LGBTQ+ Therapy
in NYC

While a member of the LGBTQ community can certainly work with any therapist, working with a therapist who understands, both personally and professionally, some of what you’re experiencing can be extremely validating. You can feel safe to be your full self, without fear of judgment.

LGBTQ-affirmative therapy means that the therapist and practice recognize, validate, respect, and support people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and relationship styles. At myTherapyNYC, all of our therapists provide LGBTQ affirmative counseling. We share the belief that there is nothing inherently wrong with being lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender. 

The therapist has awareness of and training in LGBTQ issues (e.g., coming out, gender identity, internalised homophobia/transphobia, non-traditional relationships) and integrates those into the therapeutic work.  The therapy environment is intentionally created to be safe, non-judgmental, and inclusive for LGBTQ+ clients (so you don’t have to explain or justify your identity or experience).  The work might incorporate identity-specific concerns (societal discrimination, intersectionality, identity development) in addition to more typical therapy issues (anxiety, depression, life transitions).  In short: it’s not just “standard therapy with someone who happens to accept LGBTQ+ people” –  it’s therapy that is explicitly inclusive, knowledgeable, and affirming of the LGBTQ experience.

We offer a space where you can explore questions around your orientation or gender identity with curiosity, without pressure or judgment. We help you map your experience, feelings, values, and identity at your own pace. And when helpful, we address internalized shame/transphobia, family or cultural dynamics, societal messages, and how your identity intersects with other parts of your self.

We recognise that many LGBTQ+ people carry additional burdens from stigma, discrimination, family rejection and cultural expectations. We bring those issues into therapy (rather than sidestepping them) so you can gain understanding, processing, and resilience. We work with intersectionality (how your sexual orientation/gender identity intersects with race, culture, class, and relationship style). We address coming-out processes, identity integration, navigating relationships, and community within an LGBTQ+ affirmative framework. We help you build coping strategies and healing for internalized negative beliefs, societal pressures, and relational dynamics. We emphasize a safe, non-judgmental space for you to explore these themes.

Yes, we do. We work with clients in a wide range of relationship styles (same-sex couples, open or polyamorous relationships, non-traditional configurations). We bring a non-judgmental, inclusive perspective to whatever your structure is, and help you explore relational dynamics, communication, boundaries, identity, and intimacy. Whether you identify with conventional or non-traditional arrangements, therapy can support you in relationship growth and functioning.

People in the LGBTQ+ community often bring concerns shaped by experiences that differ from those of heterosexual and cisgender clients. These can include internalised homophobia or transphobia, shame around identity, and the emotional complexities of coming out to oneself, family, or community.

Clients may explore gender identity questions, dysphoria, or support needs during nonbinary or transgender transitions. Many also face discrimination and minority stress along with the added impact of intersecting identities such as race, culture, and sexuality.

Relationship concerns may involve nontraditional structures or challenges in finding affirming partners or community. LGBTQ+clients also experience higher rates of anxiety, depression, and trauma due to social stressors. Therapy brings together these identity-specific experiences with more universal issues, so care remains both affirming and comprehensive.

You do not need to identify as gay or as another member of the LGBTQ community to work with a gay therapist, and you can certainly have a meaningful therapeutic relationship with any well trained professional. At the same time, many people find that working with a gay therapist can be especially affirming. A therapist who understands, both personally and professionally, the experiences and cultural context of LGBTQ life can create a strong sense of safety. You may feel more comfortable bringing your full self into the room, knowing that your identity and relationships will be understood without judgment.

We offer same-sex couples counseling for those who wish to work through issues in their relationships or strengthen an already solid foundation.

In addition, we offer Gay Men’s Therapy Groups.

We ensure that sessions feel safe, inclusive, and respectful for people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, relationship styles, and backgrounds by being intentional at every step of the process. We believe deeply in the safety of therapy, and we take seriously that every client should feel welcomed and affirmed from the start.

Our clinicians are LGBTQ affirmative, inclusive, trauma-informed, and they come from diverse backgrounds. Many specifically work with LGBTQ+ clients, polyamorous and nontraditional relationship styles, and gender identity concerns, which helps clients feel understood and supported.

Our intake process invites you to share your identity, preferences, and goals so that we can make a thoughtful clinical match. If the fit does not feel right, you can switch clinicians at any time, which helps maintain a safe and effective therapeutic relationship.

Fill out the Get Started Questionnaire (this short online form invites you to answer a series of questions so they can connect you with the right therapist/service). After filling out the form, our intake team will reach out to match you with a therapist and book your first session.

If you prefer to speak with someone from our intake team first, you can do so by scheduling a 15-minute phone consultation here.

Learn more about our NYC based gay therapists and NYC based LGBTQ therapists here.