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LGBT therapists in Charlottesville, VA


Top LGBT-friendly therapists and psychiatrists in Charlottesville, VA
LGBTQIA+ individuals in Charlottesville deserve affirming mental health support that honors who you are. Headway offers flexible sessions with empowering providers experienced in supporting gender and sexual identity. Connect with a provider who listens without judgment.
Smart Duru is psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over 10 years of combined healthcare experience. He attended University of Derby, England for a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing and a master’s in psychiatric mental health nursing with Distinction. Smart Duru obtained a Master of Science Degree with specialization in Psychiatry mental health Nurse Practitioner. He has extensive experience in Mental health, Primary care, Sub/Post-Acute Care, Long Term Care, Correctional Medicine, and Family Medicine.
Hi, my name is Chloe` Cook. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 10 years of experience working with individuals, couples and families. I specialize in relationship issues, but also provide therapy to individuals seeking help with managing ADHD, anxiety, depression, and life transitions. I am also continuing my education through training in sex therapy topics to help individuals and couples with orgasm difficulties, unmatched/low desire, performance/sexual anxiety, erectile dysfunction, ejaculation issues, and sexual empathy.
I’ve been working in the mental health field for nearly a decade and bring a deep commitment to helping individuals heal, grow, and thrive. I hold a Master’s Degree in Forensic Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in Washington, DC and a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Marshall University in Huntington, WV. These academic foundations, combined with years of hands-on experience, have shaped my compassionate, informed, and client-centered approach to therapy.
Most recently I was serving as a Licensed Clinical Therapist where I provided individual and group therapy in an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for adults facing complex mental health and substance use challenges. I am currently working at a small group practice treating adults with stress, anxiety, depression, ptsd, and more. I hold sessions on the weekend and in the morning one a week.
At the heart of my practice is a belief in the power of authentic connection. I strive to create a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental space where clients feel empowered to explore difficult emotions, build insight, and take meaningful steps toward lasting change.
I am an LPC in Virginia and LMHC-S in Florida my background in practice consists of treating adolescents, families, children in at risk populations and treating adults with depression and anxiety. I take a holistic approach to counseling and meet the client where they are at. I include CBT and solution-focused techniques in order to assist clients dealing with a variety of issues. I also have a background in TF-CBT informed therapy and utilize this as needed.
Hi there! I'm Dr Esmie, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and PhD, Research Psychologist with more than three decades of professional and lived experience. I've lived much of my life in England and California and now currently reside in the DMV state of Virginia. I bring a broad multicultural perspective to my work.serving individuals, couples, and families from diverse cultural, social, and spiritual backgrounds.
My clinical practice integrates evidence-based approaches, including trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and strengths-based interventions. I have worked extensively with clients navigating trauma, life transitions, relational conflict, stress, and emotional challenges, helping them move toward healing and personal growth.
I believe meaningful change occurs when people feel genuinely seen, heard, and respected. I strive to create a safe, supportive therapeutic environment where clients can explore their experiences without judgment. Through collaboration, practical tools, and compassionate guidance, I help clients develop insight, strengthen resilience, and build healthier patterns of thinking, feeling, and behavior.
Above all, I value human dignity and authentic connection. I believe credentials may open doors, but character, empathy, and genuine care sustain lasting transformation.
I help people heal from trauma, with a special focus on sexual trauma, and I’ve been honored to support a wide range of individuals — including women, men, military veterans, and LGBTQIA clients — as they work through their experiences and take meaningful steps toward healing. I also enjoy helping people work through challenging life transitions (e.g., parenthood, divorce, etc.) and identity-specific concerns (e.g., men's issues, women's issues, gender identity exploration). In addition to individual therapy, I also provide relationship therapy for monogamous, non-monogamous, and open relationships as well as psychological assessment (e.g., ADHD, dementia, learning disorder, mental health) for adults.
I am excited to provide compassionate & competent care for transgender, non-binary, and gender expansive adults, and other LGBTQIA+ identities. In addition, I enthusiastically affirm asexuality and aromaticism, intersex folks, and all who experience marginalization, erasure, and/or invisibility within the broader LGBTQIA+ community. Anyone “questioning” is welcome!
Hello! I am a Psychiatric NP and provide medication management services for those seeking treatment for their mental health issues. All appointments are done via telehealth. I offer flexible scheduling and accept insurance.
Challenges shouldn’t just be endured—they should be the catalyst for your breakthrough. My goal is to help you transform life's toughest hurdles into a foundation for lasting resilience and self-discovery, giving you the tools to reclaim your strength and lead a more intentional life.
I’m a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with over 7 years working in behavioral health, offering personalized care through telehealth for adults and teens. I treat depression, anxiety, ADHD, trauma, mood changes, and life stressors with a strengths-based approach, focusing on both symptom relief and personal growth. My goal is to provide medication management with supportive therapy in a collaborative, compassionate way. Together, we’ll create a plan that helps you find clarity, balance, and confidence. If you’re ready to take the next step, reach out today—I look forward to connecting with you.
I believe in the inherent wisdom and strength within all human beings and I utilize a number of approaches to reveal that wisdom and strength within my clients.
Hey! I'm Christina, and I'm a licensed clinical social worker with 7 years experience providing individual, couples, family, and group therapy on an outpatient basis. I am thoroughly trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), two off-shoots of CBT that incorporate acceptance and mindfulness. I currently serve as the chapter president for Mid-Atlantic Chapter of The Association for Contextual Behavioral Sciences, and I am a contributing author to an upcoming manual on a developing integrative therapy, Contextually-focused DBT. Basically, I'm a therapy nerd. I love and believe in my practice, and am always on the hunt to learn more and be the best therapist I can be.
Hi! As a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and proud LGBTQ+ ally, I have extensive experience helping people navigate anxiety, depression, mood disorders, ADHD, trauma, and more. I have a special place in my practice for those dealing with depression or trauma rooted in relationships or family, because those experiences deserve thoughtful, dedicated care.
Your mental health journey matters to me, and I'm here to truly listen, not just to what you're saying, but to what you need. Together, we'll work toward solutions that are both compassionate and effective.
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 Charlottesville, VA
Finding LGBTQIA therapists in Charlottesville starts with looking for identity-affirming care. A therapist’s experience with LGBTQIA+ clients can matter when you want support related to gender identity, sexual orientation, family or relationship stress, anxiety, depression, or trauma. As you compare options, look for therapists who list affirmative therapy, WPATH training, gender-diverse experience, or LGBTQIA+-affirming care in their profiles. These details can help you find someone whose training and focus match what you want to address.
In a smaller city like Charlottesville, the number of local LGBTQIA+-affirming therapists may be more limited than in larger metro areas. Virtual appointments can expand your options across Virginia while still giving you access to care from home. You may also want to compare appointment availability, scheduling flexibility, therapist background, and whether a free phone consultation is offered. Reading bios before you book can show how each therapist describes their approach, who they support, and what a first session may include.
Therapy in Charlottesville can be a significant investment without insurance. Using in-network insurance is one of the most reliable ways to lower your session costs and understand what you may pay before you start. Headway helps you search for therapists who match your preferences, take your insurance, and are accepting new patients. You can review profiles, see estimated costs after entering your insurance details, and book directly when you’re ready.
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