Image of a therapist and client in a counseling session.

602 people sought LGBTQ+ counseling help at Virginia Beach in the last year

Discover how starting LGBTQ+ counseling can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.

Meet with a provider as soon as this week

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia Medicare Advantage, Cigna | Evernorth, +3 more
Anger, Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, Infidelity, Men’s Issues, +10 more

I am passionate about aiding those in difficult situations to focus on their strengths and build on them.

125 more therapist available in Virginia

Give us a call to schedule your next appointment, or browse through our full list of available providers.

Starting LGBTQ+ counseling

What is LGBTQ+ counseling?

LGBTQ+ counseling is a type of queer affirmative counseling dedicated to assisting individuals and couples in navigating the intricate intersections of their sexual orientation, gender identity, and mental health, with a primary goal of fostering well-being, self-acceptance, and affirming a client's life experiences as a queer individual. Although not all LGBTQ+ individuals seek specialized counseling, a substantial number discover vital support and empathy within these inclusive and affirming therapeutic settings.

How does LGBTQ+ counseling work?

Thriveworks LGBTQ+ counseling in Virginia Beach, VA typically begins with an initial assessment to understand your specific needs. LGBTQ+ counselors aim to create a safe, inclusive, and affirming environment for anyone within the LGBTQ+ community by encouraging self-acceptance and offering an understanding of your identity and experiences. The therapy addresses issues like coming out, discrimination, mental health challenges, and gender transition, and provides support for LGBTQ+ relationships.

Why is LGBTQ+ counseling important?

LGBTQ+ counseling is incredibly important because it can help queer individuals accept their identity, learn self-love, and give them important tools for facing the challenges of being a queer person in today's society, among many other benefits. LGBTQ+-affirming therapists can understand the unique perspective and experiences of queer individuals as they help them process past trauma, address family conflicts, treat issues with anxiety, and more.

Is LGBTQ+ counseling conducted in person or online?

Thriveworks LGBTQ+ counseling in Virginia Beach, VA is conducted both in person and online by video. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.

How long does LGBTQ+ counseling last?

The number of sessions for LGBTQ+ counseling depends on the specific needs and goals of the individual. It could encompass a relatively limited series of sessions or extend into a longer counseling plan. The precise quantity and duration of sessions typically emerge through collaborative discussion with the counselor, taking into account the client's progress and their therapeutic objectives.

Need more help deciding?

Without a doubt, American attitudes and actions regarding people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning are changing for the better. Without a doubt, American attitudes and actions regarding people who identify as LGBTQ also has room for improvement. As with many types of social change, cultures often take two steps forward and then one step back. Yes, those in the LGBTQ community have experience significant gains in establishing their human rights. Culturally and legally, however, they still face many forms of discrimination and marginalization. These abuses take a steep toll. Studies have shown that members of the LGBTQ community suffer higher rates of mental health challenges such as anxiety, addiction, and depression than others. Many unfair and untrue stigmas still plague the LGBTQ community.

“It takes no compromise to give people their rights…
it takes no money to respect the individual. It takes no political deal to give people freedom. It takes no survey to remove repression.” ― Harvey Milk

Experiencing the freedom to be oneself—live in one’s truth—is the bedrock of emotional health. This means being honest with oneself about likes and dislikes, strengths and weaknesses, sexuality and gender, and more. On their path toward emotional health, there are significant roadblocks that people who identify as LGBTQ may face that others will not. The counselors and therapists at Thriveworks Virginia Beach understand these obstacles and are ready to offer care and support. We understand that living one’s truth is important, but it can also be scary. When people live their story, others are not always supportive, even therapists and counselors.

At Thriveworks Virginia Beach, our staff’s goal is to build a therapeutic relationship built upon safety and trust, where each client can live their truth and be who they are. We have seen the positive change that can result from trust, truth, kindness, and acceptance.

LGBTQ Sensitive Therapy

The stigma that many people in the LGBTQ community face take an emotional and psychological toll. The stress of facing harassment, discrimination, rejection, and more has repercussions. The statistics tell the story:

  • Approximately 30 percent of people in the LGBTQ community struggle with substance abuse. Within the general population, 9 percent struggle.
  • LGBTQ individuals are three times more likely to have a mental illness like major depressive disorder or generalized anxiety disorder than those who do not identify as LGBTQ.
  • LGBTQ youth, ages 10-24 are up to four times more likely to attempt suicide than their peers.
  • “Minority stress” plagues many in the LGBTQ community as they experience more harassment, prejudice, social exclusion, denial of human rights, family rejection, and abuse than the general population.
  • LGBTQ youth frequently experience bullying, hatred, fear, and prejudice in both their homes and schools.

These statistics are sobering, but there is more. The American Psychological Association removed homosexuality from its list of pathologies in 1973. That means, as recently as the 1970s, many people were pathologized for simply being themselves—a shame upon the mental health community. Many therapists and counselors today are still uninformed and insensitive, and thus, the LGBTQ community faces a “dual stigma.” It faces these severe mental health challenges with the added difficulty of finding a therapist who is informed, affirming, and sensitive.

The context of people’s problems matter, and this the context that many LGBTQ individuals face. Is there any wonder many are hesitant to reach out for help? At Thriveworks Virginia Beach, we understand the fear, and we would like to change these difficult realities. We offer therapy that is sensitive to the challenges that LGBTQ people may face. What does that mean?

The therapeutic relationship must be built upon trust. Everyone needs a place where they can tell their story and be honest about what is happening in their lives. When clients say they are facing harassment or discrimination, that abuse cannot be minimized. Instead, our therapists work hard to listen well and build trust so that clients can speak their experiences.

This also involves a positive element. A safe space often means clients can dream and explore and hope. They may set goals and achieve personal and professional goals they never thought possible.

Issues that frequently arise in LGBTQ sensitive counseling:

  • Dealing with discrimination and non-acceptance
  • Addiction
  • “Coming out” issues
  • Anxiety and stress
  • Family concerns
  • Dating and other relationships
  • Eating disorders
  • Healthy communication
  • Depression
  • Self-esteem issues
  • Transcending gender roles
  • Safety concerns
  • Gender and sexual identity
  • Past trauma and abuse

Scheduling an Appointment for LGBTQ Informed Therapy at Thriveworks Virginia Beach

Then about what is happening in your life at this time. Are you facing marginalization or discrimination? Are the effects of stress taking their toll? If you are, know that the staff at Thriveworks Virginia Beach is sorry you have experienced such abuse. If you are ready to meet with a therapist or counselor, but you are concerned that you will be treated with respect, know that we understand your fear. The professionals at Thriveworks Virginia Beach are working hard to earn your trust and give you the safety you need to heal and to live your truth.

When you contact our office, we hope you feel supported from the time you dial our number. When you call, you may have your first appointment within 24 hours. A real person will answer and help schedule your session. Weekend and evening appointments are available. We also accept many insurance plans.

You are worthy of love and respect and acceptance. Call Thriveworks Virginia Beach today.

Pricing & insurance

Our therapists accept most major insurances. We accept 585+ insurance plans, and offer self-pay options, too.
Learn more about pricing for therapy and counseling services at Thriveworks.

Our Virginia Beach therapists and counselors accept 25 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia Medicare Advantage

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

  • Humana Exchange

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Self-pay costs at Virginia Beach
Talk therapy

Talk therapy

Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Talk therapy

Psychiatry

Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Hear from our clients

4.7 Thriveworks Virginia Beach reviews are collected through Thriveworks.com.
★★★★★
I have been seeing Sharyn Ingrum for a couple months now, she is very kind and welcoming and has helped me so much. I have seen great improvement in myself since seeing her. 10/10 recommend her, she makes therapy engaging and you can feel that she truly cares about her patients.
Read more I have been seeing Sharyn Ingrum for a couple months now, she is very kind and welcoming and has helped me so much. I have seen great improvement in myself since seeing her. 10/10 recommend her, she makes therapy engaging and you can feel that she truly cares about her patients.
Virginia Beach Dec 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I’ve known John McAnulty for a few years, and I have to say he’s the most compassionate counselor I’ve encountered so far! He helped my husband and I through a very rough time and I’m eternally grateful. His skills and empathy for his clients is evident!
Read more I’ve known John McAnulty for a few years, and I have to say he’s the most compassionate counselor I’ve encountered so far! He helped my husband and I through a very rough time and I’m eternally grateful. His skills and empathy for his clients is evident!
Virginia Beach Oct 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I would definitely recommend Thriveworks. Rarely can you reach for a counselor online and be able to take practical and progressive steps to work toward personal goals, growth and healing. John McAnulty Is a consummate professional, lending compassionate attention and assistance to clients as they navigate the path to well-being. I could not be more appreciative of his service.
Read more I would definitely recommend Thriveworks. Rarely can you reach for a counselor online and be able to take practical and progressive steps to work toward personal goals, growth and healing. John McAnulty Is a consummate professional, lending compassionate attention and assistance to clients as they navigate the path to well-being. I could not be more appreciative of his service.
Virginia Beach Sep 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Nikol is top tier when it comes to professional counselors. She has the ability to connect with individuals while providing sound therapy. I have interacted with Nikol personally and professionally, and would most definitely trust my loved ones and friends in her care.
Read more Nikol is top tier when it comes to professional counselors. She has the ability to connect with individuals while providing sound therapy. I have interacted with Nikol personally and professionally, and would most definitely trust my loved ones and friends in her care.
Virginia Beach Jun 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Don is an incredible human being who is right where he needs to be helping people regain balance in their lives. I lost mine. My husband lost his. We lost our marital balance. Don helped us face hard truths and taught us how to acknowledge our negative communications and replace it with the knowledge of how to break the cycle. We learned how to healthfully detach, accept & grow. We are forever thankful to Don for his guidance.
Read more Don is an incredible human being who is right where he needs to be helping people regain balance in their lives. I lost mine. My husband lost his. We lost our marital balance. Don helped us face hard truths and taught us how to acknowledge our negative communications and replace it with the knowledge of how to break the cycle. We learned how to healthfully detach, accept & grow. We are forever thankful to Don for his guidance.
Virginia Beach Sep 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Great session,fair priced and mr. Costigan is very friendly and knowledgable. Great help
Virginia Beach May 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
This is a review for Mandy Donnelly at the Virginia Beach location. I worked with Mandy for more than one year in community mental health and she is the real deal. Mandy was able to build strong relationships with her clients and had a great impact with with children, adolescents, and adults. Mandy is also highly ethical and respectful. I would strongly recommend Mandy and would take my own children to her.
Read more This is a review for Mandy Donnelly at the Virginia Beach location. I worked with Mandy for more than one year in community mental health and she is the real deal. Mandy was able to build strong relationships with her clients and had a great impact with with children, adolescents, and adults. Mandy is also highly ethical and respectful. I would strongly recommend Mandy and would take my own children to her.
Virginia Beach Apr 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I started seeing Don in Feb. of this year. I have several behaviors I am currently dealing with. Don is compassionate, knowledgeable, sympathetic and easy to talk to. He is like a friend and has helped me with so many things I'm currently dealing with.
Read more I started seeing Don in Feb. of this year. I have several behaviors I am currently dealing with. Don is compassionate, knowledgeable, sympathetic and easy to talk to. He is like a friend and has helped me with so many things I'm currently dealing with.
Virginia Beach Sep 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Virginia Beach is located off of S Independence Blvd, in a shopping center right by Lake Trashmore. As you enter this shopping center, you’ll pass Making a Difference Foundation, Inc. on your right. We currently share a building with Interm Healthcare of Virginia Beach, VA, and Bug-Masters.

Phone number

(757) 520-0827

Languages spoken by VA providers

  • English
Thursday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Friday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Saturday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Monday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:00pm

Shown in ET

Thursday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Friday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Saturday 7:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 5:00pm
Monday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Tuesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Wednesday 7:00am - 9:30pm

Shown in ET

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