Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhy You Might Want an LGBTQ+ TherapistLGBTQ+ Therapists & LGBTQ+ Affirming TherapistsExperiences With LGBTQ+ or LGBTQ+ Affirming TherapistsWhere to Find an LGBTQ+ TherapistThings to Keep in MindGetting Started

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

Why You Might Want an LGBTQ+ Therapist

LGBTQ+ Therapists & LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists

Experiences With LGBTQ+ or LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists

Where to Find an LGBTQ+ Therapist

Things to Keep in Mind

Getting Started

Close

When you decide to start therapy, it can be difficult tofind the right therapistwho can meet your needs and can truly understand you.LGBTQ+clients specifically might want to find a therapist who shares their identity and understands their experience existing in a cisnormative and heteronormative world.

However, many therapists do not choose to share identity information in a way that is easily accessible to potential clients.

At a GlanceWorking with a therapist who shares your identity and experiences can help you feel more comfortable and understood. Finding an LGBTQ+ therapist isn’t always easy, however, since therapists may not share this information through their professional profiles or websites. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some tips and resources for finding an LGBTQ+ therapist or an LGBTQ+ affirming therapist.

At a Glance

Working with a therapist who shares your identity and experiences can help you feel more comfortable and understood. Finding an LGBTQ+ therapist isn’t always easy, however, since therapists may not share this information through their professional profiles or websites. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some tips and resources for finding an LGBTQ+ therapist or an LGBTQ+ affirming therapist.

Minority stressrefers to high, chronic stress levels that members of marginalized communities experience due to systemic oppression, lack of access to competent, affirming care, and trauma from bullying or hate crimes. Members of sexual or romantic orientation and gender identity minorities' experience of minority stress has been linked to poorer mental health outcomes.

Research suggests that because of this stress, LGBTQ+ people have elevated rates of anxiety, depression, substance use, and suicide risk compared to cishet individuals. They are also two to four times more likely to use mental and behavioral health services compared to heterosexual, cisgender people.

Bullying,microaggressions, andhate crimesagainst the LGBTQ+ community have a strong impact on mental health. Many who have experienced these issues directly suffer fromtrauma symptomsas a result, with LGBTQ+ individuals experiencing much higher rates of trauma than straight and cisgender populations.

Additionally, when encountering a new person, an LGBTQ+ individual does not know whether that person is safe or will cause them further stress or harm.

Many LGBTQ+ individuals have experienced trauma related tomedical care. Providers may make assumptions based on their own biases about patients’ sexual histories or pathologize patients’ orientations. For example, a physician might be concerned about anasexualpatient having a “low sex drive” and push to “treat” this issue rather than accepting the patient’s orientation.

Transgenderindividuals often experience pushback and gatekeeping from the medical community when seeking care to transition medically. They might be asked to “prove” their gender identity sufficiently to providers and can experience invalidation or be denied procedures if they do not present themselves in a specific way.

If you are LGBTQ+, and you want to seek therapy services, you might choose an LGBTQ+ therapist because they can share some of your experience with minority stress and microaggressions. While no one but you fully understands your journey, you might feel more comfortable with someone who may better resonate with you in a way that a straight, cis-gendered therapist may be unable to do.

The most important part of therapy is therelationshipbetween you and your therapist. A therapist who shares an aspect of your experience as a minoritized individual and who will not need to learn about your identity and background might be a good fit for you.

Therapists who lack cultural competence when working with LGBTQ+ people may display subtle or even overt prejudices that can undermine the therapeutic alliance.

LGBTQ+ Therapists and LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists

Depending on your personal comfort level and preferences, you might want a therapist who is a member of the LGBTQ+ community, or you might feel comfortable seeing an LGBTQ+ affirming therapist.

LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists

An LGBTQ+affirmingtherapist is a therapist who is an ally of the community, who is committed to providing competent care to LGBTQ+ individuals, being educated on current terminology and issues facing the community, and honoring clients’identities. LGBTQ+ affirming therapists are not necessarily LGBTQ+ themselves.

An LGBTQ+ affirming therapist can take continuing education courses to remain up to date on language and identities. Many therapists indicate on their website or their directory page that they are LGBTQ+ affirming.

Research suggests that training in how to deliver LGBTQ+ affirmative care can help therapists deliver more competent care for LGBTQ+ people.

It is OK to ask them what specific steps they have taken to educate themselves and what it means to them to call themselves “affirming.”

LGBTQ+ Therapists

Some LGBTQ+ therapists indicate on their profiles that they are members of the LGBTQ+ community. If you feel safest seeing a fellow LGBTQ+ individual as your therapist, you can seek out someone who has chosen to share this information.

Other ways you might connect with an LGBTQ+ therapist include asking friends, healthcare professionals, or staff members at LGBTQ+ community centers for referrals to a mental health professional who is part of the LGBTQ+ community. You might also consider contacting a college or university mental health center to ask for recommendations for a therapist who shares your identity.

Online directories often offer the option to search for therapists who are LGBTQ+. Many online therapy platforms also give clients the option to choose an LGBTQ+ therapist.

In one small study of 25 non-binary participants, researchers found some people reported feeling more comfortable with a therapist who was also non-binary. “According to me, it is important to know the gender identity or sexuality of a therapist […] as it creates a “safe space” and makes me feel that there is a basic understanding that I could never find in a cis or straight person,” explained one 22-year-old participant.

In contrast, some did not feel their therapist’s identity or orientation had a significant effect on their therapeutic abilities. “In my opinion, it is not important information, also because it is an extremely personal matter. I may be dealing with a male therapist who is cis but who still has a whole range of skills and openings,” explained a 28-year-old participant in the study.

What was important, however, was a therapist’s understanding of their client’s issues. However, many participants in the study felt their therapist lacked appropriate cultural competence, and some expressed frustration at having to be the one to educate their therapist about LGBTQ+ experiences.

Many therapist directories have options for therapists to indicate that they are LGBTQ+ affirming. However, if you are looking for a therapist who is also LGBTQ+, you can use some of these resources:

No one therapist will share every aspect of your identity, and even a therapist who has some things in common with you might have a different experience based on their background and unique life story.

While you are not responsible for educating your therapist about your identity, you will have to tell them your story and how various things apply to your life.

If you plan to usehealth insuranceto pay for your therapy services, you will want to find a therapist who can take your insurance. The three directories listed above include a filter option based on your insurance provider.

Unfortunately, a therapist whose specialization, personality, and identity seem like a perfect match for your needs might not accept your insurance. Out-of-network providers can sometimes put together a superbill that you can submit to the insurance company for reimbursement, but this requires you to pay out of pocket for therapy services first, and this is not always an accessible option.

What If I Don’t Have Insurance?If you are uninsured, you can search for therapists who offersliding scaleor pro bono therapy services that you can afford. Prior to scheduling your appointment, reach out to the therapist to learn about what options might be available to you.

What If I Don’t Have Insurance?

If you are uninsured, you can search for therapists who offersliding scaleor pro bono therapy services that you can afford. Prior to scheduling your appointment, reach out to the therapist to learn about what options might be available to you.

Many people are usingonline therapy(also known as telehealth) due to increased accessibility of care, the convenience of being seen from home, and the ability to see providers who are outside of the immediate geographic area.

Keep in mind that your therapist needs to be licensed to practice at your physical location at the time of service in order to be in compliance with federal laws. Such requirements were relaxed during the COVID-19 epidemic so people could accessteletherapymore readily during the pandemic.

Today, many states have joined the Psychology Interjuristictional Compact (PSYPACT), which allows providers to practice teletherapy and face-to-face therapy across state boundaries.

Utilizing the search directories above, you can browse therapists licensed to practice in your geographic area whose specializations and personal identity match your needs and preferences.

Because therapeutic fit can be difficult to determine from a directory profile, you might need to talk to more than one therapist before you find someone with whom you click. This is OK and part of the process!

If you see a therapist and do not feel they are a good fit, they might be able to recommend someone who can better meet your needs.

Mental Health Resources to Support the LGBTQIA+ Community

6 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Mongelli F, Perrone D, Balducci J, et al.Minority stress and mental health among LGBT populations: an update on the evidence.Minerva Psichiatr. 2019;60(1).Williams ND, Winer B, Aparicio EM, Smith-Bynum MA, Boekeloo BO, Fish JN.Professional expectations of provider LGBTQ competence: Where we are and where we need to go.J Gay Lesbian Ment Health. 2022;80(8):10.1080/19359705.2022.2146825. doi:10.1080/19359705.2022.2146825Ramos N.Medical trauma in LGBTQIA youth: Adapting trauma-informed affirming clinical practices.Pediatr Ann. 2021;50(9). doi: https://doi.org/10.3928/19382359-20210818-02Rosati F, Lorusso MM, Pistella J, et al.Non-binary clients' experiences of psychotherapy: Uncomfortable and affirmative approaches.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022;19(22):15339. doi:10.3390/ijerph192215339Pachankis JE, Soulliard ZA, Seager van Dyk I, et al.Training in LGBTQ-affirmative cognitive behavioral therapy: A randomized controlled trial across LGBTQ community centers.J Consult Clin Psychol. 2022;90(7):582-599. doi:10.1037/ccp0000745American Psychological Association.PSYPACT: 26 states have now passed laws allowing interstate practice.

6 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Mongelli F, Perrone D, Balducci J, et al.Minority stress and mental health among LGBT populations: an update on the evidence.Minerva Psichiatr. 2019;60(1).Williams ND, Winer B, Aparicio EM, Smith-Bynum MA, Boekeloo BO, Fish JN.Professional expectations of provider LGBTQ competence: Where we are and where we need to go.J Gay Lesbian Ment Health. 2022;80(8):10.1080/19359705.2022.2146825. doi:10.1080/19359705.2022.2146825Ramos N.Medical trauma in LGBTQIA youth: Adapting trauma-informed affirming clinical practices.Pediatr Ann. 2021;50(9). doi: https://doi.org/10.3928/19382359-20210818-02Rosati F, Lorusso MM, Pistella J, et al.Non-binary clients' experiences of psychotherapy: Uncomfortable and affirmative approaches.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022;19(22):15339. doi:10.3390/ijerph192215339Pachankis JE, Soulliard ZA, Seager van Dyk I, et al.Training in LGBTQ-affirmative cognitive behavioral therapy: A randomized controlled trial across LGBTQ community centers.J Consult Clin Psychol. 2022;90(7):582-599. doi:10.1037/ccp0000745American Psychological Association.PSYPACT: 26 states have now passed laws allowing interstate practice.

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Mongelli F, Perrone D, Balducci J, et al.Minority stress and mental health among LGBT populations: an update on the evidence.Minerva Psichiatr. 2019;60(1).Williams ND, Winer B, Aparicio EM, Smith-Bynum MA, Boekeloo BO, Fish JN.Professional expectations of provider LGBTQ competence: Where we are and where we need to go.J Gay Lesbian Ment Health. 2022;80(8):10.1080/19359705.2022.2146825. doi:10.1080/19359705.2022.2146825Ramos N.Medical trauma in LGBTQIA youth: Adapting trauma-informed affirming clinical practices.Pediatr Ann. 2021;50(9). doi: https://doi.org/10.3928/19382359-20210818-02Rosati F, Lorusso MM, Pistella J, et al.Non-binary clients' experiences of psychotherapy: Uncomfortable and affirmative approaches.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022;19(22):15339. doi:10.3390/ijerph192215339Pachankis JE, Soulliard ZA, Seager van Dyk I, et al.Training in LGBTQ-affirmative cognitive behavioral therapy: A randomized controlled trial across LGBTQ community centers.J Consult Clin Psychol. 2022;90(7):582-599. doi:10.1037/ccp0000745American Psychological Association.PSYPACT: 26 states have now passed laws allowing interstate practice.

Mongelli F, Perrone D, Balducci J, et al.Minority stress and mental health among LGBT populations: an update on the evidence.Minerva Psichiatr. 2019;60(1).

Williams ND, Winer B, Aparicio EM, Smith-Bynum MA, Boekeloo BO, Fish JN.Professional expectations of provider LGBTQ competence: Where we are and where we need to go.J Gay Lesbian Ment Health. 2022;80(8):10.1080/19359705.2022.2146825. doi:10.1080/19359705.2022.2146825

Ramos N.Medical trauma in LGBTQIA youth: Adapting trauma-informed affirming clinical practices.Pediatr Ann. 2021;50(9). doi: https://doi.org/10.3928/19382359-20210818-02

Rosati F, Lorusso MM, Pistella J, et al.Non-binary clients' experiences of psychotherapy: Uncomfortable and affirmative approaches.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022;19(22):15339. doi:10.3390/ijerph192215339

Pachankis JE, Soulliard ZA, Seager van Dyk I, et al.Training in LGBTQ-affirmative cognitive behavioral therapy: A randomized controlled trial across LGBTQ community centers.J Consult Clin Psychol. 2022;90(7):582-599. doi:10.1037/ccp0000745

American Psychological Association.PSYPACT: 26 states have now passed laws allowing interstate practice.

Meet Our Review Board

Share Feedback

Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?HelpfulReport an ErrorOtherSubmit

Was this page helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

What is your feedback?HelpfulReport an ErrorOtherSubmit

What is your feedback?