Therapy for the LGBTQIA Community in Northern Virginia
Counseling where you don't have to explain yourself first. Warm, trauma-informed support for teens and adults, offered in-person in Northern Virginia and by secure Telehealth anywhere in Virginia, in English or Spanish.
Takes about two minutes. No commitment. We reply within one business day.
Free 20-minute consultation
In-person in Herndon or Telehealth across Virginia
Walking and outdoor sessions available
Integrative Care
What affirming care means at NVMHC
Affirming care is more than a rainbow on a website. At NOVA Mental Health Counseling it means:
Your identity is never treated as the problem to be fixed.
We use the name and pronouns you give us, on the call and in our records.
You don't have to educate your counselor before you can get help.
We understand that minority stress, family rejection, and discrimination are real, and that you can also be here for something that has nothing to do with being LGBTQIA+.
We do not offer or support conversion therapy of any kind.
What people come to us for
Every person's reasons are their own. Common starting points include:
Anxiety, stress, and the exhaustion of always being "on guard"
Coming out, or deciding how, when, and to whom
Family relationships, chosen family, and navigating belonging
Life transitions, identity questions, and self-acceptance
Relationship and dating stress, including past hurt
Processing difficult or traumatic experiences at a pace that feels safe
You don't need a diagnosis, a crisis, or a "big enough" reason to start.
Frequently Asked Questions
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No. Many people come to explore, to figure out what they want, or to talk about something unrelated to being LGBTQIA+. You decide what to share and when.
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Yes. You don’t need to have it figured out to start. Many people come to counseling because they’re questioning, and we’ll never push you toward a label or an answer. Sessions are a private place to think out loud, work through what you’re feeling, and move at your own pace. You decide what to share and when, and if the answer changes over time, that’s okay too.
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We keep your information private and you choose how we contact you. If you plan to use insurance for reimbursement, the insurer may send statements to the policyholder, so ask us about this on the call.
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We can't promise perfection, but you're welcome to use the free consultation to ask anything, including how we handle identity, pronouns, and mistakes. If it doesn't feel right, you're free to walk away.
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Yes, we can provide letters of support. Please ask us during your consultation or intake session.
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20 minute consultations are free to ensure we are what you are looking for. Session rates vary by counselor, see their rates in their profiles linked below.
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We’re out-of-network, and we provide superbills so you can request reimbursement from your insurance company. Reimbursement varies by plan, so ask your provider today what your out-of-network mental health benefits cover.
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Collaborative, honest, and straightforward. We're here to guide the process, bring ideas to the table, and keep things moving. Click here or scroll down to learn more.
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Right now! Reach out today by filling out the form below and we will contact you asap to set up your consultation.
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Reach out today by filling out the form below and we will contact you asap to set up your consultation. We aim to respond quickly—usually within one business day.
How we work because your concerns and privacy matter.
We offer counseling grounded in approaches with research support, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills, and trauma-focused work such as EMDR, in a collaborative style. You set the pace. We don't push you to talk about anything before you're ready.
We know that for many people, not knowing where to start can prevent us from taking that uncomfortable first step. We are here to guide you like a helpful passenger in the car you are driving. We will provide insights and you decide if we keep going with it or shift elsewhere.
We know that for many people, being out is a decision to make on your own terms. Your information stays private, and you choose how we contact you: call, text, email, or only a particular email address or time of day. We will not leave a message that mentions therapy unless you tell us it's OK.
We aren't a crisis service and we don't treat every concern. If we're not the right fit, we'll help you find someone who is.
Work With Us
Sydney Jenish, Resident in Counseling
Identity Issues
Over Thinkers
Self-Critics
Chronic Illness
Teens 14+
Evening and Weekend Availability
Karina Garcia, Resident in Counseling
Trauma-focused
Immigration
Intergenerational Culture Issues
Cultural Identity Issues
Domestic Violence
In English or Spanish
Blake McDonald, M.Ed.
People Pleasing
ADHD
Focusing
Emotional Regulation
Self Worth
In Person availability starting soon