How To Find The Right Support With An LGBTQIA+-Friendly Therapist

Choosing the right therapist can be an important step for anyone seeking mental health support, especially those who identify as LGBTQIA+. It can be crucial to choose a therapist that not only has the experience and understanding of LGBTQIA+ issues but is also supportive and inclusive. One option is to seek out therapists who dedicate their practices to providing tailored care to individuals in this community. These professionals typically have extensive training and experience in LGBTQIA+ issues, enabling them to empathize with their client’s unique situations. Finding an LGBTQIA+-friendly therapist might seem daunting, but resources are available to help you find the right professional. Read on to learn more about the benefits of an LGBTQIA+-friendly therapist and how to search for therapists who specialize in your specific area of need.

Mental health concerns in the LGBTQ community

Mental health is a concern within the LGBTQIA+ community. Increased awareness and support as well as availability of specialized mental health care can help people overcome obstacles and lead happier, healthier, and more productive lives.

People in the LGBTQIA+ community may experience mental health problems, including anxiety, depression, trauma, and grief. Individuals in this community may also grapple with self-esteem and gender identity concerns. Research suggests that LGBTQIA+ individuals are at higher risk for certain mental health problems such as major depression, bipolar disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder compared to people who don’t belong to this community.

Younger LGBTQIA+ community members, in particular, experience mental health concerns more frequently than those in other age groups. Since those in the LGBTQIA+ community face unique obstacles, they may have an even more difficult time receiving the support, care, and acceptance they need. Being connected to supportive families, communities, and peers can largely determine whether an individual thrives in the face of adversity. 

The importance of LGBTQIA+ affirmative therapy

Therapists who are well-versed in LGBTQIA+ issues can create a safe, affirming space for their clients to explore and work through their problems. Many of the challenges LGBTQIA+ individuals encounter in therapy are universal. Still, addressing them through an LGBTQIA+ affirming lens may help improve the therapy experience.

LGBTQIA+ therapy recognizes the link between mental health and being a part of the LGBTQIA+ community. It considers risk factors like discrimination, prejudice, denial of civil and human rights, harassment, and family rejection, all of which may worsen mental health symptoms. This type of therapy can help people receive the understanding, support, and tools they need to improve their mental health.

When you might want to see an LGBTQIA+-friendly therapist

There are various reasons why someone may seek an LGBTQIA+-friendly therapist. Keep reading for some common scenarios where seeing an LGBTQIA+-friendly therapist might be particularly helpful.

• Sexual orientation and gender: When people face challenges related to their sexual orientation or gender identity, talking to an LGBTQIA+-friendly therapist can be helpful. These therapists know about the challenges LGBTQIA+ people might face such as accepting their identity or managing gender dysphoria. In addition, they can provide a safe and inclusive environment where individuals can openly discuss their concerns without fear of judgment or misunderstanding.
• Coming out and relationship challenges: Coming out can be difficult, but seeing a therapist who knows about this process can make it easier. An LGBTQIA+-friendly therapist can provide advice and support during this time, helping people handle relationship problems and build stronger connections with friends and family. For example, they can guide you through conversations with loved ones, preparing you for potential reactions and providing reassurance.
• Addressing life transitions and PTSD: People going through significant life changes or dealing with PTSD can find comfort in seeing an LGBTQIA+-friendly therapist who knows about the specific challenges and traumas the LGBTQIA+ community faces. A therapist who understands trauma can help clients learn ways to cope and work through difficult life events such as transitioning to a new job or school while managing PTSD symptoms.
• Healing from domestic violence: Domestic violence happens in the LGBTQIA+ community, too, and people recovering from it can benefit from a therapist who understands them. An LGBTQIA+-friendly therapist can offer a safe place for clients to talk about their feelings and work on healing from the effects of domestic violence, including reconciling trust issues or rebuilding self-esteem after an abusive relationship.
• Navigating couples therapy: LGBTQIA+ couples may also choose to find an LGBTQIA+-friendly therapist for couples therapy since these therapists might better understand the issues that specifically affect LGBTQ+ relationships. These therapists can offer useful advice and guidance to work through complicated relationship situations, communication problems, and other issues that might arise in LGBTQIA+ relationships.
• Kink, BDSM, and polyamory-related therapies: Trying out different relationship styles or sexual practices such as kink, BDSM, and polyamory, for example, can bring up different challenges and emotions. An LGBTQIA+-friendly therapist with experience in these areas can offer nonjudgmental support and help clients work through relationship problems or feelings of shame or guilt that might arise. For example, they can help you through the inner workings of a polyamorous relationship or boundaries in a kink scenario. 

If you or a loved one is experiencing abuse, contact the Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). Support is available 24/7.

Seeing an LGBTQIA+-friendly therapist can enable people to address different parts of their lives while feeling supported, understood, and accepted, no matter their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Working with an LGBTQIA+-friendly therapist

If you’ve never been to therapy before, you might be curious or apprehensive about what it may entail. However, working with a therapist who specializes in the concerns of LGBTQIA+ individuals can provide empathetic support and guidance. When you have sessions with an LGBTQIA+-friendly therapist, you can expect a helpful and open-minded environment that encourages understanding and kindness. The therapist might have their own experiences or knowledge that help them understand the challenges LGBTQIA+ clients face such as identity issues, coming out, or dealing with discrimination. This understanding can help you and your therapist create a sense of trust and support.

Mindfulness and stress management

Mindfulness techniques can help anyone, including LGBTQIA+ clients. Still, an LGBTQIA+-friendly therapist might be especially skilled at noticing the specific problems LGBTQIA+ people face and can teach mindfulness and stress management skills that fit their client’s needs. These techniques can help individuals cope with everyday challenges and manage their anxiety or other mental health concerns. 

Vulnerability

A therapist can foster an environment where you feel safe to be vulnerable without fear of judgment. You can openly discuss your worries, issues, and emotional struggles without holding back. An LGBTQIA+-friendly therapist can create a safe and supportive space, especially when talking about topics related to sexual orientation or gender identity. This supportive environment can help people grow personally and improve the therapy experience.

Online and telehealth options

Telehealth services may offer a convenient way for people to attend quality therapy sessions from a distance. Using the internet or phone calls, people can talk to trained mental health experts while at home. This can help LGBTQIA+ patients:

• Get specialized help: Connect with therapists who know how to help members of the LGBTQIA+ community with their unique needs.
• Save time: No need to travel or take time off from work for appointments.
• Have more safe space: Telehealth services can be more convenient for patients who want to keep things discreet.

By making therapy attainable, convenient, and tailored to an individual's unique needs, online therapy and other telehealth services can help improve the overall mental health of the LGBTQIA+ community.

BetterHelp is an online platform that can connect people with specialized therapists. Through these platforms, you can match with a therapist who fits the criteria you’re looking for. This can give you greater control over your therapeutic experiences, allowing you to move closer to accomplishing the goals you have for yourself while feeling comfortable throughout the process. 

The efficacy of online therapy for LGBTQIA+ concerns

Studies show that online therapy interventions can be effective in providing mental health care to LGBTQIA+ individuals. Online therapy may be especially beneficial for LGBTQIA+ individuals who may feel uncomfortable with in-person treatment methods due to mistrust or negative past experiences.  In one study, researchers concluded that an online writing therapy intervention improved the mental well-being of young adults belonging to the LGBTQIA+ community. Further, researchers found that telehealth interventions “targeted toward LGBTQ+ individuals in a primary care setting could prove to be an effective method for reaching more LGBTQ+ individuals and providing them with population-specific, culturally-competent care.”