LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Portland, OR
Claire Tam
Professional Counselor Associate, MA, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97216
Waitlist for new clients
I specialize in working with queer, TGNB, and BIPOC adults. I have experience with a range of challenges including depression, anxiety, gender identity, polyamory/relationship concerns, and healing from trauma, but the most common issue among my clients is struggling to have a sense of belonging due to intersecting identities. I collaborate with clients to explore the parts of themself that have been disowned, the parts that deserve to be seen, and the parts that are yet to be discovered. I embrace living with authenticity and integrity and will use these values to help you navigate relationships with yourself and others.
I specialize in working with queer, TGNB, and BIPOC adults. I have experience with a range of challenges including depression, anxiety, gender identity, polyamory/relationship concerns, and healing from trauma, but the most common issue among my clients is struggling to have a sense of belonging due to intersecting identities. I collaborate with clients to explore the parts of themself that have been disowned, the parts that deserve to be seen, and the parts that are yet to be discovered. I embrace living with authenticity and integrity and will use these values to help you navigate relationships with yourself and others.
Mary J Evrard
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97212 (Online Only)
I am currently accepting new clients : please send me an email telling me a bit about yourself. My background is working with people struggling with substance abuse, trauma survivors, the LGBTQ community, couples and all forms of families and poly people. I have worked with those with traumatic brain injuries, people with autism, grief and loss, crisis pregnancies, adoption issues, children in foster care and people living with HIV and AIDS. I am proud to have worked in a variety of settings and with people who need support, clarity, and space to heal.
I am currently accepting new clients : please send me an email telling me a bit about yourself. My background is working with people struggling with substance abuse, trauma survivors, the LGBTQ community, couples and all forms of families and poly people. I have worked with those with traumatic brain injuries, people with autism, grief and loss, crisis pregnancies, adoption issues, children in foster care and people living with HIV and AIDS. I am proud to have worked in a variety of settings and with people who need support, clarity, and space to heal.
René Stewart
Clinical Social Work Associate, MSW, CSWA
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97215 (Online Only)
I have a breadth of personal and professional experience and operate at the intersection of Queer perspective x ADHD possibilities.
Are you stuck in unwanted loops and patterns, and seeking to heal your self-worth? In our sessions we will create a space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences with curiosity. We'll identify patterns and help you to examine your emotions and the behaviors they trigger. As a therapist I see my job as walking you towards your inner guide, the companion that you get to take with you long after our work together.
I have a breadth of personal and professional experience and operate at the intersection of Queer perspective x ADHD possibilities.
Are you stuck in unwanted loops and patterns, and seeking to heal your self-worth? In our sessions we will create a space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences with curiosity. We'll identify patterns and help you to examine your emotions and the behaviors they trigger. As a therapist I see my job as walking you towards your inner guide, the companion that you get to take with you long after our work together.
Kelly Richardson
Clinical Social Work Associate, CSWA, CADCII
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97214 (Online Only)
I enjoy working with LGBTQIA+ individuals, couples, throuples and families.
Grab a cup of coffee or tea and sit down. Your path of healing and growth is very personal. I'm here to listen. My clinical approach is warm, genuine and compassionate. Are you struggling with trauma, relationship issues, parenting, substance abuse, domestic violence, anxiety or depression? These are just some of the issues where I bring experience to the table as a therapist and certified alcohol and drug counselor.
I enjoy working with LGBTQIA+ individuals, couples, throuples and families.
Grab a cup of coffee or tea and sit down. Your path of healing and growth is very personal. I'm here to listen. My clinical approach is warm, genuine and compassionate. Are you struggling with trauma, relationship issues, parenting, substance abuse, domestic violence, anxiety or depression? These are just some of the issues where I bring experience to the table as a therapist and certified alcohol and drug counselor.
So... you want more ease, confidence and connection in your intimate relationships? You want to feel more awake to pleasure, present in your body, and clear about what you want and how to ask for it. Are you ready find more freedom in your sex life without feeling weighed down by shame, fear, or the past? If you're looking for a queer, trans, poly-experienced, kink-affirming, and somatically-oriented counselor to help you navigate the hard stuff on your path towards your most empowered sexual expression - I'm here for you.
So... you want more ease, confidence and connection in your intimate relationships? You want to feel more awake to pleasure, present in your body, and clear about what you want and how to ask for it. Are you ready find more freedom in your sex life without feeling weighed down by shame, fear, or the past? If you're looking for a queer, trans, poly-experienced, kink-affirming, and somatically-oriented counselor to help you navigate the hard stuff on your path towards your most empowered sexual expression - I'm here for you.
I take a client-centered and trauma-informed approach in treatment. I am trained in using DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy) and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing). I have experience working with anxiety, stress management, depression, gender dysphoria, and trauma. I also have experience working with the LGBTQ community.
I take a client-centered and trauma-informed approach in treatment. I am trained in using DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy) and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing). I have experience working with anxiety, stress management, depression, gender dysphoria, and trauma. I also have experience working with the LGBTQ community.
J.C. Stewart
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97214
Waitlist for new clients
I have done some of my best work therapeutically with clients who have a hard time being kind to themselves. I've found that patterns of self-criticism or even self-harm often, though not always, originate in dynamics that were present at home growing up. Challenges from childhood, adolescence and young adulthood can continue to affect your daily life, including your functioning and relationships, and I'm here to help. I'm proud to work with members of the LGBTQ+ communities.
I have done some of my best work therapeutically with clients who have a hard time being kind to themselves. I've found that patterns of self-criticism or even self-harm often, though not always, originate in dynamics that were present at home growing up. Challenges from childhood, adolescence and young adulthood can continue to affect your daily life, including your functioning and relationships, and I'm here to help. I'm proud to work with members of the LGBTQ+ communities.
I am passionate about supporting individuals across the lifespan, including adolescents, teens, young adults, pre-marital couples, families, and LGBTQIA+ clients. I do not work with couples navigating separation at this time. My areas of practice include life transitions, stress and anxiety management, communication, self-esteem, empowerment, and the intersection of faith/spirituality with mental health.
I am passionate about supporting individuals across the lifespan, including adolescents, teens, young adults, pre-marital couples, families, and LGBTQIA+ clients. I do not work with couples navigating separation at this time. My areas of practice include life transitions, stress and anxiety management, communication, self-esteem, empowerment, and the intersection of faith/spirituality with mental health.
OHP books closed w/exception of gender-affirming letters of support. Openings for therapy via OON/self-pay (mornings only). The past few years have led to major increases in stress, social isolation and depression or anxiety, and collective trauma (often leaving an unequal burden on Black, Indigenous, and other people of color). This may make it difficult to find joy, experience pleasure, and be active participants in our own lives. I provide evidenced-based supportive therapy for trans and LGBTQ+ young people (14 years+) and young adults (18-30s) experiencing anxiety, depression, or difficulty adjusting to significant life events.
OHP books closed w/exception of gender-affirming letters of support. Openings for therapy via OON/self-pay (mornings only). The past few years have led to major increases in stress, social isolation and depression or anxiety, and collective trauma (often leaving an unequal burden on Black, Indigenous, and other people of color). This may make it difficult to find joy, experience pleasure, and be active participants in our own lives. I provide evidenced-based supportive therapy for trans and LGBTQ+ young people (14 years+) and young adults (18-30s) experiencing anxiety, depression, or difficulty adjusting to significant life events.
Alyssa A Moore
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97214
Not accepting new clients
I specialize in working with people in the LGBTQ community and I aim to create a safe space to explore gender and sexual identities.
I am currently on an extended leave, but intend to have availability in September 2023. We are all searching for ways to lead fulfilling lives, but sometimes we struggle to find the things that will help sustain us or the obstacles of life can begin to feel overwhelming. As a therapist, I help to identify the things that nourish each individual and act as a partner in learning strategies for moving through the difficult times. I strive to maintain empathy, compassion, and openness with each of the clients I work with and value a collaborative relationship that allows you to steer treatment in the direction most useful to you.
I specialize in working with people in the LGBTQ community and I aim to create a safe space to explore gender and sexual identities.
I am currently on an extended leave, but intend to have availability in September 2023. We are all searching for ways to lead fulfilling lives, but sometimes we struggle to find the things that will help sustain us or the obstacles of life can begin to feel overwhelming. As a therapist, I help to identify the things that nourish each individual and act as a partner in learning strategies for moving through the difficult times. I strive to maintain empathy, compassion, and openness with each of the clients I work with and value a collaborative relationship that allows you to steer treatment in the direction most useful to you.
Shelly Nicol
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97206 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
I am also well-versed in providing gender affirming mental health care and surgery referral letters for transgender and gender nonconforming adults.
I have more information on my website: shellynicolpsyd.com
I am also well-versed in providing gender affirming mental health care and surgery referral letters for transgender and gender nonconforming adults.
I have more information on my website: shellynicolpsyd.com
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I have experience working with people struggling with issues related to depression, anxiety, life transitions, gender identity, queer issues, and relationship and family challenges.
Living in a world filled with poverty, marginalization, oppression, and pandemic(s) can feel daunting and lead people to feel as though they have little agency. Therapy can be a helpful place to explore the places in our lives where we do have agency, where we are able to make tangible changes-often times this is in our interpersonal relationships. I work from an attachment focused and relational cultural perspective that is grounded in feminist practice which prioritizes the exploration of identities, oppression, intersectionality, and their impact on social and emotional functioning.
I have experience working with people struggling with issues related to depression, anxiety, life transitions, gender identity, queer issues, and relationship and family challenges.
Living in a world filled with poverty, marginalization, oppression, and pandemic(s) can feel daunting and lead people to feel as though they have little agency. Therapy can be a helpful place to explore the places in our lives where we do have agency, where we are able to make tangible changes-often times this is in our interpersonal relationships. I work from an attachment focused and relational cultural perspective that is grounded in feminist practice which prioritizes the exploration of identities, oppression, intersectionality, and their impact on social and emotional functioning.
Gabriel Boyer
Professional Counselor Associate, MA, MEd
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97214
> > Accepting New Clients < < You want someone who is compassionate and responsive, who is open and respectful, and who isn’t afraid to go with you into difficult places. That's my goal: to be on your side, to be with you, and to be real—so you have the support needed to move through and to flourish. My practice is holistic & relational from my background in depth, gestalt & somatic therapy. I specialize in trauma, grief, relationships, anxiety and non-monogamy. I also focus on—and especially enjoy—working with queer folk and other healers.
> > Accepting New Clients < < You want someone who is compassionate and responsive, who is open and respectful, and who isn’t afraid to go with you into difficult places. That's my goal: to be on your side, to be with you, and to be real—so you have the support needed to move through and to flourish. My practice is holistic & relational from my background in depth, gestalt & somatic therapy. I specialize in trauma, grief, relationships, anxiety and non-monogamy. I also focus on—and especially enjoy—working with queer folk and other healers.
Savannah V. Jackson
Pre-Licensed Professional, AAS, BA, MA-Psy, LPCr, QMHPr
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97220 (Online Only)
My ideal client wants to be engaged during therapy. My clients come prepared to do heavy work that is necessary to heal and move on from their issues. I expect accountability, transparency, a willingness to do homework, and be vulnerable during sessions. I employ a diverse approach to psychology that is specifically tailored to each person. Overall, this takes the shape of mindfulness cognitive behavior therapy. This feminist-queer lens includes your intersectional identity, personal goals, individual growth speed, identity, religious background, ethnicity, race, sexuality, gender, social economic status, and social stratification.
My ideal client wants to be engaged during therapy. My clients come prepared to do heavy work that is necessary to heal and move on from their issues. I expect accountability, transparency, a willingness to do homework, and be vulnerable during sessions. I employ a diverse approach to psychology that is specifically tailored to each person. Overall, this takes the shape of mindfulness cognitive behavior therapy. This feminist-queer lens includes your intersectional identity, personal goals, individual growth speed, identity, religious background, ethnicity, race, sexuality, gender, social economic status, and social stratification.
Amanda J Kruszka
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97217 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
I am a queer, trauma-informed Licensed Clinical Social Worker with experience connecting with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, ethnicities, and social populations, specializing in LGBTQ+
I am a queer, trauma-informed Licensed Clinical Social Worker with experience connecting with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, ethnicities, and social populations, specializing in LGBTQ+
I operate from a queer-affirming, feminist, and social justice-oriented perspective.
Do you feel overwhelmed by major life changes? Are you searching for a supportive space to explore your gender identity and/or sexuality? Do you struggle with low self-esteem, depression, or anxiety? I help my clients cultivate a deeper understanding of themselves and the sources of their struggles to build greater self-awareness, pursue meaningful change, and feel a greater sense of joy, authenticity, and fulfillment in everyday life. Together we will explore new perspectives and skills to help you feel more confident in your ability to face life's challenges and connect with yourself and others.
I operate from a queer-affirming, feminist, and social justice-oriented perspective.
Do you feel overwhelmed by major life changes? Are you searching for a supportive space to explore your gender identity and/or sexuality? Do you struggle with low self-esteem, depression, or anxiety? I help my clients cultivate a deeper understanding of themselves and the sources of their struggles to build greater self-awareness, pursue meaningful change, and feel a greater sense of joy, authenticity, and fulfillment in everyday life. Together we will explore new perspectives and skills to help you feel more confident in your ability to face life's challenges and connect with yourself and others.
As a queer counselor, I have a passion for supporting other people within the LGBTQIA+ community to address the unique issues that impact us.
It's hard to remember when you didn’t feel so overwhelmed that you’re barely holding it together. You're feeling stuck and it seems like one more challenge and you’ll be in chaos-mode, scrambling to find a way back to just keeping your head above water. Sometimes the rush of anxiety or fear is so uncomfortable that it affects your concentration and ability to follow through on plans or work. Shame has haunted you through the different parts of your life and it's hard to believe that you could feel seen or that you belong, especially when you have been hurt in the past. You want relief so that you can get your life back.
As a queer counselor, I have a passion for supporting other people within the LGBTQIA+ community to address the unique issues that impact us.
It's hard to remember when you didn’t feel so overwhelmed that you’re barely holding it together. You're feeling stuck and it seems like one more challenge and you’ll be in chaos-mode, scrambling to find a way back to just keeping your head above water. Sometimes the rush of anxiety or fear is so uncomfortable that it affects your concentration and ability to follow through on plans or work. Shame has haunted you through the different parts of your life and it's hard to believe that you could feel seen or that you belong, especially when you have been hurt in the past. You want relief so that you can get your life back.
She also developed specialties in working with the LGBTQ+ community after completing her postdoctoral fellowship at Stanford University.
Shelly has a passion for helping and learning from others. Her therapeutic style is very collaborative, compassionate, strength-based, social justice-informed, and thought-provoking. She is committed to helping individuals develop a deeper understanding of themselves and relies on her attention to details, transparency, and expression of genuine care to cultivate connection. Shelly draws from a wide range of evidence-based approaches including ACT, CBT, and DBT which emphasize mindfulness, increasing cognitive flexibility, building distress tolerance, and developing growth-fostering connections to promote sustainable change.
She also developed specialties in working with the LGBTQ+ community after completing her postdoctoral fellowship at Stanford University.
Shelly has a passion for helping and learning from others. Her therapeutic style is very collaborative, compassionate, strength-based, social justice-informed, and thought-provoking. She is committed to helping individuals develop a deeper understanding of themselves and relies on her attention to details, transparency, and expression of genuine care to cultivate connection. Shelly draws from a wide range of evidence-based approaches including ACT, CBT, and DBT which emphasize mindfulness, increasing cognitive flexibility, building distress tolerance, and developing growth-fostering connections to promote sustainable change.
Lotus Teegarden
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CADCIII, QMHP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97206
Not accepting new clients
I am a queer therapist offering individual therapy, with an emphasis on Queer, kink, poly, sex, and body positivity to support a deeper connection to the empowerment, community, and home within yourself. I am passionate about utilizing harm reduction and social justice in understanding and supporting clients who experience marginalization, individual and intergenerational trauma; the collective experiences of deep suffering that can also be a pathway to joy.
I am a queer therapist offering individual therapy, with an emphasis on Queer, kink, poly, sex, and body positivity to support a deeper connection to the empowerment, community, and home within yourself. I am passionate about utilizing harm reduction and social justice in understanding and supporting clients who experience marginalization, individual and intergenerational trauma; the collective experiences of deep suffering that can also be a pathway to joy.
I offer a holistic and growth-oriented approach to psychotherapy that honors the body, mind, spirit, and natural world. Drawing on my activist roots and more than a decade of clinical experience, I bring a deep sensitivity to issues of complex trauma, grief and loss, social justice, spiritual emergence, and LGBTQ+ mental health.
I offer a holistic and growth-oriented approach to psychotherapy that honors the body, mind, spirit, and natural world. Drawing on my activist roots and more than a decade of clinical experience, I bring a deep sensitivity to issues of complex trauma, grief and loss, social justice, spiritual emergence, and LGBTQ+ mental health.
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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.