I am often asked for therapist referrals in the Dallas/Denton area, so I thought I would make a post with my favorite professionals in the area. This list will be updated from time to time, so please feel free to leave any referrals or suggestions in the comments below.
All of the people and clinics posted here are recommended either from my own personal/professional contact with them, or from direct recommendations by people I know.
Feleshia Porter works in North Dallas, and is a fantastic source of support for individuals and couples, particularly for folks who are gender-nonconforming and for those in alternative relationships. Her office environment is really interesting and comfortable, and even one meeting with her can be incredibly helpful and affirming. She doesn’t take insurance, but offers necessary documentation for insurance reimbursement.
Dr. Lisa Hensley at Iris Psychological Service is an all-around amazing human and excellent psychologist working out of Arlington. She is dedicated to social justice, and specializes in working with folks from marginalized populations. She can do assessments, therapy, consultation, and education (she’s a former professor). She takes Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Humana, and Cigna, and can provide documentation if you need reimbursement from any other insurance companies.
Dr. Kyle Erwin is a highly knowledgeable and affirming clinician in Denton. His clinical training sites have included collegiate, community centers, and VA Hospitals. He specializes in the assessment and treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), other trauma related disorders, couple distress, substance use disorders, family psychotherapy, and LGBQ and Trans communities. He accepts Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Magellan, Aetna, Galaxy, and Medicare, and can provide documentation for out-of-network reimbursement.
Ruby B. Johnson is a social worker and chemical dependency counselor in Plano. She is a lot of fun, very kind and supportive. She specializes in substance abuse treatment, anxiety, depression, grief, and personal growth. She works with individuals, couples, and court-ordered clients, and is a certified Interactions Coach Practitioner. No insurance, but can give you documentation for reimbursement.
Dr. Erin Hammond is in McKinney, and is a licensed psychologist who can do assessments, therapy, and consultation. She’s incredibly gentle and kind-hearted, and is one of the best listeners I’ve ever met. She is very client-centered and works with a variety of populations, including gender-variant folks and people in alternative relationships. She takes Blue Cross/Blue Shield and private pay. Her website also has a comprehensive list of resources that are worth checking out.
Shawn Chrisman is in Dallas, near 75 and Walnut Hill. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor who specializes in therapy for people with non-traditional sexual and relationship styles. He’s super affirming and has a very comfortable and calm demeanor. I know him professionally, and have heard good things from others who’ve worked with him.
Zandra Ellis is enthusiastic and passionate about her work, and enjoys working with all kinds of folks. She works only with substance abuse clients, and approaches individual, group, and family therapy from a gender- and orientation-affirming lens. She also does life coaching, African American and LGBTQ community-based work and is an excellent resource on trauma and DBT.
Dr Elizabeth Zedaran is a licensed psychologist in Richardson. She treats a variety of issues and is affirming of diverse identities and non-mainstream spiritual practices.
Dr. Steve Tankersley is a psychiatrist in Dallas (OakLawn area). He provides psychotherapy services and pharmacological management. He is affirming of identity/orientation, and specializes in chronic pain management.
Elizabeth Newsom is a clinical social worker offering therapy services in Dallas and in Plano. She specializes in depression, anxiety, relationship issues, spirituality, sexuality, and personal growth.
Renee Baker is a Trans-identified licensed professional counselor in Dallas; she has a long background working with young people and families, and is a dedicated social justice advocate. Renee is also a licensed massage therapist.
CeCe Dorough is a fantastic therapist in Dallas, and is affordable for clients paying out of pocket. She also takes insurance and can help with reimbursement documentation if you need that. She specializes in a variety of issues, and is affirming of alternative sexualities and lifestyles.
Don Greever is a licensed professional counselor in Dallas specializing in trauma, as well as other issues such as anxiety, depression, and interpersonal violence. Affirming of identity/orientation.
The University of North Texas Psychology Clinic (Denton) is open to the community on a sliding scale. This is a very affordable and reputable option. Clients work with trainee therapists who are under the supervision of faculty. The program is accredited by the American Psychological Association, and the clinicians there are generally very competent.
Richland Oaks Counseling Center is located in Richardson, and is affiliated with Argosy University. They are also a training clinic, and are affordable and accessible, with clinicians offering services in a number of different languages.
Dr. Marlys Lamar is a psychologist in Denton offering a variety of treatment approaches and specialties. She is dedicated to safe space and is affirming of all identities. She does not take insurance but offers sliding scale and insurance documentation.
Dr. Edita Ruzgyte is a counselor, educator, and AASECT certified sex therapist in Fort Worth. She sees individuals, couples, and families.
Elizabeth Gehrman is a marriage and family therapist in Forth Worth with over ten years of experience. Accepts most forms of insurance.
Peter Kahle is a doctor and faith based therapist, who is affirming of other identities and supportive of atheist/agnostic clients.
Julie Cross has over 20 years experience ranging from career counseling services to psychopharmacology and cognitive based treatments.
Aaron Brown specializes in treatment of the whole person, their values, relationships, and physical fitness as well as mental health.
Susie Hair serves the Dallas area with specialties in eating disorders and substance abuse.
Michael Salas primarily serves gay men and has extensive experience treating sex addiction, gender questioning individuals and their families, and also leads group therapy sessions dealing with shame and vulnerability.
Dr. Sherry Huey specializes in emotional disorders, sleep disorders, and ADHD.
Dr. Suresh Sureddi researching bipolar disorder and specializing in treatment for a range of emotional and sleep disorders.
Patrick Young has over 30 years experience treating children and adolescents with depression and ADHD and is LGBT affirming.
Lee Kinsey is a relationship counselor and sex therapist specializing in LGBT relationships, transgender services, and mood disorders.
Paulette Lee is explicitly affirming of clients from the polyamorous and kink communities, offering relationship and general counseling in an affirming, non judgmental atmosphere.
Dr. Anetta Ramsey runs Chrysalis Eating Disorder Center but also takes private patients. Does not take insurance, but strives to be affordable, as well as preserving safe space. Also runs a DBT focused weekly group therapy.
Dr. Karen McDowell 