10 Queer-Friendly Therapists in the GTA
Why Choose a Queer-Friendly Therapist?
Choosing a queer-friendly therapist means seeking someone who not only understands the technical aspects of therapy but also deeply appreciates the unique struggles and strengths within the LGBTQ+ community. This type of therapist provides a compassionate, safe space where you can truly explore your identity, navigate challenges, and heal from past wounds. The goal is to help you move forward with clarity and confidence in all aspects of your life.
✅ Explore your identity without fear of judgment
✅ Process trauma from discrimination or marginalization
✅ Navigate relationship complexities and life transitions
✅ Build confidence, resilience, and a deeper self-awareness
Here’s a list of 10 queer-friendly therapists in the GTA who are committed to supporting the LGBTQ+ community.
10 Queer Friendly Therapists in the GTA
1. Julieta Melano Zittermann, MA, RP(Q)
Website: kmatherapy.com
Location: 2 Bloor Street West, 7th Floor, Toronto, ON M4Y 2B6
Contact: +1 416-487-6288
About:
Julieta is a compassionate therapist specializing in trauma, attachment, anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges. She offers a safe and affirming space for LGBTQ+ individuals and uses evidence-based modalities to support her clients in building resilience and creating lasting change.
Expertise:
- Trauma, attachment, anxiety, depression
- Relationship challenges, career transitions, and stress management
Background:
- Uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Internal Family Systems (IFS)
- Creates a supportive environment for clients to feel comfortable and empowered
Treatments Offered:
- Tailored, evidence-based approaches to address mental health challenges and life transitions
2. Brad Garrison, RP
Website: healingpaththerapy.ca
Location: 22 Leaden Hall Drive, East Gwillimbury, ON
Contact: +1 647-250-7405
About:
Brad Garrison specializes in sex therapy, couples counseling, and works with LGBTQ+ and marginalized communities. He supports clients in overcoming communication barriers, sexual dysfunction, trauma, and relationship challenges. Brad creates a safe, supportive environment to explore these vulnerable topics and fosters growth and transformation.
Expertise:
- Sex therapy, couples/marriage counseling
- Works with LGBTQ+, BIPOC, poly, and kink communities
Background:
- Addresses sexual and relational issues such as anxiety, infidelity, and trauma healing
Treatments Offered:
- Focuses on sexual satisfaction, relationship reconnection, and emotional healing
Website: rainbowcounselling.ca
Location: 895 Don Mills Rd., Two Morneau Shepell Centre, Suite 900, Toronto, ON M3C 1W3, Canada
Contact: +1 289-278-8778 | info@rainbowcounselling.ca
About:
XT Belcastro (they/them) is a registered psychotherapist with lived experience of mental health challenges. They offer affirming, trauma-informed, and anti-oppressive care to 2SLGBTQ+ individuals, couples, and families.
Expertise:
- Specializes in sexuality and gender exploration
- Experienced with relationship challenges, trauma, and self-worth
- Supports clients dealing with self-harm, sexual abuse, and attachment wounds
Background:
XT has extensive experience addressing mental health gaps in 2SLGBTQ+ communities, working with clients at all stages of identity exploration.
Treatments Offered:
They take a strengths-based, relational, and person-centered approach, integrating trauma-informed care and queering traditional therapy practices to create safe, authentic spaces for clients.
4. Holly Elizabeth Naraine, RP (Qualifying)
Website: positivespaceconsulting.ca
Location: Available online only
Contact: +1 647-370-0451
About:
Holly is a proud Black-Biracial queer femme with Caribbean ancestry. She specializes in supporting teens and young adults navigating the intersection of their racial and queer identities, particularly those in the early stages of exploring their LGBTQ+ identity. Holly provides an environment where clients feel safe to embrace vulnerability and build confidence.
Expertise:
- LGBTQ+ identity exploration
- Navigating racial and queer identity conflict
- Supporting teens and young adults
Background:
- Offers affordable virtual sessions through a sliding scale program
- Focuses on grounding and experiential approaches to therapy
Treatments Offered:
- Creates a supportive, non-traditional therapeutic environment for self-discovery and growth
5. Sawyer Johnson, MSW, RSW
Website: https://positivespaceconsulting.ca/sawyer-johnson
Location: Available online only
Contact: +1 437-372-5463
About:
Sawyer is a queer, transgender, non-binary therapist who is passionate about connecting deeply with the queer and trans community. They offer a safe space for individuals navigating the complexities of LGBTQ+ identity and polyamory, while challenging oppressive systems within mental health care.
Expertise:
- LGBTQ+ and transgender identity exploration
- Polyamory support
- Creating safe, grounding therapeutic spaces
Background:
- Holds a Bachelor and Master of Social Work from the University of Calgary
- Focuses on relational and person-centered therapy
Treatments Offered:
- Online sessions tailored to the needs of queer, trans, and polyamorous individuals
6. William Koné, MA, RP
Website: https://bloompsychologyto.com/william-kone
Location: Available online only
Contact: +1 437-984-1787
About:
William Kone is a therapist who works with LGBTQ+ and racialized individuals, as well as couples, to address communication, self-esteem, and emotional challenges. With a focus on Narrative Therapy and Emotion-Focused Therapy, he empowers clients to navigate identity, personal growth, and relationship issues.
Expertise:
- LGBTQ+ identity exploration
- Communication skills and conflict resolution in relationships
- Racial identity challenges
Background:
- Focuses on helping clients redefine their relationships with personal challenges, particularly intersectional identities.
Treatments Offered:
- Narrative Therapy and Emotion-Focused Therapy for individuals and couples
7. Noni Vatish, MSW, RSW, RPCAT
Website: https://www.noni-vatish.com
Location: Available both in-person and online, Kitchener, ON
Contact: +1 (289) 301-5965
About:
Noni Vatish (she/her) is a queer South Asian Art Therapist and Social Worker specializing in supporting individuals facing mental health struggles, trauma, addiction, and race-based challenges. She blends Social Work and Art Therapy with lived experience to create a safe and empowering space for healing.
Expertise:
- Trauma-informed therapy
- Art Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Substance use, anxiety, and depression
Background:
- Education in Social Work and Art Therapy
- Experience in harm reduction and sexual violence support
Treatments Offered:
- Art Therapy
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
- Strengths-Based and Trauma-Informed Approaches
8. Levana Lam, MEd, RP, CCC
Website: https://www.levanalamtherapy.com/
Location: 1529 Danforth Avenue, Toronto, ON M4J
Contact: (647) 560-8021
About:
Levana Lam (they/them) is a queer, neurodivergent, second-generation Chinese Canadian therapist, dedicated to supporting individuals facing mental health challenges, trauma, or identity struggles. With a trauma-informed, strength-based, and collaborative approach, Levana helps clients craft new narratives rooted in resilience, strength, and courage.
Expertise:
- Trauma and mental health
- Identity exploration (gender, sexuality, cultural)
- Family issues and substance use
Background:
- Personal experience as a queer, neurodivergent individual
- Extensive work with teens, university students, and low-income adults
Treatments Offered:
- Individual psychotherapy
- LGBTQ+ positive, POC-friendly
- Flexible, non-judgmental support
9. Ken McIntosh, BSW, MSW, RSW
Website: Kaleidoscope Counselling Co.
Location: Available online only
Contact: (844) 591-9892
About:
Ken McIntosh (he/him) specializes in supporting preteens, teens, and adults with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, anger, LGBTQ+ identity, and problem behaviors (e.g., gaming, porn, internet use). His eclectic approach incorporates DBT and CBT to help clients manage difficult emotions and thought patterns, empowering them to heal and thrive.
Expertise:
- Anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem
- LGBTQ+ identity and coming out
- Problem behaviors and self-harm
Treatments Offered:
- Online individual therapy
- DBT and CBT-based skills training
- LGBTQ+ and POC-friendly
10. Gavin Bejaimal, MSW, RSW
Website: https://positivespaceconsulting.ca/gavin-bejaimal
Contact: (437) 529-4543
Location: Online only
About:
Gavin Bejaimal *they/he) is a neurodivergent, Indo-Caribbean, queer therapist focused on exploring how identity, culture, and mental health intersect. They aim to help clients authentically understand themselves, recognizing the importance of lived experience in the therapeutic journey. Gavin provides a safe space for those seeking meaningful connections with their therapist.
Expertise:
- Trauma-informed therapy
- Identity exploration (gender, sexuality, racialization)
- Life transitions, grief, and relational issues
- Navigating complex experiences of oppression
Treatments Offered:
- Eclectic approaches including IFS, EFT, DBT, somatic practices, and mindfulness
- Open to integrating alternative tools (astrology, tarot)
- LGBTQ+, neurodivergent, and culturally sensitive therapy
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Choosing the Right Queer Therapist
Finding the right queer therapist can feel like a daunting task, but it’s also one of the most important decisions you’ll make on your mental health journey. A therapist who understands your unique struggles, values, and experiences can make all the difference in your healing process. Here are key tips for choosing the therapist who best aligns with your needs:
1. Prioritize Affirming Practices
An affirming therapist goes beyond tolerance—they validate and support your queer identity. Look for therapists who specialize in working with LGBTQ+ individuals and integrate their understanding into their therapeutic practices. This ensures that your identity isn’t just accepted—it’s respected and celebrated.
2. Seek Shared Lived Experiences
While not a requirement, having a therapist who shares similar lived experiences can deepen the therapeutic connection. A therapist who understands the nuances of queer life or intersects with your identity—be it as a BIPOC individual, neurodivergent person, or a member of the queer community—often offers a unique and relatable perspective.
3. Look for an Intersectional Approach
Your identity is multifaceted, and a good queer therapist will recognize how your race, culture, gender, and sexuality shape your experiences. Seek a therapist who approaches therapy through an intersectional lens, understanding how various aspects of your identity impact your mental health.
4. Ensure Trauma-Informed Care
For many queer individuals, the journey to self-acceptance can be complicated by past trauma. A trauma-informed therapist recognizes the impact of such experiences and approaches your healing process with sensitivity and respect, creating a safe and compassionate space for you to explore your trauma without retraumatization.
5. Comfort and Safety Matter
Your therapeutic space should be one where you feel truly seen and heard. Does the therapist create an environment where you can openly discuss your fears, struggles, and triumphs? The relationship with your therapist should feel safe, allowing you to explore deeply personal issues, such as coming out or navigating gender identity, without fear of judgment.
6. Consider Logistics
When selecting a therapist, also consider practical factors. Availability is key—look for someone who offers flexible scheduling options and a format (in-person or online) that fits your needs. It’s also important to ensure their rates are affordable or if they offer sliding scale pricing, which can help make therapy more accessible to everyone.
By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be better equipped to find a therapist who not only understands your queer identity but is also prepared to guide you on your healing journey in a way that feels authentic, safe, and empowering.
7. Dive Into Their Background and Specializations
Not every queer therapist is cut from the same cloth. Explore their unique qualifications and expertise to find someone who truly resonates with your needs. Whether you're seeking support with mental health, relationship challenges, or gender identity, find a therapist whose experience directly speaks to your personal struggles for a more customized therapeutic experience.
8. Make Sure They're Comfortable with Tough Conversations
Navigating issues like gender dysphoria, societal discrimination, or internalized homophobia can be tough. It’s vital to have a therapist who handles these heavy topics with grace and confidence. The right therapist won’t shy away from these crucial discussions, allowing you to speak your truth without fear of judgment.
9. Check How They Address Family Dynamics
For many queer individuals, family dynamics can be a major hurdle—especially if your family doesn’t fully understand or accept your identity. It’s important to find a therapist skilled in helping clients navigate family challenges, whether that’s through family therapy or guidance on coping with rejection. Find someone who can help you heal these important relationships.
10. Ensure They’re Flexible with Treatment Approaches
Not every healing journey looks the same, and your therapist should recognize that. Seek someone who offers flexibility in treatment styles—whether it’s traditional therapy, art therapy, mindfulness techniques, or other modalities. The best therapists know that diverse methods can lead to powerful breakthroughs, so find one who’s adaptable to your specific needs.
Find the Right Queer Therapist with KMA Therapy
At KMA Therapy, we believe in creating a safe, inclusive space where you can feel comfortable and supported in exploring your mental health journey. Our experienced therapists are here to listen, validate your experiences, and provide personalized care that respects your identity.
Start your healing journey today with a therapist who truly understands you—because your story matters at KMA Therapy.
