LGBTQ+ Therapist in NYC — Queer-Affirming Care
A safe, affirming space for LGBTQIA+ adults, couples, and partners—including transgender, nonbinary, and TGNC clients. Your first meeting is a 30-min intake ($175) with an openly LGBTQIA+ Director who matches you with the right therapist. In-person UES & Hudson Valley; online across NY/NJ/DE.
Empowering LGBTQ Therapy Services at Aspire Psychotherapy
At Aspire Psychotherapy, we offer a safe space to be seen and supported. You may be seeking therapy for many reasons - maybe working with an anxiety therapist in NYC feels like the next step, or you’re exploring help for perfectionism, ADHD, or relationship stress. Or maybe you're exploring your gender expression, navigating a major transition, or processing the impact of discrimination. Whatever brings you in, you deserve to do that work in a space where you don’t have to educate your clinician - or hide any part of yourself.
As a queer-owned mental health office, we offer therapy grounded in lived experience, cultural humility, and deep clinical expertise. Whether you identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, nonbinary, intersex, or questioning, you’re welcome (and celebrated!) here.
Our openly LGBTQ therapists provide behavioral and relational therapy services for teens, adults, couples/partner(s) and parent(s) in person on the Upper East Side and in the Hudson Valley, or virtually across New York State. If you’re searching for the best LGBTQ therapist near you, we’re here to make that connection safe and seamless.
Affirmative Therapy That Supports the Whole You
Therapy isn’t about fixing your identity, it’s about healing from the pressure to justify it. Many queer individuals carry the impact of minority stress, misgendering, or subtle invalidations that accumulate over time. These aren’t personal problems - they’re responses to a society that hasn’t always offered safety.
That’s why affirming therapy matters. Whether you're here to talk about your sexuality or gender, or you just want a provider who gets it while you work on your goals, our team provides that space.
Why Begin Affirmative Psychotherapy?
LGBTQ+ clients come to therapy for many reasons. And sometimes, it’s not about a crisis. You just want a space to feel grounded, seen, and understood — without fear of judgment. Some of the issues we support include:
Anxiety (GAD, social anxiety, panic)
Perfectionism and imposter syndrome
Sex positivity (kink, BSDM, poly, ENM affirming)
Gender expansive and transgender concerns
Navigating political and societal stress
Work-life balance & stress management
Queer youth and family support
Religious or cultural rejection
Depression, loneliness and belonging
Relationship Issues and gay couples therapy
Burnout, career pressure & work life balance
Trauma-Informed Work
Meet Our Clinical Directors
Dr. Anya Scolaro, Psy.D. (she/her), Clinical Director
Dr. Scolaro is a licensed psychologist and Clinical Director of Aspire. Her approach to therapy focuses on the intersection of LGBTQIA+ identity and anxiety, OCD and ADHD. With her extensive training in diagnosis, assessment and treatment planning, Dr. Scolaro meets with each new patient to personally match you with a clinician on our team. She offers counseling services for individuals, couples, and families. Her therapeutic approach is non-judgmental and client-centered, creating a safe space for clients to explore their thoughts and feelings. Dr. Scolaro is dedicated to helping clients feel empowered and achieve self-acceptance, utilizing evidence-based practices and mindfulness techniques.
Brie Scolaro, LCSW, (they/them), Co-Director
Brie Scolaro, LCSW, is a nonbinary identified clinical social worker and the Co-Director of Aspire. They specialize in action-focused, behavioral therapies for perfectionism, performance anxiety, fear of failure, executive function, ADHD and more. Brie understands the unique needs of the LGBTQ community, including diverse sexual orientations and gender identities. They are dedicated to creating a judgment-free environment where clients can explore their thoughts and feelings freely. Brie also offers therapeutic services like biofeedback therapy for emotional regulation and sports psychology for LGBTQIA+ athletes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is affirmative therapy and why is it important?
This type of therapy is more about a stance that celebrates LGBTQ identities and creates a safe, non-judgmental space for self-acceptance and growth. This means less time "explaining" parts of yourself, and more time getting support from queer-competent providers.
How can I find the best LGBTQ therapist in NYC?
Research shows that the strongest predictor of successful therapy is the match between the therapist and the patient. That means the best therapist is the one that you feel you can trust. Sometimes it takes 1-2 months of working with someone to see if they are a good fit.
Do you offer virtual therapy?
Yes! We offer virtual therapy for folks in New York and New Jersey. We also offer in-person and hybrid (blend of virtual and in-person) at our Upper East Side and Hudson Valley (Stone Ridge) Locations.
What types of therapy do you specialize in?
Our providers have completed specialized training in behavioral methods like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and relational methods such as psychodynamic and relational therapy. We also provide biofeedback training for stress management, performance and focus, as well as psychological testing and evaluation for those looking for a diagnosis.
Can you write gender-affirming letters?
Yes - we provide gender-affirming letters for current clients. New clients can receive letters after a brief evaluation period: typically 3–4 sessions to complete history, screening, and (when appropriate) diagnosis. Requirements vary by insurer/surgery center (e.g., one vs. two letters, clinician credentials, or continuing therapy), so please confirm your specific criteria and bring any forms. We follow the WPATH Standards of Care and aim to complete letters promptly once criteria are met.
Do you accept insurance?
We are an out-of-network practice, which means you pay for sessions directly and can often get partial reimbursement through your insurance plan. We’ll give you a superbill and guidance on how to check your benefits before you begin.
Leaders in LGBTQIA+ Clinical Care and Advocacy
Aspire Psychotherapy isn’t just LGBTQIA+ competent - we’re leaders in LGBTQ+ clinical care and actively engage in research, training and advocacy. Our team includes queer identified clinicians and allies who are:
Members of the WPATH (World Professional Association for Transgender Health)
Trainers for other mental health professionals in LGBTQ+ care, including other mental health clinics, students in training, and in partnership with international universities.
Specialists in working with gender-expansive clients and sexuality, including how ADHD, OCD, and anxiety show up differently for our queer clients.
Sensitive to the intersection of gender, race, neurodivergence, disability, class, and immigration status (H1B, F1, green card, student visas, asylum, international students)
Actively engaging in research and public speaking opportunities to systemically improve the lives of all LGBTQIA+ folks.
What Our Clients Have to Say
“After suffering my whole life and then having what I’d constitute as a mental breakdown, I’m living generally an anxiety free life without using medication.”
“I was having anxiety, panic attacks and insomnia last year and started seeking help. I am now a much more balanced, mindful and calm person who feels empowered with an armada of useful strategies and techniques to manage and regulate stressful situations in my life.”
“Dr. Scolaro is an incredibly gifted therapist who has helped me learn and practice vital CBT skills that have changed my life”
Get Started with Affirmative Therapy at Aspire
This isn’t just about starting “therapy” - it’s about finding a safe space to face difficult emotions and thoughts. It’s about allowing someone to see you when you are vulnerable, and trusting that they can help you through that process towards real change.
Fill out our quick form to book your New Client Intake (Virtual - 30 Min - $175) with Dr. Anya Scolaro (she/her) and get matched with an openly LGBTQIA+ therapist.
Office Locations in NYC and the Hudson Valley
We offer telehealth and hybrid therapy sessions at two locations in New York State. Reach out today to schedule your intake appointment and start seeing your therapist remotely or in-person.
Upper East Side Office - Manhattan
312 E 85th St Suite 1A, New York, NY 10028
Hudson Valley Office - Stone Ridge
Healing Arts Center, 3457 Main St Floor 2, Stone Ridge, NY 12484
