Therapy Services in New York

lgbtqia  Therapy

LGBTQIA+ Therapy

People within the LGBTQIA+ community deal with a whole set of experiences that revolve around an entirely different world axis than those not within the community. Therapy tailored to address these specialized issues is important for effectively being understood and working toward resolution.

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Identity Exploration

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Sexuality & Gender Affirming

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Compassionate and Non-judgemental

Address Identity Issues

Whether you know exactly who you are or are still trying to figure it out, specialized LGBTQIA+ therapy creates a safe space to address all matters surrounding sexual orientation and gender identity. If you’re struggling in your relationships with others or yourself, don’t wait to reach out for help. 

Leaving LGBTQIA+ Issues Unaddressed Can Result In:

  • Inability to work, go to school, or engage in self-care
  • Difficulty in relationships or taking care of children
  • Increased risk of health issues
  • Increased risk of hospitalization
  • Increased risk of suicide

Don’t wait. Schedule Your Consultation Today

Meet Michael Cruz


Mental Health Counselor

Michael is a New York based LP-Mental Health Counselor. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Psychological Sciences and Communication from the University of Connecticut, and his Master’s degree in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Columbia University. Michael utilizes an integrative approach to counseling based in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and informed by Multicultural and Feminist Therapy, Person Centered Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and DBT. In utilizing these modalities, he provides a safe and nurturing space for all clients to heal. Michael’s approach is rooted in a collaborative relationship with each client so that the process of healing is uniquely tailored to each individual wherein they can feel empowered to make meaningful and sustained change in their lives.

Michael has experience working with a diverse array of populations such as adults, teens, couples, college students, recent college graduates, immigrants, Spanish speaking, and international clients. Michael also has experience working with issues related to trauma, sexual assault, infidelity, depression, anxiety, ADHD, relationship challenges, LGBTQIA+ issues, as well as multicultural and identity issues. He is very experienced working with queer (LGBTQIA+) populations as well as BIPOC communities. Michael’s experiences as a therapist have included work with couples, children over the age of 14, teenagers, young adults, adults, and recently retired clients.

 

Virtual Mental Health Therapy Tailored For Your Comfort

Contact us to start therapy conducted through technological means for your convenience.

Online therapy at Avena Psychological Services

Video Call Therapy

Online therapy conducted via Zoom. Video meetings allow you to see your therapist from the comfort of your preferred location.

Phone therapy at Avena Psychological Services

Phone Call Therapy

Full service therapy conducted via a phone call. Have full conversation with your therapist without the need to be seen.

Concierge therapy at Avena Psychological Services

Concierge Therapy

Personal appointments can be tailored to special locations through a prior approved agreement with Dr. Avena.

We hope to make your mental health journey as easy as possible by accepting the below insurances. 

Aetna logo
BlueCross BlueShield logo

Getting Ready For Change

After your scheduled consultation has been completed, you will be emailed onboarding documents needed for officially starting therapy. Completing these documents with accurate information is the first step to getting ready for change.

Some people feel more nervous about scheduling a consultation than others. In order to feel more confident, there are things you can do to get your mind psychologically prepped for your consultation. Whether or not you come to the consultation with prepped notes, your therapist will ask you questions to ascertain your goals for therapy. If you would like a tool to bring for more consultation confidence, consider bringing notes on the bullet points below.

In order to prepare for this consultation, here are a few things you can do (this is optional):

  • Ask yourself why you are seeking therapy. Write some bullet points down, about 2 to 4, to be briefly discussed during your consultation.
  • Name about 2 to 4 feelings you are struggling with.
  • Write 2 to 4 things you are wanting to accomplish from therapy.

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