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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

Connect with a therapist, psychiatrist or counselor near you

Care without the wait

156 licensed therapists & providers in Virginia—6 in Richmond. Available as soon as today, in person and online

Therapy for every life stage

Our providers work with individuals, couples, families, & teens for anxiety, depression, grief, & more

#1 for in-network coverage

We accept UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, BCBS Plans, Humana, Aetna, & many more. Self-pay options available, no membership fees

Patients who get better

94% of patients feel truly understood by their provider. 3 out of 4 see improvement in depression & anxiety symptoms within 3 months

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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

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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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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Meredith Golob is a Licensed Professional Counselor with an extensive history working with children, adults, and families dealing...

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LGBTQIA+ counseling FAQs

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 insurance and we offer self-pay options too.
Learn more about pricing for therapy and counseling 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

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Compsych

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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
★★★★
Very easy online website & portal to navigate. Website allows for you to determine which therapist or PMHNP you think would be a best fit your you. Quick and easy application to make a new patient appointment.
Zaria Mar 2026
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
The listening ear and having a safe space to talk without feeling judged. It’s a pleasure working with my therapist.
Violett Mar 2026
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I appreciated how she was easy to talk to and listened empathetically
Amilia Mar 2026
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Paula has been such a great therapist over the years. She really listens and responds to what you're going through in such a thoughtful way that helps bring clarity to all of life's complexity. She's great at gently nudging me toward confidence and self-recognition when that is so hard for me to do organically. She remains consistent with her care whether it's more of a standard session or a much more difficult one where you're going through something, and everything in between.
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Dominique Mar 2026
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
My therapist is incredibly supportive and lets me run through a session however I want to. Thriveworks is very easy to work with
Kortney Mar 2026
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I have referred several friends to thrive works! Quality therapists available online for when and where you can meet. It makes therapy more accessible! Allie is amazing. I have had so much growth over the past year in working with her.
Cecilia Mar 2026
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Working with my therapist has been great!!
Jessee Mar 2026
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
The match was perfect for my therapist.
Klaire Dec 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
8 of 162 reviews

Where to find us

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Address

5310 Markel Rd Suite 102
Richmond, VA 23230

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Richmond is located near Markel Rd and Fitzhugh Ave, off W Broad St. It is a short distance from the Bon Secours St. Mary's Hospital and right by the Libbie Mill Library.

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Phone number

(804) 312-5498
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Languages spoken by VA providers

  • English
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Hours

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
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:30pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:30pm

Shown in ET

Thursday 8:00am - 11:00pm
Friday 8:00am - 11:00pm
Saturday 8:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 6:00pm
Monday 8:00am - 11:00pm
Tuesday 8:00am - 11:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 11:00pm

Shown in ET

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