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What is bisexual-affirming therapy?
Bisexual-affirming therapy is a type of mental health support that fully affirms and reflects a client’s bisexual identity. It is rooted in acceptance and does not attempt to change or question an individual’s orientation. In this type of therapy, clients work with a therapist who understands the unique experiences of bisexual people. This support is especially important, as research shows that bisexual individuals face higher rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation compared to other groups. Bisexual-affirming therapy acknowledges that bisexual individuals may encounter specific stressors—such as invalidation, relationship challenges, and minority stress—that require specialised understanding and intervention. Many therapists also provide couples therapy for bisexual partners, helping them navigate relationship dynamics, communication challenges, or external stressors that may impact their relationship.
While not required, some clients prefer working with bisexual therapists who may bring personal insight to the therapeutic relationship. However, a non-bisexual therapist with strong training and a genuine commitment to affirmation can be equally effective. The most important factor is finding a therapist who understands how identity impacts mental health and can create a space of trust and respect.
What can a bisexual therapist help with?
Bisexual-affirming therapists can provide support across a wide range of concerns relevant to bisexual individuals. Whether through personal or professional experience, they often have specialised knowledge in areas such as the coming out process, navigating stereotypes, and dealing with common stressors. Relationship support is another key area of focus, as bisexual clients may face unique challenge when dating or maintaining relationships across genders. Affirming therapists can also help clients build coping strategies for managing discrimination or stigma.
Additionally, many bisexual-affirming therapists can connect clients to other providers or community-based resources—such as bisexual support groups or LGBTQ+ organisations—that offer additional affirming spaces for connection. It's important to note that therapists provide can talk therapy and counseling services but do not prescribe medication—if medication is needed for conditions like depression or anxiety, they will coordinate care with a psychiatrist or primary care physician who can provide psychiatric medication management alongside therapeutic support.
How do I find an effective bisexual therapist?
The Psychology Today online directory is a helpful tool for finding bisexual-affirming therapists. You can use search filters to identify therapists who specialise in LGBTQ+ care and work specifically with bisexual clients. You can also filter by clinical specialties, therapeutic approaches, accepted insurance, session costs, and languages spoken to find the right fit.
During initial consultations or early sessions, ask potential therapists about their specific training in bisexual-affirming care, their experience with LGBTQ+ clients, and their therapeutic approach to identity-related concerns. An effective bisexual-affirming therapist will demonstrate genuine understanding of bisexual experiences, including awareness of the unique challenges facing bisexual individuals. You can also look for credentials or continuing education in areas such as LGBTQ+ mental health, trauma-informed care, and intersectionality.