LGBTQ+ Therapy in Brooklyn, New York

Doctoral-level psychologists providing affirming, expert care for Brooklyn's LGBTQ+ community.

Watercolor illustration of a wooden coffee table with stacked books and a small plant

At Williamsburg Therapy Group, LGBTQ+ affirmative therapy goes beyond the label.

 

Many practices call themselves affirming. What that means in practice varies enormously. At WTG, affirmative therapy means our clinicians are versed in the language and terms used by LGBTQ+ communities, familiar with the minority stress model, and equipped to conceptualize and treat the comorbidities that disproportionately affect this population. It means your identity is not something to work around - it's central to the work.

 

LGBTQ+ Therapy for Brooklyn Residents Who Want Real Change


Since 2013, Williamsburg Therapy Group has provided LGBTQ+ affirming therapy to Brooklyn residents across Williamsburg, Greenpoint, and the wider borough. Every psychologist on our team holds a doctoral degree - PhD or PsyD - and is licensed to practice in New York State.

Brooklyn draws LGBTQ+ individuals from across the country and the world - many come for its legal protections, its communities, and the sense of safety it offers compared to other places. But that migration brings its own challenges: isolation from former social networks, the difficulty of building new meaningful connections, and the weight of navigating identity in a city that is both deeply affirming and relentlessly demanding.

Modern therapy office with a leather sofa, wooden desk, and panoramic city views through floor-to-ceiling windows

What Working With Us Actually Looks Like

Many practices call themselves affirming. What that means in practice varies enormously. At WTG, affirmative therapy means our clinicians are versed in the language and terms used by LGBTQ+ communities, familiar with the minority stress model, and equipped to conceptualize and treat the comorbidities that disproportionately affect this population. It means your identity is not something to work around - it's central to the work.

Before the First Session: Free Consultation

You'll speak with our patient coordinator before anything else. They'll learn about your situation and match you with the psychologist whose training, background, and approach align with what you need - including clinicians who share your identity where that matters to you.

First Session: Building Your Foundation

The first session is a conversation. Your psychologist's priority is to understand what's brought you in - whether that's something identity-specific or something that has nothing to do with your LGBTQ+ identity at all. There's no agenda here beyond understanding you clearly and beginning to build a therapeutic relationship that feels genuinely safe.

Ongoing Sessions: Working Toward Your Goals

Sessions draw from CBT, psychodynamic approaches, and the minority stress framework - the balance shifts depending on what you're working on. Some clients come in with identity-specific concerns; others come in with anxiety, depression, or relationship difficulties that happen to exist within an LGBTQ+ context. Both are valid, and both are treated with the same clinical depth. Sessions run 45–50 minutes.



"Coming out is a nuanced process - there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Each relationship and social context carries a different balance of risks. These factors shift across time as a person builds new communities and becomes more comfortable with their identity."
 

Common reasons LGBTQ+ clients come to therapy at WTG

 

The LGBTQ+ population experiences the highest mental health disparities of any demographic. Common presentations include mood disorders, anxiety, substance use, trauma, and the cumulative toll of minority stress. Our clinicians are trained to treat these transdiagnostically - understanding how identity-related stressors interact with and shape clinical presentations.

 

Exploring Identity

Identity is not a fixed destination. Our psychologists provide a safe, unhurried space for clients exploring sexual orientation or gender identity - without assumptions about where that exploration should lead.

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 Coming Out

Coming out is different for every person and every relationship. We help clients navigate the process at their own pace, weighing the psychological costs of concealment against the real risks that can come with visibility in different contexts.

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Family Rejection and Estrangement

Few things are as painful as being rejected by family because of who you are. We help clients process that grief, rebuild their sense of self, and - where appropriate - navigate the possibility of repair.

 Minority Stress and Political Anxiety

Political anxiety has become acutely elevated in the LGBTQ+ community as rights and livelihoods have come under increasing threat. We help clients manage the psychological weight of living in a climate where their identity is contested.

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 Trauma and Discrimination

Experiences of discrimination, harassment, and violence leave lasting marks. Our clinicians are trained to treat trauma within an LGBTQ+ context, understanding how minority stress compounds and shapes traumatic experience.

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 Relationship and Intimacy

Queer relationships exist within unique social and cultural contexts that general couples therapy often doesn't account for. We work with LGBTQ+ individuals and couples on intimacy, communication, and the specific dynamics that shape queer partnerships.

 Depression and Anxiety

Mood and anxiety disorders occur at significantly higher rates among LGBTQ+ individuals, rooted in minority stress, family rejection, or self-concealment — addressed through evidence-based approaches targeting their actual causes.

 Faith and Identity Conflicts

When religious or cultural beliefs create conflict with a client's LGBTQ+ identity, we don't resolve that tension for them — we help them find their own path to integrating all aspects of who they are, fully respected in the process..

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 Dating App Exhaustion and Social Isolation

Skyrocketing rates of rejection through dating and hook-up apps have had a measurable impact on mental health in the LGBTQ+ community. We help clients understand what's affecting them and rebuild a healthier relationship with connection and intimacy.

You don't need to be in crisis to come to LGBTQ+ affirming therapy. Many clients come in simply because they want a space where they don't have to explain themselves from scratch.
 

Common Questions About the Process

Meet Our LGBTQ+ Therapists in Brooklyn

 

Our Brooklyn office is home to experienced therapists who specialize in LGBTQ+ affirming care. Each therapist holds active New York State licensure and brings unique expertise to their practice.

Dr. Sarah England, PhD

Dr. Sarah England, PhD

Licensed Psychologist

Dr. England is a licensed clinical psychologist at Williamsburg Therapy Group with specialized training in neuropsychology, offering LGBTQ+ affirming care for individuals with ADHD and other cognitive or psychiatric conditions. She focuses on assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of memory, attention, and broader brain behavior functioning.

Dr. Jessica Chelsky, PsyD

Dr. Jessica Chelsky, PsyD

Licensed Psychologist

Dr. Chelsky is a licensed clinical psychologist providing LGBTQ+ affirming therapy and assessments for children, adolescents, and adults. She works with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, identity development, and life transitions, offering warm, respectful care that supports each client’s unique identity and lived experience.

Dr. Charles Burton, PhD

Dr. Charles Burton, PhD

Licensed Psychologist

Dr. Chuck Burton is a licensed psychologist who brings an active, pragmatic, and person-centered approach to therapy with individuals and couples. Sessions infuse psychological science with a therapeutic relationship that is supportive, collaborative, and authentic.


Why Brooklyn Residents Choose Williamsburg Therapy Group

  • Trusted by the Brooklyn community since 2013
  • Doctoral-level psychologists and psychiatrists only - PhD and PsyD
  • 50+ clinicians on staff
  • LGBTQ+ identified clinicians on staff
  • Clinicians trained in the minority stress model and LGBTQ+ specific comorbidities
  • LGBTQ+ affirming and multiculturally competent practice
  • Evening and weekend appointments available
  • Multicultural competence
  • Free initial consultation and careful therapist matching
Illustration of two people shaking hands with a signed document in the background, symbolizing trust and agreement

Visit Our Office in Brooklyn

Our Brooklyn office is located at 109 N 12th St, Suites 503, 507, 701 & 702, in the heart of Williamsburg. We're easily accessible from Manhattan and all Brooklyn neighborhoods.

Getting Here:

Subway: L train to Bedford Ave (5-minute walk)
Bus: B62, B32 stops nearby
Parking: Street parking available; parking garage
The office is on the 5th floor of a modern building with elevator access
 

Our Therapists in Leading Publications

Our doctoral-level psychologists are recognized experts in their fields, regularly consulted by leading national and international publications for their clinical insights. When major media outlets need expert perspectives on mental health, they turn to our Brooklyn-based team.

 

Dr. Phoebe Shepherd quoted on the psychology of why we get "the ick"

Read Article →

time logo
 

Dr. Selling was interviewed about workplace mental health trends

Read Article →

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Dr. Selling was interviewed about parenting a young child

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WTG-CNN-Logo

Additional Publications

New York Post  |  SELF  |  WebMD

 

 
 

Other areas of expertise.

 

Feeling better is closer than you think

We are here to help you no matter where you are at emotionally and want to pair you with a professional that cares and can help.

Book an Appointment

Williamsburg Therapy Group Office with couch

How Insurance and Payment Work for Brooklyn Residents

 

We are an out-of-network provider, with select post-doctoral therapists accepting United Healthcare and Aetna plans. Brooklyn patients with out-of-network benefits can file reimbursement claims at no cost through Reimbursify, which handles the entire process from submission to payment.

Our patient coordinator will verify your coverage and explain expected costs before your first session.

 
 
 

Common Questions About LGBTQ+ Therapy in Brooklyn

What Our Clients Say About WTG LGBTQ+ Therapy

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“Dr. Jessica Chelsky has been an incredible support in my journey. She created a safe, affirming space where I felt fully seen and understood, and helped me navigate challenges with confidence and clarity.” – Alex M., Brooklyn resident

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“Dr. Rose Howell has been an amazing support. She creates a genuinely affirming and safe space, and has helped me navigate my identity and relationships with much more confidence.” – Jordan K., Brooklyn resident

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Dr. Sarah has been incredibly supportive throughout my journey. She creates a safe, affirming space and helps me feel more confident and comfortable in myself.” – Taylor R., Brooklyn resident
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“Dr. Mazetto was very warm and competent in her clinical care. I highly recommend her. Beautiful office space.” – Renata M., Brooklyn resident

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“WTG has beautiful office spaces and also skilled therapists. Dr. Camilla Mazetto, who is very warm and competent in her clinical care, helped me a lot.” – Ligia F., Brooklyn resident

 

Take the First Step Toward Change

Better mental health begins with one step. Our Brooklyn therapists are ready to help - and most clients are seen within one week.

  1. Schedule Your Free Consultation
    • 15-minute call with our patient coordinator
    • We'll match you with the right Brooklyn therapist
  1. Call Us Directly
  1. Book Online
    • Browse therapist profiles and book your preferred appointment

Other Therapy Services We Offer in Brooklyn

Couples

Watercolor illustration of two armchairs and a coffee table with a plant and cup, creating a welcoming sitting area

Couples

Our highly skilled therapists can help you develop the tools to deepen and strengthen your relationship by fostering communication, trust, and understanding. Learn how to lovingly resolve conflicts, rebuild intimacy, and grow together through life’s challenges.

Family

Watercolor illustration of a cozy three-seat couch with a plant and clock on a side table

Family

Create a more peaceful and harmonious family dynamic with family therapy. Learn how to skillfully manage communication breakdowns, conflict, and life transitions while building empathy and understanding.

Child

Watercolor illustration of a child playing with building blocks and a stuffed bunny toy

Child

Give your child the support they need to overcome life’s challenges with strength, resilience, and compassion for self and others. Our caring team is ready to meet your child where they are and help them skillfully navigate the road ahead.

Individual

Watercolor illustration of a cozy armchair with a plant, representing a calm and welcoming therapy space

Individual

Individual therapy, otherwise known as psychotherapy, is the process of meeting one-on-one with a provider to address different struggles.

 

About Williamsburg Therapy Group

Founded in 2013, Williamsburg Therapy Group is a mental health collective that provides the very best comprehensive mental healthcare to the Brooklyn community. We have thoughtfully curated a team of over 50 multidisciplinary doctors so that you can come to one place for most of your mental healthcare needs. We select only the most highly trained doctor-level therapists who are warm, professional, relatable, and proactive as they work with you.

 

Additional Resources

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Cultivating Mutual Respect in a Relationship, and Why it's Important

Mutual respect in a relationship means valuing your partner as an equal and treating them with dignity. This is a...

 

Feeling better is closer than you think.

We are here to help you no matter where you are at emotionally and want to pair you with a professional that cares and can help.

 

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT

Williamsburg Therapy Group Office and Chair