How to Find an LGBTQIA+ Friendly Therapist

LGBTQIA+ people can often find it difficult to navigate the healthcare system. If you belong to the LGBTQIA+ community and are struggling with a mental disorder, look for a friendly, relatable therapist with whom you can talk to about your feelings and emotions without the fear of being judged.

Why Choose an LGBTQIA+ Friendly Therapist?

LGBTQIA+ folks face a unique set of challenges that some therapists who work with heterosexual clients may struggle to understand. The purpose of LGBTQIA+ friendly therapy is to assure patients that the therapist does not have a bias against them and has an in-depth understanding of the issues they face.

An important part of therapy involves being able to relate to your therapist, in one way or another. So, it’s no wonder many LGBTQIA+ people prefer therapists who belong to the community themselves or at least have experience working with patients.

Affirming therapy is one of the key aspects of LGBT friendly therapy near you in Manhattan. In affirming therapy, the therapist validates the client’s identity, encouraging them to embrace their sexual orientation and gender identity.

The aim of affirming therapy is to put the patient at ease whether they’ve accepted their sexual orientation or have just discovered it and are constantly questioning their preferences and choices.

LGBTQIA+ Folks Are At High Risk Of Mental Disorders

Various studies have found that there is a link between sexual orientation, gender identity, and mental health. Some studies have concluded that LGBTQIA+ adults are at least twice as likely to have a mental health issue than heterosexual people. Additionally, transgender adults are 400% more likely to have a mental illness than cisgender adults.

Another survey among transgender people found that around 40% of the respondents had attempted suicide. Numbers say it all. LGBTQIA+ community members with mental health issues do not need just therapy, they need LGBTQIA+ friendly therapy in a safe environment.

Every LGBTQIA+ community member deserves a friendly therapist who can help them navigate the therapeutic process and provide them with guidance every step of the way, without being judgmental.

Finding an LGBTQIA+ Friendly Therapist

Before you jump start your search for an LGBTQ+ friendly therapist, it is important that you answer these questions, so you know exactly what to look for in a counselor.

• Do you want to work with a therapist with a certain gender identity? Maybe a therapist from the LGBTQ+ community?
• Do you want to work with a therapist who understands the concept of intersectionality?
• Do you want to work with a therapist with expertise in a particular therapy approach?
• Do you want a therapist with experience treating certain conditions such as PTSD?
• Are you comfortable working with a heterosexual therapist?

Once you have answered these questions, you can begin your search for a therapist. Here are some ways to find the right LGBTQIA+ therapist for you.

Conduct Online Research

Visit websites of therapists near you to check what type of services they offer. Determine if they have the experience and expertise required to handle your case.

To see what people are talking about the therapist you are considering, visit trusted third-party review sites such as Yelp, Yellow Pages, and Manta. Check client reviews and testimonials. Check the practice at the BBB. When browsing a therapist’s website, check the type of gender-neutral pronouns they use.

Use Resources

• Psychology Today: com features therapy and health professional directories
• LGBT National Help Center’s LGBT Near Me guide: Allows you to search services and support in your area by pin code
• HelpPRO: Allows users to search LGBTQ+ affirming therapists. You can also use the tool to locate a local support group
• GLMA Health Professionals Network: Helps LGBTQ+ community members find a reliable therapist in their area
• The American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists or AASECT: Maintains a directory that you can use to narrow your search

Call Your Local LGBTQIA+ Center

LGBTQIA+ centers are a hub of helpful information. Your local center can direct you to an therapist who has an understanding of the challenges that community members face and is committed to making mental healthcare accessible for them.

Interview Therapists

Once you have narrowed down your search and shortlisted therapists, call their offices to schedule interviews. To assess the skills of the therapists you are considering, ask them questions.

Here are some questions to ask a therapist to check if they are LGBTQ+ affirming:

• Can you describe your experience treating people who share my gender identity?
• Do you use gender-neutral pronouns? If yes, how has your experience been using them so far?
• What treatment methods do you use?
• Do you have experience handling safety risks and considerations related to my gender identity?
• Based on your experience, can you describe some misconceptions and myths associated with people who share my gender identity?
• Do you understand the concept of intersectionality? Do you plan to use intersectional therapy?
• Based on your experience, can you describe the type of mental health issues LGBTQ+ folks face navigating discrimination and bias?

Check Therapist Credentials

Not all therapists and practices are created equal. Look for a licensed therapist with the skills and experience required to help patients improve their mental health. Do not take everything a professional says on face value. If you believe that the therapist you are considering is not 100 percent honest with you, check the practice with the local licensing authority.

Looking for therapists who can relate and empathize with you? Let Cooper Mental Health Counseling help. We use a range of tools and techniques to help our clients improve their mental health. To make an appointment with a licensed therapist, call (347) 244-7873.