LGBTQ Affirming Therapy in New York

In-Person & Virtual Therapy with LGBTQ Therapists Across NYC and New York State

A Safe Space to Be Seen and Supported

You may be seeking therapy for many reasons: anxiety, perfectionism, work burnout, ADHD, or relationship stress. Or maybe you're exploring your gender identity, 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 therapist — or hide any part of yourself.

At Aspire Psychotherapy, 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 here.

Our LGBTQ therapists provide affirming care for teens, adults, and couples — in person on the Upper East Side and in the Hudson Valley, or virtually across New York State. If you’re searching for an LGBTQ therapist near you, we’re here to make that connection safe and seamless.

LGBTQ+ Therapy That Supports the Whole You

Therapy isn’t about fixing your identity — it’s about healing from the pressure to justify it. Many LGBTQ+ 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 therapist who gets it while you work on your goals — our team provides that space.

What We Work On Together

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:

  • Perfectionism, imposter syndrome & high-functioning anxiety

  • Executive functioning challenges & ADHD

  • Sex positivity (kink, BSDM, poly, ENM affirming)

  • Gender identity, nonbinary, gender expansive and transgender issues

  • Coming out (or choosing not to)

  • Navigating living in this society

  • LGBTQ+ youth and family support

  • Religious or cultural rejection

  • Complex trauma and PTSD

  • LGBTQ+ relationship therapy or gay couples counseling

  • Burnout, career pressure & identity mismatches at work

Why Work with an LGBTQ Therapist at Aspire?

  • You want therapy that honors your identity — without needing to explain it

  • You’re looking for LGBTQ marriage counseling or support for non-traditional relationships

  • You’re exploring transition or gender expression with a trans-affirming therapist

  • You’re navigating life stress, trauma, or ADHD — and want a safe space to do the work

  • You’re a parent of an LGBTQ+ teen seeking identity-affirming support

  • You’re tired of having to explain yourself to straight or cisgender therapists

  • You’re tired of searching “LGBTQ therapist NYC” and not knowing who’s actually safe to talk to

Our LGBTQ+ Clinical Expertise

Aspire Psychotherapy isn’t just affirming — we’re leaders in LGBTQ+ clinical care. Our team includes nonbinary, transgender, queer clinicians and affirming allies who are:

  • Members of WPATH (World Professional Association for Transgender Health)

  • Trainers for other mental health professionals in LGBTQ+ affirmative care

  • Specialists in working with nonbinary, transgender, and gender-expansive clients

  • Sensitive to the intersection of gender, race, neurodivergence, disability, class, and immigration status

Meet Our Directors

Portrait of Dr. Anya Scolaro, Clinical Psychologist and Co-Director of Aspire Psychotherapy in NYC and Upstate NY.

Dr. Anya Scolaro, Psy.D., (she/her)

Clinical Director

Portrait of Brie Scolaro, LCSW, Therapist and Co-Director of Aspire Psychotherapy, serving clients across New York and New Jersey.

Brie Scolaro, LCSW, (they/them)

Director

Client Testimonials

Brie was fantastic! They were kind, empathetic, and patient. They also gave me multiple tangible strategies to address my anxiety in different situations. I can’t recommend them enough if you’re looking for support!
— Past Client
Dr. Scolaro is an incredibly gifted therapist who has helped me learn and practice vital CBT skills that have changed my life.
— Past Client

Our Office Locations

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

312 E 85th St Suite 1A, New York, NY 10028

 

Upstate New York Office

Healing Arts Center, 3457 Main St Floor 2, Stone Ridge, NY 12484

Ready to begin?

Book an intake with our Clinical Director below. Have more questions? Read our Getting Started Guide for FAQs and to learn more about our therapist matching process.

Other Services We Offer

Nature-inspired imagery used to create a calming therapy environment at Aspire Psychotherapy.

Exposure Therapy

Nature-inspired imagery used to create a calming therapy environment at Aspire Psychotherapy..

Psychological Testing

Nature-inspired imagery used to create a calming therapy environment at Aspire Psychotherapy.

Biofeedback Training