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LGBT therapists in Cleveland, OH

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Top LGBT-friendly therapists and psychiatrists in Cleveland, OH

Cleveland's LGBTQIA+ community can access holistic, solution-oriented mental health support through Headway's extensive provider network. With 598 licensed providers offering flexible scheduling and free intake calls, quality affirming care is within reach.

Chris Bonine

Chris Bonine

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Ohio


My ideal client is someone who is open to the life-changing, transformative solutions that modern psychiatry and mental health can offer. My practice is virtual by design, meeting clients on their terms, during non-traditional hours when they have time to focus on themselves and their needs.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Inquisitive, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 13 insurance carriers
Riley Henderson

Riley Henderson

Therapist

Virtual • Ohio


Hi there! My name is Riley Henderson, and I am a licensed independent social worker in the state of Ohio and a Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker in the state of Kansas. I have been a practicing social worker since 2023 after graduating with my master's degree in social work from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. I have a background in crisis management in southeast Ohio working with children and families through the court system, school system and more to create safety and stability together. I currently work as a therapist for those experiencing life's challenges no matter how big or small.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Sunny Bowers

Sunny Bowers

Therapist

Virtual • Ohio


“I believe that healing begins when you feel truly seen—and lasting change grows from that foundation of trust.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Creative, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 14 insurance carriers
Ciara Merriweather

Ciara Merriweather

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Ohio


“I specialize in medication management and supportive therapy for anxiety, depression, ADHD, mood disorders, trauma-related conditions, and substance use concerns.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Alicia Linquist

Alicia Linquist

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • 14 mi away • Dayton, OH


“I truly believe that therapy should feel like a safe place to exhale — a space where you don't have to minimize what you've been through or carry it alone.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Malisa Komolthiti

Malisa Komolthiti

Therapist

Virtual • Ohio


“I am an easy-going psychotherapist with a sense of humor. I work with clients from diverse backgrounds, including the LGBTQ+ community...”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Direct, Inquisitive, Solution-oriented
Accepts 15 insurance carriers
Madison Knowles

Madison Knowles

Therapist

Virtual • Ohio


“I have had extensive experience with multiple populations including people with special needs, I am Proficient in parent training, family counseling, counseling teens and even adults.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Energetic, Open-minded
Accepts 14 insurance carriers
Daray Ukaegbu

Daray Ukaegbu

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual & in-person • Dayton, OH


“My approach is warm, respectful, and nonjudgmental. I take time to listen and understand not only your symptoms, but also how they are affecting your daily life, relationships, and overall well-being.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Kimberly Zimmer

Kimberly Zimmer

Therapist

Virtual • Ohio


Hello! My name is Kimberly or you can call me Kim. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 8+ years of experience in counseling and therapy. I enjoy working with teens and young adults, as well as anyone who is open to making changes in their life. I am strengths-based and solution-focused.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Jennifer Lamaj

Jennifer Lamaj

Therapist

Virtual • Ohio


“Sessions integrate talk therapy to aid with processing of life events, coupled with coping skills to treat the distress felt from these events.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Direct, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 2 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Phil Hughes

Phil Hughes

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Perrysburg, OH


Let’s be honest, life can be messy. Sometimes you know exactly what’s wrong, and sometimes you just know that something doesn’t feel right. Maybe you’re overwhelmed, stuck in your head, struggling with food or your body, going through a major life change, or simply trying to figure out what comes next.

I’m someone who believes therapy should feel like a place where you can actually be yourself. You don’t have to have the right words, have everything figured out, or pretend that things are better than they are. Bring the real stuff. The complicated stuff. Even the stuff you’re embarrassed to say out loud.

A particular passion of mine is helping people navigate the emotional side of bariatric surgery and changes in their relationship with food, their body, and themselves. Losing weight or changing your body doesn’t automatically change how you feel inside, and sometimes the emotional part of the journey gets overlooked. There can be a lot to unpack, and you deserve a place to do that without shame or judgment.

At the same time, you don’t have to be dealing with food or bariatric surgery to work with me. I enjoy working with people who are navigating anxiety, depression, relationships, identity, body image, life transitions, and those moments when you’re asking yourself, “Okay... what now?”

My goal isn’t to “fix” you. You’re not broken. My goal is to help you understand yourself a little better, feel a little more grounded, and figure out what moving forward can look like for you.

And if therapy has ever felt like something that wasn’t really “for you,” maybe we can do it a little differently.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Sarah Scibiur

Sarah Scibiur

Therapist

Virtual • Ohio


“My passion for counseling comes from believing that even in hard seasons, there is always potential for growth and healing.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Margaret Bianchi

Margaret Bianchi

Therapist

Virtual • Dayton, OH


“I want each person that works with me to feel unconditional care, respect, acceptance, and warmth, while also challenged in a positive way!”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Eating disorders, Family issues
Empowering, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Beth Beischel

Beth Beischel

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Cincinnati, OH


“I help people who feel like outliers, who feel misunderstood. My clients include LGBTQ+ individuals, athletes, artists, and others who don't feel like they truly fit in to the mainstream.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Thomes Buchanan

Thomes Buchanan

Therapist

Virtual • Ohio


Clients should know that I bring both professional expertise and genuine compassion to every session. I specialize in working with neurodiverse individuals, people managing anxiety or depression, and those navigating major life transitions. My approach is client-centered and collaborative, meaning I value your voice in the process and tailor our work together to your unique goals.

I believe in creating a safe, supportive space where you can be fully yourself without judgment. My role is to listen, guide, and equip you with tools that promote resilience, self-awareness, and growth. I also understand the importance of balancing mental health with real-life challenges like school, work, and relationships, and I integrate practical strategies to help you thrive in each area.

Most importantly, I want clients to know that they are not alone. Together, we will work at a pace that feels right for you, focusing on both healing and building the confidence to move forward.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 15 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Cassie Kooser

Cassie Kooser

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Dayton, OH


“I specialize in working with youth and young adults with a history of trauma, especially those that face societal challenges due to poverty, race, disability and gender.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
Nicholas Pullar

Nicholas Pullar

Therapist

Virtual • Cleveland, OH


“My goal is to create a welcoming, supportive space where you can feel understood, explore what matters most to you, and develop practical tools to move forward with greater clarity and confidence.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Humorous, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Corrie Pleska

Corrie Pleska

Therapist

Virtual • Ohio


“My specialties lie in working with survivors of Trauma, Abuse and Assault, LGBTQIA+ Adults and Teens, Folks with ADHD and those experiencing Chronic Illness.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Levarine Graham

Levarine Graham

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Toledo, OH


“I see your protective patterns not as problems to eliminate, but as intelligent responses to real experiences.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Holistic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Lynae Verdine

Lynae Verdine

Therapist

Virtual • Ohio


As a Licensed Independent Mental Health Therapist and a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor, I believe prioritizing your mental health is one of the most important steps toward stability and growth. Reaching out for help is not always easy, so I truly commend you for considering it.

I work with adults who are struggling with stress, life challenges, trauma, and addiction. I focus on helping clients build confidence and develop healthy coping skills. To enrich and gain enhanced satisfaction in their lives. My goal is to walk alongside you as you create meaningful and lasting change.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Affirming, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Dr. Sandra McClennen

Dr. Sandra McClennen

Psychologist

Virtual • Ohio


“For over 42 years, I've helped adults, seniors, caregivers, and families find practical ways to reduce emotional pain, strengthen relationships, and regain a sense of hope.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression, End of life care
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 9 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Alora Bharmota

Alora Bharmota

Therapist

Virtual • Upper Arlington, OH


“I am a Certified Trauma Professional (CCTP-II) and have my certification in Somatic Experiencing. I often use Art Therapy with my clients in combination with other therapy modalities.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Creative, Open-minded
Accepts 11 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Brian Ward

Dr. Brian Ward

Psychologist

Virtual & in-person • Mount Vernon, OH


“My hope is, you can find healing - and better find yourself - if you value a casual & warm sort of therapist...”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression, Diabetes
Energetic, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Aubrey Byrd

Aubrey Byrd

Therapist

Virtual • Ohio


Reaching out for therapy can feel like a big step, especially if you’re used to managing everything on your own. I work with adults, including many caregivers who are balancing a lot and may feel overwhelmed, stretched thin, or unsure how to prioritize themselves while caring for others.

I’ve supported clients navigating anxiety, depression, burnout, life transitions, relationship challenges, grief, trauma, and parenting stress.

I also bring extensive experience working with children and adolescents (ages 4–21), which allows me to support parents with a deeper understanding of child and adolescent development. This helps caregivers better understand their child’s behavior and feel more confident in how they respond at home.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Tonya Nanthavong

Tonya Nanthavong

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Ohio


Hi there! I am Tonya, a dual board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I am dedicated to helping people improve their mental wellness and overall quality of life! With more than 20 years experience in healthcare and 13 years in nursing, I aim to provide compassionate, evidence-based care for adolescents and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, mood disorders, and ADHD. I have a special interest in helping busy professionals, healthcare workers, first responders, BIPOC and members in the LGBTQ+ community to feel supported in a safe and welcoming environment. My goal is to help you feel heard, understood, and empowered to move toward lasting wellness.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Autumn Davis

Autumn Davis

Therapist

Virtual • Ohio


“With an emphasis on emotional resilience, self-compassion, and mind-body awareness, I offer tailored support...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Energetic, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 14 insurance carriers
Heather Cooper

Heather Cooper

Therapist

Virtual • Ohio


“It is her special interest to work with marginalized populations, including individuals within the LGBTQ+ population.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 14 insurance carriers
Jennifer Ruggeri

Jennifer Ruggeri

Therapist

Virtual • Cleveland, OH


“My therapeutic approach is rooted in empathy and evidence-based techniques, allowing me to create a safe and nurturing environment for my clients.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 14 insurance carriers
Emily Arther

Emily Arther

Therapist

Virtual • Ohio


“It is important to me to create a collaborative and non-judgmental space. I understand that our past experiences and trauma can shape how we see ourselves, our relationships, and the world around us.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Nicholas Prior

Nicholas Prior

Therapist

Virtual • Ohio


I received my masters degree in clinical mental health counseling from Xavier University in 2020, but have been working in the mental health field since 2016. My professional background in foster care treatment has helped me form a foundation for trauma treatment.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Direct, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Melissa Allen

Dr. Melissa Allen

Therapist

Virtual • Ohio


“I bring together my education and experience in clinical mental health with the systemic and holistic philosophy needed to consider not just the individual client, but their entire family.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Kendall Blumenthal

Kendall Blumenthal

Therapist

Virtual • Ohio


“I have experience working with clients in the LGBTQ+ community, veterans, eating disorders, trauma, and substance using a variety of approaches to support you.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 14 insurance carriers
Timothy Zuercher

Timothy Zuercher

Therapist

Virtual • Ohio


“I approach therapy with curiosity and compassion, seeking to collaborate with my clients and their families to work toward achieving wholeness and growth.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Stephanie Bishop

Stephanie Bishop

Therapist

Virtual • Ohio


“I practice from a neurobiological and developmentally informed approach to help individuals gain a deeper understanding of themselves, work through traumatic experiences...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Humorous, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
Jonathan Goelz

Jonathan Goelz

Therapist

Virtual • Ohio


“I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence, & depression.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Empowering, Solution-oriented
Accepts 17 insurance carriers
Melissa Ocasio

Melissa Ocasio

Therapist

Virtual • Columbus, OH


Melyse Behavioral & Wellness is a small group practice that empowers, supports and helps clients thrive through their journey. We are a small practice designed to meet the support We have a long history working with kids in the foster care system. I work with clients from various walks of life ages 12 years and older a variety of different emotional difficulties find a way to improve the quality of your relationships with family and friends. You’re taking the first step, and I congratulate you for that because it’s not an easy thing to do.

LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, End of life care
Direct, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 13 insurance carriers
Gina Major

Gina Major

Therapist

Virtual • Ohio


Are you tired of what feels like the "same old" therapy?

My approach to create a space with my clients to have a more personally tailored approach utilizing a wellness approach!

Thriving instead of just surviving.

I am a strong believer in meeting those I serve where they are.

Whether you are experiencing loss, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, a life transition, stress or need a sounding board, I am here to be a support!

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

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Nicholas Meister

Nicholas Meister

Therapist

Virtual • Ohio


“I pride myself on being compassionate, nonjudgmental and direct to help survivors of trauma recover through the use of EMDR, CPT, TF-CBT, and DBT strategies.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Empowering, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Jose Montoya

Jose Montoya

Therapist

Virtual • Ohio


“I believe therapy works best when you feel understood as a whole person, not judged or reduced to a diagnosis.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Challenging, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Brittany Kai

Brittany Kai

Therapist

Virtual • Ohio


“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 9 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book

About our LGBTQIA+ affirming therapists in Cleveland, OH

Number of therapists serving Cleveland, OH
There are over 597 therapists in Cleveland, OH accepting new patients.
597+
Average years in practice
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9 years
Top specialties offered
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  • 100%LGBTQIA+
  • 98%Anxiety
  • 95%Depression
  • 90%Stress management
  • 89%Trauma
Insurances accepted
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  • 100%Aetna
  • 92%Cigna
  • 89%Carelon Behavioral Health
  • 54%The Health Plan
Languages spoken
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  • 100%English
  • 3%Spanish
  • 1%French
  • 1%Hindi
How they see their clients
Watercolor illustration of therapy session
  • 84%Online only
  • 16%In-person or online
Provider gender
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  • 80%Woman
  • 19%Man
  • 2%Non-binary
License types
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  • 45%Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
  • 25%Licensed Independent Social Worker
  • 13%Licensed Independent Social Worker - Supervisor
  • 7%Advanced Practice Registered Nurse - Certified Nurse Practitioner
  • 5%Clinical Psychologist
Treatment approaches
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  • 99%Individual therapy
  • 33%Family therapy
  • 26%Couples therapy
  • 14%Child or adolescent therapy

Frequently asked questions

Therapy Chair

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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 Cleveland

Finding LGBTQIA+ therapists in Cleveland starts with looking for care that is identity-affirming and relevant to your needs. A strong fit may include experience with LGBTQIA+ care, gender identity, sexual orientation, family or relationship concerns, anxiety, depression, or trauma. As you compare therapists, look for training or experience in affirmative therapy, WPATH-informed care, gender-diverse support, or work with LGBTQIA+ communities. A therapist’s bio can also show how they describe their approach, who they support, and what you can expect in sessions.

Cleveland has a range of mental health care options, from local offices near downtown and surrounding neighborhoods to virtual appointments across Ohio. Affirming therapists may be fewer than general therapists in some areas, so virtual care can expand your options while keeping insurance coverage part of the search. When narrowing your list, consider appointment availability, whether the therapist is accepting new patients, and whether their background, identity, or listed specialties match what you want in care. If you are also searching for terms like “LGBTQ clinic near me,” “gender health center,” or “pride clinic Cleveland,” therapist profiles can help you understand whether a clinician offers the kind of support you’re looking for.

Therapy in Cleveland can be a significant investment without insurance. Using in-network insurance is one of the most reliable ways to lower session costs and make care easier to access. Headway helps you search for LGBTQIA+ therapists in Cleveland who are accepting new patients, review detailed bios, check your estimated out-of-pocket cost before booking, and choose between virtual and in-person options. You can compare therapists by specialty, availability, approach, and insurance fit, then 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.