build resilience. I work with children, teens, and adults facing anxiety, depression, trauma, LGBTQIA+ and transgender-related concerns, grief, relationship challenges, and life adjustments. Some people come to me in the middle of a crisis. Others come because something has felt off for a long time and they’re finally ready to look at it. Both are good reasons to start.
I am a clinical social worker in private practice in NYC and also work as a supervising clinician at a university. I received my Master’s degree at New York University. I completed post-graduate training with the Women’s Therapy Centre. My practice is informed by incorporating current society and the challenges it brings for individuals to function at their best. I consider an individual's past and current context to best help people face their concerns.
Hey! I am the owner of Iris Counseling, LLC and I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 16 years of experience in the field. More specifically in individual, family and group counseling, crisis intervention and suicide prevention, as well as in addiction counseling. While working in this field, I've developed a deep understanding of the complexity of us humans and the vulnerability it takes to ask for help. It's an honor to be in this profession and to be trusted by you as you're in this vulnerable space of personal growth and healing.
My journey to becoming a mental health provider began with a desire to help others achieve greater self-insight and personal growth. Witnessing the impact that understanding oneself and developing effective coping strategies can have on one's life inspired me to pursue this path. After earning my degree from Columbia University and gaining experience in various settings, I became committed to gaining the skills needed to support individuals in their personal development and emotional well-being.
Welcome and thank you for taking the time to learn more about me. As a licensed therapist practicing in both California and New York, I believe deeply in the inherent resilience and transformative potential within every individual. I earned my Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Teachers College, Columbia University. Throughout my clinical practice, I have supported clients across all life stages in navigating complex emotional challenges, including trauma, anxiety, and depression, while empowering them to cultivate healthy, fulfilling interpersonal relationships.
Hello there — I’m Nic 👋🏼
If you’re looking for a provider who doesn’t just listen but truly hears you, you’re in the right place. My goal is for you to leave each session with clarity, confidence, and those meaningful “ah‐ha” moments that move you forward.
With 20+ years in healthcare — from military corpsman, dental assistant, cardiac sonographer, a labor & delivery and behavioral health nurse — I bring a broad, compassionate, and grounded perspective to the work we’ll do together.
Let’s build a strong foundation for your well‐being, growth, and long‐term success.
Whether you are feeling down, depleted, or in pain; if you’re wondering whether you are good enough, or having difficulties finding the motivation to start your day, psychotherapy is an effective way of rediscovering yourself. It allows you to get to the root of your symptoms and find the answers you are looking for in order to create a more fulfilling sense of self. As individuals, we all experience depression, anxiety, trauma in our lives, often more than once. You do not have to go through these issues alone.
Whether you are experiencing difficulties as an individual, with friends, family members, or your partner, Cecilia Bichara, LCSW uses a combination of psychodynamic practices that are individually tailored to meet your needs. She provides individual, couple, and family therapy in a safe nonjudgmental space and can help you in this very personal journey.
Todos pasamos por momentos difíciles de depresión, ansiedad, trauma y más de una vez, los cuales causan angustias, baja autoestima, y afecta nuestra percepción del mundo, de los demás, y de nosotros mismos. Con mi experiencia en terapia individual,de pareja y familiar en un ambiente de aceptación y confidencialidad, puedo ayudarlo/a en este proceso personal.
You don't need to figure your mental health out alone.
I work with adults dealing with a range of issues, most commonly anxiety, depression, difficulty adjusting and relationship issues. I also offer a specialty of ADHD treatment.
I'm a bilingual (English/Spanish) LCSW based in Queens, NY, and I work with teens and adults who are navigating trauma, domestic violence recovery, depression, anxiety, and major life transitions. Before private practice, I spent six years working inside the New York City public health system - most recently providing therapy to survivors of domestic violence as they rebuilt their lives after leaving dangerous situations. As a bilingual, multicultural therapist, I understand what it's like to move between languages, cultures, and expectations. I know firsthand what it's like to hold more than one world at once — and I bring that understanding into every session. I work with many clients for whom finding a Spanish-speaking therapist felt impossible before. I take insurance because I believe quality mental health care shouldn't depend on how much you earn. I see clients ages 10 and up. I offer all sessions online, so you can access support from anywhere in New York state.
About our LGBTQIA+ affirming therapists located within 20 miles of Buffalo, NY



- 100%LGBTQIA+
- 100%Anxiety
- 96%Trauma
- 96%PTSD
- 93%Stress management

- 96%Aetna
- 93%Cigna
- 85%Carelon Behavioral Health
- 52%Highmark BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York
- 48%Highmark BlueShield of Northeastern New York

- 100%English

- 100%In-person or online

- 78%Woman
- 22%Man

- 56%Licensed Mental Health Counselor
- 37%Licensed Clinical Social Worker
- 4%Clinical Psychologist
- 4%Nurse Practitioner

- 100%Individual therapy
- 44%Family therapy
- 22%Couples therapy
- 19%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.
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.
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