Image of a therapist and client in a counseling session.

3,955 people sought LGBTQ+ counseling help in Massachusetts 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

Good news! We have 50 therapists in Massachusetts available for an online or in-person session.

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 Amherst, MA 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 Amherst, MA 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?

Most people would agree with us that there are more than two colors in the world. It’s obvious that there are thousands of colors, shades, and hues. The wide variety is part of what makes the world so beautiful and unique. Unfortunately, many people are still at odds with the spectrum of gender and sexuality. Although LGBTQ+ rights have come a long way, there is still too much pain and stress inflicted on the people who identify with the LGBTQ+ community.

If you identify as a member of the LGBTQ+ community and are feeling alone, distressed, or trapped, Thriveworks Amherst is here to help you through this dark spot and into the life you deserve to have. We can’t make decisions for you or fight your battles, but our Thriveworks Amherst therapists and counselors will be your biggest supporters and guide you through this stage of your life.

With the weight of internal questions and social expectations and norms, it can be hard to know where you’re going, much less take steps to get there. Thriveworks Amherst has the tools and knowledge to help you work through the questions and pain and build the foundation for a great future. If you are tired of going it alone and want support in building your future, please give Thriveworks Amherst a call at (413) 634-4805.

What Topics Does LBGTQ+ Therapy Address?

People come to counseling for a never-ending list of questions, pains, and issues. And counseling for LGBTQ+ issues at Thriveworks Amherst is open to all of them. It’s a tragic fact that proportionally, LGBTQ+ persons will struggle with more depression, anxiety, and drug use than heterosexuals. The society we live in can often force hurt and fear onto these members. If you have been there, know that you aren’t alone. Thriveworks Amherst has seen people through some of the hardest times in their life, and although it seems impossible right now, you do have the strength to walk out of it.

A life where you are comfortable with yourself and environment is possible. You deserve to choose the path you walk down freely, and Thriveworks Amherst can be a steppingstone to help you get there.

There is never a too-big or too-small problem for counseling, and you should never be expected to handle something on your own. As humans, we aren’t meant to walk through life alone, and having someone in your corner can help hugely.

A few of the common topics brought up in LGBTQ+ counseling at Thriveworks Amherst include:

  • Social anxiety
  • Self-harm
  • Depression
  • Past abuse
  • Eating disorders
  • Family concerns
  • Self esteem
  • Issues in School or work

Thriveworks Amherst is looking forward to meeting you so we can start planning our way towards the life you’re excited about.

What Does LGBTQ+ Therapy Look Like?

At Thriveworks Amherst, our counselors will help you to both survive and thrive. We will walk with you through any previous pain you’ve experienced and help you build the life you’re excited to wake up to every day.

After we have a solid, healthy mental and emotional base to build off of, we can begin to grow. A lot goes into questioning your gender and/or sexuality, accepting it, remolding your life to reflect it, continuing to add to the image of who you are, and then putting yourself out there for the world to see. (Although no one’s life is completely put together, it shouldn’t have to be!)

You’re human, so you will always be exploring and adding pieces of yourself, even if they aren’t related to your gender or sexuality. A Thriveworks Amherst counselor’s goal is to ground you when everything is too much and feels like it’s getting out of control.

In a counseling session, we might bring up:

  • What your passions and goals are
  • What your strengths are and how to use them
  • How to find and harness your confidence
  • Defining your goals and working on a plan to accomplish them
  • Coming-out to friends and family
  • Overcoming social barriers as you pursue your career (anything from opening up your own business to moving up in the corporate ladder)
  • Transitioning to a new home or phase of life (like going to college)
  • And of course, working through the previously mentioned hardships that can come from the hardships of living.

There’s a quote that sums up LGBTQ+ therapy nicely: “You don’t have a soul. You are a soul. You have a body.”

Schedule LGBTQ+ Therapy at Thriveworks Amherst

Counseling is first and foremost the nurturement of the human soul. Sometimes, that might mean recovering from a trauma or working through depression. Other times, that means learning how to talk to your parents about your gender and sexuality or how to start a business as a member of the LGBTQ+ community.

Whatever you are facing, Thriveworks Amherst’s LGBTQ+ therapy looks forward to overcoming it with you. Please call us today at (413) 634-4805 so we can start the journey with you.

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 Massachusetts therapists and counselors accept 28 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Ohio | BCBS

  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts | BCBS

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts | BCBS Medicare Advantage (HMO | PPO)

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • Fallon Health

  • First Health Network

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Self-pay costs at Amherst
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

Thriveworks Amherst has no reviews yet, but check out these reviews from locations in Massachusetts.

4.5 Thriveworks Amherst reviews are collected through Thriveworks.com.
★★★★★
Thriveworks helped me realize that I do believe people can change. I’m not the person I was three months ago, broken and fearful. I’m healthy and happy and for the first time being kind to myself. Thank you for giving me my life back.
Read more Thriveworks helped me realize that I do believe people can change. I’m not the person I was three months ago, broken and fearful. I’m healthy and happy and for the first time being kind to myself. Thank you for giving me my life back.
Anonymous Thriveworks Client
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Amherst is located in the same building as Yoga Center Amherst and Mexcalito Taco Bar. We are right by the intersection of Kellogg Ave and Boltwood Walk, and nearby is the intersection of Kellogg Ave and N Pleasant Street. Near this intersection is Build Yoga and Wellness, The Halal Cart, Richard’s Coin Exchange, and a US Post Office.

Phone number

(413) 340-5164

Languages spoken by MA providers

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
Thursday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Friday 8:00am - 9:00pm

Shown in ET

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
Thursday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Friday 7:00am - 9:30pm

Shown in ET

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