For LGBTQ individuals, seeking mental health support can be challenging and can evoke feelings of vulnerability and discomfort.
If you are a queer person seeking counseling or psychiatry services, you likely want to know that your therapist, counselor, or psychiatrist is accepting and knowledgeable about LGBTQ issues.
The mental health professionals and groups included on this page make an effort to let the LGBTQ community know that they are welcome at their offices. These mental healthcare providers are all located in the Research Triangle Park area, near Raleigh, Durham, or Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
Read about these RTP area mental health professions below and check out their websites in the references section at the end of the page.
Be Bold Psychology & Consulting
Be Bold is a Chapel Hill based psychology group led by Dr. Brittany Bate, who specializes in gender therapy, as well as substance abuse and trauma-focused therapy. Other licensed professionals in the group specialize in couples therapy, family therapy, grief, and more.
The organization’s website is heavily focused on ensuring LGBTQ people know they are welcome and will receive adequate care at Be Bold Psychology. Be Bold also strives to create a comfortable environment for BIPOC people.
Be Bold also offers diversity and inclusion training for businesses and academic institutions.
Be Bold is located at 1710 E Franklin Street in Chapel Hill, NC, but also offers many of its services remotely via telehealth sessions.
Awakenings Center
Awakenings Center, with two locations in Raleigh and Greensboro, specializes in couples and family counseling.
The therapists and counselors at Awakenings Center focus on sex counseling, as well as providing tools to deal with the sexuality of children or other loved ones. This type of counseling can be key during the process of coming out as LGBTQ.
Counselors at Awakenings Center can assist with gender issues as well, including equipping people to deal with their own gender transitions, or the gender transitions of family members. The therapists at Awakenings Center can also address issues related to self-care, depression, anxiety, and grief.
Awakenings Center is located at 9205 Baileywick Road in north Raleigh, near I-540. It has a second location at 5 Corporate Center in Greensboro, NC.
Breyta Psychological Services, P.A.
Breyta, located in north Raleigh, is a group of multiple doctoral-level providers who assist patients with depression, anxiety, trauma, insomnia, relationships, and more. Breyta is a well-rounded practice able to assist with almost any mental health issue.
Breyta’s website makes it clear that LGBTQ people are welcome at Breyta. The group describes itself as an “LGBTQIA+ Affirming Clinic.”
Breyta also assists people with personal growth and wellness, and offers group and individual counseling sessions. Telehealth appointments are also available.
The clinic is located at 8303 Six Forks Road, Suite 207 in north Raleigh.
Etheridge Psychology
Located in Cary, about 12 miles from downtown Raleigh, Etheridge Psychology is a well-rounded practice with certain staff members who specialize in assisting LGBTQ patients.
These licensed professionals assist queer people with coming out, non-acceptance, discrimination, and exploring gender and sexuality generally. They also offer family and couples therapy to address problems related to sexuality and gender. Their services include care for transgender individuals.
Etheridge serves both adult and youth patients. In addition to specifically LGBTQ issues, they can assist with issues related to autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, and more.
Etheridge Psychology is located at 115 Kildaire Park Drive, Suite 313 in Cary, NC. It is easily accessible for residents of Raleigh, Morrisville, Durham, and other surrounding communities.
Evolve Psychological Services
Evolve is another LGBTQ-friendly provider located in Raleigh. Jennifer Glassmire-Policari is the licensed psychologist who heads Evolve Psychological Services.
Gender and sexual identity are at the forefront of Evolve’s specialties. Evolve can also assist with relationships, family dynamics, and life transitions, which are all important issues in the lives of many LGBTQ people.
Jennifer Glassmire-Policari has extensive experience writing letters in accordance with transgender health guidelines to help transgender patients get affirming medical care. She also has experience working with non-binary individuals specifically.
Evolve can address more general mental health matters as well, including stress, grief, and mood problems. Patients can meet with Jennifer for brief consultations or for long-term work.
Evolve has a physical location at 3729 Benson Drive in Northeast Raleigh, but potential patients are encouraged to explore telehealth options.
Dr. Dane Whicker – Duke University School of Medicine
Duke University School of Medicine employs many thought leaders in the field of psychology. Dr. Dane Whicker is one of these individuals.
He is a clinical psychologist who specializes in therapy for LGBTQ adolescents and adults. His services include assisting transgender individuals seeking medical transition.
He also specializes in behavioral therapy, and promotes diversity including in the realms of race, sex, and sexuality. Potential patients can learn more about Dr. Whicker by exploring his academic profile and his medical doctor profile.
Dr. Whicker’s office is located on the Duke University Medical Campus at 2213 Elba St., Durham, NC.
How to Choose a Mental Health Provider for LGBTQ Individuals
While all of these providers make an effort to welcome LGBTQ individuals and learn about queer issues, you should also consider other key factors when choosing a mental health provider. You should consider:
- Does this provider work primarily with adults, adolescents, or children?
- Does the provider offer the services I need, including referrals for hormone treatment or gender-affirming surgery?
- Does the provider accept my insurance or offer discounts for low-income patients?
- Is the provider conveniently located, or do they offer remote appointments by phone or video chat?
Keep in mind that there are likely many more fantastic mental health professionals who are experienced with LGBTQ patients in the RTP area. Be sure to research thoroughly before choosing your mental health provider, including asking questions of your counselor or psychologist.
Physical Health Resources
Mental health and physical health are closely intertwined. It is key for LGBTQ people to find affirming healthcare providers in addition to adequate counseling and therapy. Check out recommendations for LGBTQ-friendly physical healthcare providers in and around Raleigh, North Carolina.
References
Be Bold Psychology & Consulting
Etheridge Psychology – LGBTQ Counseling
Awakenings Center – LGBTQ Therapy
