LGBTQ Counseling: Empowering Diverse Communities To Live Their Best Life
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Despite years of progress in terms of LGBTQ rights, research shows that significant mental health disparities continue to affect the LGBTQ+ community.
Individuals from the LGBTQ+ community are more than twice as likely as heterosexual individuals to experience a mental disorder at some point in life. The high prevalence of mental health conditions among LGBTQ+ individuals highlights the need for targeted mental health services. In recent years, LGBTQ counseling has made a significant difference in the lives of people from sexual and gender minority communities, but many people still can’t access affirmative therapy services.
This article will discuss LGBTQ counseling and how it can help people from diverse communities live their best life.
What is LGBTQ counseling?
LGBTQ counseling doesn’t necessarily refer to a specific therapeutic method but rather to counseling that affirms LGBTQ+ individuals and supports them through various mental health challenges. While therapists of any sexual orientation can support the LGBTQ community, many counselors who provide this type of counseling come from this community themselves. This often gives them unique insight into what LGBTQ individuals experience, including stigma and prejudice in social and professional settings.
Common challenges among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals
Research shows that individuals from the LGBTQ community are two and a half times more likely than heterosexuals to experience anxiety, depression, and substance use (formerly called substance abuse). This may be related to stigma and discrimination in various contexts, including within families and in the workplace. According to minority stress theory, these are sometimes referred to as distal stressors, which stem from people and institutions. Distal stressors can also include chronic financial strain as a result of discrimination-related job loss.
In addition to distal stressors, many sexual minorities experience proximal stressors, such as internalized rejection as a result of socialization. This can lead some people to conceal their sexual orientation in certain contexts. While concealment may temporarily protect a person from prejudice, it can keep them from receiving the mental health resources they deserve.
Counseling and sexual orientation
Many LGBTQ counselors have experience helping people at various stages of their life journey, whether they’re considering coming out or they’ve been out for decades. An LGBTQ therapist may also be uniquely positioned to help people navigate matters related to gay and lesbian relationships. Many LGBTQ therapists understand some of the challenges that can arise for LGBTQ individuals when it comes to family, relationships, and workplace environments.
Counseling and gender identity
Some counselors may specialize in supporting gender-nonconforming individuals. A counselor can help trans and non-binary individuals navigate challenges related to gender identity, gender dysphoria, transitioning, or other matters. When searching for a mental health provider who has specific experience with gender-related matters, individuals can look for those who include “LGBTQ+” in their profile and then ask specifically about experience working with trans and non-binary individuals.
Finding a mental health professional
Individuals searching for LGBTQ counseling might find some counselors by searching for local practices online. People looking for someone who works with specific communities, such as bisexual or non-binary individuals, might consider asking specifically whether therapists who use “LGBTQ” in their advertising have experience in those areas.
Online LGBTQ counseling
Some people might live in an area with few LGBTQ counselors, or they might prefer to speak with a counselor outside their local community. In these and other cases, individuals from the LGBTQ communities can receive evidence-based care via online therapy, which tends to have a larger pool of therapists than what is available in person. BetterHelp has a network of more than 25,000 licensed therapists, which can make it easier to find a mental health professional who has experience working with the LGBTQ community. Online therapy also allows individuals to choose how they want to communicate with their therapist, such as audio, video, or live chat.
In addition to offering a large selection of therapists and flexible communication options, online therapy has a strong basis of support in the counseling literature. One systematic review and meta-analysis found that online cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) was more effective than in-person therapy for symptoms of depression. Online therapy can also be effective for anxiety, substance use disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other disorders.
Takeaway
Where is LGBTQ counseling available?
LGBTQ counseling can often be found by searching online for therapists who specialize in supporting people from the LGBTQ community. Some people may live in an area with few LGBTQ therapists. In these cases, online therapy often provides a large pool of therapists with experience providing mental healthcare to individuals from the LGBTQ community.
How can people support lesbian, gay, bisexual, and trans mental health?
One way to support the mental health of LGBT individuals is to speak up when you see discrimination. This may include intervening when you see online comments that perpetuate stereotypes about LGBTQ individuals. Another way to support LGBTQ individuals is to openly discuss mental health. Discussing mental health can help fight stigma and normalize help-seeking among the LGBTQ community. A licensed LGBTQ counselor can provide a safe and supportive space for sexual minorities to discuss any mental health challenges they’re experiencing, whether related to discrimination or other matters. In some cases, they may also provide family therapy to help entire families support an LGBTQ individual.
Do some counselors specialize in gender identity?
Some counselors may specialize in helping people who are navigating questions related to gender identity. Individuals who can’t find a local therapist who specializes in gender-related matters might consider searching for a therapist online.
Can you choose a counselor based on their sexual orientation?
Some counselors may openly state their sexual orientation in their profile so that people who prefer to speak with an LGBTQ counselor can easily find them. Others might not openly state their sexual orientation but may state that they serve the LGBTQ community. Some therapists may state that they serve a specific part of the queer community, such as trans or non-binary individuals.
What is affirmative therapy for LGBTQ individuals?
According to research published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology, “Affirmative therapy is a type of psychotherapy used to validate and advocate for the needs of sexual and gender minority clients. Therapists use verbal and nonverbal means to demonstrate an affirming stance toward lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) clients.”
What is the best type of therapy for LGBTQ individuals?
One of the best types of therapy for LGBTQ individuals may be LGBTQ+-affirmative cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). According to the Yale School of Public Health, LGBTQ+-affirmative CBT has been shown to be effective for depression, anxiety, and substance use disorder.
How to find a LGBTQ friendly therapist?
An LGBTQ+-friendly therapist can support a person in navigating unique challenges like queer relationship issues, gender or sexuality exploration, and family acceptance. They can also help a person address general mental health challenges like low self-esteem or low self-love, anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation without pathologizing their identity. You might be able to find this type of therapist through an online directory, by asking an affirming doctor for a referral, by inquiring at your local queer community center or clinic, or by asking queer friends how they found their therapist.
How to tell if a therapist is LGBTQ friendly?
Clinicians who are LGBTQ+-friendly will often say so on their website or online profile. There, they might share their own queer identity or talk about how they have experience or training in working with LGBTQ+ people in general or with transgender people, asexual people, young people who are questioning, etc. more specifically.
How much does Pride counseling cost?
As of this writing, therapy through Pride Counseling can range from $70–100 per week. Pride counseling is a subsidiary of BetterHelp. Subscription pricing depends on factors such as your location, preferences, and therapist availability, referral source, and any applicable limited time promotions. The exact amount depends on your location, preferences, and therapist availability.
What are the mental health challenges faced by LGBTQ youth?
LGBTQ+ youth may face a variety of challenges, according to the Trevor Project. Some examples include bullying at school, family rejection, and systemic barriers to receiving affirming health care.
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