Skip to main content
Headway

Book LGBT-friendly therapy, covered by insurance

LGBT therapists in New York

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 New York

Find affirming mental health support in New York with 2,702 licensed providers who understand your unique experiences. Headway connects you with warm, open-minded therapists offering flexible virtual and in-person sessions covered by insurance, with many patients paying as low as $0 per session.

Kemba Bloodworth-Bhattacharya

Kemba Bloodworth-Bhattacharya

Therapist

Virtual • New York


“I bring presence, warmth, and cultural attunement to every session, drawing from EMDR, somatic therapy, and ancestral healing practices.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Maria Tapia

Maria Tapia

Therapist

Virtual • New York


“I am a 25+ yrs. experienced bilingual/bicultural Licensed Clinical Social Worker who specializes in short term solution focused therapy, crisis intervention, and cognitive behavior therapy.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Sansan MA

Sansan MA

Therapist

Virtual • New York


Hi there! I am Sansan, a 9-year practitioner with ongoing honing clinical skills, big fan of chocolate ice-cream. I view the client-therapist relationship as a collaborative alliance. You are the shining center, and I shall cast you toward the spotlight. One of the bravest things you can do is check out a therapeutic journey with me!

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
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
Diane Martins-Mandel

Diane Martins-Mandel

Therapist

Virtual • New York


With over a decade of experience, I specialize in working with adults in navigating stress related to anxiety, depression, self-doubt, perfectionism, and/or identity. I often work with first-generation Americans who feel stuck between two cultures. I also have expertise in working with those who identify as LGBTQIA+. I am trilingual (English, Spanish, Portuguese). I have virtual, daytime availability on Thursdays and Fridays.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Brett Bauer

Brett Bauer

Therapist

Virtual • New York


“I believe in working together to achieve your goals. In life, you often have people telling you where to go or what to do, but my job is to help you understand where you want to go and what you want to do.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Leydi Fonseca

Leydi Fonseca

Therapist

Virtual • New York


“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 7 insurance carriers
Christina Rawls-Dolin

Christina Rawls-Dolin

Therapist

Virtual • New York


“My style is direct, compassionate, and collaborative. Clients often tell me they feel deeply understood while also being challenged to think differently, gain new perspectives, and make lasting changes.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Ryan Coburn-Phillips

Ryan Coburn-Phillips

Therapist

Virtual • New York


I have nearly a decade of experience working with a variety of individuals with many backgrounds. I emphasize the importance of a trauma-informed and supportive approach. I have expertise in treating a number of diagnoses, including ADHD, anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, and trauma. I offer a number of modalities, including CBT, MI, DBT, EMDR and IFS.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Inquisitive
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Erin Holmes

Erin Holmes

Therapist

Virtual • New York


“I use evidence- based, trauma- informed therapeutic approaches such as: Existential psychotherapy which emphasizes being grounded in the here and now of the moment; Motivational interviewing which explores ambivalence and resistance; and Healing...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Creative, Open-minded, Participatory
Accepts 3 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Yvette Melendez

Yvette Melendez

Therapist

Virtual • New York


Hello, I began my career servicing individuals with my role of a “caseworker” forty years ago in 1986. With a B.A. in Liberal Arts I was able to help with the emotional and concrete needs of many community members. By 1997 I obtained my Masters In Social Work and immediately after my license. As a LCSW practitioner I have engaged and provided agency/personal intakes, crisis intervention, program development and directorship; Despite gaining managerial experience throughout my career, I’ve done individual therapy, family sessions, couples work and group work. The ages ranged five to seventy eight years old. For the last three years I have been engaging in telehealth therapy servicing individuals, from adolescence to adulthood and couples.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Humorous, Inquisitive, Participatory
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Bonnie Roscinski

Bonnie Roscinski

Therapist

Virtual • New York


“I have extensive experience working with survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, as well as individuals navigating depression, anxiety, ADHD, and OCD.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Creative, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Dr. Cécile De Lardemelle

Dr. Cécile De Lardemelle

Psychologist

Virtual • New York


“I am attentive to what we internalize from family, society, and culture, and how that shows up in perfectionism, self-doubt, or attachment patterns.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Grief or loss, Identity issues
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 1 insurance carrier

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Grace Sullivan

Grace Sullivan

Therapist

Virtual • New York


“I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a born-and-raised New Yorker — which means I understand the specific kind of stress this city creates...”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 12 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Joseph Rowney

Joseph Rowney

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • New York


“I strive to create an authentic and warm therapeutic relationship and a space where patients will feel like they can be their true selves.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
Alicia Boykin

Alicia Boykin

Therapist

Virtual • New York


“I strive to create a space where you feel safe, understood, and empowered to show up as your full self—without judgment.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Challenging, Empowering, Holistic
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Dr. Jacob Nacheman

Dr. Jacob Nacheman

Psychologist

Virtual • New York, NY


“I am an integrative psychodynamic psychotherapist with a relational foundation; I recognize how societal expectations, role rigidity, and trauma can impact well-being.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 1 insurance carrier

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Kiersten Ettinger

Kiersten Ettinger

Therapist

Virtual • New York


“I believe every person has unique strengths, and therapy should be tailored to meet your individual goals.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Empowering, Energetic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 19 insurance carriers
Andrew Titus

Andrew Titus

Therapist

Virtual • New York


“I work especially well with LGBTQ+ adults and people carrying the weight of family expectations, shame, religion, or complicated attachment histories.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Humorous, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Shawna Noble

Shawna Noble

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Mechanicville, NY


“I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with over 15 years of experience in community, forensic, ER, and private practice settings.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 11 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Kiona Edwards

Kiona Edwards

Therapist

Virtual • New York


“My goal is to create a space where you don't have to perform, have the right answer, or pretend you're okay when you're not.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Inquisitive, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Mariel Brueckman

Mariel Brueckman

Therapist

Virtual • Rochester, NY


“My approach in sessions is warm and empathetic, with gentle challenging to promote awareness of patterns that are making you feel stuck.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Diabetes, Family issues
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Elizabeth Clark

Elizabeth Clark

Psychologist

Virtual & in-person • New York, NY


“I have an engaging and direct style, and seek to be a warm, consistent and supportive presence in my clients' lives.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression
Accepts 1 insurance carrier

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Jennifer Uhrlass

Jennifer Uhrlass

Therapist

Virtual • New York


I regularly work with individuals facing a variety of life's diverse challenges including anxiety/ panic, family-of-origin concerns, depression, maternal mental health, transition to parenthood, trauma, grief/ loss, sexual issues, and career related concerns. I also have a specialization in sex and relationship therapy. Please note, I do not provide couple or family therapy services on insurance as these forms of therapy are not recognized by insurances. If you'd like couple or family services, I provide out of network services and can also provide a sliding scale based on your income/ genuine financial need.

My clients are often seeking a combination of clarity, coping skills, and in general -- more ease and happiness in their daily life. I also have a unique specialization in "relationship therapy for one" where we unpack what might be keeping you stuck or unhappy when it comes to your overall relationship health/ satisfaction.

I have been a licensed therapist for over a decade and received my training at state of the art educational institutes including Syracuse University and other hospital and outpatient centers across NY and Manhattan. I have also sought out ongoing participation in professional clinical consultation groups with some of the most influential therapists and thought leaders of our time. These varied and diverse professional training experiences enable me to provide the best possible care to each client I serve. In addition, I also provide training and mentorship for new therapists looking to specialize in sex and relationship health.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Creative, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 2 insurance carriers
Brenda Punsky

Brenda Punsky

Therapist

Virtual • New York


“My therapeutic style is tailored to each person's needs and personality, but warmth, empathy, and genuine interest in your well-being, are the pillars of my practice.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Charisse Thompson-Waitt

Charisse Thompson-Waitt

Therapist

Virtual • New York


“Through my years as an educator and counselor, I have extensive experience in and am passionate about treating challenges surrounding trauma, sexual identity, anxiety, depression, and self-esteem.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Family issues
Creative, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Ashlee Biavati-Reich

Ashlee Biavati-Reich

Therapist

Virtual • New York


“Together, we'll look at the thought patterns and habits keeping you stuck, process heavy experiences, and build tangible, realistic coping skills—like emotional regulation, mindfulness, and boundary-setting—that fit into your actual daily routine.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, End of life care
Affirming, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Deborah Adler

Deborah Adler

Therapist

Virtual • New York


“I often incorporate art, writing/words and play in the treatment process in the hopes to offer a healthy, safe, and expressive means of communication and healing.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression
Creative, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Kelly Yu

Kelly Yu

Therapist

Virtual • New York


“I believe that we, as humans, are created, perceived, harmed, transformed, and healed through our various relationships.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Nikaya Smith

Nikaya Smith

Therapist

Virtual • New York


“I strive for clients to be understood by me and to find a safety in the relationship to more authentically be themselves.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Nicklita Nelson

Nicklita Nelson

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • New York


“My approach focuses on listening with empathy, providing clear education, and working collaboratively so you feel informed and confident in your care.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Holistic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Dr. Sally Homburger

Dr. Sally Homburger

Psychologist

Virtual • New York, NY


“She provides insight & feedback into who you are and how to function more effectively aligned with her warmth, directness, and humor.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Inquisitive, Participatory, Warm

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Katherine Cahn-Fuller

Dr. Katherine Cahn-Fuller

Psychiatrist

Virtual • New York


Hello! I am a Columbia-trained and Columbia-affiliated psychiatrist who specializes in psychodynamic psychotherapy.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Inquisitive, Open-minded, Warm
Anthony Wilhite

Anthony Wilhite

Therapist

Virtual • New York


“Therapy, at its best, doesn't just help you feel better — it helps you understand yourself more honestly, challenge what you've been taught to believe, and find more freedom in how you live.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Open-minded, Participatory
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Dr. Reshma Stafford

Dr. Reshma Stafford

Psychologist

Virtual • New York


“My style is tailored to what I perceive to be the needs of the person in front of me - sometimes affirming, sometimes challenging, offering alternative perspectives, and also validating.”
LGBTQIA+, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues, Identity issues
Open-minded, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 1 insurance carrier

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Helena Parish

Helena Parish

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Fulton, NY


“My approach to therapy is to gain knowledge of my clients' mental health symptoms, history of all aspects of their life...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Direct, Participatory
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
Arelys Itwaru

Arelys Itwaru

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Bay Shore, NY


Hi, I’m Arelys! I’m a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with over 15 years of nursing experience. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of caring for people from all walks of life, across different ages, cultures, backgrounds, and circumstances. Those experiences have shaped the way I approach mental health care: with curiosity, compassion, and an understanding that there is always more to a person than what brings them into the room.

I work with adolescents, college students, and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, ADHD, mood disorders, and the challenges and transitions that life can bring.

I chose to specialize in mental health because I believe meaningful care begins with truly getting to know the person in front of me. Your symptoms matter, but so do the experiences, relationships, stressors, strengths, and circumstances that shape them. I want our time together to be a space where you feel comfortable being honest, where your concerns are heard, and where you never feel like you have to fit into a one-size-fits-all approach.

My goal is to build a genuine, collaborative relationship and create a treatment plan that makes sense for you—one that supports not only symptom improvement, but your ability to feel more like yourself and move forward with confidence.

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

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Shashai Thomas

Shashai Thomas

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • New York


“My goal is to help clients feel heard supported and empowered while working toward stability improved functioning and better quality of life.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Jesse Palermo

Jesse Palermo

Therapist

Virtual • New York


“My approach is collaborative, individualized, and grounded in psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral (CBT), dialectical behavior (DBT), person-centered, and humanistic therapies.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 10 insurance carriers

About our LGBTQIA+ affirming therapists in New York

Number of therapists serving New York
There are over 2,702 therapists in New York accepting new patients.
2,702+
Average years in practice
Watercolor illustration of a bookshelf
9 years
Top specialties offered
Watercolor illustration of specialties
  • 100%LGBTQIA+
  • 98%Anxiety
  • 95%Depression
  • 91%Stress management
  • 86%Trauma
Insurances accepted
Watercolor illustration of insurance cards
  • 95%Aetna
  • 82%Cigna
  • 77%Carelon Behavioral Health
  • 73%Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield New York
  • 53%Oxford
Languages spoken
Watercolor illustration of languages
  • 98%English
  • 10%Spanish
  • 3%Assamese
  • 2%French
  • 1%Russian
How they see their clients
Watercolor illustration of therapy session
  • 91%Online only
  • 9%In-person or online
Provider gender
Watercolor illustration of gender identity
  • 76%Woman
  • 22%Man
  • 2%Non-binary
License types
Watercolor illustration of license
  • 44%Licensed Clinical Social Worker
  • 30%Licensed Mental Health Counselor
  • 10%Nurse Practitioner
  • 8%Clinical Psychologist
  • 3%Licensed Marriage/Family Therapist
Treatment approaches
Watercolor illustration of treatment approach
  • 99%Individual therapy
  • 35%Family therapy
  • 22%Couples therapy
  • 17%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 New York

Searching for LGBTQIA+ therapists in New York starts with finding identity-affirming care that fits your specific needs. Across the state, needs and available therapists can vary between urban and rural areas, so it helps to look for therapists who clearly list experience with LGBTQIA+ clients, affirmative therapy, WPATH training, or gender-diverse care. You may also want support related to identity, relationships, family conflict, anxiety, depression, or life transitions. Reading a therapist’s listed specialties and approach can help you understand whether their background matches the kind of support you want.

From New York City to Buffalo and Albany, access to LGBTQIA+-affirming therapists can look different depending on where you live. In larger areas, you may have more options to compare; in smaller markets, virtual sessions can expand your search beyond nearby offices. As you narrow your options, consider appointment availability, whether the therapist is accepting new clients, and whether their background or communication style feels aligned with your preferences. Therapist bios can be especially useful when they mention LGBTQIA+ populations directly, explain what sessions are like, or describe an affirming approach in clear terms.

The cost of mental health care in New York varies, and using in-network insurance is one of the most reliable ways to reduce session costs. Headway makes it easier to find LGBTQIA+-affirming therapists who take insurance, see estimated out-of-pocket costs before you book, and compare virtual and in-person availability. Nationally, Headway partners with over 100 insurance plans, and you can confirm your coverage based on your location and plan details. From there, you can browse therapists, review bios, 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.