LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapy in VA & NC

Finding an LGBTQ+ therapist without starting from scratch every time

Starting therapy takes courage. The last thing you want is to spend your sessions explaining your identity, your relationship, or why a comment from a family member hurt. You deserve to feel understood so you can focus on what brought you to therapy in the first place.

Even a well-meaning therapist can make assumptions that leave you feeling misunderstood. Maybe they assume you're in a monogamous relationship or treat your identity as something to work through rather than a part of who you are. Instead of feeling comfortable opening up, you find yourself holding back.

Our clinical director, Justin Dixon, has a particular interest in supporting LGBTQ+ adults. He trained our entire clinical team at the same hospital, helping establish a shared approach to care that respects your identity, your relationships, and your experiences.

What LGBTQ+ affirming therapy means at Kaizen

LGBTQ+ affirming therapy starts from one position: your sexual orientation and gender identity are valid parts of who you are. They are never treated as symptoms. Sessions follow your lead on what to explore.

Coming out is rarely a single event, so we make room for it to unfold over time. We welcome every race, political view, and relationship structure, including polyamorous partnerships.

Common reasons LGBTQ+ adults start therapy

Identity, coming out, and self-discovery

Explore your sexual orientation or gender identity at your own pace. You might be questioning, newly out, or rethinking how you show up at work and with family.

Anxiety and self-criticism

Work on worry, emotional overwhelm, and the harsh inner commentary many people carry, using practical, evidence-based tools.

Relationships of every shape

Couples therapy and relationship counseling for two-person, open, and polyamorous partnerships, available from several clinicians on our team.

Family, grief, and life transitions

Process family reactions, loss, career shifts, and other big changes with clinicians who also offer family therapy and grief support.

Hospital-trained LGBTQ+ therapists who share one clinical standard

Justin Dixon, LPC in Virginia and LCMHC in North Carolina, spent seven years in hospital psychiatry, including the emergency department, and draws on Internal Family Systems, ACT, DBT, and attachment-based work.
Maddie Meadows, LCMHC in North Carolina and Resident in Counseling in Virginia, focuses on relationships and grief.
Torie Pendleton, MA, a Resident in Counseling in Virginia, focuses on anxiety and OCD and brings hospital experience of her own.

The whole team shares two values: real therapeutic relationships and psychologically informed care. Residents in Counseling practice under supervision, and everyone holds the same affirming standard.

What to expect from virtual LGBTQ+ affirming therapy

Sessions happen by secure video. Choose the Virginia or North Carolina booking page, start with a consultation, and see whether the fit feels right. You need to be located in one of those states during your session, which is how our licenses work.

Online care also lets you pick a private spot that feels safe, which matters if you are not out to everyone in your household. Kaizen is the Japanese word for continuous improvement, and sessions follow that idea: small steps at a pace you set.

Kaizen is not a crisis service. If you need urgent help, call or text 988.

One-on-one telehealth therapy for adults navigating anxiety, stress, depression, life transitions, and relationship concerns. Availability varies by clinician, with some providers licensed to see clients in both Virginia and North Carolina. Choose a provider to book online.

Asrar Turja

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Justin Dixon

Maddie Meadows

Marteshia Jennings

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Torie Pendleton

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LGBTQ+ affirming therapy questions, answered

How do I know if a therapist is really LGBTQ+ affirming?

Listen for specifics. An affirming therapist uses your name and pronouns, asks open questions about your relationships, and never tries to change your orientation or identity. Ask how they work with LGBTQ+ adults and expect a real answer.

Can I see an affirming therapist if I am not out to my family?

Yes. Therapy is confidential within the limits of the law, and you decide what to share with anyone else.

How much does LGBTQ+ affirming therapy cost?

Fees, insurance, and sliding scale options vary by clinician, so ask during your consultation. Our intern program offers $25 sessions and a limited number of pro bono spots. Our guide to paying for therapy covers the options.

Do you offer therapy for LGBTQ+ teens?

No. Kaizen works with adults only. For a teen, look for a therapist who specializes in adolescents.

How long does affirming therapy take?

It depends on your goals. Some people come for a focused stretch and others stay longer, and you review progress with your clinician along the way.

Ready to start LGBTQ+ affirming therapy?

Book a consultation online

Pick a time that works and meet a clinician who is glad you are here. Kaizen serves adults across Virginia and North Carolina, with online sessions that fit around your week.

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