Therapist in Madison, Wisconsin Whitney M Nelson, Therapist

Whitney M. Nelson, LCSW, helps adults across Wisconsin navigate life’s challenges with compassion, evidence-based care, and a deep respect for each person’s individuality. Practicing at LifeStance Health, Whitney offers individual therapy for clients ages 18 through 64, supporting them in managing mental health concerns, exploring identity, and fostering emotional resilience. Whether someone is facing anxiety, navigating life transitions, or seeking greater self-acceptance, Whitney provides a nonjudgmental space where healing and growth are possible. Whitney is especially passionate about working with LGBTQIA+ individuals, offering affirmative therapy for clients exploring gender identity, queer experiences, and related challenges. She also provides gender-affirmative medical readiness evaluations and understands the unique mental health needs of those within the LGBTQ+ community. Her clinical approach is identity-affirming, trauma-informed, and grounded in creating a collaborative and empowering therapeutic relationship. In addition to her focus on LGBTQIA+ care, Whitney supports clients experiencing obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). She also works with individuals navigating sleep difficulties, midlife transitions, ADHD, and reproductive or postpartum mental health concerns. Whitney utilizes a range of therapeutic modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-based interventions, and offers CBT for Insomnia and Exposure Therapy as appropriate. She serves individuals from a variety of backgrounds, including those with adoption or foster care experiences. Outside of her clinical work, Whitney finds joy in creative expression and the natural world. She enjoys painting with acrylics, crafting, reading for both fun and education, and hiking while appreciating wildlife.