LGBTQ+ therapists in Amherst, Massachusetts MA
We are proud to feature top rated LGBTQ+ therapists in Amherst. We encourage you to review each profile to find your best match.
Serving LGBTQ+
Laurel Shortell
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LICSW
I work with a diverse range of individual adults throughout Massachusetts, including those in relationships of all configurations, college students, those grieving pet loss, and technical professionals, drawing on my own background as a software engineer. I also maintain a focus on clients who are on the autism spectrum, including neurodivergent adults and relationships where one or more partners identify as being on the spectrum.
18 Years Experience
Online in Amherst, MA Massachusetts (Online Only)
Serving LGBTQ+
Michael Young
Pastoral Counselor/Therapist, Mdiv, CRW
My practice is based on my personal and professional journey. That includes studies in psychology, clinical and academic experience in counseling and therapy, individual therapy, and studies in spirituality.
45 Years Experience
In-Person Near Amherst, MA
Serving LGBTQ+
Cook Counseling and Consulting Inc.
Counselor/Therapist, LISW-S, LCSW-QS, CCTP
Cook Counseling and Consulting Inc. is a group of highly trained professionals providing mental health services based in Columbus, Ohio. We work with individuals, couples, and families across the lifespan, focusing on young adults. We are also experts in LGBTQIA+ and ENM/ polyamory. Many of our clients have found great success in many facets of their lives but struggle to manage their emotions and stress. We are particularly sensitive to those experiencing life transitions like moving, a breakup, changing jobs, graduating, or beginning a new relationship when self-doubt and increased anxiety and depression can emerge.
Our approach is rooted in evidence-based treatment that focuses on helping clients understand how their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are related so that they can begin making targeted and sustainable changes. Our clinicians blend person-centered therapy with cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectal behavior therapy, motivational interviewing and acceptance, and commitment therapy. We help clients understand their physical and emotional responses to stressors and learn to problem-solve ways to introduce moments of calm, to choose to respond rather than react in the face of change.
Cook Counseling and Consulting Inc. focuses on ensuring our clients see real progress. We are warm, laid back, and affirming. We are sensitive to the influence of past experiences on present challenges, and we work closely with clients to reframe the narrative of their life in a way that increases self-confidence and self-compassion. Our priority in starting with a new client is ensuring that they feel safe, heard, and like an equal partner in the therapeutic process. We offer the convenience of remote sessions to help make therapy a core component of your self-care calendar.
9 Years Experience
Online in Amherst, MA Massachusetts
Serving LGBTQ+
Pattie Vargas
Counselor/Therapist, CBC®️Certified Provider, Kessler Certified Grief Educator
After facing the heart-wrenching challenges of having two of my three children struggle with Substance Use Disorder, my world was further shaken when my son, Joel, lost his decades-long battle with the disease in 2017. In the wake of this profound loss, I was determined to better understand the family experience of addiction, and have since used this lived experience to support and guide others who are navigating the isolating and stigmatizing road of addiction and loss.
As a Compassionate Bereavement Care®️ Certified Provider and Kessler Certified Grief Educator, I work with individuals, families, and communities impacted by loss. I am a Peer Parent Coach with the Partnership to End Addiction, and co-facilitate their online grief support community, and is the host of Finding Hope After Loss, Grief Support groups for The Happier Life Project. As an advocate for recovery policies, I am a California State Organizer with the Recovery Advocacy Project, serve on the RCO/RCC Advisory Committee, and was named the 2022 Architect of Recovery by CCAPP (CA Consortium of Addiction Professionals.) My book, Secrets, Scars and Heart Shaped Jars, shares my family’s journey through addiction, loss and recovery.
5 Years Experience
Online in Amherst, MA Massachusetts (Online Only)
Serving LGBTQ+
Dr. Kirsten Christensen
Psychologist, Ph.D.
I'm a firm believer that you don’t need to wait until things get really bad to start therapy.
Every person is unique, and therapy should be the same - that’s why I take a tailored, individualized approach that’s flexible to meet your needs and goals. The foundation of my work is a multicultural-feminist perspective that positions you as the expert of your own experience. I take a warm, collaborative approach to help you get clarity about who you are and how you want your life to look. I also integrate evidence-based interventions from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and relational frameworks. My goals involve helping clients move upstream to identify and resolve systemic and personal patterns that keep them stuck and working together to find more joy.
I also believe that the personal is political. More often than not, sociopolitical systems of oppression like racism, sexism, heterosexism, transphobia, ableism, and more directly impact mental health. As a result, I take an actively anti-racist, intersectional, identity-affirming approach with clients across a broad spectrum of marginalization and privilege.
I specialize in working with college students, graduate students, young adults, and professionals in Massachusetts on a variety of common issues including: mood (anxiety, depression), identity development, life transitions and adjustment, ADHD, relationship issues, academic and career issues, and burnout.
9 Years Experience
Online in Amherst, MA Massachusetts (Online Only)
LGBTQ+ therapists in Amherst, Massachusetts Statistics
LGBTQ+ therapists in Amherst, Massachusetts average 15 years of experience and charge around $202 per session. 98% offer online sessions. The most commonly treated issues are Anxiety or Fears (77%), Depression (61%), and Trauma and PTSD (56%).
Average years in practice
15 Years Experience
Average cost per session
$202
Accept insurance
41%
Offer sliding scale
48%
Gender ID
| 59% |
Female |
|
| 31% |
Male |
|
| 5% |
Gender Fluid |
|
| 5% |
Non-Binary |
|
Session Type
| 51% |
In Person and Online |
|
| 47% |
Online Only |
|
| 2% |
In Person Only |
|
Top Specialties
| 77% | Anxiety or Fears |
| 61% | Depression |
| 56% | Trauma and PTSD |
| 55% | LGBTQ+ Issues |
| 48% | Stress |
| 44% | Loss or Grief |
| 44% | Self Esteem |
Ages Served
| 100% | Adult |
| 73% | Young Adult |
| 53% | Senior |
| 41% | Teen |
| 18% | Children |
Client Focus
| 100% | LGBTQ+ |
| 79% | Women |
| 62% | Men |
| 44% | Jewish |
| 44% | Military / Veterans |