LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in 90803

Photo of Eric Price Phd, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in 90803, CA
Eric Price Phd
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Long Beach, CA 90803
Most of my clinical training has been with college students, young adults, and LGBTQIA communities, but I have experience working with clients across the lifespan. I specialize in helping clients navigate coming out experiences, anxiety, depression, trauma, and bereavement. I also recognize the ways societal oppression impacts marginalized voices. In therapy, I value creating a safe, warm, trusting environment where you will develop new insight into your life and cultivate new strategies to meet your goals. You are not meant to do this alone and I would be honored to help you along your journey!
Most of my clinical training has been with college students, young adults, and LGBTQIA communities, but I have experience working with clients across the lifespan. I specialize in helping clients navigate coming out experiences, anxiety, depression, trauma, and bereavement. I also recognize the ways societal oppression impacts marginalized voices. In therapy, I value creating a safe, warm, trusting environment where you will develop new insight into your life and cultivate new strategies to meet your goals. You are not meant to do this alone and I would be honored to help you along your journey!
(562) 456-3174 View (562) 456-3174
Photo of Joshua M Medina, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 90803, CA
Joshua M Medina
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Long Beach, CA 90803
Welcome. I am Gay-identified clinician; my goal is to team up with you and identify what you’d like to work on and together, tackle those challenges head-on. I’m here to help you with anything from relationships, to work/family stress, sexuality, gender identity, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, panic disorder, life adjustments, major health changes. As a gay male, I vowed to work with LGBTQI individuals as I know first hand how challenging it is to find a clinician that has a lived understanding of the struggles within the community. I work with all adults, specializing in LGBTQI issues.
Welcome. I am Gay-identified clinician; my goal is to team up with you and identify what you’d like to work on and together, tackle those challenges head-on. I’m here to help you with anything from relationships, to work/family stress, sexuality, gender identity, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, panic disorder, life adjustments, major health changes. As a gay male, I vowed to work with LGBTQI individuals as I know first hand how challenging it is to find a clinician that has a lived understanding of the struggles within the community. I work with all adults, specializing in LGBTQI issues.
(949) 347-5098 View (949) 347-5098
Photo of Zane (Susan) Walshe, Marriage & Family Therapist in 90803, CA
Zane (Susan) Walshe
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Long Beach, CA 90803
I specialize in treating: LGBTQIA+ Community, Alcoholism and Addictions, Relationship Issues, Couples Counseling, Depression, Anxiety, PTSD/Trauma: (Mental, Emotional, Physical, Sexual Abuse).
I am a Licensed Marriage, Family Therapist in private practice in Long Beach, California working with individuals, couples, and families. As a Transmasculine person who uses the pronouns they/them/theirs, I am especially qualified and passionate about working with folks in the LGBTQIA+ Community and their allies. An eclectic therapist focused on the healing arts utilizing a wide variety of theories and techniques including Mindfulness, Somatic, Cognitive Behavioral, Existential and Gestalt to serve the diverse needs of my clients. I also supervise wonderful, skilled, and compassionate Associates who offer caring therapy on a scale.
I specialize in treating: LGBTQIA+ Community, Alcoholism and Addictions, Relationship Issues, Couples Counseling, Depression, Anxiety, PTSD/Trauma: (Mental, Emotional, Physical, Sexual Abuse).
I am a Licensed Marriage, Family Therapist in private practice in Long Beach, California working with individuals, couples, and families. As a Transmasculine person who uses the pronouns they/them/theirs, I am especially qualified and passionate about working with folks in the LGBTQIA+ Community and their allies. An eclectic therapist focused on the healing arts utilizing a wide variety of theories and techniques including Mindfulness, Somatic, Cognitive Behavioral, Existential and Gestalt to serve the diverse needs of my clients. I also supervise wonderful, skilled, and compassionate Associates who offer caring therapy on a scale.
(562) 445-3729 View (562) 445-3729
Photo of Jack Senese IV, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 90803, CA
Jack Senese IV
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Long Beach, CA 90803
I am a licensed therapist who approaches therapy with a direct, strengths-based approach. I spent my life in New York before moving out to LA to do therapy. While here, I have worked my professional career in a diverse number of settings, including a neurofeedback clinic, rehab center, and LGBTQ center. I was driven to the mental health field because I genuinely enjoy working with others to train their brain and create a better future. I am also an industrial-organizational psychologist where my focus is on work-life balance.
I am a licensed therapist who approaches therapy with a direct, strengths-based approach. I spent my life in New York before moving out to LA to do therapy. While here, I have worked my professional career in a diverse number of settings, including a neurofeedback clinic, rehab center, and LGBTQ center. I was driven to the mental health field because I genuinely enjoy working with others to train their brain and create a better future. I am also an industrial-organizational psychologist where my focus is on work-life balance.
(917) 719-5691 View (917) 719-5691
Photo of Jose F Gaspar, Marriage & Family Therapist in 90803, CA
Jose F Gaspar
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Long Beach, CA 90803
I am Solution-Focused, EMDR trained, Queer, Feminist, and passionate about Critical Race Theory and systemic injustice. My clients struggle with internal shame and boundary setting that often gets in the way of them achieving their goals. I focus first on practical solutions, while analyzing my clients for patterns and traumas that are keeping them stuck. Guiding clients through complex traumas, I restore hope and self-esteem (it’s easier than you think; and often fun.) Together, we navigate the challenges of self-discovery, fostering joy, curiosity, and empowerment. I help people move from survival mode to thriving.
I am Solution-Focused, EMDR trained, Queer, Feminist, and passionate about Critical Race Theory and systemic injustice. My clients struggle with internal shame and boundary setting that often gets in the way of them achieving their goals. I focus first on practical solutions, while analyzing my clients for patterns and traumas that are keeping them stuck. Guiding clients through complex traumas, I restore hope and self-esteem (it’s easier than you think; and often fun.) Together, we navigate the challenges of self-discovery, fostering joy, curiosity, and empowerment. I help people move from survival mode to thriving.
(323) 370-4880 View (323) 370-4880
Photo of Emily Ruiz, Marriage & Family Therapist in 90803, CA
Emily Ruiz
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Long Beach, CA 90803
I am an openly queer, latinx licensed therapist specializing in supporting queer, trans, and BIPOC affirming mental health care. I work alongside clients, exploring their strengths, resilience, and finding ways to build a fulfilling life that aligns with their values and authentic self, rather than the version of themselves they've had to become to conform to the pressures of the world around them. I strive to empower clients to increase their sense of safety and connection to themselves, their bodies and the difficult systems they navigate.
I am an openly queer, latinx licensed therapist specializing in supporting queer, trans, and BIPOC affirming mental health care. I work alongside clients, exploring their strengths, resilience, and finding ways to build a fulfilling life that aligns with their values and authentic self, rather than the version of themselves they've had to become to conform to the pressures of the world around them. I strive to empower clients to increase their sense of safety and connection to themselves, their bodies and the difficult systems they navigate.
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Photo of Jennifer Beers, Marriage & Family Therapist in 90803, CA
Jennifer Beers
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Long Beach, CA 90803  (Online Only)
I specialize in working with adults (18+) within the populations of LGBTQIA+, people of color, and survivors of trauma and domestic violence and/or Interpersonal violence.
Hello, hello! I am Jennifer Beers (she/her), a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist providing telehealth therapy coast to coast in CA. I am passionate about mental health and breaking generational barriers of mental illness. I provide a safe non judgemental place where clients can become the best versions of themselves. I believe past experiences affect our current functioning and through integration of our whole self there can be healing. I work from a lens of unconditional positive regard for each of my clients, embracing the awkward of therapy and a space where authenticity flourishes.
I specialize in working with adults (18+) within the populations of LGBTQIA+, people of color, and survivors of trauma and domestic violence and/or Interpersonal violence.
Hello, hello! I am Jennifer Beers (she/her), a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist providing telehealth therapy coast to coast in CA. I am passionate about mental health and breaking generational barriers of mental illness. I provide a safe non judgemental place where clients can become the best versions of themselves. I believe past experiences affect our current functioning and through integration of our whole self there can be healing. I work from a lens of unconditional positive regard for each of my clients, embracing the awkward of therapy and a space where authenticity flourishes.
(657) 295-0014 View (657) 295-0014
Photo of Bianca Dancy, Marriage & Family Therapist in 90803, CA
Bianca Dancy
Marriage & Family Therapist, Bianca Dancy, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Long Beach, CA 90803  (Online Only)
My name is Bianca and I'm a relational therapist who works with individuals, couples, and families. I have a passion for collaborating with clients to support their growth and wellbeing, and increase authenticity, connection, and presence in their relationships. I work with folks experiencing anxiety and depression, dealing with stress and burnout, working to build healthy relationships, accommodating neurodivergence, and navigating complex trauma. I am a queer therapist and have extensive experience supporting LGBTQIA+ folks and their loved ones. I also support folks recovering from eating disorders at the outpatient level of care.
My name is Bianca and I'm a relational therapist who works with individuals, couples, and families. I have a passion for collaborating with clients to support their growth and wellbeing, and increase authenticity, connection, and presence in their relationships. I work with folks experiencing anxiety and depression, dealing with stress and burnout, working to build healthy relationships, accommodating neurodivergence, and navigating complex trauma. I am a queer therapist and have extensive experience supporting LGBTQIA+ folks and their loved ones. I also support folks recovering from eating disorders at the outpatient level of care.
(562) 837-2248 View (562) 837-2248
Photo of Phillip Cleaver, Marriage & Family Therapist in 90803, CA
Phillip Cleaver
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Long Beach, CA 90803
I work with individuals, couples, families, and children and am LGBT Affirmative.
It's my goal to create a safe, loving, and nonjudgmental place where you can openly and honestly talk about things you may not even talk to your friends about. The goals of my work are to assist you in resolving conflicts and becoming more self-aware. It is my belief that each of us has the inner resources we need to resolve our issues and together we will uncover solutions to fit your individual situation.
I work with individuals, couples, families, and children and am LGBT Affirmative.
It's my goal to create a safe, loving, and nonjudgmental place where you can openly and honestly talk about things you may not even talk to your friends about. The goals of my work are to assist you in resolving conflicts and becoming more self-aware. It is my belief that each of us has the inner resources we need to resolve our issues and together we will uncover solutions to fit your individual situation.
(323) 703-5655 View (323) 703-5655
Photo of Claire Czajkowski, Marriage & Family Therapist in 90803, CA
Claire Czajkowski
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Long Beach, CA 90803
Hello! My focus in my practice is working with teens, young adults (20s-30s), and LGBTQ individuals on a variety of difficult topics. I use Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to work through trauma. Whether you are a teen struggling with depression, self-harm, or anxiety. Or an identified LGBTQ adult or young adult dealing with issues such as past trauma, relationship stressors, or phase of life difficulties/transitions. My goal is to offer you a safe space to openly express and explore these specific areas, and to obtain the results you are looking for with the intent of living an enriched life.
Hello! My focus in my practice is working with teens, young adults (20s-30s), and LGBTQ individuals on a variety of difficult topics. I use Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to work through trauma. Whether you are a teen struggling with depression, self-harm, or anxiety. Or an identified LGBTQ adult or young adult dealing with issues such as past trauma, relationship stressors, or phase of life difficulties/transitions. My goal is to offer you a safe space to openly express and explore these specific areas, and to obtain the results you are looking for with the intent of living an enriched life.
(562) 534-9144 View (562) 534-9144
Photo of Sara Boblak, Marriage & Family Therapist in 90803, CA
Sara Boblak
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Long Beach, CA 90803
In my practice, I prioritize building a strong therapeutic bond and creating a brave space for exploring the experiences that shape my clients' lives. As a queer-identifying therapist, I especially focus on the impact oppressive systems have on our life stories. Using empathy, humor, and collaboration, I help clients dive into and process their emotions, beliefs, and values. I integrate their intersectional identities and personal interests, like music and media, to support living authentically. My goal is to empower clients to align with their true selves and lead more fulfilling lives.
In my practice, I prioritize building a strong therapeutic bond and creating a brave space for exploring the experiences that shape my clients' lives. As a queer-identifying therapist, I especially focus on the impact oppressive systems have on our life stories. Using empathy, humor, and collaboration, I help clients dive into and process their emotions, beliefs, and values. I integrate their intersectional identities and personal interests, like music and media, to support living authentically. My goal is to empower clients to align with their true selves and lead more fulfilling lives.
(562) 784-9210 View (562) 784-9210
Photo of Embracing Therapy with Cleo Oubre, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 90803, CA
Embracing Therapy with Cleo Oubre
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Long Beach, CA 90803  (Online Only)
I have been professionally working with marginalized communities, specifically BIPOC & LGBTQ folks, and survivors of violence since 2015.
How would you rate the quality of your relationships at this moment? Do you enjoy your own company? How is your connection with your family? Do you feel you are connected to a particular community? Any community? Let's explore the various manifestations of loneliness and intimacy. Your overall well-being is determined by the status of your intrapersonal and interpersonal relationships. I want to work with you to create the life you deserve & desire - let's work toward it together.
I have been professionally working with marginalized communities, specifically BIPOC & LGBTQ folks, and survivors of violence since 2015.
How would you rate the quality of your relationships at this moment? Do you enjoy your own company? How is your connection with your family? Do you feel you are connected to a particular community? Any community? Let's explore the various manifestations of loneliness and intimacy. Your overall well-being is determined by the status of your intrapersonal and interpersonal relationships. I want to work with you to create the life you deserve & desire - let's work toward it together.
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Photo of Hella Good Therapy, Marriage & Family Therapist in 90803, CA
Hella Good Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
Long Beach, CA 90803
We <3 queer, BIPOC, neurodiverse, poly folks! We're hella good at: Unpacking that emotional baggage so you can feel allllll the self-love, healing from toxic relationships or shitty childhood experiences, and figuring out what needs to change so you can have dope relationships.
We humans are wired for connection – we need it on the most basic level. But humans are the worst! And the best! Let’s just say: humans are complicated. We need each other, but we hurt each other, so we create these little ways to keep ourselves safe…but those ways might not be working anymore. That’s where we come in - we work with people who are experiencing distress within themselves and in their relationships. Therapy with us focuses on identifying and unpacking the unhelpful beliefs and patterns that keep you stuck, and then learning new ways of relating to yourself and others that make you feel ….. happy!?! It’s possible.
We <3 queer, BIPOC, neurodiverse, poly folks! We're hella good at: Unpacking that emotional baggage so you can feel allllll the self-love, healing from toxic relationships or shitty childhood experiences, and figuring out what needs to change so you can have dope relationships.
We humans are wired for connection – we need it on the most basic level. But humans are the worst! And the best! Let’s just say: humans are complicated. We need each other, but we hurt each other, so we create these little ways to keep ourselves safe…but those ways might not be working anymore. That’s where we come in - we work with people who are experiencing distress within themselves and in their relationships. Therapy with us focuses on identifying and unpacking the unhelpful beliefs and patterns that keep you stuck, and then learning new ways of relating to yourself and others that make you feel ….. happy!?! It’s possible.
(619) 825-2436 View (619) 825-2436
Photo of Cristina Arenales, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in 90803, CA
Cristina Arenales
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS, AMFT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Long Beach, CA 90803
As a Queer Woman of Color, I work best from an integrative psychodynamic approach while offering a culturally sensitive space to examine your thoughts and feelings.
Our creative and determined brain allows us to “make it through” whatever life throws our way. We develop ideals, patterns, behaviors, and ways of thinking about the world, ourselves, and others. These things that at one point were meant to be protective and preserve us can overtime unknowingly to us be the very thing that gets in our way preventing us from living the life we ultimately desire. It can manifest itself in ways such as feeling frustrated with ourselves, feeling stuck, disconnected from our body, or even frozen with anxiety, depression, and maybe suicidal thoughts.
As a Queer Woman of Color, I work best from an integrative psychodynamic approach while offering a culturally sensitive space to examine your thoughts and feelings.
Our creative and determined brain allows us to “make it through” whatever life throws our way. We develop ideals, patterns, behaviors, and ways of thinking about the world, ourselves, and others. These things that at one point were meant to be protective and preserve us can overtime unknowingly to us be the very thing that gets in our way preventing us from living the life we ultimately desire. It can manifest itself in ways such as feeling frustrated with ourselves, feeling stuck, disconnected from our body, or even frozen with anxiety, depression, and maybe suicidal thoughts.
(949) 649-2356 View (949) 649-2356
Photo of Justin McArdle, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in 90803, CA
Justin McArdle
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Long Beach, CA 90803
My interests include Asian American struggles, challenges unique to the LGBTQIA+ community, and religious trauma.
I am glad you are here! It can take time to share one’s feelings or identify them, and I create a safe environment that allows my clients to express themselves, feel, connect, and grow in self-awareness. Working alongside anyone seeking healing and growth is a gift and privilege. If you are looking for someone who can walk alongside you and help process what lies beneath the surface, I would be honored to be that person. For those interested in utilizing EMDR to recover from trauma or difficult experiences, I am EMDR-trained through EMDRIA.
My interests include Asian American struggles, challenges unique to the LGBTQIA+ community, and religious trauma.
I am glad you are here! It can take time to share one’s feelings or identify them, and I create a safe environment that allows my clients to express themselves, feel, connect, and grow in self-awareness. Working alongside anyone seeking healing and growth is a gift and privilege. If you are looking for someone who can walk alongside you and help process what lies beneath the surface, I would be honored to be that person. For those interested in utilizing EMDR to recover from trauma or difficult experiences, I am EMDR-trained through EMDRIA.
(714) 559-3404 x14 View (714) 559-3404 x14
Photo of Krystal Faust, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in 90803, CA
Krystal Faust
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, ASAT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Long Beach, CA 90803  (Online Only)
I have extensive experience treating depression, anxiety, gender, compulsive sexual and partner betrayal trauma challenges. As a Carnes and Minwalla trained, partner sensitive therapist, I can help those seeking healing from trauma and abuse. My interest is to help clients going through change, life transitions, and adjustment phases in life that we experience as we age, grow and evolve in our perceptions of ourselves, our gender and sexuality and relationships. I am able to provide knowledgeable and compassionate support to the LGBTQ+, kink and alternative lifestyle communities.
I have extensive experience treating depression, anxiety, gender, compulsive sexual and partner betrayal trauma challenges. As a Carnes and Minwalla trained, partner sensitive therapist, I can help those seeking healing from trauma and abuse. My interest is to help clients going through change, life transitions, and adjustment phases in life that we experience as we age, grow and evolve in our perceptions of ourselves, our gender and sexuality and relationships. I am able to provide knowledgeable and compassionate support to the LGBTQ+, kink and alternative lifestyle communities.
(714) 475-7412 View (714) 475-7412
Photo of Jonathan Brady, Marriage & Family Therapist in 90803, CA
Jonathan Brady
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Long Beach, CA 90803
I traditionally work with stressed teens, men that have trouble identifying their emotional difficulties, women that feel under appreciated, LGBT persons, and couples struggling with intimacy issues. I have a contemplative and humanistic approach to therapy that stresses the inherent value and worth of every person. How we come to understand our sense of self worth can be elaborated with sociological, anthropological, and various academic lenses, but at the end of the day, your experience of your life is what I am interested in. To schedule directly: http://j.mp/Brady-cal
I traditionally work with stressed teens, men that have trouble identifying their emotional difficulties, women that feel under appreciated, LGBT persons, and couples struggling with intimacy issues. I have a contemplative and humanistic approach to therapy that stresses the inherent value and worth of every person. How we come to understand our sense of self worth can be elaborated with sociological, anthropological, and various academic lenses, but at the end of the day, your experience of your life is what I am interested in. To schedule directly: http://j.mp/Brady-cal
(323) 456-3010 View (323) 456-3010
Photo of LBC Wellness, Marriage & Family Therapist in 90803, CA
LBC Wellness
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Long Beach, CA 90803  (Online Only)
Are you happy? You certainly deserve to be. If your past and/or current life events prevent you from living the life you want, reach out to us today and let's see if we can help. We are a group practice comprised of both licensed clinicians and associates with eclectic backgrounds. We're dedicated to helping the lives of those in our community. We work with adolescents (12+), adults, and those in the LGBT community too, and we work with many different mental health issues. Our style is warm, inviting, collaborative, and judgement free. 100% virtual. We accept medi-cal that's managed by MHN/Healthnet but no other medi-cal plan.
Are you happy? You certainly deserve to be. If your past and/or current life events prevent you from living the life you want, reach out to us today and let's see if we can help. We are a group practice comprised of both licensed clinicians and associates with eclectic backgrounds. We're dedicated to helping the lives of those in our community. We work with adolescents (12+), adults, and those in the LGBT community too, and we work with many different mental health issues. Our style is warm, inviting, collaborative, and judgement free. 100% virtual. We accept medi-cal that's managed by MHN/Healthnet but no other medi-cal plan.
(562) 414-5656 View (562) 414-5656
Photo of Pam Pudewa, Marriage & Family Therapist in 90803, CA
Pam Pudewa
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, CATC, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Long Beach, CA 90803  (Online Only)
As a Long Beach native I especially enjoy working with the LGBT community.
Are old ideas holding you back? We build layer upon layer of beliefs that once served us reasonably well, but might not be serving us as we are now. I help individuals and couples work through identifying old patterns and choosing new alternatives. I can help you stop arguing for your limitations. If you have ever wondered why mere insight has not produced change for you or in your relationship, I have an approach that can help you get un-stuck.
As a Long Beach native I especially enjoy working with the LGBT community.
Are old ideas holding you back? We build layer upon layer of beliefs that once served us reasonably well, but might not be serving us as we are now. I help individuals and couples work through identifying old patterns and choosing new alternatives. I can help you stop arguing for your limitations. If you have ever wondered why mere insight has not produced change for you or in your relationship, I have an approach that can help you get un-stuck.
(562) 275-7362 View (562) 275-7362
Photo of Michelle Liu, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in 90803, CA
Michelle Liu
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, APCC
Not Verified Not Verified
Long Beach, CA 90803  (Online Only)
I applaud your courage and strength in taking the first step toward well-being. My approach is Holistic and Cultural sensitive, with individually tailored goals that address Mind, Body, and Spirit Wellness. My clients are teens and older adults (LGBTQ+) with anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and substance abuse. I can appreciate clients who want to heal & improve their lives. They are willing to make the necessary changes to build inner strengths, increase feelings of empowerment, implement boundaries and learn to Trust vulnerabilities in healthy relationships.
I applaud your courage and strength in taking the first step toward well-being. My approach is Holistic and Cultural sensitive, with individually tailored goals that address Mind, Body, and Spirit Wellness. My clients are teens and older adults (LGBTQ+) with anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and substance abuse. I can appreciate clients who want to heal & improve their lives. They are willing to make the necessary changes to build inner strengths, increase feelings of empowerment, implement boundaries and learn to Trust vulnerabilities in healthy relationships.
LGBTQ+ Therapists

Do LGBTQ-affirmative therapists receive special training?

Yes. Many therapists who practice LGBTQ-affirmative therapy have completed specialized training, either during their degree program or as continuing education, to learn the core principles of affirmative therapy and how to best support their LGBTQ clients; some have received certifications in LGBTQ-affirmative therapy. Prospective clients should inquire as to a clinician’s background and training to ensure a good fit.

Why might I want to see an LGBTQ-affirming or LGBTQ-friendly therapist?

Queer and gender-non-conforming individuals frequently experience bias and marginalization in day-to-day life. Working with a therapist who understands these unique challenges, as well as accepts and affirms their identity, can help LGBTQ clients feel safe and supported during therapy—allowing them to better navigate their relationships, mental health, and anything else that they wish to explore during therapy. It is important to note that many therapists can be effective in their work with LGBTQ+ individuals, even in the absence of specific training or background knowledge. The most important component in therapy is the alliance between therapist and client, and this alliance can exist between individuals with very different backgrounds.

How can I find an LGBTQ-friendly therapist?

You may wish to inquire about a therapist’s expertise with your specific challenges or concerns—depression, for example, or relationship strife—as well as their past experiences treating LGBTQ+ clients. Prospective clients may also ask whether a therapist has obtained additional training and/or certification in LGBTQ-affirmative techniques.

How can I inquire about a therapist’s experience with LGBTQ issues?

Prospective clients should feel empowered to directly ask therapists whether they have received training or been certified in LGBTQ-affirming therapy; competent therapists will be happy to explain their educational background and preferred approach(es) to help a client find the best match for them. Clients may also wish to ask how a therapist has treated clients with their particular challenges in the past and what they expect treatment to look like.

Are all the therapists listed in the LGBTQ directory themselves members of the LGBTQ community?

While therapists may choose to disclose their sexual orientation or gender identity in their profiles, the LGBTQ directory features not only those who have shared this information but also those who assert specialized training or experience in providing support to queer individuals, couples or families.