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LGBT therapists in Syracuse, NY

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Top LGBT-friendly therapists and psychiatrists in Syracuse, NY

Headway connects LGBTQIA+ individuals in Syracuse with 2,703 licensed providers who offer affirming, open-minded mental healthcare. Access talk therapy and medication management through virtual or in-person sessions, with many providers offering free consultations and availability within two weeks.

Melissa Willner

Melissa Willner

Therapist

Virtual • New York


Hi Im Melissa! I've been a mental health counselor for over 6 years. I love hearing your story and working with you to unravel patterns in thought and behavior and learn new skills for healthier living. I have special experience working with individuals with anxiety disorders and chronic ailments.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Panic disorders, Physical health issues
Affirming, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Kelly Yu

Kelly Yu

Therapist

Virtual • New York


“My ultimate goal in therapy is to improve your most important relationship, the relationship you have with yourself, by fostering strength, kindness, understanding, and resiliency.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Grief or loss, PTSD
Affirming, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 10 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Ricardo Iglesias

Ricardo Iglesias

Therapist

Virtual • New York


“My approach to therapy is focused on each individual's need, while providing a safe, supported and empathic environment.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Energetic, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Katherine Smith

Katherine Smith

Therapist

Virtual • New York


Hello, I have been in practice since 1995 earning my degree from Fordham University. I treat most diagnosis including depression anxiety, ADD, anger management with a specialty in trauma.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Challenging, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Dr. Jennifer Millman

Dr. Jennifer Millman

Psychologist

Virtual • New York


“My work focuses on helping thoughtful, motivated individuals navigate personal, professional, relational, and family challenges with greater clarity, resilience, and confidence.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Kelly Dearborn

Kelly Dearborn

Therapist

Virtual • New York


“I believe all people have a resilience we can access through talk therapy when faced with life's great emotional challenges.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Open-minded, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Tara Clifford

Tara Clifford

Therapist

Virtual • New York


“Are you ready to learn to trust your own voice? Are you ready to shed the message that you have to please others to have happy relationships?”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 16 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Kayleigh Tompkins-Lipsitz

Kayleigh Tompkins-Lipsitz

Therapist

Virtual • Kenmore, NY


“I am very interested also in Palliative Care and Geriatrics--my patients often fall into these categories as well.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Dr. Tema Watstein

Dr. Tema Watstein

Psychologist

Virtual & in-person • New York, NY


“I have extensive experience in relationship and group therapy, particularly with non-monogamous and queer-identified populations.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Direct, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 1 insurance carrier
Dr. Michele Balthrope

Dr. Michele Balthrope

Therapist

Virtual • New York


“I provide services using a holistic approach throughout the entire treatment process. All treatment modalities are tailored to address the mind, body, and spirit.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Tiara Thomas

Tiara Thomas

Therapist

Virtual • New York


I view therapy as a collaborative and transformative process, where the therapist and client work together in a supportive, non-judgmental space to explore emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 13 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Kristin Mohamed

Kristin Mohamed

Therapist

Virtual • New York


I graduated from Columbia University with a Master’s of Science Degree in Clinical Practice of Social Work. I found my niche after completing undergraduate in Early Childhood Education (kudos to our teachers!) and Sociology/Psychology. These experiences paved the way to my clinical social work journey. I obtained clinical licensure by working with adolescents in both school and therapeutic settings, foster/adoptive families, and adults with serious persistent mental illness.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 12 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Nicolas Garrera-Tolbert

Dr. Nicolas Garrera-Tolbert

Psychologist

Virtual & in-person • Long Island City, NY


“Psychoanalysis, as I understand it, is a theory and a practice specifically designed and adequately equipped to address the causes of useless suffering and bring about subjective change that, ideally, root it out.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Challenging, Open-minded, Participatory
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Briana Talarico

Briana Talarico

Therapist

Virtual • New York


“I offer a compassionate, affirming space where you can show up as your full self—no need to mask or shrink.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Laurissa Hampton

Laurissa Hampton

Therapist

Virtual • New York


“I believe we are all human—doing our best to live meaningful lives in a beautiful yet challenging world.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Direct, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Gisel Agostino

Gisel Agostino

Therapist

Virtual • New York


“I strive to create a safe, non-judgmental, and trusting space, allowing my clients to feel comfortable, while examining aspects of themselves and their experiences.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Open-minded, Participatory, Solution-oriented
Accepts 10 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Narina Schulz

Narina Schulz

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Rochester, NY


“Therapy is a place to feel heard, understood, and to collaborate with a professional who can help you reach your wellness goals!”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Grief or loss, Maternal mental health
Affirming, Inquisitive, Solution-oriented
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Deborah Gary

Deborah Gary

Therapist

Virtual • New York


“My approach to therapy is warm hearted and light filled. I make individuals feel comfortable, at ease and safe.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Affirming, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 11 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Cy Valdez

Cy Valdez

Therapist

Virtual • Albany, NY


As a Black, queer, Caribbean/LatinX individual who practices therapy from a non-oppressive and radically authentic lens I draw on over ten years of experience working with women, children and communities of color around topics of equity, sexuality, education, LGBTQ+, and trauma. I use my knowledge and background to analyze issues with a strong understanding of the systems, personal history and survival skills that influence your identity today. I am interested in understanding 'personal language' (emotions and perspective) to address the current design of your relationships and encourage transformations better suited for your goals

I address concerns with family dynamics, infidelity, trauma in relationships, cultural concerns, interracial identities, breaking generational cycles, shifts in desires, sex therapy, communications challenges & non traditional relationships.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Direct, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Cynthia Stusvick

Cynthia Stusvick

Therapist

Virtual • Newburgh, NY


“I have over 10 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and families with complex traumas and in my private practice, I specialized in young adults, adults, and older adults who have anxiety, depression, and trauma.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Infertility
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Maxine Sanchez

Maxine Sanchez

Therapist

Virtual • New York


“I believe that therapy is a collaborative process, and I work alongside my clients to empower them in making meaningful changes in their lives.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Humorous
Accepts 13 insurance carriers
Robert Margolis

Robert Margolis

Therapist

Virtual • New York


“Using a variety of best practices I approach psychotherapy as a collaborative adventure-working with my clients' strengths to achieve mutually agreed upon goals.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Empowering, Humorous, Participatory
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Cassidy Nelson

Cassidy Nelson

Therapist

Virtual • Merrick, NY


“As a Licensed Creative Arts Therapist, I believe in curating a safe space to explore the way we feel and understand emotions.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Creative, Energetic, Warm
Accepts 2 insurance carriers
Kate Sitrin

Kate Sitrin

Therapist

Virtual • New York


Long lasting change comes from developing a deeper understanding of ourselves. It can be incredibly challenging to focus on our own emotional life and internal experience. I provide a warm, supportive space to explore and process whatever is on your mind. I have extensive experience engaging in psychotherapy with adults facing a wide range of life experiences, from managing depression, to adapting to major life changes, to facing grief after loss of a loved one.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Affirming, Creative, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Sohaib Javed

Sohaib Javed

Therapist

Virtual • New York


“I am a South-Asian, Muslim & Ace-identifying therapist who has been serving children, adolescents, young adults, and geriatric, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA+ clients...”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Holistic, Humorous
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Christine Dalessandro

Christine Dalessandro

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Sayville, NY


“I believe in a collaborative approach where clients and I work together, to establish goals and to address specific presenting problems.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Creative, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Lauren Lutey

Lauren Lutey

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Buffalo, NY


“I balance compassion with gentle challenge—supporting you while also helping you recognize patterns that may be keeping you stuck.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Olivia Nguyen

Olivia Nguyen

Therapist

Virtual • Rochester, NY


I am a Mental Health Counselor licensed in the State of New York. I graduated from Medaille University in 2023 with a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Since then, I’ve focused on continuing to learn and grow through my work in the field. My approach is client-centered and informed by evidence-based practices, with attention to each person’s unique experiences, identity, and goals. I believe therapy works best when it feels safe, authentic, and collaborative.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Inquisitive, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Maricia Thompson

Maricia Thompson

Therapist

Virtual • New York


“My therapy approach comes from a place of compassion. One of my main goals is making sure my client feels as supported, heard and empowered as possible.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
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

About our LGBTQIA+ affirming therapists in Syracuse, NY

Number of therapists serving Syracuse, NY
There are over 2,682 therapists in Syracuse, NY accepting new patients.
2,682+
Average years in practice
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9 years
Top specialties offered
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  • 100%LGBTQIA+
  • 98%Anxiety
  • 95%Depression
  • 91%Stress management
  • 86%Trauma
Insurances accepted
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  • 95%Aetna
  • 82%Cigna
  • 77%Carelon Behavioral Health
  • 73%Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield New York
  • 53%United Healthcare
Languages spoken
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  • 98%English
  • 10%Spanish
  • 3%Assamese
  • 2%French
  • 1%Russian
How they see their clients
Watercolor illustration of therapy session
  • 89%Online only
  • 11%In-person or online
Provider gender
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  • 76%Woman
  • 21%Man
  • 2%Non-binary
License types
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  • 43%Licensed Clinical Social Worker
  • 30%Licensed Mental Health Counselor
  • 10%Nurse Practitioner
  • 8%Clinical Psychologist
  • 3%Licensed Marriage/Family Therapist
Treatment approaches
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  • 99%Individual therapy
  • 34%Family therapy
  • 22%Couples therapy
  • 17%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 Syracuse

Finding LGBTQIA+ therapists in Syracuse starts with identifying care that is affirming, relevant, and grounded in your specific needs. You may be looking for support related to identity, relationships, family dynamics, anxiety, depression, or life transitions. As you compare therapists, look for profiles that name LGBTQIA+-affirming care, affirmative therapy, gender-diverse experience, or WPATH training. These details can help you find a therapist whose background matches what you want to talk through in care.

In a smaller city like Syracuse, the number of local therapists with explicit LGBTQIA+ experience may be more limited than in larger metro areas. Virtual sessions can expand your options while still letting you use local or in-state care. Beyond specialty, consider availability, scheduling flexibility, therapist identity or background, and whether a free phone consultation is offered. Reading therapist bios before booking can help you see how each person describes their approach, communication style, and experience with LGBTQIA+ clients.

Therapy in Syracuse can be a significant expense without insurance, and using in-network coverage is one of the most reliable ways to reduce session costs. Headway helps you find licensed therapists who accept a wide range of insurance plans, offer virtual or in-person sessions, and are accepting new patients. You can enter your insurance details to see estimated out-of-pocket costs before booking, then browse therapists, review bios, and book directly when you’re ready.

Find a provider - your way

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