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 Newport News, 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 Newport News, 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?

Thankfully, many legal and cultural strides are being made to advance equality for those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning or queer. Regrettably, many other challenges still threaten the LGBTQ community. Being honest about both realities is key. Acknowledging the benefits of marriage equality and cultural voices who promote inclusion is important. Acknowledging that members of the LGBTQ community still face marginalization and discrimination is also important. Inequality takes a toll, and those in the LGBTQ community suffer higher rates of addiction, anxiety, and depression than the general population.

An important principle of good mental health is having the courage to live one’s truth. People must be who they are—spiritually, physically, emotionally, and sexually. At Thriveworks Newport News, we acknowledge that the mental health care field has not always allowed people to live their truth. Up until 1973, homosexuality was pathologized by the American Psychological Association, and this history still overshadows some therapists and counselors. Members of the LGBTQ community face this “dual stigma”—they face more mental health problems, and they also have more difficulty finding counselors who are informed and inclusive.

The life coaches, counselors, and therapists at Thriveworks Newport News know that living one’s truth is a powerful tool for changing people’s lives. Living in truth means acknowledging who you are physically, emotionally, spiritually, and sexually. It can take courage to acknowledge one’s truth, and no one has to walk that journey alone. The counselors and therapists at Thriveworks Newport News have supported many people as navigate difficult challenges regarding their live and, in particular, their gender and sexuality.

What Is LGBTQ Inclusive Therapy?

Holistic care means tackling life’s problems while acknowledging their proper context. People’s whole lives matter. It is not healthy to separate a person’s sexuality from their biology, their psychological from their social life, their intellect from their relationships. People’s psychological, sexuality, physicality, and sociality are intertwined. The professionals at Thriveworks Newport News see their clients as whole people, and while this applies to all people, members of the LGBTQ community usually feel this reality more acutely. When social norms label one group of people as “normal,” anyone who does not fit that mold may feel torn apart.

One’s sexuality is not the whole of anyone’s experience, but it plays an important role in identity formation. Everyone’s experiences are unique, and no two people have the same story. The challenges you face are unlike anyone else’s challenges. The opportunities that you have are unlike anyone else’s opportunities. When the professionals at Thriveworks Newport News say they offer inclusive and affirmative therapy, that means we work hard to get to know you for who you are, in every aspect of your identity. We want to earn your trust, and as the therapeutic relationship progresses, we can delve deeper and deeper into your unique story. Counselors may work through questions such as…

  • How did you come to the decision to pursue therapy?
  • What excites you about life right now?
  • Where are you living and is it safe?
  • Is there were something you could change about your life, what would it be?
  • Where do you about doing in a year? five years? Ten? More?

Movies and TV shows often represent therapy as focused upon people’s shortcoming, problems, and difficulties. While this is certainly one aspect of counseling, the reality is that mental health care has a much more positive focus. Skilled therapists can help people maximize their strengths and achieve goals. Mental health care often helps people feel more comfortable and confident in who they are and who they are not. It is often a time of self-discovery where people learn about what they want and how to get it. They may decide to prioritize a romantic relationship and map out steps to meet that special someone. They may decide it is time to come out, and they can work with their therapist about how and when to do so.

A counseling office should be a judgment-free space where people feel safe to explore anything without fear of being shamed. Many clients feel safe enough to speak openly and freely about their hopes, dreams, and ideas.

Topics that come up in LGBTQ therapy:

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

Setting Up an Appointment at Thriveworks Newport News for LGBTQ Sensitive Therapy

Take a moment to reflect upon what challenges are going on in your life right now. Are you being marginalized? Discriminated against? We are sad that these are likely a part of your life, and the staff at Thriveworks Newport News wants you to know that help is available. No one should be shamed for being who they are. In fact, the opposite should be true: everyone should be free and loved. You are not alone as you navigate difficulties and search for acceptance. Thriveworks Newport News is ready to be an ally, and we have appointments available.

When you contact our office, a scheduling specialist will answer your call and help you make an appointment. New clients often have their first appointment the following day. We accept many forms of insurance, and our staff offers weekend and evening sessions. Let’s work together. Call Thriveworks Newport News today for an appointment.

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 Newport News therapists and counselors accept 24 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)

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

  • Humana Exchange

  • Humana HMO/POS

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Self-pay costs at Newport News
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

5.0 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
Ms. Brenda, is a outstanding MHP, she takes times to listen and gives outstanding advice. She always give suggested reading and the reading has helped tremendously.
Read more Ms. Brenda, is a outstanding MHP, she takes times to listen and gives outstanding advice. She always give suggested reading and the reading has helped tremendously.
ROBERT Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Pennie Hurta has been a great therapist for me. I also love that she is always doing continuing education. She is on it! Highly recommended!
Read more Pennie Hurta has been a great therapist for me. I also love that she is always doing continuing education. She is on it! Highly recommended!
Hedi Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review

Where to find us

Getting here

We are located off of Loftis Blvd, directly across the street from the Sentara Medical Campus. Once you reach the parking lot, you'll see our office (with our logo on the door) at the front of the building parallel to Loftis Blvd.

Phone number

(757) 418-8127

Languages spoken by VA providers

  • English
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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