Therapy for Queer & Trans Teens in Philadelphia
Raising a queer kid wasn’t in the parenting books, and you’re scared of getting it wrong.
you love your child more than anthing, and you’re in uncharted waters.
As a teen, you’re questioning who you are and who you want to be, but you feel scared and alone. You both wish you had someone to talk to, but you don’t who to turn to.
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Maybe your teen just came out as queer, and they want to bring over their new significant other. You’re on board, but you’re worried about how the grandparents will react at Thanksgiving.
Perhaps your teen told you they’re trans, and they want to come out at school. Your mind is reeling with how to tell your kid’s teachers, and you don’t even know where to begin with the name-change process.
Your teen might want to pursue hormone therapy, and you’re hesitant to move forward because you worry your child will be targeted for their identity. You don’t know how you feel about HRT and lie awake at night wondering about the side effects.
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You find yourself wanting to stay in your room, and not leave the house.
You’ve seen some videos on social media about being queer or trans, and thought, “oh that’s me”
The changes in your body don’t feel “right” to you, and looking in the mirror creates a pit in your stomach.
At school, you keep comparing yourself to your friends, especially if they’re cis.
You wish you had more queer and trans friends, but you feel too shy to talk to people.
You want to start hormone therapy, but you don’t know where to start and your parents seem to change the subject whenever you bring it up.
Specialized Mental Health Support for LGBTQ Youth
As a queer-identified gender affirming therapist in Philadelphia, I provide specialized mental health care for queer and transgender youth navigating identity, family dynamics, and self-esteem. My practice offers a safe, affirming space where your teen can explore their authentic self while developing resilience and coping strategies for life's challenges.
Your teen’s path won’t look like anyone else’s—and that’s not just okay, it’s something to be celebrated. I bring both clinical training and lived experience to this work. My connections to the trans community shape how I show up: with respect, warmth, and a deep understanding of what this journey can feel like.
This isn’t about “fixing” who your teen is. It’s about offering real support that meets them where they are and celebrates who they’re becoming.
How we’ll work together
You and your teen deserve to feel seen, safe, and supported.
My commitment to you as a parent…
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I bring both of you into the therapy process from the start, because so much of the healing happens outside of the therapy room. You know your child better than anyone, and your role is crucial to your kid’s well-being. We'll work together to create a plan that supports your child every step of the way.
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Depending on your situation, you may attend every therapy session or join on an as-needed basis. Some sessions might include both you and your teen in the room, while others will focus solely on your child. Teen sessions are private, but some details may be shared depending on your child's preferences and goals. We’ll decide together what makes the most sense as we go.
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I take a holistic approach to therapy, which means I look at how home life, school, and friendships impact your child’s mental and emotional well-being. I stay in close touch with teachers, doctors, and other providers to make sure the support your family gets is coordinated and truly in sync with your teen’s goals.
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It’s okay to feel overwhelmed when your teen comes out to you. It’s a journey for you too, and you deserve a place where you can be honest about your feelings. I offer parent support sessions without your child present, so you can share those feelings in a judgment-free space. We’ll come up with strategies to help you communicate with your teen and support them throughout this process.
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In our work together, we’ll come up with ways to take care of yourself while also being the steady, affirming presence your child needs. You don’t have to choose between your own well-being and showing up for your teen. We’ll make room for both.
My commitment to you as a teen…
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I’ll take the time to get to know you. There’s no pressure to share anything you don’t want to, and we’ll move at a pace that feels right for you. I will always remain curious and open to your experiences.
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I’m here to help you talk through friend drama, breaks-ups, and that one teacher who just doesn’t get it. We can figure out ways to deal with the stuff that feels overwhelming.
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Whether you’re questioning your identity, trying out new pronouns, or realizing you're attracted to the same gender, I’m here to help you process it all.
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A space where you can talk through logistics around coming out and create a plan of how you want to tell your family members, friends and school teachers.
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Art therapy is a great option if you struggle to open up or don’t feel like talking some days. You don’t need to be artistic to benefit from art therapy.
My Therapeutic Approach: Affirmative and Integrative
I practice affirmative therapy, which means I don't just accept your teen's identity—I actively celebrate and validate it as a natural part of human diversity. This approach recognizes that distress often comes not from being trans or queer, but from living in a world that doesn't always understand or support LGBTQ people.
My integrative approach combines multiple evidence-based modalities tailored to each teen's specific needs:
Art Therapy for Creative Expression
Art therapy provides a powerful outlet for youth to explore complex feelings that might be difficult to express in words. Through creative work, teens can:
Visualize their gender identity and journey
Process experiences of dysphoria or discrimination
Experiment with different aspects of self-expression
Address trauma and anxiety through non-verbal means
Psychodynamic Therapy for Deeper Understanding
Through psychodynamic work, we explore how early experiences and family dynamics shape current feelings and behaviors. This helps teens distinguish between authentic identity and internalized messages from others, fostering greater self-understanding and freedom from limiting patterns.
Internal Family Systems (IFS) for Self-Compassion
IFS helps transgender youth understand and integrate different parts of themselves that may feel in conflict. We explore how protective parts might cause anxiety while trying to keep them safe, and work toward internal harmony and self-acceptance. This approach is particularly effective for addressing internalized transphobia and building genuine self-compassion.
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for OCD
For teens experiencing OCD alongside gender identity concerns, I incorporate ERP techniques with homework between sessions to build skills for managing obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors while navigating identity-related challenges.
Comprehensive Support Services
Individual Therapy for Teens
Weekly one-hour sessions provide consistent support as your teen navigates their unique journey. We work together on:
Building confidence in identity expression
Developing coping strategies for dysphoria
Improving relationships with family members and peers
Managing anxiety and depression
Addressing perfectionism and people-pleasing
Navigating social transition decisions
Specialized Eating Disorder Treatment
I specialize in the complex intersection of eating disorders and gender identity. Many trans teens use disordered eating to cope with body dysphoria or control physical development. My approach recognizes that traditional eating disorder treatment can feel alienating to LGBTQ youth, so I provide culturally competent care that honors identity throughout recovery.
Group Therapy for Peer Support
Group sessions offer invaluable peer support, allowing teens to connect with others who share similar experiences. These groups provide:
Community and reduced isolation
Shared strategies for managing challenges
Celebration of identity milestones
Development of lasting supportive friendships
Family Support and Guidance
Supporting a trans child affects the entire family system. I help parents navigate their own emotions while learning to provide effective emotional support. This includes:
Education about gender identity and transgender issues
Strategies for using correct names and pronouns
Communication techniques for family harmony
Guidance on advocating for your child at school and in the community
Processing parental feelings of concern, grief, or confusion
Understanding Your Teen's Mental Health Needs
LGBTQ youth face distinct mental health challenges that require specialized understanding and support. Gender dysphoria—the distress experienced when one's gender identity doesn't align with their assigned sex at birth—can intensify during adolescence, leading to increased anxiety and depression. Many transgender youth struggle with body dysphoria, social isolation, and the exhausting work of navigating spaces that don't fully understand or accept them.
These experiences often manifest as:
Persistent anxiety about identity expression and social acceptance
Depression stemming from feeling misunderstood or rejected
Complicated relationships with food and body image
Difficulty managing family relationships and peer connections
Struggles with self-worth and authenticity
Perfectionism and people-pleasing behaviors
Without proper support, these challenges can significantly impact your child's well-being and development. That's why working with a therapist who truly understands gender identity and LGBTQ issues makes such a crucial difference in treatment outcomes.
Supporting Social Transition
Social transition—changing names, pronouns, and gender expression—represents a significant milestone for many transgender youth. I provide comprehensive support through this process, including:
Exploring what feels authentic and right for your teen
Practicing coming-out conversations for different contexts
Building resilience for handling varied responses
Developing strategies for navigating school environments
Creating safety plans for challenging situations
Together, we work at your teen's pace, recognizing that transition is a personal journey without a single "right" path. Some youth need time to explore, while others feel certain about their needs. I honor both experiences equally.
Creating a Safe Therapeutic Space
From the moment you enter my practice, you'll notice intentional signals of LGBTQ affirmation—from inclusive imagery to pride flags. These aren't just decorations; they're promises that this is a space where trans people are genuinely welcomed and celebrated.
I maintain this safety through:
Consistent use of chosen names and pronouns
Cultural humility and ongoing education about LGBTQ issues
Collaborative approach where your teen is the expert on their experience
Reliable follow-through on commitments and advocacy
Respect for your teen's autonomy and self-determination
As a parent, therapy can help you…
Feel More Connected to Your Kid
This process is a journey for both of you. You’ll naturally feel closer, and you’ll understand your child more.
Stay Grounded in Your Emotions
Learn strategies to be calm during conversations with your kid, (even when you’re internally freaking out).
Learn Ways to Support Your Teen
Whether it’s using their pronouns, taking them shopping or going to queer meet-ups, your kid will feel truly seen by you.
As a teen, therapy can help you…
Feel More Confident
Feel bold enough to audition for the next play and have the courage to ask that cool, new friend to hang out after class.
Express Yourself
Explore ways to feel good in your identity, whether it’s trying new clothes, finding new role models, or exploring gender affirming care.
Find your people
You’ll learn ways to meet people who you can laugh and have fun with. You’ll build relationships with people you can trust, and who really get you.
you and your teen don’t have to feel alone on this journey.
Together, let’s help your teen discover who they are and thrive.
Questions?
FAQs
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A: I have 10 years of experience providing individual. family, and group therapy to queer and trans teens. Additionally, I have advanced training in affirming therapy for trans communities.
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A: I also recommend connecting to either a pediatrician who specializes in trans youth or a gender clinic. CHOP’s Gender and Sexuality Program in Philadelphia is a great resource, and also includes support groups for you and your teen.
Your teen will also benefit from seeing a gender-affirming therapist. A therapist can help your teen explore their gender identity and map out the next steps in their journey. Gender affirming therapy will also provide you with support.
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My approach includes both you and your teen in therapy. I truly believe that parents are crucial to their teen’s success in treatment. My goal is for your teen to have a safe space that is their own, while supporting and empowering you as the parent.
Why Choose Ruberti Counseling Services
My unique qualifications for supporting LGBTQ youth include:
Lived Experience: As a queer-identified therapist married to a trans woman, I bring personal understanding alongside professional expertise
Specialized Training: Advanced education in both gender-affirming care and eating disorder treatment
Integrative Approach: Multiple therapeutic modalities allow personalized treatment for each teen's needs
Community Connection: Deep roots in Philadelphia's LGBTQ community and understanding of local resources
Non-Pathologizing Stance: I view diverse identities as natural variations to be celebrated, not problems to be fixed
Starting Your Journey
Beginning therapy can feel daunting for both teens and parents. That's why I offer a free 20-minute phone consultation to ensure we're a good fit. During this call, we'll discuss:
Your teen's specific needs and goals
My therapeutic approach and how it might help
Practical considerations like scheduling and session structure
Any questions or concerns you might have
If we decide to work together, the first session focuses on understanding what brings your teen to therapy and what they hope to achieve. We'll explore their history at a comfortable pace while beginning to build the trust essential for effective therapeutic work.
Once established, we typically meet weekly, though some teens benefit from more frequent sessions during challenging periods. Between sessions, I may provide journal prompts or creative exercises to deepen our work. For teens addressing OCD, structured homework helps build skills for managing symptoms.
Supporting Your Teen's Mental Health Journey
Every LGBTQ youth deserves mental health care that not only accepts but actively affirms their identity. They deserve a therapist who understands the unique challenges of being transgender in today's world and can provide both practical strategies and genuine emotional support.
Through specialized therapy that addresses the intersection of identity, mental health, and family dynamics, your teen can develop the resilience, self-acceptance, and authentic self-expression needed to thrive. Together, we'll create a therapeutic space where your child feels truly seen, valued, and empowered to live as their authentic self.
Contact Ruberti Counseling Services Today
If you're in the Philadelphia area seeking specialized support for your queer or trans teen, I encourage you to reach out. Whether your child is just beginning to explore their identity or navigating specific challenges related to being LGBTQ, I'm here to provide the compassionate, knowledgeable care they deserve.
Contact me today to schedule your free 20-minute consultation. Let's work together to support your teen's mental health, celebrate their authentic identity, and help your entire family navigate this journey with confidence and hope
