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

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts | BCBS, Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card), +20 more
LGBTQIA+, Anger, Behavioral Issues, Infidelity, Men’s Issues, +11 more

As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, I believe a strong therapeutic relationship is key to your success in therapy, where you can expect to be free ... As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, I believe a strong therapeutic relationship is key to your success in therapy, where you can expect to be free of judgment while trusting that I have the knowledge and expertise to help you work through the issues that brought you here. Read more

60 more therapist available in Massachusetts

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 Cambridge, 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 Cambridge, 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?

In many ways, the Olympics are a mirror for so much of what is happening culturally. Take, for example, the love and acceptance that was shown to Gus Kenworthy and Adam Rippon at the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics. They are two openly gay athletes who competed as fans all over the world cheered them on in their competition and in their advocacy for understanding and acceptance. Gus Kenworthy competed at the previous Olympics in the closet. He reflected upon that experience, saying, “It pushed me to this place where I needed to come out and I’m so happy that I did. To take that step meant a lot for me and for my mental well-being.” Despite the courage and acceptance Adam and Gus displayed for the world, there were still many athletes who came to the games in the closet because of the rejection and abuse they would face at home if they came out. Adam and Gus both reported that several other athletes and coaches came out privately to them and discussed the discrimination they would face if they came out to the world. Yes, much progress has been made for those who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, or questioning, but yes, there is also more work to do.

Think about these sobering facts:

  • Suicide is a leading cause of death for LGBTQ youth.
  • Many who identify as LGBTQ report experiencing “minority stress” as a result of facing higher rates of social exclusion, harassment, family rejection, abuse, and prejudice.
  • Rates of Major Depressive Disorder, PTSD, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and other mental illnesses are higher within the LGBTQ community.

Inclusive mental health care is a significant need within the LGBTQ community. Everyone deserves to be loved and supported for who they are. That is why Thriveworks Cambridge offers LGBTQ competent therapy. We have helped many LGBTQ clients find the self-acceptance and healing they deserve.

Why Does LGBTQ Competent Counseling Matter?

Unfortunately, when people who identify as LGBTQ seek out mental health care, they may or may not find an understanding therapist. The mental health profession has history of abusive and unethical treatment. It was not until 1973 that the American Psychological Association stopped pathologizing homosexuality. Even though the official definitions changed, attitudes lagged behind. Some therapists still see gender and sexual orientation as issues to be fixed instead of realities to be accepted. Thus, some of the people who are in the most need of mental health care have the most difficulty finding quality counseling. This is such a common occurrence that it has a name: the dual stigma.

The dual stigma is a problem people within the LGBTQ community and within the mental health care community want to change. Many want to see LGBTQ people find the healing and care they deserve. While some therapists are not competent to treat clients who identify as LGBTQ, others are. Here are some tips for meeting with a new therapist and determining whether they are a competent counselor for you:

  • Before scheduling an appointment, ask about the therapist’s past experiences working with clients who identify as LGBTQ. Request examples.
  • During an appointment (if you decide to schedule one), let the therapist know that LGBTQ competent treatment is important to you.
  • Throughout therapy, listen to and follow your intuition. If you feel unsafe, it is okay to try a different therapist.
  • As therapy progresses and as you feel comfortable, disclose what you want about your own sexual identity and gender.
  • As you feel safe, speak about any mental health challenges you are experiencing.
  • There is no agenda for therapy except healing, but often, as clients feel safe, they raise issues such as…
    • Safety concerns
    • Gender and sexual identity
    • Healthy communication
    • Dealing with discrimination and non-acceptance
    • Dating and other relationships
    • How and when to come out
    • Family concerns
    • Addiction
    • Transcending gender roles
    • Eating disorders
    • Depression
    • Self-esteem issues
    • Anxiety and stress
    • Past trauma and abuse

A therapist’s main goal should be to build trust. Everyone deserves a safe space where they can share freely about their hopes and fears, opportunities and challenges, experiences and traumas, successes and failures. In order for clients to share deeply, they must trust that their therapist will meet their vulnerability with empathy. They must trust that the therapeutic relationship is a no-shame and a no-fear zone. Only when clients trust that they will be accepted for who they are can the therapeutic relationship progress. Then, the potential for healing is great. The potential for setting up a life that is founded upon self-acceptance and love is great. The potential for building a life that the client loves living is great.

Scheduling an Appointment at Thriveworks Cambridge for LGBTQ Informed Counseling

Take a moment to consider what is happening in your life right now. Are you considering going to therapy? If mental health care is the right next step for you, the therapists at Thriveworks Cambridge are ready to walk with you. We have helped many LGBTQ clients find the competent care they needed. In the processes, they have also found healing and acceptance. When you call our office, know that you will speak to a person who can help you make an appointment. New clients often have their first session within 24 hours of their first call. We accept many forms of insurance. Let’s get started.

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 Cambridge therapists and counselors accept 26 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • 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

  • Humana Exchange

Show more
Self-pay costs at Cambridge
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

4.5 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
All the people of thrive works have been great my doctor is awesome Dr. Lal
Anthony Dec 2023
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I am so pleased with my decision to see Rebecca at ThriveWorks in Cambridge. She is compassionate and understanding, but also pushes me to feel confident I can make changes in my life that are needed most. I feel so supported. Feeling grateful that I took a leap to try Rebecca!
Read more I am so pleased with my decision to see Rebecca at ThriveWorks in Cambridge. She is compassionate and understanding, but also pushes me to feel confident I can make changes in my life that are needed most. I feel so supported. Feeling grateful that I took a leap to try Rebecca!
Cambridge May 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Rebecca Rodriquez is a true professional. I have found her to be trustworthy and truly helpful. She demonstrates kindness, compassion and strong clinical knowledge in her therapeutic approach. I highly recommend her to all. She has been extremely helpful to me.
Read more Rebecca Rodriquez is a true professional. I have found her to be trustworthy and truly helpful. She demonstrates kindness, compassion and strong clinical knowledge in her therapeutic approach. I highly recommend her to all. She has been extremely helpful to me.
Cambridge Apr 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I have had the opportunity to work with Rebecca Rodrigues for a long time. She is a thoughtful professional, mindful clinician and highly respectful to her clients.
Read more I have had the opportunity to work with Rebecca Rodrigues for a long time. She is a thoughtful professional, mindful clinician and highly respectful to her clients.
Cambridge Apr 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Arielle has been an incredible help in my life and I can’t thank her enough for it!
Cambridge Jun 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I've had the pleasure of working with Alicia at her previous job. She is an incredible clinician who's knowledge, leadership, and compassionate made her an excellent supervisor and therapist.
Read more I've had the pleasure of working with Alicia at her previous job. She is an incredible clinician who's knowledge, leadership, and compassionate made her an excellent supervisor and therapist.
Cambridge Jan 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I had been unable to make an appointment with a therapist for a long time. Everyone had a three month waiting list. I took a chance and made an appointment here. I love Hannah, she’s excellent, and I’m glad I found Thriveworks. It’s too soon for me to weigh in on the additional services Thriveworks offers but it seems good!
Read more I had been unable to make an appointment with a therapist for a long time. Everyone had a three month waiting list. I took a chance and made an appointment here. I love Hannah, she’s excellent, and I’m glad I found Thriveworks. It’s too soon for me to weigh in on the additional services Thriveworks offers but it seems good!
Cambridge Nov 2018
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Hannah Fulkerson has been a great help in creating a dialogue between myself and my wife. Thank you.
Read more Hannah Fulkerson has been a great help in creating a dialogue between myself and my wife. Thank you.
Cambridge Aug 2018
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Cambridge is located off of Massachusetts Ave, on the north side of the Charles River. Our office is in the Cambridge Tower next to Apollo Travel and Tours, Tanjore, and Cambridge Premier Realty. The closest bus stop is Massachusetts Ave opp Lee St. If you have trouble finding our office or have any questions about how to get here, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

Phone number

(617) 380-4651

Languages spoken by MA providers

  • English
  • Spanish
  • Creole
  • French
  • Japanese
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
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

Shown in ET

Tuesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Wednesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
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

Shown in ET

6 photos