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2,444 people sought LGBTQIA+ counseling help at Philadelphia in the last year

Discover how starting LGBTQIA+ counseling can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.

Meet with an LGBTQIA+ affirming therapist as soon as this week

41  therapists available in Philadelphia

Pittsburgh

As someone who has struggled with my own mental health, my approach is always to meet everyone exactly where they are to serve as ...

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Media

I believe in creating a compassionate, stigma‑free space where clients feel truly seen, listened to , supported, and empowered to ...

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Media

As someone who has experienced challenging life circumstances, I understand the pressure to get things done while dealing with inc...

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Philadelphia

As a neurodivergent queer person, I approach therapy as a collaborative process rooted in curiosity, meaning-making, and respectin...

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Pittsburgh

As an individual who has experienced mental health concerns both personally and professionally, I have an authentic understanding ...

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Pittsburgh

As a gay man, I empathize with those who feel like they're outsiders....

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Allentown

Jonathan Egge is a Navy veteran and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 13 years of experience in therapy with veterans w...

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Philadelphia

As a mother of 4 children, the youngest of which has Autism, I have personal experience to share and to learn with other parents....

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Pittsburgh

As a queer-identified therapist, I’m passionate about creating a space where you can show up fully as yourself and feel deeply und...

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Wyomissing

As a gay man who has had unique cultural and identity experiences of my own, I understand the importance of validating and explori...

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Philadelphia

Having been through therapy myself, I know how hard it can be to open up to someone or ask for help during tough times....

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Pittsburgh

I have dedicated my career development towards understanding and helping my clients....

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Bethlehem

Lucy Brown is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of Pennsylvania who has over 20 years of experience working wi...

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Philadelphia

I am committed to ongoing professional development and supporting individuals affected by mental health issues, as well as their f...

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Pittsburgh

I approach therapy sessions as if we're sorting through the puzzle pieces of your life; we'll work together to put the pieces wher...

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Pittsburgh

I will strive to assist you on your journey of self-exploration while creating a safe, genuine, and open-minded environment for gr...

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Pittsburgh

As a queer-identified therapist, with years of experience helping people achieve their goals and find their identities with pride,...

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Pittsburgh

It can be hard to find a safe place to open up and share your life. As one that has experience with a lot of different experiences...

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Allentown

As someone with significant trauma, I have worked hard to create peace within myself; now I strive to expand my knowledge, share i...

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Media

As a health provider and social justice advocate, my work is informed by providing a safe space for healing....

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Philadelphia

As a queer therapist working from a trauma informed and social justice lens, I understand the importance of how our life experienc...

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Pittsburgh

Seeking support is an act of bravery and hope, and you deserve patience, expertise, and safety to create effective and lasting cha...

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Bethlehem

As a gay male, I have unique experience that equips me to work with LGBTQIA+ individuals....

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Philadelphia

Becoming your authentic self is a transforming and long journey, and I’m here to walk alongside you, offering tools and encouragem...

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Allentown

Growing up in a family home shaped by trauma, I often felt broken or out of place. I now believe no one is broken, and in therapy,...

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Philadelphia

I look forward to helping you discover how your past impacts your present, and how to prepare for a better future....

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Philadelphia

As someone who grew up in a large, complex family, I understand the importance of a community, large or small, that will provide a...

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Wyomissing

As a queer-identified woman of color, I understand the unique challenges of finding quality mental health care....

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Pittsburgh

Dzana Saynes is a licensed professional counselor (LPC) with over 25 years of experience helping adult clients who are coping with...

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Media

Marsha obtained her Bachelors in Psychology and Sociology (with a certificate in her studies race, gender, and sexuality) from the...

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Allentown

What is bringing you here today, and what are you expecting from therapeutic process?...

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Media

Therapy is an incredible journey of self-discovery and healing. It is my honor to be a part of your journey and support you in ide...

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Philadelphia

As a proud Hispanic female veteran and devoted family woman, I bring a strong sense of dedication, integrity, and community to eve...

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Allentown

You are worth investing in, and I would honor the opportunity to assist you in becoming your best self. I can’t wait to meet you!...

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Philadelphia

I believe every client is unique and deserves care that best fits their needs, as therapy is not a one-size-fits-all approach....

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Bethlehem

Life is not always linear, and it’s okay not to be okay! Let me help you navigate changes and challenges while working towards enh...

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Allentown

Relationship challenges? Life transitions? Stress? Anxiety? Depression? There is hope - I am happy to be here for you!...

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Allentown

As a writer and counselor, and a person who has undergone a variety of struggles in multiple and diverse areas, helping others to ...

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Philadelphia

As an experienced clinician that has successfully worked with all age groups, I look forward to helping you reach your therapeutic...

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Philadelphia

Creating a strong and trusting therapeutic connection is the foundation for achieving goals. I pride myself on being relatable, un...

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Wyomissing

As a neurodivergent individual who has engaged in my own mental health treatment, I know the importance of feeling truly seen and ...

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Look for a confirmation email in your inbox shortly. We'll help find you a provider and guide you through everything you should know about starting care at Thriveworks.

Barbara Thomas

Hear from Barbara Thomas, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT)

View Barbara Thomas's profile

What is your go-to approach for LGBTQ+ counseling?

My go-to approach for LGBTQ+ counseling is collaborative therapy and trauma focused therapy. I prefer this because building the therapeutic relationship is essential and allows to build trust in the therapy room. Additionally, it allows clients to focus on their goals and to enhance their sense of themselves through empowerment. I utilize trauma-focused counseling as well, due to the trauma impact many individuals in the LGBTQ+ community experience and the context of being in a minority group. My personal experience as a member of the LGBTQ+ community allows some insight into the resilience of our community.

What tools do you teach in LGBTQ+ counseling?

I teach the following tools in LGBTQ+ counseling:

  • breathing techniques (square breathing, breath work)
  • mindfulness/present focus
  • grounding techniques (five senses, physical sensations, fidget/focus object, muscle relaxation)
  • journaling (freeform, bullet, prompts, daily success/struggle)
  • socratic questioning (cognitive challenging and rationalization of thoughts)
  • reframing (perspective shift and broadening mindset)
  • self-care skills (awareness of importance of basic needs)

How do you know when a client is making meaningful progress in LGBTQ+ counseling?

I know a client is making meaningful progress in LGBTQ+ counseling when there is trust in the therapeutic relationship and the goals set up initially are beginning to be achieved. I always like to preface that progress is not linear and will be an ongoing tool during treatment to challenge negative perceptions of self.

What can clients do in their personal time to supplement LGBTQ+ counseling?

Clients can supplement their time in LGBTQ+ counseling by seeking out resources in their local LGBTQ+ community, joining queer spaces that are affirming and supportive, research history of the LGBTQ+ movement and daily journaling to reflect.

What should someone do to prepare for starting LGBTQ+ counseling?

To prepare for their first LGBTQ+ counseling session, an individual can notice their struggles, goals, and timeline of symptoms. An individual can also remember that they can ask the therapist questions about their therapeutic style and explore/advocate for their needs in a clinician. Additionally, they can create a safe space in their home that helps build routine and privacy for online therapy.

Starting LGBTQIA+ counseling in Philadelphia

What is LGBTQ+ counseling?

LGBTQIA+ counseling is a type of queer affirmative counseling dedicated to assisting individuals and couples in navigating the intricate intersections of their sexual orientation, gender identity, and mental health, with a primary goal of fostering well-being, self-acceptance, and affirming a client’s life experiences as a queer individual. Although not all LGBTQ+ individuals seek specialized counseling, a substantial number discover vital support and empathy within these inclusive and affirming therapeutic settings.

How does LGBTQ+ counseling work?

Thriveworks LGBTQ+ counseling in Philadelphia, PA typically begins with an initial assessment to understand your specific needs. LGBTQ+ counselors aim to create a safe, inclusive, and affirming environment for anyone within the LGBTQ+ community by encouraging self-acceptance and offering an understanding of your identity and experiences. LGBTQ+ therapy addresses issues like coming out, discrimination, mental health challenges, and gender transition, and provides support for LGBTQ+ relationships.

Why is LGBTQ+ counseling important?

LGBTQ+ counseling is incredibly important because it can help queer individuals accept their identity, learn self-love, and give them important tools for facing the challenges of being a queer person in today’s society, among many other benefits. LGBTQ+-affirming therapists can understand the unique perspective and experiences of queer individuals as they help them process past trauma, address family conflicts, treat issues with anxiety, and more.

Is LGBTQ+ counseling conducted in person or online?

Thriveworks LGBTQ+ counseling in Philadelphia, PA is conducted both in person and online by video. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.

How long does LGBTQ+ counseling last?

The number of sessions for LGBTQ+ counseling depends on the specific needs and goals of the individual. It could encompass a relatively limited series of sessions or extend into a longer counseling plan. The precise quantity and duration of sessions typically emerge through collaborative discussion with the counselor, taking into account the client’s progress and their therapeutic objectives.

Need more help deciding?

LGBTQ Competent Therapy in Philadelphia, PA—Counselors

A bedrock of emotional healthy is freedom to be oneself. That means acknowledging likes and dislikes. That means being honest about strengths and weaknesses. It also means being true to one’s gender and sexuality. People who identify at LGBTQ face particular challenges as they seek emotional health and freedom. That is one of the many reasons Thriveworks Philadelphia offers LGBTQ competent therapy. We know that our LGBTQ clients face unique challenges, and we are ready to help them as they fight against repression and fight for freedom. If this resonates with you and you think you could benefit from counseling, reach out to Thriveworks Philadelphia today to schedule your first appointment.

LGBTQ Sensitive Counseling

Many untrue and unfair stigmas still plague many in the LGBTQ community, and these stigmas exact a psychological and emotional price. What is the real-world impact of that toll? Consider these grievous realities:

  • The cis-gendered and straight population has a substance abuse rate of 9 percent, but the LGBTQ population’s substance abuse rate is 30 percent.
  • LGBTQ youth, ages 10-24 face more fear, prejudice, hatred, and bulling in their homes and in their schools than their cis-gendered and straight peers.
  • LGBTQ people are diagnosed with mental illness at twice the rate of others.
  • Many LGBTQ people report experience a heightened anxiety called “minority stress.” This often results from facing family rejection, social exclusion, the denial of human rights, harassment, prejudice, and abuse.
  • A lead cause of death for LGBTQ youth is suicide.

As sobering as these realities are, they only tell half the story. The LGBTQ also faces a dual-stigma: those who often need mental health care the most may have the hardest time finding a competent therapist. The American Psychological Association officially defined homosexuality as a pathology up until 1973. Even though the definition has changed, many therapists are not informed or accepting of the care LGBTQ clients need.

Finding an LGBTQ+ Competent Therapist

What does it look like for mental health professionals to offer LGBTQ competent care? How can individuals ensure their therapist will respect their gender and sexual orientation? Here are a few tips for choosing a therapist.

  • When calling to schedule an appointment, ask about the counselor’s experience with LGBTQ clients. It is okay to request past examples.
  • Listen to your intuition. If you feel comfortable, schedule an appointment. If at any point, you do not feel comfortable, move onto another therapist.
  • During your appointment, let your counselor know that LGBTQ sensitive therapy is important to you.
  • During treatment, disclosure whatever you feel safe disclosing about your sexual orientation and gender.
  • During treatment, disclose whatever you feel safe disclosing about past traumas and current mental health struggles you are experiencing.
  • There is no right or wrong topic for therapy. Many people choose to discuss topics like…
    • Gender and sexual identity
    • Safety concerns
    • Healthy communication
    • Dealing with discrimination and non-acceptance
    • How and when to come out
    • Dating and other relationships
    • Family concerns
    • Transcending gender roles
    • Addiction
    • Eating disorders
    • Depression
    • Anxiety and stress
    • Self-esteem issues
    • Past trauma and abuse

Setting Up an Appointment at Thriveworks Philadelphia for LGBTQ Informed Counseling

Do you want to work with a mental health professional who offers LGBTQ competent care? If you are ready to start counseling, the professionals at Thriveworks Philadelphia are ready to meet with you. When you contact our office, a scheduling specialist will answer your call and help you make an appointment. You may have your first appointment within the week of your first call. We also offer evening and weekend sessions, and we accept many different insurance plans.

Life is hard. Scheduling therapy should not be. Let’s work together. Call Thriveworks Philadelphia today.

Pricing & insurance

Our therapists accept most major insurances. We accept 360+ insurance plans, and offer self-pay options, too.
Learn more about pricing for therapy and counseling services at Thriveworks.

Our therapists and counselors in Philadelphia accept 45 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Aetna Medicare Advantage

  • Ambetter Health | Commercial

  • AmeriHealth Administrators

  • AmeriHealth Medicare Advantage

  • AmeriHealth Pennsylvania

  • Capital BlueCross of Pennsylvania | BCBS

  • Capital BlueCross of Pennsylvania | BCBS Medicare Advantage

  • Carelon

  • Carelon | Medicare Advantage

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Clover Health Medicare Advantage

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Self-pay costs at Philadelphia
Talk therapy

Talk therapy

Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Talk therapy

Psychiatry

Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

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Hear from our clients

4.8 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
Christina is amazing. She listens, addresses my concerns, fuels me up, and helps me get to the root of my problems or issues. She is non-judgmental in all ways, but helps me breakdown things to see them for how they are. I am so happy that I found Christina!
Read more Christina is amazing. She listens, addresses my concerns, fuels me up, and helps me get to the root of my problems or issues. She is non-judgmental in all ways, but helps me breakdown things to see them for how they are. I am so happy that I found Christina!
Laura Sep 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★
I appreciate how patient my therapist is with me, this Is my first time in therapy and I'm not used to everything being about me so I tend to stop talking.
Nicholas Sep 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
James is a fantastic therapist!!
Luke Jun 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Christina is great - gives strategies for coping, is empathetic, and gives realistic advice. She's a very compassionate and knowledgeable therapist, and she has really helped me gain control of my mental health.
Deanna Jun 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
James is awesome! Thank you James
Anthony Jun 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★
I liked how I got to discuss what was bothering me. I like how my sessions are catered to me and my schedule. I have nothing to note and improvement at the moment.
Rebecca Jun 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
My counselor is amazing! She is down to earth, easy to talk to and you can tell she is really listening to me and actually cares.
Camille Jun 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
James and Tracy Proctor are the greatest.
Josemaria Jun 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
8 of 44 reviews

Where to find us

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Address

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1518 Walnut Street Suite 202, Suite 208 Philadelphia, PA 19102

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling Providence is located at 245 Waterman St Suite 504A, Providence, RI 02906, between Wayland Ave. and Butler Ave.

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Phone number

(215) 642-8968
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Languages spoken by PA providers

  • English
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Hours

Wednesday 8:00am - 9:30pm
Thursday 8:00am - 9:30pm
Friday 8:00am - 9:30pm
Saturday 8:00am - 9:30pm
Sunday 8:00am - 9:30pm
Monday 8:00am - 9:30pm
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:30pm

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Wednesday 8:00am - 11:59pm
Thursday 8:00am - 11:59pm
Friday 8:00am - 11:59pm
Saturday 8:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 6:00pm
Monday 8:00am - 11:59pm
Tuesday 8:00am - 11:59pm

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