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LGBT therapists in Columbus, OH

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Top LGBT-friendly therapists and psychiatrists in Columbus, OH

Columbus's diverse communities deserve mental health support that celebrates who you are. Access virtual or in-person therapy with open-minded providers who specialize in LGBTQIA mental health, with sessions averaging 75% savings through insurance and some patients paying as low as $0 per session.

Deanna Markesteyn

Deanna Markesteyn

Therapist

Virtual • Ohio


“My approach to therapy is rooted in a whole-person perspective. Drawing from my varied training and experiences, I focus on addressing the unhealthy symptoms clients may be experiencing today...”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 12 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Carl DeJohn

Carl DeJohn

Therapist

Virtual • Ohio


“I believe, strongly, in the inherent worth and dignity of every person, and that every person has the ability within themselves to not only enact change, but be their very own change agent.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Family issues, Grief or loss
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
Annika Jernigan

Annika Jernigan

Therapist

Virtual • Ohio


“I believe great therapy rests on a strong relationship with your therapist- one who sees and supports you.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Direct, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Juliana Branch

Juliana Branch

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Elyria, OH


“I create a positive, warm, safe, non-judgmental environment that helps build trust in the therapeutic relationship.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Affirming, Creative, Direct
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Rachel Berger

Rachel Berger

Therapist

Virtual • Ohio


My educational background includes a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from The University of Texas of the Permian Basin and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Texas Woman’s University. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in TX, CO, and PA, and a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in ME, as well as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in OH.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Identity issues
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 13 insurance carriers
Valerie Rasicci

Valerie Rasicci

Therapist

Virtual • Ohio


Hello, I'm Valerie!

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Montana and Ohio with a decade of experience in the mental health field, I am passionate about helping people reconnect with their authentic selves.

​I founded Wild Living Therapy not only because of my deep love for wildlife and nature but also because I believe we all carry untamed, misunderstood aspects of ourselves—parts that may feel "too wild" or difficult to accept. My goal is to create a space where you can honor these parts, step into your power, and recognize your worth.

You're not broken—you are whole. Let’s navigate this journey together.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 13 insurance carriers
Wilma Mast

Wilma Mast

Therapist

Virtual • Ohio


“Having coped with anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and PTSD throughout my life, counseling is not just a profession for me; it's an opportunity to share the skills that I use every day.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Humorous, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 18 insurance carriers
Christie Karnes

Christie Karnes

Therapist

Virtual • Ohio


“I am passionate about providing a safe and warm therapeutic relationship to be able to process trauma, anxiety, relationships, grief and chronic illness.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Laura Fogarty

Dr. Laura Fogarty

Psychologist

Virtual • Beachwood, OH


Hello! My name is Laura. I am a licensed psychologist in Ohio. I received my Ph.D. in counseling psychology from Cleveland State University, as well as a Master of Arts from Cleveland State in clinical psychology. Through my training and postdoctoral work, I have worked in various clinical settings, including community mental health, hospital, college counseling center, jail and forensic outpatient, and private practice locations.


LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Inquisitive, Open-minded
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
Angelica Gray

Angelica Gray

Therapist

Virtual • Columbus, OH


Do you feel lost and broken? Does life seem hopeless right now? It’s not. Your trauma and pain can actually be an essential part of transforming your life. There is no substitute for painful life experience in moving you toward learning to experience life in the moment, with a greater sense of purpose and contentment.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Dr. Tanesha Rorie

Dr. Tanesha Rorie

Therapist

Virtual • Ohio


“I approach therapy with cultural humility and from a social justice perspective... strong therapeutic relationships helps serve as a great foundation for therapeutic change.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Hannah Linville

Hannah Linville

Therapist

Virtual • Ohio


“I strive to make clients feel safe and comfortable. They can expect to take some coping skills and strategies as well as occasional homework assignments.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Julie Swain

Julie Swain

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Dayton, OH


“Julie is a caring and compassionate mental health therapist whose passion is to help her clients overcome challenges and experience healing so that growth and connection are possible.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Kristen Dewey

Kristen Dewey

Therapist

Virtual • Columbus, OH


“Like evergreen trees that remain green throughout the year, I believe there is growth in every season.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 1 insurance carrier

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Amelia Lord

Amelia Lord

Therapist

Virtual • Ohio


“I view myself as a teammate to my clients, and as a result they will get to see my humanity while I see theirs.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Direct, Humorous
Accepts 17 insurance carriers
Dr. Jess Priode

Dr. Jess Priode

Therapist

Virtual • Columbus, OH


“I believe you can love someone deeply and still recognize that the way you're being treated is unfair.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression, Grief or loss
Empowering, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Annie Camerino

Annie Camerino

Therapist

Virtual • Cleveland, OH


“As a millennial therapist, I'll bring my authenticity to the counseling chair... I'll provide evidence-based skills, practical tools, and occasional reminders that "boundaries" are more than a buzzword.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Cary Sanders

Cary Sanders

Therapist

Virtual • Ohio


“I typically use cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma focused care and mindfulness to help clients reach their potential.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Panic disorders, PTSD
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Caleb Sargent

Caleb Sargent

Therapist

Virtual • Columbus, OH


“I view the development of a genuine, caring, and warm relationship as the foundation for all good therapy.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Humorous, Inquisitive, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Ares Minks

Ares Minks

Therapist

Virtual • Ohio


“My mantra is, there is always another perspective. In any situation I encourage empowerment which means looking at the circumstances from different angles and owning what you can so you can change what you can.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Direct, Empowering, Inquisitive
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
Kayleena Dickard

Kayleena Dickard

Therapist

Virtual • Ohio


“Kayleena believes that the rewarding work of counseling can only occur within a relationship built on trust, safety, and respect.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Family issues
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 8 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Andrew Franks

Andrew Franks

Therapist

Virtual • Ohio


“I believe everyone has the potential for growth and healing, and I'm dedicated to providing a safe, non-judgmental space for you to explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences as we work toward your goals.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Grief or loss, Identity issues
Affirming, Direct, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
J. Michele Rankin

J. Michele Rankin

Therapist

Virtual • Ohio


“My job is to help you get through these difficult times and to give you the skills you need to feel empowered to get through any obstacle that comes your way.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Bradley Justice

Bradley Justice

Therapist

Virtual • Ohio


“I won't just nod and reflect your words back at you. We'll dig into what's actually driving the patterns, figure out what needs to change, and build real tools you can use outside of our sessions.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Inquisitive, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Tina Hacker

Tina Hacker

Therapist

Virtual • Ohio


“I deeply believe that no matter how heavy or complex your story feels, healing, renewal, and transformation are always within reach.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Challenging, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 11 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
William Stinchcomb

William Stinchcomb

Therapist

Virtual • Ohio


“William also believes that everyone deserves to be affirmed in their identity, and it is really important to help people become more aligned with who they see themselves to be.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Humorous, Solution-oriented
Accepts 17 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Amie Grant

Amie Grant

Therapist

Virtual • Cleveland, OH


“My approach blends feminist therapy and ACT to help you navigate personal and political stress, break free from people-pleasing, and build a life rooted in your values—not society's demands.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Empowering, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 1 insurance carrier
Anna Dykeman

Anna Dykeman

Therapist

Virtual • Ohio


“I help adults who feel stuck in patterns shaped by trauma, perfectionism, or growing up in environments where their needs weren't fully seen or supported.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Affirming, Holistic, Open-minded
Accepts 4 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Christopher Settel

Christopher Settel

Therapist

Virtual • Ohio


“I have over 25 years of experience working with adults and adolescents in behavioral health. I work from a solution-focused perspective and use a variety of techniques to engage clients.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions, Depression
Direct, Humorous, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Sarah Garver Megenhardt

Sarah Garver Megenhardt

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Shaker Heights, OH


“My approach to therapy is collaborative, supportive and empowering. We will walk through your therapy journey together, side by side, not expert and novice.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
Kristin Vaughn

Kristin Vaughn

Therapist

Virtual • Ohio


“Kristin is a compassionate and empathetic professional who loves making personal connections with her clients (often through humor) and creating a comfortable atmosphere where individuals can begin exploring and working through any issue.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Affirming, Humorous, Solution-oriented
Accepts 16 insurance carriers
Mary Fuentes

Mary Fuentes

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Mason, OH


Hello, my name is Mary! I am a licensed therapist that specializes in trauma, grief and loss. I am EMDR trained; and offer EMDR sessions as well as EMDR intensive where we design an individualized program to fit your specific needs. I also offer KAP and have seen amazing results! I have been working with clients and families for over 25 years and feel I bring a seasoned, open outlook into the therapeutic setting. One of my all-time favorites is “We delight in the beauty of the butterfly but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.” ― Maya Angelou. Remember this as you walk thru your journey!

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, PTSD
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Diamond Junior

Diamond Junior

Therapist

Virtual • Ohio


“My ultimate goal is to help people from ages 5 and up improve their mental health hygiene, break free from substance abuse, and build a fulfilling life.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Direct, Energetic, Open-minded
Accepts 15 insurance carriers
Dr. Jeannine Taylor

Dr. Jeannine Taylor

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Akron, OH


My name is Jeannine Taylor. I earned a Master's degree in Marriage & Family Therapy and a Doctoral Degree from Kent State University. I also am Assistant Professor of Family & Community Medicine at Northeast Ohio College of Medicine. I enjoy helping people balance work and family; navigate the challenges before, during and after divorce; and cope with changes associated with midlife and later life. I also help clients make career decisions and establish educational goals.

PLEASE NOTE: I AM NOT ACCEPTING NEW COUPLES AS OF SEPTEMBER 1, 2026; HOWEVER, I AM ACCEPTING NEW INDIVIDUAL CLIENTS.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, End of life care
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Rosalind Pistilli

Rosalind Pistilli

Therapist

Virtual • Ohio


“My style is warm but direct. I'll challenge you when it's helpful, but I won't do it without first making sure you feel safe and seen.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Affirming, Empowering, Humorous
Accepts 8 insurance carriers
Dr. Kendra Stuke

Dr. Kendra Stuke

Therapist

Virtual • Ohio


“I communicate openly and honestly, creating a judgment-free zone where you can express whatever thoughts you need.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Direct, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Dr. Michelle McBride

Dr. Michelle McBride

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Ohio


I’m Dr. Michelle S. McBride, DNP, PMHNP-BC, MBA, a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive mental health care. I earned my Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from Rush University in Chicago, IL. Before obtaining my doctorate, I was a board-certified psychiatric registered nurse, gaining extensive experience across various clinical settings, including inpatient psychiatry, psychiatric emergency services, community behavioral health, and forensic psychiatry (jail-based care).

I am experienced, confident in treating a wide range of mental health conditions, including:

  • Schizophrenia & Schizoaffective Disorder
  • Eating Disorders
  • Psychosis
  • Major Depressive Disorder
  • Personality Disorders
  • ADHD
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
  • PTSD
  • Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
  • Bipolar Disorders
  • Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD)
  • Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED)
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Jessica Smith

Jessica Smith

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual & in-person • Kettering, OH


“My clinical focus is on providing personalized, evidence-based medication management designed to meet each individual's unique needs.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Energetic, Solution-oriented
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Samantha Blackwell

Samantha Blackwell

Therapist

Virtual • Ohio


“I believe in a collaborative and non-judgmental approach to therapy and am dedicated to creating a safe and supportive environment for all clients.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Rebecca Caserta

Rebecca Caserta

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Dayton, OH


“I prefer a collaborative and holistic approach to treatment, utilizing diverse techniques to help support your growth and progress on your goals.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book

About our LGBTQIA+ affirming therapists located within 20 miles of Columbus, OH

Number of therapists within 20 miles of Columbus, OH
There are over 24 therapists in Columbus, OH accepting new patients.
24+
Average years in practice
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9 years
Top specialties offered
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  • 100%LGBTQIA+
  • 100%Anxiety
  • 96%Stress management
  • 96%Depression
  • 92%Grief or loss
Insurances accepted
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  • 96%Aetna
  • 71%Cigna
  • 71%Carelon Behavioral Health
  • 67%The Health Plan
Languages spoken
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  • 100%English
How they see their clients
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  • 96%In-person or online
  • 4%In-person only
Provider gender
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  • 75%Woman
  • 21%Man
  • 4%Non-binary
License types
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  • 33%Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
  • 21%Advanced Practice Registered Nurse - Certified Nurse Practitioner
  • 17%Licensed Independent Social Worker
  • 17%Licensed Independent Social Worker - Supervisor
  • 8%Clinical Psychologist
Treatment approaches
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  • 92%Individual therapy
  • 38%Family therapy
  • 17%Couples therapy
  • 8%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 Columbus

Searching for LGBTQIA+ therapists in Columbus starts with finding care that clearly centers affirming support. Look for therapists who list experience with LGBTQIA+ clients, gender-diverse care, affirmative therapy, or WPATH-informed training in their profiles. These signals can matter when you want support related to identity, relationships, family dynamics, anxiety, depression, or stress. A therapist’s listed specialties, training, and approach can help you understand whether their background matches what you want to address.

Columbus has many therapy options, which can make it useful to narrow your search by more than specialty alone. Some people prefer an office near work, school, or home, while others use virtual appointments to expand access to affirming therapists across Ohio. You can also compare appointment times, whether a therapist is accepting new clients, therapy style, and personal fit signals like background or identity. Reading therapist bios before booking can show how they describe their work with LGBTQIA+ communities and what you may expect from sessions.

Therapy in Columbus can be a significant cost without insurance. Using in-network insurance is one of the most reliable ways to reduce session costs and understand what you may pay before care begins. Headway helps you search for LGBTQIA+ therapists in Columbus who are accepting new clients, compare bios and availability, and see estimated out-of-pocket costs after entering your insurance details. From there, you can 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.