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LGBT therapists in Columbus, OH

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People with insurance pay as low as $0 per session through Headway

Top LGBT-friendly therapists and psychiatrists in Columbus, OH

Columbus's diverse communities deserve mental health support that celebrates who you are. Access virtual or in-person therapy with open-minded providers who specialize in LGBTQIA mental health, with sessions averaging 75% savings through insurance and some patients paying as low as $0 per session.

Sarah Vargo

Sarah Vargo

Therapist

Virtual • Ohio


Hello, I am Sarah, a licensed professional clinical counselor in Ohio. I received my M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Akron, but I also have a M.A. from The Ohio State University in Comparative Studies, focusing on the body, trauma, and narrative. We are our stories, as well as how we re-create our stories!

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Depression
Affirming, Creative, Inquisitive
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Heidi Carter

Heidi Carter

Therapist

Virtual • Columbus, OH


“I have had over 30 years of experience in working with people with issues with trauma, depression, anxiety, and addiction.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Grief or loss, Maternal mental health
Affirming, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 16 insurance carriers
Lisa Koss

Lisa Koss

Therapist

Virtual • Columbus, OH


My approach is always affirming and collaborative. I work with late diagnosed, or suspected adults with autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and giftedness, as well as LGBTQ+ community. I aim to treat each person with the respect and dignity they deserve and feel honored to meet you where you are & take this journey with you. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida & a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Ohio. I completed my professional degree at Nova Southeastern University (FL)

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, PTSD
Affirming, Creative, Energetic
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Ananda Sotherland

Ananda Sotherland

Therapist

Virtual • Cleveland, OH


“My approach is holistic addressing the mind, body, and spirit. Grounded in mindfulness, internal focusing, and self-compassion.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Empowering, Holistic, Warm
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Alora Bharmota

Alora Bharmota

Therapist

Virtual • Upper Arlington, OH


“I am a Certified Trauma Professional (CCTP-II) and have my certification in Somatic Experiencing. I often use Art Therapy with my clients in combination with other therapy modalities.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Affirming, Creative, Open-minded
Accepts 10 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Abby Gontero

Abby Gontero

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Stow, OH


I’m a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) with a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Kent State University. I work with clients from young adults to older individuals, who are navigating a range of challenges such as anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship issues, trauma, and LGBTQ+ concerns. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, stress, or life transitions, I’m here to support you in a way that honors your unique journey and values.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Identity issues
Affirming, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 5 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Stefani Hathaway

Stefani Hathaway

Psychologist

Virtual • Ohio


“I am passionate about supporting and empowering people to grow, build on their strengths, and manage the challenges that life brings their way.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Dr. Makenzi Cooley

Dr. Makenzi Cooley

Therapist

Virtual • Ohio


“Her work is rooted in the belief that healing happens within safe, compassionate relationships where clients feel truly seen, heard, and supported.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Eating disorders
Creative, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Sydnee Franklin

Sydnee Franklin

Therapist

Virtual • Ohio


“I believe that all people have the key to what they need, sometimes we just need a little support to find it within ourselves.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, PTSD
Empowering, Participatory, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Joshua Gill

Joshua Gill

Therapist

Virtual • Worthington, OH


“I take an eclectic approach to counseling, using many different therapeutic modalities—it all depends on what we want to work on together.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Empowering, Humorous, Open-minded
Accepts 14 insurance carriers
Omela Golden

Omela Golden

Therapist

Virtual • Ohio


“My work often centers on helping people heal from past traumas and relational wounds—especially the ones that make it hard to feel safe, seen, or fully yourself.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Identity issues, PTSD
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 1 insurance carrier

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
J. Michele Rankin

J. Michele Rankin

Therapist

Virtual • Ohio


“My job is to help you get through these difficult times and to give you the skills you need to feel empowered to get through any obstacle that comes your way.”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Joseph Rifici

Joseph Rifici

Therapist

Virtual • Ohio


Hi, I am Joe, a licensed mental health therapist. I believe that people are capable of change, which is why I do what I do. It's understandable if you come to therapy feeling low and unmotivated. This is normal. Your first step in coming here is a big deal and not an easy decision or task. That right there is motivation. I believe in a collaborative approach and meeting you where you are in your life. I am not an expert on you, but we can work together to understand what is getting in the way of your goals and make plans to address these areas. I am here to help you figure out what needs to change and to guide you through the process of improving your mental health and growing as a person. I am a caring, open, and non-judgmental person, who loves cats, music, reading, and video games. I enjoy spending time with my friends and family, especially around a bon fire.

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Amanda Hickey

Amanda Hickey

Therapist

Virtual • Ohio


“I believe you are the expert of your experiences! I take this client-centered approach to provide a non-judgmental, positive, and safe space...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Depression
Affirming, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 6 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Gary Russell

Gary Russell

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Ontario, OH


“I believe in people, that we can change, that we can be better today than we were yesterday and be better tomorrow than we were today.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Chronic conditions
Challenging, Empowering, Inquisitive
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Kesha Jackson

Kesha Jackson

Therapist

Virtual • Toledo, OH


“I provide a warm and therapeutic environment that will allow you to regain balance and develop a healthy sense of self and purpose.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression
Affirming, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Chloe Kaznoch

Chloe Kaznoch

Therapist

Virtual • Chagrin Falls, OH


“I believe strongly in the power of the therapeutic relationship, and will collaborate with you to meet your goals.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Maternal mental health
Affirming, Empowering, Humorous
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Alexis Bass

Alexis Bass

Therapist

Virtual • Ohio


“In a first session, clients can expect a warm welcoming space, primarily focusing on getting to know them and what brought them into this space.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Chronic conditions, Cultural & ethnic issues
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 4 insurance carriers
Billi Lopez

Billi Lopez

Therapist

Virtual • Toledo, OH


“I believe that therapy is a collaborative process where we work together to understand and address the issues you're facing...”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Grief or loss
Affirming, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Tanisha Richardson

Tanisha Richardson

Therapist

Virtual • Ohio


“Together we can develop a restorative approach through the use of one-on-one interventions, tailored coping techniques, and personalized methods to assist in moving forward.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Eating disorders
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Billi Lopez

Billi Lopez

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Toledo, OH


Hello, my name is Billi. Many of my clients come to me experiencing trauma, anxiety, depression, or relationship issues. My clients describe me as compassionate, nurturing, and enthusiastic. I strive to provide a supportive and welcoming environment so you will feel at ease to address your current/past experiences, thoughts, feelings, and concerns.

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Grief or loss
Humorous, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Mary Fuentes

Mary Fuentes

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Mason, OH


Hello, my name is Mary! I am a licensed therapist that specializes in trauma, grief and loss. I am EMDR trained; and offer EMDR sessions as well as EMDR intensive where we design an individualized program to fit your specific needs. I also offer KAP and have seen amazing results! I have been working with clients and families for over 25 years and feel I bring a seasoned, open outlook into the therapeutic setting. One of my all-time favorites is “We delight in the beauty of the butterfly but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.” ― Maya Angelou. Remember this as you walk thru your journey!

LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, PTSD
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 6 insurance carriers
Faith Payton

Faith Payton

Therapist

Virtual • Columbus, OH


“I really focus on meeting clients where they are at and use various modalities such as Person-Centered Approach, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Strength-Based Approach to help clients reach their overall goals.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 3 insurance carriers
Dr. Daniel McCarthy

Dr. Daniel McCarthy

Psychologist

Virtual • Ohio


“Only when a client feels that they are fully heard, understood, accepted and valued without judgment, does change occur.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Grief or loss, Men's issues
Empowering, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Eloisa Duarte

Eloisa Duarte

Therapist

Virtual • Ohio


“I feel fortunate to work with individuals and families in developing effective strategies to manage difficult emotions.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues, Depression, Family issues
Holistic, Open-minded, Solution-oriented
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Scott Mills

Scott Mills

Therapist

Virtual • Ohio


“I am trained in a variety of evidence-based therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Kathryn Loveless

Kathryn Loveless

Therapist

Virtual • Granville, OH


“I believe it is important to celebrate the small successes, and focus on progress, rather than perfection.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 12 insurance carriers
Danelle German

Danelle German

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Canton, OH


“I provide total autonomy and self-determination with my clients. I go at your pace, I build rapport with you so you can have a trusting environment...”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Affirming, Empowering, Energetic
Accepts 7 insurance carriers
Julie Goch

Julie Goch

Therapist

Virtual • Ohio


“I specialize in treating kids with Anxiety & Depression ages 4 to 23. I also work with behavior problems, ADHD, and family counseling.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Cultural & ethnic issues
Creative, Energetic, Open-minded
Accepts 2 insurance carriers
Allison Schulte

Allison Schulte

Therapist

Virtual • Ohio


“Allison's personal experience with depression enhances her empathy and informs her compassionate, client-centered approach.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Diabetes
Challenging, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Dr. Mihkaya Best

Dr. Mihkaya Best

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Toledo, OH


“I recognize that all clients have different needs. I will work to ensure that the space we create in my therapy office is the tailored to you.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Cultural & ethnic issues
Creative, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 1 insurance carrier
Erin Prindiville

Erin Prindiville

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Cincinnati, OH


I am very flexible and laid back. I always want to meet my clients where they are! I understand that finding a therapist and then getting started with therapy can be overwhelming. My goal is to make it as painless as possible!

LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Creative, Empowering, Open-minded
Accepts 10 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Claudia Hempill

Claudia Hempill

Therapist

Virtual • Ohio


“I am not the expert in your life and will empower you to discover what would make your life meaningful and fulfilling...”
LGBTQIA+, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Holistic, Warm

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Andrea Raimey

Andrea Raimey

Therapist

Virtual • Ohio


“Clients can expect to leave sessions with me feeling empowered with a greater sense of agency and hope for their future.”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Depression, Family issues, Maternal mental health
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers
Justin Parsley

Justin Parsley

Therapist

Virtual • Cleveland, OH


“I believe in providing a safe, judgment free environment of compassion, support, and unconditional positive regard to help my clients overcome obstacles in their lives so that they can move forward and thrive.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Open-minded, Solution-oriented, Warm
Accepts 10 insurance carriers
Nicole Pratt

Nicole Pratt

Therapist

Virtual • Ohio


“As a queer therapist, I am passionate about working with LGBTQIA+ folks who are navigating trauma, identity exploration, anxiety, depression, and burnout.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Chronic conditions
Empowering, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Amy Hall

Amy Hall

Therapist

Virtual & in-person • Westlake, OH


“I am an EMDRIA certified EMDR therapist and am passionate about helping people re-discover their truth so they can put shame to rest...”
LGBTQIA+, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Family issues
Affirming, Empowering, Warm
Accepts 11 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book
Shawn Ferrell-Hillis

Shawn Ferrell-Hillis

Therapist

Virtual • Ohio


“I believe an essential feature of counseling is that I provide a safe, non-judgmental atmosphere in which you can begin to heal and thrive.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Creative, Empowering, Holistic
Accepts 9 insurance carriers
Jenny Ketterer

Jenny Ketterer

Therapist

Virtual • Ohio


“I believe therapy works best when it feels like teamwork. We'll explore what's been weighing on you, identify patterns, and find strategies that actually fit your life.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder
Challenging, Humorous, Warm
Accepts 5 insurance carriers
Helena Kappelmann

Helena Kappelmann

Therapist

Virtual • Ohio


“Clients often find my style collaborative and empowering, as I aim to walk alongside you in building resilience, rediscovering strengths, and creating a path forward that reflects your values and goals.”
LGBTQIA+, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Family issues, Grief or loss
Humorous, Open-minded, Warm
Accepts 7 insurance carriers

Offers free consultationsView profile and book

Frequently asked questions

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Find the right LGBTQ-friendly therapy provider for you

Headway makes it easier to connect with affirming therapists who understand your identity — from finding the right therapist, to understanding costs, to scheduling with ease.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Therapist in Columbus

Finding an LGBTQIA-affirming therapist in Columbus starts with identifying what kind of support matters most to you. Affirming providers are trained to understand experiences like coming out, navigating identity, managing minority stress, and building relationships in a world that isn't always accepting. Whether you're looking for help with anxiety, depression, gender identity, or relationship concerns, choosing a licensed provider — such as an LPCC, LISW, psychologist, or psychiatrist — with specific experience in LGBTQIA mental health care can make a meaningful difference.

Columbus has a strong LGBTQIA+ community, with resources spanning neighborhoods like Short North, German Village, and the greater Franklin County area. Still, finding a provider who is both affirming and accepting new patients can take time, especially when you're also trying to verify insurance coverage. Reading a provider's bio before booking can help you understand their approach, training, and whether they're likely to be a good match.

Therapy in Columbus can be expensive without insurance, and many affirming practices operate on a private-pay basis. Using your in-network benefits is one of the most reliable ways to lower your out-of-pocket costs. On Headway, you can enter your insurance details to see estimated session costs before booking. Nationally, Headway partners with over 100 insurance plans, making it easier to find an LGBTQIA-affirming provider who fits both your needs and your budget.

Find a provider - your way

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1 Cost may vary based on your location, age, and insurance coverage.