Image of a therapist and client in a counseling session.

9,331 people sought LGBTQ+ counseling help in Virginia 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 129 therapists in Virginia 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 Charlottesville, 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 Charlottesville, 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?

Finding a counselor, therapist, or psychologist who truly understands, cares for, and is capable of working with the LGBTQ community is a highly challenging task. The ability to effectively provide counseling and therapy for this community is among the rarest specialties in the mental healthcare community. At Thriveworks LGBTQ Counseling Charlottesville,VA we have on staff the leading LGBTQ counselor in the Charlottesville, VA area. Amy Kite, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 28 years of experience providing care to the people of Charlottesville, VA and the surrounding area, is highly experienced in working alongside LQBTQ clients and excels in her ability to understand, empathize with, and help her clients process the many issues that both the Transgender and Questioning communities are specifically faced with.

It is undeniable that the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning communities face many unique challenges:

  • Legal issues
  • Domestic challenges
  • Hormone Therapy
  • Social Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Misunderstanding and Judgment from family and friends

Whatever you may be facing in your process, we are here to help you navigate the path ahead

The list above is far from exhaustive, but we believe that each of the challenges faced by the LGBTQ community brings with it the unique opportunity to overcome and to set an example for others that being defeated is not the only option. Processing through these issues is rarely an easy task, one which becomes increasingly difficult when faced alone. Unfortunately most people experiencing the challenges that come with being a member of the LGBTQ community do just that – attempt to face them alone, but often realize little success. The level of misunderstanding toward this community has never been higher; and sadly, this is echoed by the suicide-related statistics in this community. Compared to their straight peers, the youths of the LGB community are four times more likely to attempt suicide, while the Questioning community also is three times more likely. Almost one half of the young members in the LGBTQ community have given serious thought to attempting suicide, while approximately one quarter has reported a suicide attempt.

The statistics are frightening and are compounded by the fact that youths are not the only demographic of the community affected. These figures point out the dire need for understanding, help, and care toward the LGBTQ community, and At Thriveworks LGBTQ Therapy Charlottesville, VA we are proud to stand in the gap. Amy Kite, LCSW specializes in providing care to Men, Women, Youths, and MtF as well as FtM Transgender clients. We provide a wide range of day and evening availability, as well as availability to schedule most appointments within 24 hours. We are also in-network with most major insurance plans, so receiving the help you need is likely more affordable than you thought.

Call us today at (434) 812-4009! We’re ready to start when you are.

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 Charlottesville therapists and counselors accept 25 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Hampshire | BCBS

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia Medicare Advantage

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

  • Humana Exchange

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Self-pay costs at Charlottesville
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

4.6 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
I have been seeing Sharon Davis for about 6 weeks now, and she is helping me greatly with my relationship with my husband. She is extremely knowledgeable and has given me some wonderful exercises for my anxiety. I just love working with Sharon, she really helps me to understand my emotions, and the need to love myself!
Read more I have been seeing Sharon Davis for about 6 weeks now, and she is helping me greatly with my relationship with my husband. She is extremely knowledgeable and has given me some wonderful exercises for my anxiety. I just love working with Sharon, she really helps me to understand my emotions, and the need to love myself!
Cynthia Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I have had the pleasure of working with Hiawatha as a colleague. His easy going manner and warmth as a clinician helps him to quickly connect with others. It is clear to me that Hiawatha cares a great deal for those he supports.
Read more I have had the pleasure of working with Hiawatha as a colleague. His easy going manner and warmth as a clinician helps him to quickly connect with others. It is clear to me that Hiawatha cares a great deal for those he supports.
Charlottesville Dec 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Reaching out to Thriveworks was a great decision. The service is excellent and the representative matched me with the best counselor for my needs. I have to admit that I was skeptical at first, but I was pleasantly surprised when I met Anita Dean. She is very knowledgeable, professional, and genuinely cares about others. I have observed that she doesn't create cookie cutter plans. Instead, she creates a plan specific to the needs of her her clients. My husband and I lost our sweet family pet of over 15 1/2 years and it also caused the loss of a child to resurface. Anita, has handled my situation with care and assisted me as I walked through the grief process. I am so grateful.
Read more Reaching out to Thriveworks was a great decision. The service is excellent and the representative matched me with the best counselor for my needs. I have to admit that I was skeptical at first, but I was pleasantly surprised when I met Anita Dean. She is very knowledgeable, professional, and genuinely cares about others. I have observed that she doesn't create cookie cutter plans. Instead, she creates a plan specific to the needs of her her clients. My husband and I lost our sweet family pet of over 15 1/2 years and it also caused the loss of a child to resurface. Anita, has handled my situation with care and assisted me as I walked through the grief process. I am so grateful.
Charlottesville Jul 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★
I have been involved in therapy for most of my adult life. I can say with all honesty and sincerity that my experience with Thriveworks has been the best so far and I am 55, now that's saying a lot!
Read more I have been involved in therapy for most of my adult life. I can say with all honesty and sincerity that my experience with Thriveworks has been the best so far and I am 55, now that's saying a lot!
Charlottesville Oct 2018
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Great experience so far.
Charsville Jul 2018
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Great practice!
Charlottesville Jul 2018
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I really loved working with John Stone. He’s an awesome councelor from what i can gather from one visit. The environment was also comfortable and relaxing in his office. He made me feel it was safe to approach him. Im gonna continue my seesions with him.
Read more I really loved working with John Stone. He’s an awesome councelor from what i can gather from one visit. The environment was also comfortable and relaxing in his office. He made me feel it was safe to approach him. Im gonna continue my seesions with him.
Charlottesville Jul 2018
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Exceptional place with the best docs!
Charlottesville Jul 2018
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

We share a building with Shear Magic Salon, Sei Bella Salon, New Looks Studio, Hairflair, Ishan Gala Foundation, Embrace Home Loans, Alpha Home Care Services, and JBD Mobile Catering & Events. We are located at the corner of Commonwealth Drive and Greenbrier Drive. Next to us on Commonwealth Drive is Commonwealth Drive Cemetery and Charlottesville Blue Ridge Dental. Across the street is Lighten Up hair salon.

Phone number

(434) 205-6776

Languages spoken by VA providers

  • English
  • Romanian
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

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