Online in New Jersey, New York, Utah
(Online Only)
I provide therapy for gay men and hold licenses in New Jersey, New York, and Utah. Many gay men worry that a therapist might not fully understand their experiences or that they’ll have to hide parts of themselves in session. I once shared those same concerns, and they’re what inspired me to become a therapist who offers affirming, authentic care. Together, we’ll create a supportive, judgment-free space where you can find clarity, growth, and the confidence to live more fully.
I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, trained at Columbia University, with additional certification as a sex therapist through AASECT and advanced relationship training from The Couples Institute. Over the past two decades, I’ve supported gay men in a variety of settings—including the NYC LGBT Community Center and Gay Men’s Health Crisis (GMHC).
Client Focus
Session Format: Couple, Individual sessions.
Age Specialty: Adult
Demographic Expertise: Hispanic / Latino, LGBTQ+ clients.
Languages: English
Treatment Approach
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) One of the most widely used approaches, CBT helps people identify unhelpful thoughts and replace them with healthier patterns. It is effective for anxiety, depression, and many other concerns.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Combines CBT with mindfulness to help regulate emotions, tolerate stress, and build stronger relationships. Originally designed for borderline personality disorder, it’s now used more broadly.
- Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) Focuses on strengthening emotional bonds in couples or families. It helps people identify negative cycles and create more secure connections.
- Gottman Method Couples Therapy Based on decades of research, this method gives couples tools to improve communication, manage conflict, and strengthen intimacy.
- Internal Family Systems (IFS) Helps clients heal by working with different ‘parts’ of themselves, like inner critics or wounded children. It fosters harmony within the self.
- Narrative Therapy Encourages people to view problems as separate from themselves and reframe their life story. It helps build resilience and self-identity.
- Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) Focuses on solutions and future goals rather than past problems. It is practical, short-term, and goal-driven.
- Somatic Therapy Helps clients notice how emotions are stored in the body. It uses breath, movement, and awareness for healing trauma and stress.
Education & Credentials
Dr. Israel Martinez LCSW, CST, PhD
- Male
- License # NJ (44SC05502600), NY (079249), and UT (14232899-3501)
- Licensed in NJ, NY, UT
- Practicing Since 2006
Education: Master of Social Work from Columbia University
Finances
Fees
- Average Session Fee $200
- Affordable sliding scale therapy: apply if you may be eligible.
- Fees are determined by self-reported income and ranges from $150-$250 for individual therapy and $200-$300 for couples/relationship therapy.
- Out of Network
Dr. Israel Martinez Practice Details
Therapy Sessions
- Available Online for residents of New Jersey, New York, Utah
- Online Therapy Details: Doxy
With over 20 years of clinical experience, I offer a holistic and personalized approach designed to help you create meaningful, lasting change. My work draws from evidence-based methods—including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Zen Therapy—and integrates sexual health and intimacy as part of overall emotional well-being. The foundation of our work is a strong, trusting therapeutic relationship where you can explore openly and grow with self-compassion.
Individual Therapy
I provide a supportive and affirming space for gay men navigating anxiety, depression, shame, self-esteem issues, internalized homophobia or transphobia, and life transitions. My mind–body approach encourages lasting growth by fostering both insight and emotional balance. Together, we’ll work to replace self-criticism with self-acceptance and authenticity.
Relationship & Couples Therapy
For couples facing challenges such as communication breakdowns, trust issues, infidelity, sexual concerns, or non-traditional relationship dynamics, I offer a safe environment to reconnect and strengthen your bond. Using approaches like the Developmental Model of Couples Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), the Gottman Method, and sex therapy, we’ll focus on improving communication, deepening intimacy, and understanding how attachment and family history shape your relationship.
Sex Therapy
Sex therapy looks at the whole person—mind, body, and relationship. I help clients address concerns with sexual function, desire, satisfaction, or complex sexual dynamics through a compassionate, evidence-based approach. Together, we’ll work toward lasting improvements in confidence, pleasure, and connection.
My goal is to help you live with authenticity, resilience, and emotional freedom—building a life where you can truly thrive.