LGBTQ Affirming Therapy in New York City
4 Best LGBTQIA+ Therapists in NYC
Pride and Peril: The paradox of living authentically in an unwelcoming world
As a member of the LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, asexual, and more) community, you may have the cognitive dissonance of feeling joy while attending Pride parades, celebrating love, and expressing yourself authentically while also fearing for your safety at those events, watching anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation being passed, and worrying about the health of those you love.
And we don’t forget: the first Pride was a riot. How are you supposed to live your truth and be who you are meant to be when there are lawmakers in this country who want to take away all of your rights? When will you get to live with the same freedoms that everyone else has? LGBTQ therapy needs to understand all of the multitudes contained within the lived experiences of queer people.
Do any of these thoughts resonate with you?
"I see all these anti-LGBTQIA+ laws being passed, and it makes me feel hopeless and scared about the future."
“My family makes weird comments at gatherings. I love them but it makes me dread the holidays because I don’t feel like I am accepted.”
“I’m the only gay person at work and I feel like I have to be perfect all of the time as a representative of our entire community.”
"I'd feel more comfortable talking to a therapist who understands my lived experience in some way."
"It would be helpful to find someone who can help me manage my anxiety and depression, but also understands the specific experiences of being queer in this country."
“I just want the same things everyone else does: happiness, love, and success.”
"I want to feel a part of the LGBTQ community, live in a safe environment, and thrive in NYC."
Whatever the reasons bringing you to therapy today, you deserve to feel safe, free of judgment, and supported.
You deserve a safe space to thrive.
Why work with us
We are committed to providing a safe and affirming space for LGBTQ+ individuals.
Our practice offers virtual therapy to help people across New York City and throughout New York state. We believe in matching the right therapist with the right client, which is why we prioritize the perfect fit above everything else. Our practice isn't just LGBTQIA+ friendly, but we only have actively affirming therapists who are welcoming of all.
We use inclusive language that respects all gender identities and sexual orientations, which can also involve things like using terms like "partner" and avoiding heteronormative assumptions. We are committed to providing a safe, supportive space for healing and growth.
As featured in:4 Best NYC LGBTQIA+ Therapists
Maggie McCarthy, LMSW
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As a therapist, Maggie supports adults in their 20s and 30s navigating unresolved pain through a deeply empathetic and holistic approach. Recognizing the complex intersections of personal experiences and systemic oppression, she creates a nurturing therapeutic space where her clients can explore their deepest vulnerabilities. Using mindfulness, CBT, somatic, and narrative therapies, Maggie helps her clients reimagine past experiences and challenge negative thought patterns. She partners with her clients to understand how intergenerational and interpersonal harm impacts their mental health, prioritizing their safety and autonomy. Maggie's mission is to guide her clients towards healing, empowering them to restore their sense of self, uncover personal strengths, and cultivate inner peace.
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Credentials: Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
Education: MSW, Columbia School of Social Work
Specialties: Trauma, Anxiety, and Depression
Modalities Used: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Somatic Therapy, Narrative Therapy
Laina Mason, LCSW
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Laina has a long history of supporting her clients through navigating the complex landscape of historical and recent traumas, including sexual violence and destabilizing life transitions. She creates a compassionate, non-judgmental space where her clients can explore their experiences of anxiety, sadness, and disconnection that often prevent them from fully embracing their authentic selves. Laina's approach focuses on empowering her clients to reclaim their narrative by challenging negative self-talk, developing self-affirming practices, and recognizing their inherent strengths. Through gentle guidance, she helps her clients rebuild self-esteem, set healthy boundaries, and cultivate a sense of joy and wholeness that honors their complete, multifaceted experiences.
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Credentials: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Education: MSW, University of Albany
Specialties: Sexual Trauma, Anxiety, and Depression
Modalities Used: Internal Family Systems (IFS), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Schema Therapy, Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Polyvagal and Somatic Experiencing
Greta Weiss, LMSW
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As a therapist, Greta supports young adults navigating the complex terrain of identity formation and self-discovery. She creates a supportive, empathetic space where her clients can explore the intricate pressures of young adulthood, from family expectations to societal comparisons. Using a blend of Psychodynamic and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Greta helps her clients process emotions, understand past experiences, and develop concrete skills for empowerment. Her LGBTQ-affirming approach provides a safe haven for her clients to embrace their true selves. Greta guides her clients in building confidence, improving communication, and developing a clear sense of purpose during this transformative period of personal growth.
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Credentials: Licensed Master Social Work (LMSW)
Education: MSW, Columbia University
Specialties: Young Adulthood, Life Transition, Family Systems, Trauma, Anxiety, Relationships, Transitions, Boundaries
Modalities Used: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Person-Centered Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Therapy, Psychodynamic
Lily Ostler, LCSW
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Lily takes a trauma-informed, collaborative approach to anxiety therapy, helping clients understand how past experiences impact their current worry patterns. She's particularly skilled at working with anxiety around relationships and life transitions in your late 20s.
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Credentials: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Education: NYU Silver School of Social Work (MSW); Northwestern University (BS)
Specialties: Relationship anxiety, life transitions, trauma responses, sexuality concerns
Modalities Used: CBT, DBT, Attachment-based therapy, Mindfulness practices, Narrative therapy
FAQs about LGBTQIA+ mental health care
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Absolutely. We believe in matching the right therapist with the right client, which is why we prioritize the perfect fit above everything else. When you work with us, you will begin to feel more understood, learn to communicate your needs more clearly, and create happier, healthier connections with the people you care about. You'll gain tools to manage conflict, express yourself openly, and build stronger bonds, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling life. We approach our work through a culturally competent, culturally responsive, and anti-racist lens.
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Our work differs from LGBTQIA+ friendly therapy in the sense that it goes beyond tolerance and actively promotes understanding and acceptance of LGBTQ+ experiences.
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We acknowledge the unique challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals, such as discrimination, social isolation, and mental health concerns. We pursue ongoing continuing education and training in LGBTQIA+ mental health issues to demonstrate our commitment to staying up-to-date on best practices and clinical experience for serving this community.
We use inclusive language that respects all gender identities and sexual orientations, which can also involve things like using terms like "partner" and avoiding heteronormative assumptions. We are committed to providing a safe, supportive space for healing and growth.
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Every couple is unique, so we tailor our approach to your specific situation. Your therapist will work collaboratively with you both to identify your goals and develop strategies for a healthier relationship. All of our therapists are familiar with the unique challenges that LGBTQIA+ couples can face, such as minority stress, coming out within relationships, navigating legal and social barriers, and exploring non-traditional family structures.
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If you're ready to feel more understood, learn to communicate your needs more clearly, and create happier, healthier connections with the people you care about, you're ready for therapy. You'll gain tools to manage conflict, express yourself openly, and build stronger bonds, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling life. Therapy can help you feel more like yourself - the self you want to be and know you could be, if only you could get out of your own head.
Here’s What’s Next:
1. Fill out our contact form.
Share some information about you in the contact form below so that we can match you with the right therapist for your needs.
2. Book a free consultation.
After you fill out our form, have a low-pressure, 20-minute call with your therapist to make sure they are the right fit.
3. Get the care you deserve.
Schedule your first appointment today and start on your journey to feeling better right away.
