LGBTQ Therapy in NYC — Queer-Owned, Affirming Therapists Who Get It
Spend more time getting support—and less time explaining your identity to yet another provider. At our queer-owned practice, you'll work with therapists who already understand LGBTQIA+ experiences, so you can focus on what actually brings you in. We support LGBTQIA+ adults, couples, and partners with affirming, evidence-based therapy for anxiety, relationships, identity, and stress. Your first step is a structured 30-minute intake with our Clinical Director, who will get to know you and match you with the right therapist.
LGBTQ Therapy in NYC and the Hudson Valley 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, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware. If you're searching for the best LGBTQ therapist near you, we're here to make that connection safe and seamless.
Why Begin LGBTQ-Affirming 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
OCD, phobias and exposure therapy
ADHD and executive function
Sex positivity (kink, BDSM, 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
Queer-Affirming 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.
Leaders in LGBTQIA+ Clinical Care and Advocacy in NYC and the Hudson Valley
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.
Get Started with LGBTQ Therapy at Aspire
Beginning LGBTQ therapy is not just about checking a box or "going to therapy." It is about finding a safe, affirming space to face difficult thoughts and feelings, to be seen fully in your identity, and to have support as you move toward real change.
Fill out the quick form
If you are ready to take the first step, fill out our quick form to book your New Client Intake (virtual 30 minute session) with Dr. Anya Scolaro (she/her).
Meet with Dr. Anya Scolaro
In this meeting, she will learn more about you and thoughtfully match you with an openly LGBTQIA+ therapist at Aspire who is a strong fit for your goals, schedule, and needs.
Begin affirming therapy
Move forward with a safe, affirming space to face difficult thoughts and feelings, be seen fully in your identity, and have support as you work toward real change.
Find the right approach for your needs.
Choosing a therapist in New York can feel overwhelming. We make it easier by matching you with the right clinician, in person in NYC or online.
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Book a 30-minute virtual intake ($175)
Whether you’re seeking goal-oriented therapy for anxiety or IQ testing for giftedness, your first appointment is a thoughtful intake with one of our Clinical Directors.
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Share your goals
In this initial virtual assessment, you will have a chance to talk about what is bringing you to therapy, what you’d like to achieve and any questions you have.
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Begin with confidence
Your Clinical Director will then provide a careful treatment recommendation. Begin your therapy journey with trust and confidence.
Leadership That Cares
Dr. Anya Scolaro, Psy.D. (she/her), is a licensed psychologist and Clinical Director of Aspire whose approach focuses on the intersection of LGBTQIA+ identity and anxiety, OCD and ADHD. Brie Scolaro, LCSW, (they/them), is a nonbinary identified clinical social worker and Clinical Director of Aspire who specializes in action-focused, behavioral therapies for perfectionism, performance anxiety, fear of failure, executive function, ADHD and more.
Dr. Anya Scolaro (she/her)
Psy.D., LCSW, BCNDr. Scolaro specializes in anxiety treatment, OCD therapy, and psychological testing, including IQ testing for giftedness, twice-exceptional (2E) and neuropsychological evaluation for ADHD, dyslexia, autism and more. She integrates Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for OCD and phobias to help clients achieve lasting change.
Focus areas- Anxiety
- OCD & ERP
- Phobias
- Psychological testing
- Giftedness & 2E
Brie Scolaro (they/them)
LCSWBrie brings expertise in anxiety therapy, LGBTQIA+ affirming care, perfectionism and performance psychology, and oversees our client matching process. Brie also offers biofeedback therapy and sports psychology for athletes and high performers.
Focus areas- Anxiety
- LGBTQIA+ care
- Perfectionism
- Biofeedback
- Sports psychology
What our clients say.
Aspire has been instrumental in helping my family. From the initial intake to further sessions, the team has been supportive, empathetic, and attentive to our family’s needs. The practice is flexible with finding appointment times that work for our challenging schedules. Dr. Scolaro, Paula, and Shunya provide excellent care in a non-judgmental fashion. I would highly recommend the practice without any reservations.
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 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.
LGBTQ Therapy: your questions, answered.
Still wondering about something? A Clinical Director can answer it during your intake.
Book Your IntakeWhat 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, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware. 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.
In person in NYC and the Hudson Valley, or from home.
Hudson Valley
Healing Arts Center3457 Main St, Floor 2
Stone Ridge, NY 12484 View on Google Maps
Virtual sessions
Secure online therapy and intakes across New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania & Delaware Start with a virtual intakeReady to Begin LGBTQ Therapy at Aspire?
Beginning LGBTQ therapy is about finding a safe, affirming space to face difficult thoughts and feelings, to be seen fully in your identity, and to have support as you move toward real change. Fill out our quick form to book your New Client Intake and get matched with an openly LGBTQIA+ therapist at Aspire.
Self-pay practice · Superbills available for out-of-network reimbursement