LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapy Near Me in Pittsburgh

At Cristina Panaccione and Associates Counseling, we believe that everyone deserves to feel respected, safe, and supported—regardless of how they identify. That’s why we offer LGBTQ+ affirming therapy for individuals across the Pittsburgh region, including Bethel Park, Settlers Ridge, Crafton, Mt. Lebanon, and beyond through secure telehealth sessions.

Many of our clients come to us carrying the weight of rejection, misunderstanding, or harm experienced in spaces that should have offered love and acceptance. Whether you’re facing the pain of family conflict, grappling with identity questions, or recovering from trauma, you deserve a therapeutic relationship built on trust, compassion, and affirmation.

Kelly Schworn, LPC, is one of our dedicated therapists providing affirming care to teens, young adults, and LGBTQIA+ individuals. Kelly holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health and brings warmth, experience, and bilingual support (English and Spanish) to her work. She specializes in trauma, maternal mental health, and relationship challenges, and uses person-centered and cognitive behavioral approaches to foster insight, growth, and resilience.

What You Might Explore in LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapy

In therapy with Kelly—or any of our affirming therapists—you might:

• Talk through your experiences with family, culture, or religion – Kelly creates space to process the complex emotions that arise when your identity is at odds with cultural or familial expectations. Whether you’re feeling guilt, anger, grief, or confusion, therapy helps you unpack these experiences in a nonjudgmental environment.
• Explore gender, sexual identity, or coming out in a way that feels safe – Whether you’re questioning your identity or navigating the coming-out process, therapy offers a space to explore your truth on your terms. Kelly helps clients develop language for self-expression and the confidence to share when and how it feels right.
• Process emotional or sexual trauma with support and compassion – Many LGBTQ+ individuals have experienced trauma that still echoes in daily life. Kelly approaches trauma healing with sensitivity and care—guiding clients to understand their responses, regain safety, and restore trust in themselves and others.
• Learn skills to manage anxiety, mood swings, or self-doubt –  Kelly works collaboratively to help you build personalized tools to manage emotional fluctuations, overwhelm, or critical self-talk—so you can feel more grounded and in control.
• Reconnect with your values and define your own path forward –  Affirming therapy helps you clarify who you are outside of others’ expectations. Whether you’re reimagining your future or healing from years of suppression, this work helps align your life with what matters most to you.
• Work through relationship stress or communication issues – Kelly supports clients navigating dating, friendships, family dynamics, and community connections. Therapy helps you improve communication, set boundaries, and build more fulfilling relationships.

Begin LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapy Near Pittsburgh

Whether you live in Bethel Park, Settlers Ridge, Crafton, Mt. Lebanon, or anywhere across Pennsylvania, LGBTQ+ affirming therapy is available to you—either in-person or through secure telehealth sessions. At CPA Counseling, we’re here to walk with you through healing, identity exploration, and personal empowerment. Reach out today to schedule your first session and start a journey rooted in compassion, clarity, and pride.