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LGBT therapists in Asheville, NC


Top LGBT-friendly therapists and psychiatrists in Asheville, NC
Headway's 796 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.
I have a passion for creating healing spaces that are affirming, empowering, and real. As a Queer Person of Color, I know firsthand how identity can shape the way we move through the world and how important it is to be seen and supported in our full complexity.
I specialize in working with LGBTQ+ clients, QTBIPOC communities, and those navigating anxiety, identity exploration, trauma, and life transitions.
An experienced LCSW, Social Worker, Psychotherapist, and educator, Sherry Smith provides holistic, logical and solution focused techniques to get you feeling better about your circumstances while facilitating solution focused methods proven to help.
If you are truly ready to feel better, and if you are truly ready for change, Sherry Smith is the therapist for you.
Before I became a therapist, I spent years in the classroom as a 9th grade English teacher and school social worker, as well as in nonprofit, learning how people grow through story, creativity, and being truly seen. That background, along with a lifelong love of dance, writing, and music, shapes how I practice as an LCSW today. I work with adults navigating anxiety, depression, relationships, stress, and identity, and I bring the same warmth and directness I developed in education to every session. If you are looking for a therapist who will be both a steady presence and an honest thinking partner, I would love to connect.
I am a licensed clinical social worker with over 30 years of experience in helping my clients in their areas of self-development and growth.
I received my Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in psychology and minor in sociology from Ithaca College. I received my Master of Science degree from Syracuse University specializing in vocational education counseling and Master of Science degree from State University of New York at Buffalo in Clinical social work specializing in medical and mental health.
My areas of expertise are marital/relationship counseling, work/life balance, stress management, anxiety and depression, anger management.
Life can feel overwhelming when you’re trying to manage your emotions, relationships, work, family expectations, and everything else at the same time. You may look like you have it all together on the outside while internally feeling anxious, exhausted, disconnected, or unsure of what comes next.
I’m Yilian Herrera, a licensed mental health professional with 16 years of experience, who provides a warm, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where you can slow down, understand what you’re experiencing, and begin making meaningful changes.
I work with teens and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD-related challenges, emotional regulation difficulties, relationship concerns, low self-worth, burnout, and major life transitions. I especially enjoy working with people who feel overwhelmed, stuck, or like they have spent a long time putting everyone else’s needs before their own.
I'm a licensed clinical social worker who works with individuals navigating trauma, neurodivergence, substance use, relationship and marital challenges, self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and LGBTQ+ populations. I use a variety of approaches including Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, Strengths-Based interventions, and Emotionally Focused Therapy. Therapy is always tailored to meet your unique needs and goals.
If you're ready to make change in your life, you've come to the right place! If you want to do therapy via Telehealth from the comfort of your home, we will be a great fit (just get ready for me to ask to meet your pets over the computer!) If you want to meet OUTDOORS for therapy, I'm your girl. My favorite therapy sessions are done in nature in the Boone, NC and surrounding areas - we can walk, hike, kayak, or even ski/snowboard during your therapy session! I believe the best therapy happens while moving your body in nature. I specialize in relationships, body-centered therapy, trauma-healing, women's issues, and goal-achievement.
I am a queer, cisgender female in my mid-30s (she/her pronouns.) I am diagnosed with depression, anxiety, substance use disorder, and ADHD. I understand addiction and mental health first-hand. Though I am a therapist, I see us as equals and partners. I have 5 years experience working in Community Mental Health with diagnoses from Depression to Schizophrenia.
I'm currently accepting clients across NC. Let's partner to make your life THRIVE! I will provide the help you need or link you to someone who can. Your first session with me will be free. We'll get to know one another through a relaxed conversation and see if we will make a good fit together. BCBS coming late Spring of 2022! Cigna, Aetna, Optum coming Dec!
About our LGBTQIA+ affirming therapists in Asheville, NC



- 100%LGBTQIA+
- 97%Anxiety
- 95%Depression
- 91%Stress management
- 86%Trauma

- 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

- 99%English
- 5%Spanish
- 1%Hindi
- 1%American Sign Language
- 1%French

- 84%Online only
- 16%In-person or online

- 82%Woman
- 16%Man
- 2%Non-binary

- 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

- 99%Individual therapy
- 37%Family therapy
- 25%Couples therapy
- 15%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 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.
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