

Richmond's LGBTQIA+ community deserves mental health support from providers who truly understand. Headway offers sessions with warm, affirming therapists across the city, with many patients saving up to 75% on care through insurance coverage and free initial consultations available.
My name is Courtney Kadish-Smith and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. I have worked in both mental health and addiction throughout my career. I have a passion for therapy and at the end of the day I am aware this is not an easy thing to commit too. Exploring into ourselves and working to get better is something that takes courage. I applaud you for reaching out in the first place and now we can take the step together towards making your life better.
Hi hi! I’m Kaitlyn, an LCSW in Virginia specializing in grief therapy and anxiety management. I spend my days in a school division providing mental health services to rural kiddos, and then I come home to chase my own kiddos. Providing therapy brings me back to myself, as strange as that sounds. I am fueled by helping others!
I have been a counselor for more than 30 years. I remain passionate about making a difference in the lives of others and believe that genuine caring is an essential element to an effective counseling relationship. Over the years I have worked with clients with significant trauma and loss. I consider it a privilege to stand with another individual as he or she resolves great pain. I specialize in treating clients with trauma, relationship issues, and borderline personality disorder.
As a mom of three (specifically as a twin mom), I know how difficult and challenging life can be. This is why I strive to be meet clients wherever they are in their journey. Often times, we don't need or even want someone to tell us all the things to do, but instead want the support of someone walking with us through life's challenges.
I am a proud double duke of James Madison University. I received my BA in Psychology with a Minor in Family Studies. Then stayed to receive my M.A. and Ed.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. From there my counseling journey led me to complete my internship in a private practice clinic in Knoxville, TN as my husband finished his own education. Next, I worked with Youth Villages as an Intensive In Home Counselor. And most recently, worked as a Mental Health Outpatient Counselor with New River Valley Community Services (NRVCS) where I completed my VA residency and became an LPC.
In all of the clinical settings I have practiced, I have worked with a wide range of clients. The main population that I have served is children and adolescents. I am working to expand my knowledge and clinical expertise to also include more adults. My clinical trainings have included Play Therapy, CBT, TF-CBT, and EMDR.
I help to create a safe, collaborative space where you will feel seen, not judged. Our relationship is one where you can let your guard down and show up as your full self. It is my goal to use a warm and compassionate relationship to walk alongside you, offering reflection, compassion, and challenge when needed to help you reach your goals.
I specialize in working with children and adolescents, helping them navigate emotional, behavioral, social, and developmental challenges in a supportive and engaging environment. I bring over five years of experience providing psychotherapy services to children and families, as well as experience working with children with neurodivergent needs in an Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) setting. These experiences have strengthened my ability to understand and support children with a wide range of strengths, challenges, and developmental needs.
Hi there! I'm Dr Esmie, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and PhD, Research Psychologist with more than three decades of professional and lived experience. I've lived much of my life in England and California and now currently reside in the DMV state of Virginia. I bring a broad multicultural perspective to my work.serving individuals, couples, and families from diverse cultural, social, and spiritual backgrounds.
My clinical practice integrates evidence-based approaches, including trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and strengths-based interventions. I have worked extensively with clients navigating trauma, life transitions, relational conflict, stress, and emotional challenges, helping them move toward healing and personal growth.
I believe meaningful change occurs when people feel genuinely seen, heard, and respected. I strive to create a safe, supportive therapeutic environment where clients can explore their experiences without judgment. Through collaboration, practical tools, and compassionate guidance, I help clients develop insight, strengthen resilience, and build healthier patterns of thinking, feeling, and behavior.
Above all, I value human dignity and authentic connection. I believe credentials may open doors, but character, empathy, and genuine care sustain lasting transformation.
Smart Duru is psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over 10 years of combined healthcare experience. He attended University of Derby, England for a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing and a master’s in psychiatric mental health nursing with Distinction. Smart Duru obtained a Master of Science Degree with specialization in Psychiatry mental health Nurse Practitioner. He has extensive experience in Mental health, Primary care, Sub/Post-Acute Care, Long Term Care, Correctional Medicine, and Family Medicine.


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.
Finding an LGBTQIA+-affirming therapist in Richmond starts with identifying what you want to work on. Many LGBTQIA+ individuals seek support for anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, identity exploration, coming out, gender identity, or the effects of minority stress. A provider with specific training or experience in LGBTQIA+-affirming care can offer a space where you can talk openly about these topics without having to explain the basics of your identity or experiences.
Richmond has a range of licensed providers — including licensed professional counselors (LPCs), licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs), psychologists, and psychiatrists — with experience supporting LGBTQIA+ clients. When evaluating a provider, consider reading their bio to learn about their approach, areas of focus, and background. A free phone consultation can also help you gauge whether a provider feels like the right match before you commit to a session.
Therapy in Richmond can be expensive without coverage, but using your in-network insurance benefits is one of the most reliable ways to reduce your out-of-pocket costs. On Headway, you can enter your insurance details to see estimated session costs upfront, and many patients pay as low as $0 per visit. Nationally, Headway partners with over 100 insurance plans, making it easier to find an affirming provider who fits both your needs and your budget.
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