Skip to main content
Headway

Book LGBT-friendly therapy, covered by insurance

LGBT therapists in Asheville, NC

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 Asheville, NC

Headway's 795 providers in North Carolina include compassionate therapists ready to support LGBTQIA individuals navigating identity, relationships, and mental wellness. Sessions are available virtually or in-person, often within two weeks, with free consultations to find your perfect fit.

Brittany Miller

Brittany Miller

Therapist

Virtual • North Carolina


“Working with me means working with someone who takes the time to understand you as a whole person, not just a set of symptoms.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Dr. Julie Mutua

Dr. Julie Mutua

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • North Carolina


“My journey started when i was a floor nurse in a teenager psychiatric word, after working over there for 5 years i decided to go back to school for my masters and got my PMHNP and after that completed my Doctorate.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Lisa Best

Lisa Best

Therapist

Virtual • North Carolina


“I believe counseling is one of the best investments a person can make in themselves. Everyone needs a space that feels safe—where you can be honest, feel seen, and explore your story without judgment.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Lori Williams

Lori Williams

Therapist

Virtual • North Carolina


“Lori's approach is warm, direct, supportive and open minded. She seeks to partner with her clients with the goal of assisting them in creating healthy responses as they navigate through the unpredictability of life.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Direct, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
Toddra Williams

Toddra Williams

Therapist

Virtual • North Carolina


“I believe that each person's story is unique, and I strive to provide a safe, compassionate space where healing and growth can happen at the client's own pace.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Jessica Russell

Jessica Russell

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Raleigh, NC


“I look beyond symptoms alone to understand the broader factors that may be affecting your mental health, including sleep, stress, physical health, relationships, and daily routines.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression
Empowering, Holistic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Sharifa Ahrendsen

Sharifa Ahrendsen

Therapist

Virtual • North Carolina


“I'm a first generation Jamaican American with a global lens having visited 17 countries and lived in 4.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Humorous, Inquisitive
Accepts 11 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Ashley Cunningham

Ashley Cunningham

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Raleigh, NC


“We will delve deeply into the issues during our initial session and collaborate to create a treatment plan.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Dr. Derrick Johnson

Dr. Derrick Johnson

Therapist

Virtual • North Carolina


“I believe therapy is about "discovery, education, and growth," and utilize this formula to help you create the change you are seeking.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Direct, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Steve Ponce

Steve Ponce

Therapist

Virtual • North Carolina


“Steve seeks to affirm the uniqueness of each individual and to help clients realize their inner strengths and goodness in order to flourish.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, End of life care
Affirming, Holistic, Humorous
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Luke Hayslip

Luke Hayslip

Therapist

Virtual • North Carolina


Hi, I'm Luke. I work with burned-out professionals, neurodivergent adults, LGBTQIA+ folx, and people navigating anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges — including healthcare workers and educators who spend their days caring for others but rarely turn that care inward. I use a trauma-informed, psychodynamic approach and bring my own lived experience as a queer and neurodivergent person to the work. I'm well-versed in non-monogamy, polyamory, and kink dynamics, and welcome clients who don't fit the mold of traditional therapy. I own and operate Radiant Waves Counseling and am licensed in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Texas.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 10 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Michelle Bell

Michelle Bell

Therapist

Virtual • North Carolina


I believe therapy works best when clients feel safe, heard, and genuinely supported. I strive to create a warm, nonjudgmental, and collaborative environment where clients can show up as their authentic selves. My approach is compassionate, direct when needed, and focused on helping clients build practical tools for everyday life while also exploring deeper emotional patterns and experiences.

I enjoy working with individuals navigating anxiety, life transitions, relationship concerns, self-esteem challenges, stress, identity exploration, and emotional overwhelm. I am passionate about supporting LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC clients and creating an affirming therapeutic space where clients feel respected and understood.

I understand that starting therapy can feel vulnerable, and my goal is to meet clients where they are while helping them move toward healing, clarity, and meaningful growth.

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

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Amanda Leggett

Amanda Leggett

Therapist

Virtual • North Carolina


“Every journey begins with connection. My approach is grounded in creating a safe, supportive space where healing and growth can flourish.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Suzi Woodard

Suzi Woodard

Therapist

Virtual • Boone, NC


“I work holistically, with attention to patterns – thoughts, emotions, physical reactions and health, relationship reactions, communication and conflict, nutrition, physical activity or movement – and what we know is likely to be effective.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression
Affirming, Empowering, Participatory
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Levina Kumar

Levina Kumar

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Raleigh, NC


“I take the time to establish a trusting and supportive relationship with my clients, creating a safe space for open communication and collaboration in their treatment journey.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Holistic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Tiffany Sanders

Tiffany Sanders

Therapist

Virtual • North Carolina


“My deepest belief is that every person already carries resilience within them. My job is to help you find and build on what's already there.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Energetic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Lucy Maina

Lucy Maina

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Charlotte, NC


I'm Lucy Maina, a Board Certified, Licensed Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) at Therapeutic Alliance Behavioral Health. I provide compassionate, evidence-based psychiatric care and psychotherapy for people of all ages — children, adolescents, and adults — in a safe, nonjudgmental space where your experience is always validated.

I specialize in treating anxiety, ADHD, depression, chronic fatigue, irritability, and emotional numbness, including the unique stress that comes with caregiving. I also have experience supporting neurodiverse individuals and those living with autism spectrum disorder or schizophrenia, offering sensory-considerate evaluations, communication accommodations, and relapse prevention planning tailored to your needs.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Emily Olsen

Emily Olsen

Therapist

Virtual • North Carolina


“My style is direct. I'll tell you what I'm noticing and won't dance around hard things, because I think that honesty is part of what helps people heal.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Direct, Empowering, Holistic
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Dr. Michelle Saunders

Dr. Michelle Saunders

Therapist

Virtual • North Carolina


“My background as a PhD Developmental Psychologist, LMFT... my experience with bipolar disorder, addiction, and abuse allow me to provide compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to your needs.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, End of life care, Family issues
Creative, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Sakiya Darden

Sakiya Darden

Therapist

Virtual • North Carolina


“I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) dedicated to creating a supportive, non-judgmental space where clients feel heard, values and empowered.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Energetic, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Marielle McDermott

Marielle McDermott

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual & in-person • Wilmington, NC


“I believe mental health treatment is most effective when we look at the whole person—not just symptoms.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Inquisitive, Solution-oriented
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Tonia Locklear

Tonia Locklear

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Fayetteville, NC


“I utilize an integrative approach blending different but complimentary theories in order to work with my client in the most effective way.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Monejah King

Monejah King

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • North Carolina


“I believe that every individual deserves to feel heard, respected, and supported, regardless of their background, life experiences, or current challenges.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Kylie Yacuzzo

Kylie Yacuzzo

Therapist

Virtual • North Carolina


“I believe you are the expert on your own life. My role isn't to tell you what to do, but to help you understand what's keeping you stuck...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Holistic, Humorous, Solution-oriented
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Ambrosia Spaulding

Ambrosia Spaulding

Therapist

Virtual • North Carolina


“My approach to therapy is rooted in creating a trusting and collaborative space where clients feel supported and understood.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Direct, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 15 insurance carriers
Kathryn Kelly

Kathryn Kelly

Therapist

Virtual • North Carolina


“I see the counselor/client relationship as a partnership based on genuineness, empathy, and active collaboration.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Empowering, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Dr. KC Uwakwe

Dr. KC Uwakwe

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Asheville, NC


“I am dedicated to holistic care by fostering trust through active listening, open communication, and empathy.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Maddie Clemens

Maddie Clemens

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Jacksonville, NC


“A defining part of my therapy work is that I provide highly-personalized psychotherapy services for each of my clients.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Challenging, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Erin Gora

Erin Gora

Therapist

Virtual • North Carolina


I'm a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with years of experience walking alongside individuals and families through some of life's most tender and difficult chapters — aging, illness, caregiving, grief, and major life transitions. I've worked across hospital, hospice, palliative care, dementia care, and community settings, and that breadth has taught me that every person's story is deeply unique.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Direct, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 3 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Brittany Kai

Brittany Kai

Therapist

Virtual • North Carolina


“I firmly believe parental support is essential during all the stages of the journey, including preparing to start a family, trying to conceive, fertility challenges, pregnancy & child loss, pregnancy, postpartum, and the lifespan of parenting.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression, End of life care
Affirming, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Stephanie Gooding

Stephanie Gooding

Therapist

Virtual • Durham, NC


“I believe therapy should feel like a place where you can be honest, understood, and supported—not judged or told what you "should" do.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Amber Ballard

Amber Ballard

Therapist

Virtual • North Carolina


I love to be a cheerleader for my clients, a pillar of their support system. Sometimes, this means I may have to call you on some stuff, but it's always coming from a place of support and values-alignment!

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Direct, Empowering, Humorous
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Kendra Hamman

Kendra Hamman

Therapist

Virtual • North Carolina


Im Kendra, I have a bachelors in fine art, and I received my Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2022. I draw on four years of working in community mental health with folks recovering from substance abuse and behaviors that no longer helpful or are directly harming relationships and mental health. I have lived experience with recovery and loving people struggling with addiction. I have been described as a warm, curious, compassionate, and empowering counselor. I offer trauma‐informed care that is inclusive to all humans, healing happens when you can show up as your authentic and full self!

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

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Jacqueline Sabella

Jacqueline Sabella

Therapist

Virtual • Hampstead, NC


“I strive to create a safe, respectful environment where clients feel comfortable exploring challenges, strengthening their sense of self, and working toward meaningful, lasting progress.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Colin Clayton

Colin Clayton

Therapist

Virtual • North Carolina


“You are not your depression, your anxiety, your trauma, nor must you live in shame believing that that is all you are.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Energetic, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
John Magee

John Magee

Therapist

Virtual • North Carolina


I believe that most people have the answers within themselves to work through their own problems - my role is to help you unlock that inner wisdom. I have experience helping people who are struggling with anxiety and depression, or who are numbing out through substance use. My clients are often working through life transitions and other challenging situations, such as relationship issues, grief, or chronic pain. Perhaps you have not been handling your emotions very well. You may even feel hopeless, or unsure how to articulate what you are feeling. Therapy is a collaborative journey to a more healthy state of mind.

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

Adrianna Wilson

Therapist

Virtual • North Carolina


“I am a genuine, compassionate, and nonjudgmental therapist who truly values the strength it takes to seek support.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Empowering, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Shaquora Drayton

Shaquora Drayton

Therapist

Virtual • North Carolina


My qualifications and competence in the area of Counseling are founded on my education, work experience, and additional training in areas relating to the field of counseling. I have over five (5) years’ experience providing services to a wide range of populations including adolescents, adults and couples in school, outpatient, nonprofit, and virtual settings. My specialties include providing counseling services to adults, adolescents, and families surrounding depression, anxiety, trauma, life changes, and emotional regulation.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Challenging, Empowering, Humorous
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Jennifer Nelson

Jennifer Nelson

Therapist

Virtual • North Carolina


“I consider myself as a client-centered therapist, who believes in the health and wellness of the whole person and honoring autonomy.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Empowering, Holistic, Participatory
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Allen Brooks

Allen Brooks

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Aberdeen, NC


“My work is grounded in trauma‐informed care, empowerment, and the belief that every individual has the capacity for growth when provided safety, voice, and choice.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Creative, Empowering, Humorous
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

About our LGBTQIA+ affirming therapists in Asheville, NC

Number of therapists serving Asheville, NC
There are over 783 therapists in Asheville, NC accepting new patients.
783+
Average years in practice
Watercolor illustration of a bookshelf
9 years
Top specialties offered
Watercolor illustration of specialties
  • 100%LGBTQIA+
  • 97%Anxiety
  • 95%Depression
  • 91%Stress management
  • 86%Trauma
Insurances accepted
Watercolor illustration of insurance cards
  • 98%Aetna
  • 93%Cigna
  • 86%Carelon Behavioral Health
  • 63%Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina
  • 47%Horizon Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Jersey
Languages spoken
Watercolor illustration of languages
  • 99%English
  • 5%Spanish
  • 1%Hindi
  • 1%American Sign Language
  • 1%French
How they see their clients
Watercolor illustration of therapy session
  • 84%Online only
  • 16%In-person or online
Provider gender
Watercolor illustration of gender identity
  • 82%Woman
  • 16%Man
  • 2%Non-binary
License types
Watercolor illustration of license
  • 43%Licensed Clinical Social Worker
  • 37%Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor
  • 7%Nurse Practitioner
  • 5%Licensed Marriage/Family Therapist
  • 3%Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor
Treatment approaches
Watercolor illustration of treatment approach
  • 99%Individual therapy
  • 37%Family therapy
  • 25%Couples therapy
  • 15%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 Asheville

Finding LGBTQIA+ therapists in Asheville starts with looking for identity-affirming care. A therapist may support concerns related to identity, relationships, family dynamics, anxiety, depression, trauma, or life transitions. As you compare options, look for therapists who name LGBTQIA+-affirming care in their specialties or bio. Some may also mention affirmative therapy, WPATH training, or experience supporting gender-diverse people.

Asheville has a strong mental health community, though affirming therapists may be limited in a smaller local market. Virtual appointments can expand your options across North Carolina while still keeping care accessible from Asheville. As you narrow your search, consider appointment availability, whether a therapist is accepting new clients, and whether their background or approach feels aligned with what you want. Reading therapist bios can help you see how they describe their work with LGBTQIA+ communities, their communication style, and what to expect in sessions.

Therapy in Asheville can be a significant investment without insurance. Using in-network insurance is one of the most reliable ways to reduce session costs and understand what you may pay before you book. Headway helps you find therapists who match your needs, offer virtual or in-person appointments, and accept a wide range of insurance plans. You can review profiles, see estimated costs after entering your insurance details, and book directly when you’re ready.

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