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Offered in-person & online

Our therapists offer help for LGBTQ+ issues in Richmond, VA

Start in-person or online sessions with a provider you can trust. We accept most major insurances. Book online or by giving us a call

Get in-person or online care, and cover the majority of the costs with your insurance. Scheduling is easy — call our team and they’ll help you find your perfect match.

Connect with a therapist, psychiatrist or counselor near you
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1,501 people sought LGBTQIA+ counseling help at Richmond in the last year

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

Meet with an LGBTQIA+ affirming therapist as soon as this week

10  therapists available in Richmond

As a young professional woman, I understand the challenges of navigating through life's stressors, transitions, and relationships....

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As someone who has worked on understanding my own identity and personal challenges with mental health, I understand the importance...

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As a queer person who has experienced mental health issues in the past, I strive to provide an affirming, safe environment to work...

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Through many years of experience as a medical and mental health social worker, and many years of pain and growth in my own life, I...

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As someone who has experienced the impact of mental health challenges, I provide a unique perspective, level of understanding, and...

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I collaborate with my clients to promote healing in a safe and affirming space....

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As a clinician, I strive to cultivate a comfortable, empowering therapeutic relationship that recognizes the client as a whole per...

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I understand what it is like to seek help from others. My goal is to be a supportive and safe environment for you to continue to c...

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As a therapist who has worked extensively with clients experiencing stress related to depression, anxiety, and trauma, I recognize...

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Paula O’Leary is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who has worked in the mental health field for 15 years in a variety of ...

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Look for a confirmation email in your inbox shortly. We'll help find you a provider and guide you through everything you should know about starting care at Thriveworks.

Starting LGBTQIA+ counseling in Richmond

What is LGBTQ+ counseling?

LGBTQIA+ 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 Richmond, 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. LGBTQ+ 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 Richmond, 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?

LGBTQ Affirmative Counseling in Richmond, VA—Therapists

Respect. Freedom. These are bedrocks of mental health. When these are compromised, mental health will suffer. People deserve for respect. They were born to be free. That means they deserve the space to express their weaknesses and strengths, dislikes and likes, gender and sexuality.

Those in the LGBTQ community encounter more obstructions in their path toward this freedom and respect. The counselors and therapists at Thriveworks Richmond understand those roadblocks—the unique difficulties that the LGBTQ community have to handle. We are committed to offering holistic and affirmative mental health care to our LGBTQ clients. Reach out today for help.

Why Is LGBTQ Affirmative Counseling Important?

People within the LGBTQ community often have a more difficult path toward freedom and respect than others, and they often need particular guidance and support for the journey. What are some of the things that make their journey more difficult? Here is a small glance of the toll that discrimination, rejection, and harassment can take:

  • While the substance abuse rate for cis-gendered and straight populations is 9 percent, within the LGBTQ community, it is 30 percent.
  • Many who identify as LGBTQ report a heightened anxiety called “minority stress” that results from experiencing higher rates of family rejection, social exclusion, and violations of human right. Those stress can causes significant physical and mental health difficulties.
  • Youth who are between the ages of 10-24 and who identity as LGBTQ live with higher rates of bullying, fear, prejudice, and hatred both within their homes and at school.
  • Suicide is one of the leading causes of death for LGBTQ youth.
  • Disorder like major depressive disorder, PTSD, and generalized anxiety disorder occur three times more frequently within the LGBTQ community than they occur in cis-gender and straight populations.

That is why Thriveworks Richmond offers affirmative counseling to those within the LGBTQ community. We believe everyone deserves care. We believe people should be empowered to be who they are.

Common LGBTQ Affirmative Counseling Topics

As our clients and therapists build trust, they often tackle topics such as…

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

Scheduling an Appointment at Thriveworks Richmond for LGBTQ Inclusive Counseling

When you think about what is happening in your life right now, what would it be like to have help? What would it be like to have an ally? What would it be like to have healing and acceptance and respect? The therapists at Thriveworks Richmond are ready to walk with you on your journey if you are ready too. When you contact our office, know that a real person will answer your call. We do not have voicemail, but our scheduling specialists help our clients find an appointment that work for their schedule.

New clients often have their first appointment within the week. Weekend and evening sessions are offered, and our therapists are credentialed with many insurance panels which means we can accept many different forms of insurance.

Your mental health matters. You are not alone. Let’s work together. Call Thriveworks Richmond today for LGBTQ inclusive therapy and counseling.

Pricing & insurance

Our therapists accept most major insurances. We accept 360+ insurance plans, and offer self-pay options, too.
Learn more about pricing for therapy and counseling services at Thriveworks.

Our therapists and counselors in Richmond accept 30 insurance plans

  • Adventist Health Associates | Employee Health Plan

  • Adventist Health Associates | Non-Employee Health Plan

  • Aetna

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia Medicare Advantage

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS HMO

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS PPO

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | Exchange

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

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

  • Carelon

  • Carelon | Medicare Advantage

  • Cigna | Evernorth

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Self-pay costs at Richmond
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

4.8 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
Counselor is great meets my needs
Clara Sep 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I loved how much my provider listened and communicated with me!
Sierra Sep 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Opening my eye to the reality of my life
Jwan Sep 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Thriveworks makes everything easy and seamless. I appreciate having providers that are able to connect and see progress notes because they are part of the same system. My therapist, Paula O'Leary, is an absolutely wonderful therapist and is helping me transform my life. She is able to work with me in the way I need it and helps me more every single session. Additionally, my Psychiatrist Dr. Ileana Asanache is also spectacular and is the only psychiatrist I've ever felt comfortable with. She listens to my concerns and needs and eases me into every medication/transition so that I am comfortable. This new med regimen she has me on has literally changed my life for the better. I the following diagnoses: Bipolar 2, Anxiety, PTSD, Nightmare Disorder, and we are exploring a SUD disorder as well. They have helped me not just with my mental health, but my addiction, my career, my relationships/boundaries, and overall are helping me improve my life immensely.
Read more Thriveworks makes everything easy and seamless. I appreciate having providers that are able to connect and see progress notes because they are part of the same system. My therapist, Paula O'Leary, is an absolutely wonderful therapist and is helping me transform my life. She is able to work with me in the way I need it and helps me more every single session. Additionally, my Psychiatrist Dr. Ileana Asanache is also spectacular and is the only psychiatrist I've ever felt comfortable with. She listens to my concerns and needs and eases me into every medication/transition so that I am comfortable. This new med regimen she has me on has literally changed my life for the better. I the following diagnoses: Bipolar 2, Anxiety, PTSD, Nightmare Disorder, and we are exploring a SUD disorder as well. They have helped me not just with my mental health, but my addiction, my career, my relationships/boundaries, and overall are helping me improve my life immensely.
Katherine Sep 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
He is a great listener and gives great advice.
William Sep 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I appreciate her identifying my tells in my body language and helping me see them as well. She lets me talk through my experiences. She validates my experiences and has shed light on them with her objective perspective. She was honest enough to tell me when I needed more support and refer me to an IOP program. I am thankful for that. She educates me on her techniques and talks through strategies. .
Read more I appreciate her identifying my tells in my body language and helping me see them as well. She lets me talk through my experiences. She validates my experiences and has shed light on them with her objective perspective. She was honest enough to tell me when I needed more support and refer me to an IOP program. I am thankful for that. She educates me on her techniques and talks through strategies. .
Katrina Jun 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
She listens. She is helpful. She tells me the truth. I need to be hit with a 2x4 sometimes and sometimes she does. Thanks
Matthew Jun 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Very easy to get started and scheduled with a great therapist, Tameka Boone, who immediately made me feel comfortable.
Alexandra Jun 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Richmond is located off of Markel Rd, just south of Libbie Place Shopping Center. Our building is across the street from the Faison Center and next to Pandora’s Lashes and Coates and Davenport, P.C. Our office is in the Enterprise Center, which we share with Liquid Talent Agency and SIL Insurance, among other businesses.

Phone number

(804) 312-5498

Languages spoken by VA providers

  • English
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:30pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:30pm
Thursday 8:00am - 9:30pm
Friday 8:00am - 9:30pm
Saturday 8:00am - 9:30pm
Sunday 8:00am - 9:30pm
Monday 8:00am - 9:30pm

Shown in ET

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

Shown in ET

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