LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Bethesda, MD
Kimberly Marie Smith
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20814
Finding the right therapist is perhaps the most important step in the therapy process. A trusting relationship allows clients to feel safe when exploring deeper issues and taking risks. I am dedicated to creating a warm, supportive, and collaborative environment for each of my clients. Using an integrative approach, I enjoy working with adolescents and adults who may be grappling with life transitions or struggling with symptoms such as anxiety, depression, stress, grief, or relationship issues.
Finding the right therapist is perhaps the most important step in the therapy process. A trusting relationship allows clients to feel safe when exploring deeper issues and taking risks. I am dedicated to creating a warm, supportive, and collaborative environment for each of my clients. Using an integrative approach, I enjoy working with adolescents and adults who may be grappling with life transitions or struggling with symptoms such as anxiety, depression, stress, grief, or relationship issues.
Ruth Berkowitz
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20814
I have experience working with children, adolescents, and adults with a wide range of concerns including feeling angry, anxious, depressed, or inhibited. My work also includes helping those who may have less specific symptoms, but notice that they may get in their own way of achieving what they want, interpersonally, professionally, or scholastically. I also have considerable experience working with individuals with a traumatic history, including sexual, physical, and emotional abuse. Within my practice, I also offer child, adolescent, and adult psychological testing, including emotional, cognitive, and academic assessment.
I have experience working with children, adolescents, and adults with a wide range of concerns including feeling angry, anxious, depressed, or inhibited. My work also includes helping those who may have less specific symptoms, but notice that they may get in their own way of achieving what they want, interpersonally, professionally, or scholastically. I also have considerable experience working with individuals with a traumatic history, including sexual, physical, and emotional abuse. Within my practice, I also offer child, adolescent, and adult psychological testing, including emotional, cognitive, and academic assessment.
Katherine Simonetti
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, MSW, JD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Bethesda, MD 20814
Are you dealing with anxiety, depression, family or relationship issues? Together, we can understand the roots of your difficulties, build new coping skills and help you lead a more authentic and fulfilled life. My style of therapy is like my personality: compassionate, non-judgmental and direct. I use a combination of evidence-based techniques to help reduce anxiety and depression, improve relationships, and help you live your best life.
Are you dealing with anxiety, depression, family or relationship issues? Together, we can understand the roots of your difficulties, build new coping skills and help you lead a more authentic and fulfilled life. My style of therapy is like my personality: compassionate, non-judgmental and direct. I use a combination of evidence-based techniques to help reduce anxiety and depression, improve relationships, and help you live your best life.
Outreach Recovery
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, LCADC
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20811
Welcome to Outreach Recovery. My name is Donna Stefanik, and it's my privilege to guide you on a path that, although challenging, is teeming with hope and transformation. As the Vice President of Clinical Operations here, I bring an expansive background in facilitating healing and growth for those navigating the complexities of addiction and recovery. I'm deeply committed to ensuring that your journey with us is not just about healing but about rediscovering your strength and potential in a supportive and understanding environment.
Welcome to Outreach Recovery. My name is Donna Stefanik, and it's my privilege to guide you on a path that, although challenging, is teeming with hope and transformation. As the Vice President of Clinical Operations here, I bring an expansive background in facilitating healing and growth for those navigating the complexities of addiction and recovery. I'm deeply committed to ensuring that your journey with us is not just about healing but about rediscovering your strength and potential in a supportive and understanding environment.
Morgan Levine
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LCSW-C, LICSW
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20816 (Online Only)
Accepting new clients! My clients oftentimes say they struggle with symptoms such as recurring negative patterns in their life, anxiety, depression, anger, overwhelm, relationship issues, problematic family dynamics, trouble getting new habits to stick, compulsively using external things to feel better (i.e. work, people, alcohol), pain, headaches, and more. Through a mixture of talk therapy and body centered approaches, we explore sources of symptoms with curiosity and build on your strengths to move toward feeling more grounded, presence, and connected.
Accepting new clients! My clients oftentimes say they struggle with symptoms such as recurring negative patterns in their life, anxiety, depression, anger, overwhelm, relationship issues, problematic family dynamics, trouble getting new habits to stick, compulsively using external things to feel better (i.e. work, people, alcohol), pain, headaches, and more. Through a mixture of talk therapy and body centered approaches, we explore sources of symptoms with curiosity and build on your strengths to move toward feeling more grounded, presence, and connected.
Karin S Tovar
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Bethesda, MD 20810
It may be that life deals us the unexpected, or perhaps things just slowly begin to feel “off”—whatever the case may be, we can find growth and healing by exploring the ways our past affects our present. Scary? Definitely! But accessing these versions of ourselves that have been dormant is what helps us shift from surviving to thriving. Whether you’ve been experiencing anxiety, depression, life transition, trauma, or feeling burned out, I can help become a truer version of yourself. For your convenience, I offer online appointments for clients located in DC and MD, or in person appointments at my office in Farragut Square, DC.
It may be that life deals us the unexpected, or perhaps things just slowly begin to feel “off”—whatever the case may be, we can find growth and healing by exploring the ways our past affects our present. Scary? Definitely! But accessing these versions of ourselves that have been dormant is what helps us shift from surviving to thriving. Whether you’ve been experiencing anxiety, depression, life transition, trauma, or feeling burned out, I can help become a truer version of yourself. For your convenience, I offer online appointments for clients located in DC and MD, or in person appointments at my office in Farragut Square, DC.
Bethesda Therapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20814 (Online Only)
Sometimes life can feel very difficult. It can be hard to handle big emotions on your own. Bethesda Therapy would like to help! We are a group practice serving clients in MD, DC, and VA. We specialize in OCD, anxiety disorders, depression, trauma/PTSD, ADHD, grief/loss and couples therapy. We serve clients age 12+. Everyone’s path to mental wellness is different. That’s why we offer treatment designed to meet your unique needs. Our skilled clinicians are ready to guide and support you through your healing process. We are committed to helping you discover your route to a life that’s happier, healthier, and deeply fulfilling.
Sometimes life can feel very difficult. It can be hard to handle big emotions on your own. Bethesda Therapy would like to help! We are a group practice serving clients in MD, DC, and VA. We specialize in OCD, anxiety disorders, depression, trauma/PTSD, ADHD, grief/loss and couples therapy. We serve clients age 12+. Everyone’s path to mental wellness is different. That’s why we offer treatment designed to meet your unique needs. Our skilled clinicians are ready to guide and support you through your healing process. We are committed to helping you discover your route to a life that’s happier, healthier, and deeply fulfilling.
David S. Rose
Psychologist, PhD, CGP
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20814
I like to work with people who find that their usual ways of dealing with problems in their lives are not working as they have before. These problems can involve relationships of all kinds, effectiveness and satisfaction at work, and the changes and stumbling blocks that inevitably come in the course of life.
I take an active role in the work; I am not a silent listener. I also want, hope, and expect that YOU will also take an active role in our work and in putting what we learn to use in your life.
I like to work with people who find that their usual ways of dealing with problems in their lives are not working as they have before. These problems can involve relationships of all kinds, effectiveness and satisfaction at work, and the changes and stumbling blocks that inevitably come in the course of life.
I take an active role in the work; I am not a silent listener. I also want, hope, and expect that YOU will also take an active role in our work and in putting what we learn to use in your life.
Jody Tabner Thayer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bethesda, MD 20814
Not accepting new clients
A positive therapy experience centers on a collaborative relationship. Together we will work to understand you fully, so as to reduce your suffering and enhance your sense of contentment and purpose. With a compassionate and nonjudgmental partner, you will be able to look more closely, deeply and openly at the patterns that keep you from feeling your best.
A positive therapy experience centers on a collaborative relationship. Together we will work to understand you fully, so as to reduce your suffering and enhance your sense of contentment and purpose. With a compassionate and nonjudgmental partner, you will be able to look more closely, deeply and openly at the patterns that keep you from feeling your best.
Ann Reifman
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20817
Therapy is a powerful tool for change. I believe that therapy works when people feel safe and challenged. The goal is for you to feel more competent, hopeful and happy in life. I will work with you to explore, understand and find strategies to move out of difficult situations. You may be searching for therapy because you are depressed, anxious, have low self esteem or feel stuck. You may be struggling with questions of identity, issues of fertility, career possibilities, unhappy relationships, aging parents, retirement. Change can happen at any age.
Therapy is a powerful tool for change. I believe that therapy works when people feel safe and challenged. The goal is for you to feel more competent, hopeful and happy in life. I will work with you to explore, understand and find strategies to move out of difficult situations. You may be searching for therapy because you are depressed, anxious, have low self esteem or feel stuck. You may be struggling with questions of identity, issues of fertility, career possibilities, unhappy relationships, aging parents, retirement. Change can happen at any age.
Paula Catalan Lcpc Pat
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC, CP, PAT
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20810
At 3Elements Counseling,LLC we work with individual, and families. We understand the challenges of multicultural families. Families that due to work or personal circumstances had to move and leave people and things behind. Families and individuals that beside dealing with their own individual patterns of anxiety, depression, dysfunctional family of origin, trauma, and child rearing challenges have to adjust to a new culture, a new country and a new rhythm of life.
At 3Elements Counseling,LLC we work with individual, and families. We understand the challenges of multicultural families. Families that due to work or personal circumstances had to move and leave people and things behind. Families and individuals that beside dealing with their own individual patterns of anxiety, depression, dysfunctional family of origin, trauma, and child rearing challenges have to adjust to a new culture, a new country and a new rhythm of life.
15 Second Videos
Outreach Recovery
Morgan Levine
Peak Couples and Sex Therapy
Erika DuBois
Anneke Vandenbroek Ph.d.; Abpp
Stephanie O'Brien
Dana Harron
Summer Bryant
Lorraine M. Harpur
Micah Saviet
Authentically U Counseling, LLC - Marilyn Spenadel
Si Meng
Cynthia L Rebholz
Caryn Malkus
Molly Stackhouse
Marvida Lake
Sid Binks
Elana Hoffman
Joey Salvatore
Marissa Nelson
Renée Delacroix
Aleenia Nakamura
Amanda Shrekenhamer
Katie O'Mailey
Justin Collmann
Safiyya Abdul Bari
Lea Didion
Lindsey Berisha
Andrea Zawatsky- Voted Top Therapist By Washington Family Magazine
The Woolf Center | Therapy and Coaching
House Calls
Elizabeth Gordon
Jaimie Fowler
Rachel Phillips-Anderson
Taylor Rapuano
Hemi Hunt
Mia Newell
Cindy Bull Crane
Better State of Mind
Dr. Bithiah Reed
Restore Tranquility, LLC
Leanna Brisson
Lily Kaufmann
Sam Wilson
Julia Rasnake
Sapna Singh
Ken Ovitz
The Green Garden
Nancy Rabb
Jodi Albert
Hope Harris-Black
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20814
I am committed to helping individuals and families. I work collaboratively with clients from a strengths-based approach to empower them and draw out their strengths, so they can grow psychologically, have fulfilling relationships, and reach their potential. I provide a safe, nurturing, supportive, non-judgmental and respectful positive therapeutic environment while also providing structure and focus to identify and achieve goals that foster growth and change.
I am committed to helping individuals and families. I work collaboratively with clients from a strengths-based approach to empower them and draw out their strengths, so they can grow psychologically, have fulfilling relationships, and reach their potential. I provide a safe, nurturing, supportive, non-judgmental and respectful positive therapeutic environment while also providing structure and focus to identify and achieve goals that foster growth and change.
Dr. Emily Green
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bethesda, MD 20811
Not accepting new clients
As a clinician, I am focused on helping clients find a life of meaning and value. Often times in our pain there is incredibly useful information about what's important to us. As humans, we have evolved to move away from physical pain, to escape it: and for most types of pain, those methods work! But for emotional pain, avoidance not only doesn’t get rid of our pain and suffering, it often amplifies it. In discovering how each individual client finds meaning in their lives, we ground ourselves in the willingness to walk toward our pain, rather than away from it. It is in this space that we find healing and meaningful change.
As a clinician, I am focused on helping clients find a life of meaning and value. Often times in our pain there is incredibly useful information about what's important to us. As humans, we have evolved to move away from physical pain, to escape it: and for most types of pain, those methods work! But for emotional pain, avoidance not only doesn’t get rid of our pain and suffering, it often amplifies it. In discovering how each individual client finds meaning in their lives, we ground ourselves in the willingness to walk toward our pain, rather than away from it. It is in this space that we find healing and meaningful change.
Jennifer L. Shea
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20814
Taking the first step to engage in psychotherapy is often a struggle. I believe that it is my job to make this process as safe and comfortable as possible through a confidential and supportive therapeutic environment. I view each client as a unique individual with different experiences, strengths, and vulnerabilities. I tailor my therapeutic approach to fit the client's needs, symptoms and skills.
Taking the first step to engage in psychotherapy is often a struggle. I believe that it is my job to make this process as safe and comfortable as possible through a confidential and supportive therapeutic environment. I view each client as a unique individual with different experiences, strengths, and vulnerabilities. I tailor my therapeutic approach to fit the client's needs, symptoms and skills.
Daniel Damian
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20816
Dr. Daniel Damian is a Psychologist in Maryland who has been practicing since 2006. He has a PhD in Clinical Psychology. Dr. Damian’s ultimate goal is to help his clients better understand the root cause(s) of their current difficulties, work through their specific issues or concerns, experience healthier ways of relating to themselves and other people and live a more fulfilling and satisfying life. Dr. Damian’s therapeutic approach is eclectic, being tailored to his clients’ unique needs and goals, and primarily consisting of psychodynamic, CBT and DBT-based interventions.
Dr. Daniel Damian is a Psychologist in Maryland who has been practicing since 2006. He has a PhD in Clinical Psychology. Dr. Damian’s ultimate goal is to help his clients better understand the root cause(s) of their current difficulties, work through their specific issues or concerns, experience healthier ways of relating to themselves and other people and live a more fulfilling and satisfying life. Dr. Damian’s therapeutic approach is eclectic, being tailored to his clients’ unique needs and goals, and primarily consisting of psychodynamic, CBT and DBT-based interventions.
Sammi Rosenfeld
Licensed Professional Counselor, NCC, DC LPC, MD LCPC, MSEd, CCTP
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20815
Waitlist for new clients
I am a mental health and school counselor passionate about supporting the growth of children and young adults. I am experienced with both school-age children, young adults, and adults. I have also spent a lifetime in the world of professional dance and the creative arts. My experience in dance and the body highly influences my therapeutic lens. I view integration of body and mind through multi-sensory modalities as integral to client growth. I take an integrative approach to my work; in one session we may talk, play, draw, explore the sand tray, or move. Some moments may be more directive and some may be client-led.
I am a mental health and school counselor passionate about supporting the growth of children and young adults. I am experienced with both school-age children, young adults, and adults. I have also spent a lifetime in the world of professional dance and the creative arts. My experience in dance and the body highly influences my therapeutic lens. I view integration of body and mind through multi-sensory modalities as integral to client growth. I take an integrative approach to my work; in one session we may talk, play, draw, explore the sand tray, or move. Some moments may be more directive and some may be client-led.
Peak Couples and Sex Therapy
Licensed Professional Counselor, EdS, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Bethesda, MD 20810 (Online Only)
I'm Andrea Battiola, owner and psychotherapist at Peak Couples & Sex Therapy. Sex is an area of life that can both impact and be impacted by everything else in life. Yet we often feel so alone in our sexual lives with very few places and people to turn to for help. We believe that sexual health and relational well-being are at the core of our overall mental health. Our sexual needs, wants, fears and struggles all matter. I want to create the space for others that my younger self deserved to have when she was growing up, trying to understand how sex and relationships impacted her confidence, identity, values, and needs.
I'm Andrea Battiola, owner and psychotherapist at Peak Couples & Sex Therapy. Sex is an area of life that can both impact and be impacted by everything else in life. Yet we often feel so alone in our sexual lives with very few places and people to turn to for help. We believe that sexual health and relational well-being are at the core of our overall mental health. Our sexual needs, wants, fears and struggles all matter. I want to create the space for others that my younger self deserved to have when she was growing up, trying to understand how sex and relationships impacted her confidence, identity, values, and needs.
Dr. Randi Wortman
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20814
I have a passion for walking people through the therapeutic process, for healing old wounds, solving problems and seeing profound changes in my clients' lives. All of my clients are my ideal clients. I love the psychotherapy process, both personally and professionally. In my opinion psychotherapy is both a necessity and a luxury in staying sane. Taking the time to care about yourself and/or your family, children or loved ones, focusing on what is hurting and not working well and trusting me to offer perspectives, insights, connections, ideas, advice, and understanding can turn most challenging situations around.
I have a passion for walking people through the therapeutic process, for healing old wounds, solving problems and seeing profound changes in my clients' lives. All of my clients are my ideal clients. I love the psychotherapy process, both personally and professionally. In my opinion psychotherapy is both a necessity and a luxury in staying sane. Taking the time to care about yourself and/or your family, children or loved ones, focusing on what is hurting and not working well and trusting me to offer perspectives, insights, connections, ideas, advice, and understanding can turn most challenging situations around.
Michele Rule
Counselor, LPC, LCPC
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20816
Michele Rule is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Maryland who has been practicing since 2014. She has an MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Michele's treatment approach and philosophy include helping clients to become more self-aware, gain insight, recognize faulty beliefs, and replace them with truth in a non-judgmental atmosphere of empathy, acceptance, warmth, and positive regard. She believes people are most reshaped by experiencing something new in order to break old, unhealthy patterns and perspectives. Being heard, validated, supported, and challenged while feeling safe are very powerful change elements.
Michele Rule is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Maryland who has been practicing since 2014. She has an MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Michele's treatment approach and philosophy include helping clients to become more self-aware, gain insight, recognize faulty beliefs, and replace them with truth in a non-judgmental atmosphere of empathy, acceptance, warmth, and positive regard. She believes people are most reshaped by experiencing something new in order to break old, unhealthy patterns and perspectives. Being heard, validated, supported, and challenged while feeling safe are very powerful change elements.
Ed Geraty
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20814 (Online Only)
I have expertise in the integration of Eastern and Western psychotherapies and philosophies with modern psychodynamic principles, Non-Dual approaches, and contemplative and meditative practices.
I have expertise in the integration of Eastern and Western psychotherapies and philosophies with modern psychodynamic principles, Non-Dual approaches, and contemplative and meditative practices.
See more therapy options for Bethesda
Nearby LGBTQ+ Therapists Searches for Bethesda
- Adelphi
- Aspen Hill
- Chevy Chase
- Hyattsville
- Kensington
- Mount Rainier
- North Bethesda
- Potomac
- Rockville
- Silver Spring
- Takoma Park
- Wheaton
LGBTQ+ Therapists
Do LGBTQ-affirmative therapists receive special training?
Yes. Many therapists who practice LGBTQ-affirmative therapy have completed specialized training, either during their degree program or as continuing education, to learn the core principles of affirmative therapy and how to best support their LGBTQ clients; some have received certifications in LGBTQ-affirmative therapy. Prospective clients should inquire as to a clinician’s background and training to ensure a good fit.
Why might I want to see an LGBTQ-affirming or LGBTQ-friendly therapist?
Queer and gender-non-conforming individuals frequently experience bias and marginalization in day-to-day life. Working with a therapist who understands these unique challenges, as well as accepts and affirms their identity, can help LGBTQ clients feel safe and supported during therapy—allowing them to better navigate their relationships, mental health, and anything else that they wish to explore during therapy. It is important to note that many therapists can be effective in their work with LGBTQ+ individuals, even in the absence of specific training or background knowledge. The most important component in therapy is the alliance between therapist and client, and this alliance can exist between individuals with very different backgrounds.
How can I find an LGBTQ-friendly therapist?
You may wish to inquire about a therapist’s expertise with your specific challenges or concerns—depression, for example, or relationship strife—as well as their past experiences treating LGBTQ+ clients. Prospective clients may also ask whether a therapist has obtained additional training and/or certification in LGBTQ-affirmative techniques.
How can I inquire about a therapist’s experience with LGBTQ issues?
Prospective clients should feel empowered to directly ask therapists whether they have received training or been certified in LGBTQ-affirming therapy; competent therapists will be happy to explain their educational background and preferred approach(es) to help a client find the best match for them. Clients may also wish to ask how a therapist has treated clients with their particular challenges in the past and what they expect treatment to look like.
Are all the therapists listed in the LGBTQ directory themselves members of the LGBTQ community?
While therapists may choose to disclose their sexual orientation or gender identity in their profiles, the LGBTQ directory features not only those who have shared this information but also those who assert specialized training or experience in providing support to queer individuals, couples or families.