Therapy for the LGBTQIA Community in Northern Virginia
Counseling where you don't have to explain yourself first. Warm, trauma-informed support for adults, offered in person in Herndon 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.
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, 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 say so and help you find someone who is.
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