Discover Your True Self in a Space Where Fear Turns into Confidence
Our LGBTQ+ affirmative therapy provides a safe space where you are met with empathy, understanding, and deep respect for your identity. Finding the right LGBTQIA+ therapist/LGBTQ+ counselor can be the first step on your therapeutic journey.
Affirmative Therapy & Consulting
LGBTQ+ affirmative therapy is what Sunny Days is all about. We specialized in mental health support for LGBTQ individuals. Our work address the specific emotional, social, and psychological challenges that members of the LGBTQ community face. Whether you’re dealing with societal expectations, exploring your gender identity, or managing stress from relationships, LGBTQ-friendly therapists create a safer and more understanding environment.
LGBTQ individuals often face challenges that cisgender and heterosexual folks may do not experience. Having a queer therapist that affirms your identity allows you the space to process without judgement. Whether it’s supporting you in coming out, addressing symptoms of anxiety or depression, or managing relationships. Queer affirming therapy will acknowledge the unique intersections of your identity and mental health. It’s not just about addressing issues—it’s about affirming your entire self, promoting self-acceptance, and finding healthy ways to thrive.
Many people seek LGBTQ+ mental health support for help with specific issues that might be difficult to discuss elsewhere. These include:
With the right consulting support, affirmative therapy can empower you to overcome challenges, strengthen your sense of self, and improve your mental health. Key therapeutic approaches include:
At Sunny Days Psychotherapy, Ariel/Ari, is a licensed clinical social worker and therapist, provides caring support to individuals on their personal journeys. With a strong focus on social justice, she helps clients explore their gender identity, manage anxiety, and improve relationships in a safe and respectful environment. Ari specializes in empowering LGBTQ+ clients, including transgender and queer individuals and high school students, helping them fully embrace and thrive in their identities.
Yes, I accept BCBS PPO plans.
Each plan is different, but I always recommend you call the number on the back of your card and inquire about your plan (either listed as mental health or behavioral health). My biller will also run a benefit check through a system called Availity (after you send in a photo of the front and back of your insurance card) and that information will be shared with you.
The electronic health system I use, Simple Practice, has a client portal. This is where you will complete all paperwork. It is also where you can add a credit card and I can enroll you in autopay. You are able to change/update the card at any time through the portal, as well as look at statements. You can also write a check payable to Sunny Days, LLC.
Yes, as long as you do not have any Medicaid policies, I do offer a sliding scale. I use a calculator that takes household income, number of dependents, and a few other factors into consideration.
You may have out-of-network benefits that allow you to submit to your insurance. I can provide you with a "superbill" (fancy receipt) to seek reimbursement. If you choose this option, the fee for an intake will be $205 and subsequent sessions will be $190.
Sessions are 50 minutes long and typically occur once a week, especially at the start of treatment. Frequency can increase or decrease depending on need, most commonly being an eventual reduction to sessions every other week.
In the initial intake appointment, we will discuss the reasons you sought treatment and explore potential goals. I will ask some general questions in order to gather information and you can ask me any questions you have as well.
No, currently I am fully remote and only offer teletherapy services.
Parent involvement depends on a variety of factors including the desires of your child as well as my therapeutic recommendations. During the intake session, I would prefer a parent(s) to be present, but I will also ask for some time to meet with your child individually. Generally for all sessions following, I will meet with your teen individually with parental collaboration as needed. I am happy to answer more specific questions about what this may look like.
Everything you say in therapy remains between you and I. There are only a few exceptions in which I have a legal obligation to breach confidentiality. This includes sharing any plans to end your life or harm someone else. I may also need to report certain circumstances in which someone is harming you. I can clarify what actions I would be required to take in any specific situation and you will always be a part of any decisions surrounding this.
No, I cannot prescribe medication, but I do collaborate with psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, and physicians as needed and with your consent. I can also share referrals of prescribers if this is something you are interested in.
I always do a brief 10 minute screening call to ensure I am a good fit for your needs. After that, we can schedule an intake appointment and I will send a link to complete consent forms and paperwork via Simple Practice’s client portal.
