Many individuals in our community identify as LGBTQ+. As a gay-identified psychologist, I provide LGBTQ+ psychotherapy services in a safe, nonjudgmental, and supportive environment. I meet you where you are in your identity and work with you to discover your most LGBTQ-authentic self. Pronouns matter.
Coming Out Issues
Whether you are just coming out in your sexual orientation or gender identity, seeking to come out to loved ones or in the workplace, or just trying to assess your overall identity/orientation, I can help you to achieve these goals in a safe environment where we set realistic goals and work towards achieving them.
Phase-of-Life Issues
Many individuals who are LGBTQ+-identified have successfully managed the coming-out process within themselves and their support system. However, navigating how to live an authentic LGBTQ+ life may pose certain challenges. I will assist you in identifying these challenges and working with them successfully.
HIV/AIDS Issues
Whether you are newly diagnosed with HIV or have been living with HIV for some time now, I can help you navigate issues associated with living with HIV so you can live your most authentic life.
Transgender Services
If you identify as a transgender or gender-nonconforming individual, psychological services are provided in an environment that supports you. Prerequisite psychological evaluations for gender-confirming surgical procedures are also provided.
The one word that I can think of to describe Dr. Ortega is godsend (or goddessend). I have known and worked with Dr. Ortega for the last five years and it is rare to find someone that understands issues that relate to the LGBT community. Through working with Dr. Ortega, I was able to accept myself for who I truly am and to find the strength to become a better person. I am so comfortable talking to him and was treated with care and respect. There were times when I was dealing with issues that I thought I could never tell another person. Dr. Ortega listened to me and always found insight in my “rants”. He has talked me down from many ledges and gotten me through some difficult times. I know have a successful relationship with my family, a healthy sex life, and a better self-understanding.
Bill S., Bayside, NY
Names have been changed to protect client confidentiality.
Dr. Ortega provides meaningful guidance by incorporating a perfect mix of the spiritual and physical world. He has a kind and gentle approach, but does not shy away from bringing awareness to the things in life that one might be resisting. His unique style of blending metaphysical and psychological practices helps clients to live with authenticity.
Nicholas D., New York, NY
Names have been changed to protect client confidentiality.
Dr. Ortega has been a profound mentor throughout my journey; a journey that has included relationships, loss, gain, graduate school ordeals, and revision of goals. Dr. Ortega has played a vital role in helping to heal past relationships by offering a safe environment to question, laugh, cry, and explore my sexual identity as a cis gender gay man living in a heteronormative environment. Once attached to old concepts of self, I have been liberated to know my light through Dr. Ortega's care. What a breath of inspiration to have the opportunity to work with Dr. Ortega while on the path to work on myself.
PJ, Brooklyn, NY
Names have been changed to protect client confidentiality.