LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapy in Washington, DC
Therapy where you don't have to explain or defend who you are.
Many therapists call themselves "LGBTQ+ friendly." Affirming care goes further. Your therapist already understands queer life, community, and the stress that comes from living in a world that doesn't always make room for you. You spend your session on what you came for, not on educating your therapist.
Does therapy help?
Yes, for most people who stay with it. Therapy can ease anxiety and depression, help you work through shame and old hurt, and make relationships, family, and identity feel less like a fight. Affirming therapy adds one more thing that matters: a space where your identity is treated as part of your life, not as the problem.
What will it be like?
Your first session is a conversation. We talk about what brought you in, what you want to change, and whether we're a good fit. There's no pressure to share everything at once. From there, sessions are weekly or every other week, at a pace that feels manageable.
Who we work with
We work with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, nonbinary, queer, and questioning adults, at any stage of life. That includes people coming out later in life and people still figuring out what fits.
What people bring to therapy
Identity and coming out
Coming out and exploring identity, at any age.
Anxiety and depression
Worry, low mood, and feeling stuck or disconnected.
Relationships and family
Dating, partners, family, chosen family, boundaries, and belonging.
Identity-related trauma
Family rejection, religious trauma, and other experiences that left a mark.
Minority stress
The wear and tear of years of discrimination or having to stay on guard.
Sexual health and intimacy
Including HIV status and PrEP decisions.
Substance use
A non-judgmental, harm reduction approach.
Shame and self-worth
Body image, self-criticism, and learning to be on your own side.
How we work
Our approach is trauma-informed and draws on psychodynamic psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and shame resilience work. Identity is treated as context, never pathology. Sex, kink, non-monogamy, and substance use can all be discussed without judgment.
Practical information
Telehealth
Secure video sessions are available to adults in Washington, DC, Maryland, Virginia, New Jersey, and New York.
In person
Limited in-person sessions are available at our office at 2001 L Street NW, Suite 500, near Dupont Circle and Farragut North Metro.
Insurance
We are in-network with CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, Evernorth/Cigna, and Optum/UnitedHealthcare. Contact us and we'll help you check your coverage.
Confidentiality
Information about your orientation, identity, or participation in therapy is never shared without your explicit written consent.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if a therapist is truly LGBTQ+ affirming?
Ask directly about their training and experience with LGBTQ+ clients. An affirming therapist will answer comfortably and won't treat your identity as something to be fixed.
Can I do LGBTQ+ affirming therapy online?
Yes. We offer secure video sessions to adults living in DC, Maryland, Virginia, New Jersey, and New York.
Do I have to talk about my identity in therapy?
No. Many people come in for anxiety, depression, work stress, or relationships. Identity comes up only as much as it matters to you.
Start with a Confidential Inquiry
Reach out through our Confidential Inquiry form. Your message is private, and we'll respond to set up a time to talk about fit.
Reviewed by Joseph W LaFleur, MSW, MBA, LICSW