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LGBT therapists in Buffalo, NY

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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.

Donna Rhodes

Donna Rhodes

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • New York


“With over a decade of diverse healthcare experience, the evolving landscape of mental health care requires not only this intricate understanding of new developments but compassion to approach everyone's unique circumstance.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Dr. Sinam Ward

Dr. Sinam Ward

Psychologist

Virtual • New York


“I believe therapy is about helping us to feel more emotionally resilient in the face of any obstacle.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Direct, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 1 insurance carrier

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Ayodeji Olawale, Dnp

Dr. Ayodeji Olawale, Dnp

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • New York


“Dr. Olawale is known for his patience, empathy, and deep clinical insight, empowering patients to find meaning, purpose, and healing in their journeys.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Edward Yaeger

Edward Yaeger

Therapist

Virtual • New York


“I am a mid-career psychotherapist, having worked in business, politics, academia, and civics for over twenty-five years prior to mental health counseling.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, End of life care, Identity issues, Men's issues
Energetic, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 11 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Anna Baker

Anna Baker

Therapist

Virtual • New York


“My deep passion is helping individuals find their locus of control by exploring their internal world, gaining a better understanding of their feelings, and incorporating new skills into their daily lives.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Dr. Timothy Michaels

Dr. Timothy Michaels

Psychologist

Virtual • New York


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.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Grief or loss
Affirming, Direct, Warm
Accepts 1 insurance carrier
Siobhan Kearns

Siobhan Kearns

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • New York


“I have a deep passion for helping individuals navigate their healing journey towards mental health and wellness.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Erin Ellis

Erin Ellis

Therapist

Virtual • New York


“I collaborate with her clients, meeting them where they are and helping them find personalized solutions to achieve their goals and become their best selves.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Ruchi Amin

Ruchi Amin

Therapist

Virtual • New York, NY


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.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, End of life care
Direct, Holistic, Participatory
Accepts 1 insurance carrier

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Chassitty Fiani

Dr. Chassitty Fiani

Psychologist

Virtual • New York


“I specialize in working with clients who identify across the spectrums of gender and sexual orientation, and families who want to learn how to be more supportive of their loved ones.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Direct, Warm
Accepts 2 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Ashley Paddock

Ashley Paddock

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Orchard Park, NY


“Medications can be a helpful and sometimes necessary tool. However, medications often do not address the root cause of psychiatric symptoms.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 13 insurance carriers
Lara O'Gorman

Lara O'Gorman

Therapist

Virtual • New York


“As someone who is neurodivergent and has navigated my own mental health journey, I understand how difficult it can be to ask for help, feel misunderstood, or try to find your way through periods of uncertainty and change.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Joelid Rodriguez Pagan

Joelid Rodriguez Pagan

Psychologist

Virtual • New York


“My aim in therapy is to help you feel safe, build trust, uncover and explore, and shine the light of compassion onto dark spaces within your psyche.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 1 insurance carrier
Dr. Fausat Odubiyi

Dr. Fausat Odubiyi

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • New York


“As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, she may specialize in Schizophrenia and Mood Disorders, in addition to other conditions.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Creative, Direct, Open-minded
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Lily Warner

Dr. Lily Warner

Psychologist

Virtual • New York, NY


“I am intuitive, collaborative, authentic, and don't hesitate to use humor when appropriate. Working with me is informative, insightful, and action oriented.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Creative, Holistic, Inquisitive
Accepts 1 insurance carrier

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Renee Richman

Renee Richman

Therapist

Virtual • New York


“My goal is to help clients move from overwhelm toward greater clarity, confidence, and connection in their lives.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Nicolina Bolognese

Nicolina Bolognese

Therapist

Virtual • New York, NY


“My goal is to create a safe and supportive space that allows clients to feel comfortable expressing themselves without judgment.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, PTSD, Relationship issues, Trauma
Affirming, Empowering, Inquisitive
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Ariana Chotkowski

Ariana Chotkowski

Therapist

Virtual • New York


“She is an integrative therapist who uses a variety of modalities and techniques including mindfulness, trauma-informed treatment, cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, dialectical behavior therapy and existential therapy.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Shadarion Kinsey

Shadarion Kinsey

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • New York


“I take a thoughtful, personalized approach to care, focused on truly understanding you and helping you feel like yourself again.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Inquisitive, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Vanessa Borotz

Vanessa Borotz

Therapist

Virtual • New York


“Therapy is a space to slow down and honor the stories you carry — the experiences, relationships, and moments that have shaped you.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Grief or loss
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Donna Bacon

Dr. Donna Bacon

Therapist

Virtual • New York


“My role is to provide a safe, nonjudgmental space where you can feel heard, supported, and empowered to create meaningful change.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Evangelos Paraskevopoulos

Evangelos Paraskevopoulos

Therapist

Virtual • New York


“I believe healing happens through a strong therapeutic relationship built on trust, collaboration, and respect.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Keri McDonough

Keri McDonough

Therapist

Virtual • New York


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.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Molly Perreaud

Molly Perreaud

Therapist

Virtual • New York


“Healing includes change, change can be uncomfortable, but that is when you know that you truly are healing.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Energetic, Open-minded
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Dyna Tucker

Dyna Tucker

Therapist

Virtual • Lynbrook, NY


“You'll learn conflict resolution skills that will help you not only resolve past conflicts, but also empower you to tackle future conflicts effectively.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Direct, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 19 insurance carriers
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
Ryn Cagle

Ryn Cagle

Therapist

Virtual • New York


“I am warm and honest at the same time. I will not ask you to pretend things are fine. I also will not rush you past the parts of your story that needed someone to slow down.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression
Creative, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Theresa Haney

Theresa Haney

Therapist

Virtual • New York


“After 30 years of working as a therapist, it's become clear that the body tells your story through your gait, your posture and the aches and pains of symptoms.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 2 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Eric Pierce

Eric Pierce

Therapist

Virtual • New York


“My path to becoming a therapist was shaped by a longstanding interest in the intersection of creativity and emotional well-being.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Creative, Holistic, Inquisitive
Accepts 2 insurance carriers
Lauren Bradley

Lauren Bradley

Therapist

Virtual • New York


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.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Open-minded, Participatory, Solution-oriented
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
Jiaxi (Jessie) Shao

Jiaxi (Jessie) Shao

Therapist

Virtual • New York


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.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Nic Gauger

Nic Gauger

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual & in-person • Glens Falls, NY


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.

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

Cecilia Bichara, Lcsw

Therapist

Virtual • New York


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.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 3 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Kiera Muscara

Kiera Muscara

Therapist

Virtual • New York, NY


“My approach is eclectic and collaborative, beginning with your goals and hopes for treatment, and incorporating creative methods to work together in this pursuit.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Identity issues
Empowering, Participatory, Warm

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Tracey Gundel

Tracey Gundel

Therapist

Virtual • New York


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.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Natalia Corporan Crespo

Natalia Corporan Crespo

Therapist

Virtual • New York


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.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

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
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6 years
Top specialties offered
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  • 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
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  • 100%English
How they see their clients
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  • 100%In-person or online
Provider gender
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  • 78%Woman
  • 22%Man
License types
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  • 56%Licensed Mental Health Counselor
  • 37%Licensed Clinical Social Worker
  • 4%Clinical Psychologist
  • 4%Nurse Practitioner
Treatment approaches
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  • 100%Individual therapy
  • 44%Family therapy
  • 22%Couples therapy
  • 19%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 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.