LGBTQ+ Issues therapists in West Springfield, Massachusetts MA
We are proud to feature top rated LGBTQ+ Issues therapists in West Springfield. We encourage you to review each profile to find your best match.
LGBTQ+ Issues
Laurel Shortell
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LICSW
I offer an affirming space for LGBTQ+ individuals to explore identity, relationships, and life’s challenges without pressure or assumptions. My approach is grounded in respect, openness, and a commitment to honoring each person’s unique experience.
18 Years Experience
Online in West Springfield, MA Massachusetts (Online Only)
LGBTQ+ Issues
Erik Stenglein
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, MSW, LICSW
Specialties include LGBTQIA+ affirming therapy, sexual orientation and gender identity support, coming out, relationship concerns, minority stress, and trauma-informed care for adults.
I work with adults 18+ who identify as LGBTQIA+, including those navigating sexual orientation, gender identity, or relationship challenges. Many clients come to therapy feeling misunderstood, isolated, or impacted by minority stress, discrimination, or past trauma. My approach is affirming, collaborative, and trauma-informed, helping clients explore identity, process experiences of bias or rejection, and build self-acceptance and resilience. Therapy is a safe, confidential space to strengthen self-understanding, navigate transitions, and create a life that feels authentic and supported.
22 Years Experience
Online in West Springfield, MA Massachusetts (Online Only)
LGBTQ+ Issues
Tina Nickels
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
I have the lived experience of being persecuted for my sexual orientation. I was a late bloomer and my coming out was not traumatic or painful. Yet, I understand what you are going through. I am very open-minded and there is no judgment here. I believe everyone should have a seat at the table.
7 Years Experience
Online in West Springfield, MA Massachusetts (Online Only)
LGBTQ+ Issues
Jess Benedetto, Still Mind Therapist
Counselor/Therapist, LMHC, MA Mental Health Counseling & Behavioral Medicine, 200-Hour Registered Yoga Teacher
We are an LGBTQIA+ affirming practice with specialties including LGBTQIA+ and non-traditional relationships, intersections between gender and sexual identities and mental health, and between gender and sexual identities and neurodiversity.
Still Mind Therapist founder Jess Benedetto offers trauma-informed individual therapy, relationship counseling, and wellness coaching focused on how our unmet needs, misunderstood minds, and past experiences contribute to personal, relational, and physical challenges. We believe that when you have a safe, judgment-free space to cultivate a deep awareness of how and why unhealthy patterns developed, you can begin to rebuild trust in yourself and others and move toward healing and meaningful change. Still Mind is a place where your needs, goals, and vision lead the therapeutic process, and where the path to healing looks different for every person and relationship.
11 Years Experience
Online in West Springfield, MA Massachusetts
LGBTQ+ Issues
Jen Johnston Collaborative Change Counseling and Wellness
Counselor/Therapist, LPC, LCSW, LMHC
One of our passions as a group of providers is working with people from the LGBTQ+ community. We help clients navigate questions regarding their sexual and gender identities, as well as how to move forward in ways that are consistent with their goals and values. We also understand the effects of minority stress over time, and how this can effect other mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and mood dysregulation. Thus, we work with many queer clients around issues unrelated to sexual or gender identity, but always from a position of affirmation of those identities.
We also understand that there can be a lot of fear when seeking out providers in the mental health system around gender dysphoria. Individuals with gender dysphoria may fear being dismissed, invalidated, or worse. Parents of children who are questioning their gender may fear being judged for any concerns and be uncertain how best to move forward. Our approach is that of compassionate listening. As individuals, we want to hear your unique story and experience with gender as well as your hopes for the future, whether or not that conforms with any external expectations. As parents, we want to hear your unique story and experience with your child around their gender too and help you with the questions you may have. Our aim is to create a safe and inclusive environment.
18 Years Experience
Online in West Springfield, MA Massachusetts
LGBTQ+ Issues therapists in West Springfield, Massachusetts Statistics
LGBTQ+ Issues therapists in West Springfield, Massachusetts average 13 years of experience and charge around $193 per session. 100% offer online sessions. The top treatment approaches are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) (69%), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) (43%), and Behavioral Therapy (33%).
Average years in practice
13 Years Experience
Average cost per session
$193
Accept insurance
45%
Offer sliding scale
48%
Gender ID
| 56% |
Female |
|
| 34% |
Male |
|
| 6% |
Gender Fluid |
|
| 4% |
Non-Binary |
|
Session Type
| 60% |
In Person and Online |
|
| 40% |
Online Only |
|
Top Treatment Approaches
| 69% | Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) |
| 43% | Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) |
| 33% | Behavioral Therapy |
| 33% | Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) |
| 33% | Psychodynamic Therapy |
| 33% | Psychoeducational Therapy |
| 33% | Internal Family Systems (IFS) |
Ages Served
| 98% | Adult |
| 74% | Young Adult |
| 50% | Senior |
| 38% | Teen |
| 17% | Children |
Client Focus
| 83% | LGBTQ+ |
| 62% | Women |
| 50% | Men |
| 33% | Hispanic / Latino |
| 31% | Jewish |