LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in 90048
Jake Weinraub
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90048 (Online Only)
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) specializing in LGBTQ-affirmative individual and group therapy. For the past seven years I have worked in both individual and community mental health, immersing myself in the unique ways anxiety, depression, and histories of trauma impact LGBTQ+ individuals across a spectrum of intersecting identities. My goal as a therapist is to create a safe, joyful, and collaborative space for clients to identify and deepen their existing strengths, as well as build new skills.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) specializing in LGBTQ-affirmative individual and group therapy. For the past seven years I have worked in both individual and community mental health, immersing myself in the unique ways anxiety, depression, and histories of trauma impact LGBTQ+ individuals across a spectrum of intersecting identities. My goal as a therapist is to create a safe, joyful, and collaborative space for clients to identify and deepen their existing strengths, as well as build new skills.
Brian Carpenter
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
17 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90048 (Online Only)
Are you an LGBT person who struggles with coming out, doubts your own self-worth, believes others' negative opinions, or is affected by prejudice and discrimination? I help LGBT folks to be proud of who they are and to empower themselves.
I work with individuals and couples. I address such questions as: Are you having difficulties in your relationships? Do you experience anxiety or depression? Do you just want to feel better about yourself and reach your full potential? And I'm especially qualified to help Creative and LGBT people. Are you a Creative person with high standards for yourself or who has a hard time dealing with rejection? As a long-time member of SAG-AFTRA, I help you to recognize that being creative is hard and to strive for excellence instead of "perfection."
Are you an LGBT person who struggles with coming out, doubts your own self-worth, believes others' negative opinions, or is affected by prejudice and discrimination? I help LGBT folks to be proud of who they are and to empower themselves.
I work with individuals and couples. I address such questions as: Are you having difficulties in your relationships? Do you experience anxiety or depression? Do you just want to feel better about yourself and reach your full potential? And I'm especially qualified to help Creative and LGBT people. Are you a Creative person with high standards for yourself or who has a hard time dealing with rejection? As a long-time member of SAG-AFTRA, I help you to recognize that being creative is hard and to strive for excellence instead of "perfection."
Chris Tompkins
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
West Hollywood, CA 90048
I specialize in working with adult gay men and the unique challenges they face related to self-esteem, identity formation, and shame.
Do you feel truly heard and seen in your relationships? Are you out of the closet, but still struggle with your identity? Does low self-esteem get in the way of living more authentically? Are you sober curious? Have you been harmed by religion, but want to connect more spiritually? Do you feel trapped in a pattern of choices that, while you recognize aren’t supportive, you continue making despite the negative consequences? I can relate. I’ve been there. It's not uncommon for gay men to experience the effects of heteronormativity. Which is why an affirming therapist can help foster resilience in a unique way.
I specialize in working with adult gay men and the unique challenges they face related to self-esteem, identity formation, and shame.
Do you feel truly heard and seen in your relationships? Are you out of the closet, but still struggle with your identity? Does low self-esteem get in the way of living more authentically? Are you sober curious? Have you been harmed by religion, but want to connect more spiritually? Do you feel trapped in a pattern of choices that, while you recognize aren’t supportive, you continue making despite the negative consequences? I can relate. I’ve been there. It's not uncommon for gay men to experience the effects of heteronormativity. Which is why an affirming therapist can help foster resilience in a unique way.
Andrew Borden
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90048 (Online Only)
I am LGBTQ+ affirmative, sex/kink positive, neurodiversity-affirming, poly/CNM-affirming, practice from a Health at Every Size lens, and use "geek therapy", working primarily with queer folks.
Hi, I'm glad you made it. Asking for and finding support is tough, but this is the first step. Tell me, do you find it difficult to stay motivated throughout the day? Are you constantly ruminating on interactions with others, anxious about whether you said or did the "right" thing? Perhaps you spend most of your time and energy worrying about how others perceive you? Or, maybe you struggle to feel deserving to take up space in a conversation or a room full of people? If you identify as a perfectionist, people-pleaser, over-thinker, or struggle with low self-esteem or self-worth, therapy might help cut through some of that noise.
I am LGBTQ+ affirmative, sex/kink positive, neurodiversity-affirming, poly/CNM-affirming, practice from a Health at Every Size lens, and use "geek therapy", working primarily with queer folks.
Hi, I'm glad you made it. Asking for and finding support is tough, but this is the first step. Tell me, do you find it difficult to stay motivated throughout the day? Are you constantly ruminating on interactions with others, anxious about whether you said or did the "right" thing? Perhaps you spend most of your time and energy worrying about how others perceive you? Or, maybe you struggle to feel deserving to take up space in a conversation or a room full of people? If you identify as a perfectionist, people-pleaser, over-thinker, or struggle with low self-esteem or self-worth, therapy might help cut through some of that noise.
Matthew D Silverstein
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Hollywood, CA 90048 (Online Only)
I also specialize in using an LGBTQ affirmative perspective--viewing sexual and gender variety as entirely natural forms of self expression often thwarted by oppressive forces like trans/homophobia.
If you are moving through a difficult transition or wanting to tend to the deeper psychological aspects of past traumatic situations or persistent addictions, my work can help you. My training is based in a psychoanalytic perspective coupled with mindfulness-based cognitive therapy and a genuine appreciation for sexual, cultural, and spiritual diversity. A psychoanalytic view suggests that current problems may be sourced in unconscious patterns, often rooted in the past, that would benefit from attention and understanding. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy helps reduce addictive behaviors and anxiety through the practice of gentle self observation and present moment awareness.
I also specialize in using an LGBTQ affirmative perspective--viewing sexual and gender variety as entirely natural forms of self expression often thwarted by oppressive forces like trans/homophobia.
If you are moving through a difficult transition or wanting to tend to the deeper psychological aspects of past traumatic situations or persistent addictions, my work can help you. My training is based in a psychoanalytic perspective coupled with mindfulness-based cognitive therapy and a genuine appreciation for sexual, cultural, and spiritual diversity. A psychoanalytic view suggests that current problems may be sourced in unconscious patterns, often rooted in the past, that would benefit from attention and understanding. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy helps reduce addictive behaviors and anxiety through the practice of gentle self observation and present moment awareness.
Gay Therapy LA (Ken Howard, LCSW, CST)
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, CST
Verified Verified
12 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90048 (Online Only)
Are you a gay man who is trying to reduce conflict in your relationship? Do you have concerns about sexual frequency or performance/satisfaction? Do you want help in how to grow your career/income, cope with workplace stress, gain self-confidence in sex and dating, or cope with a medical or psychiatric challenge (depression, anxiety, ADD, OCD, PTSD)? Support for healing from a traumatic experience (violent crime, illness, accident), or recovering from difficult past experiences in your Family of Origin or past relationships? Recover from substance issues? I help gay men with all of these issues and more in my long (32 years) career.
Are you a gay man who is trying to reduce conflict in your relationship? Do you have concerns about sexual frequency or performance/satisfaction? Do you want help in how to grow your career/income, cope with workplace stress, gain self-confidence in sex and dating, or cope with a medical or psychiatric challenge (depression, anxiety, ADD, OCD, PTSD)? Support for healing from a traumatic experience (violent crime, illness, accident), or recovering from difficult past experiences in your Family of Origin or past relationships? Recover from substance issues? I help gay men with all of these issues and more in my long (32 years) career.
Micaela Caudillo
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90048 (Online Only)
Additionally, as a woman in the LGBTQIA+ community, my endeavor is to validate and uplift those in marginalized communities.
Seeking therapy is often a very difficult decision to make, but a brave and probably necessary one. I am here to make you feel safe and confident that it was the right decision. Therapy works to help resolve issues that affect virtually every facet of our lives. If you've been afflicted with mood dysregulation (i.e., depression, anxiety, anger, borderline personality disorder, etc.), trauma, troubles in your relationships (family, social, and/or romantic), low self-esteem, addiction, or are just noticing that things in life have been slipping, I am here to walk with you towards resolution.
Additionally, as a woman in the LGBTQIA+ community, my endeavor is to validate and uplift those in marginalized communities.
Seeking therapy is often a very difficult decision to make, but a brave and probably necessary one. I am here to make you feel safe and confident that it was the right decision. Therapy works to help resolve issues that affect virtually every facet of our lives. If you've been afflicted with mood dysregulation (i.e., depression, anxiety, anger, borderline personality disorder, etc.), trauma, troubles in your relationships (family, social, and/or romantic), low self-esteem, addiction, or are just noticing that things in life have been slipping, I am here to walk with you towards resolution.
Ezak Marquez
Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90048 (Online Only)
I specialize in working with the LGBTQ community with a focus on transgender and nonbinary folks to address a variety of issues including gender dysphoria, identity exploration, anxiety, and depression.
My name is Ezak and my pronouns are they, them, theirs. I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and Gender Specialist at Diaspora Therapy Group. I utilize a person-centered and strengths-based approach and I have been trained through a multicultural and trauma-informed lens. I work with adolescents and adults wanting to make a change in their life and I work collaboratively with my clients to identify their goals.
I specialize in working with the LGBTQ community with a focus on transgender and nonbinary folks to address a variety of issues including gender dysphoria, identity exploration, anxiety, and depression.
My name is Ezak and my pronouns are they, them, theirs. I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and Gender Specialist at Diaspora Therapy Group. I utilize a person-centered and strengths-based approach and I have been trained through a multicultural and trauma-informed lens. I work with adolescents and adults wanting to make a change in their life and I work collaboratively with my clients to identify their goals.
Joe Taravella
Psychologist, PhD, ABPP
Verified Verified
West Hollywood, CA 90048
I’ve also trained other psychologists and have a special interest and experience working with individuals and couples looking to create families, and the LGBTQ population.
Are you ready to embark on a journey of personal and professional growth and fulfillment with me? I am a Board Certified Clinical Psychologist who embodies a compassionate, understanding, and respectful therapeutic approach with all my clients. My expertise lies in identifying and treating psychological, emotional, and relationship issues, and I have been instrumental in getting individuals to achieve breakthroughs by revealing toxic secrets and long-standing issues. Our work together will enhance your ability to effectively communicate, identify triggers, break maladaptive patterns, and achieve your greatest potential in life.
I’ve also trained other psychologists and have a special interest and experience working with individuals and couples looking to create families, and the LGBTQ population.
Are you ready to embark on a journey of personal and professional growth and fulfillment with me? I am a Board Certified Clinical Psychologist who embodies a compassionate, understanding, and respectful therapeutic approach with all my clients. My expertise lies in identifying and treating psychological, emotional, and relationship issues, and I have been instrumental in getting individuals to achieve breakthroughs by revealing toxic secrets and long-standing issues. Our work together will enhance your ability to effectively communicate, identify triggers, break maladaptive patterns, and achieve your greatest potential in life.
Dr. Richie Koenig
Registered Psychological Associate, PsyD
Verified Verified
West Hollywood, CA 90048 (Online Only)
Dr. Richie Koenig specializes in treating ADHD, queer issues, depression, anxiety, and trauma related disorders. He has worked in a variety of clinical settings throughout California and has experience working with a wide range of presenting concerns, including life transitions, family conflict, and grief. His therapeutic approach is both neurodiverse and queer affirming, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive; he centers psychodynamic, multicultural, somatic, and relational approaches that continuously integrated with the instrumental features of evidence-based modalities including CBT and DBT.
Dr. Richie Koenig specializes in treating ADHD, queer issues, depression, anxiety, and trauma related disorders. He has worked in a variety of clinical settings throughout California and has experience working with a wide range of presenting concerns, including life transitions, family conflict, and grief. His therapeutic approach is both neurodiverse and queer affirming, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive; he centers psychodynamic, multicultural, somatic, and relational approaches that continuously integrated with the instrumental features of evidence-based modalities including CBT and DBT.
Matthew Spector
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
West Hollywood, CA 90048
I specialize in working with the LGBTQ+/queer community and also tend to work with individuals and partners of all ages and gender identities dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, low self-esteem, relationship concerns, grief, perfectionism, life transitions, and body image issues.
Welcome! My task as your therapist is to first provide a space where you’ll feel free to talk openly and be your truest self. Then, together, we will get to the bottom of whatever it is that may be contributing to the way you're feeling, and collaborate on ways you can begin to feel more at ease, empowered, and in alignment with your personal values, goals, and unique identity. I believe that we all hold the ability to manage life's challenges. To do this, we sometimes need a supportive guide. Enter therapy.
I specialize in working with the LGBTQ+/queer community and also tend to work with individuals and partners of all ages and gender identities dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, low self-esteem, relationship concerns, grief, perfectionism, life transitions, and body image issues.
Welcome! My task as your therapist is to first provide a space where you’ll feel free to talk openly and be your truest self. Then, together, we will get to the bottom of whatever it is that may be contributing to the way you're feeling, and collaborate on ways you can begin to feel more at ease, empowered, and in alignment with your personal values, goals, and unique identity. I believe that we all hold the ability to manage life's challenges. To do this, we sometimes need a supportive guide. Enter therapy.
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David Strah
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, 114637
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
West Hollywood, CA 90048
I’ve helped countless members of the LGBTQ+ community find peace, and I can help you, too.
For as long as you can remember, you’ve felt different. You learned early on that there were parts of your identity that you had to hide. So, you built a façade to protect yourself. You felt safer pretending you were just like everybody else. As you’ve gotten older, you’ve learned to accept these parts of your identity more, but it still feels like you’re hiding. You still watch what you say and how you behave around certain people. And a part of you continues trying to conform to society’s expectations. You wish you could just be your authentic self without fear of judgment, but you don’t know how. You feel trapped and helpless.
I’ve helped countless members of the LGBTQ+ community find peace, and I can help you, too.
For as long as you can remember, you’ve felt different. You learned early on that there were parts of your identity that you had to hide. So, you built a façade to protect yourself. You felt safer pretending you were just like everybody else. As you’ve gotten older, you’ve learned to accept these parts of your identity more, but it still feels like you’re hiding. You still watch what you say and how you behave around certain people. And a part of you continues trying to conform to society’s expectations. You wish you could just be your authentic self without fear of judgment, but you don’t know how. You feel trapped and helpless.
Dr. Philip Lance
Psychologist, PhD, FIPA
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
West Hollywood, CA 90048
Philip Lance and his associates serve a diverse range of clients; from anxious entertainment professionals to gay men and couples exploring issues of sexuality and relationship conflicts. Therapy with Dr. Lance promotes individuation, intimacy, the discovery of one's realistic limits, and finding hope for expanded possibilities.
Philip Lance and his associates serve a diverse range of clients; from anxious entertainment professionals to gay men and couples exploring issues of sexuality and relationship conflicts. Therapy with Dr. Lance promotes individuation, intimacy, the discovery of one's realistic limits, and finding hope for expanded possibilities.
Dr. Douglas G. Sadownick
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90048
I founded the Antioch University LGBT Specialization and Colors LGBTQ Youth Counseling Center in 2006.
I come from the heart. I'm here to help you feel safe and secure. I am here to go on a journey with you to find your true self, to lift depression, to work with anxiety, and transform this time of crisis into stronger relationships and more heart-felt productivity. As a gay, Jewish man, I have an ear for all people struggling with difference and oppression. I can go deep with you into healing old trauma. Or I can help you coach you with day-to-day career and relationship challenges. If you need a therapy to jump-start new growth in the New Year, I am here for you on that quest of both self-discovery and seeing more palpable results.
I founded the Antioch University LGBT Specialization and Colors LGBTQ Youth Counseling Center in 2006.
I come from the heart. I'm here to help you feel safe and secure. I am here to go on a journey with you to find your true self, to lift depression, to work with anxiety, and transform this time of crisis into stronger relationships and more heart-felt productivity. As a gay, Jewish man, I have an ear for all people struggling with difference and oppression. I can go deep with you into healing old trauma. Or I can help you coach you with day-to-day career and relationship challenges. If you need a therapy to jump-start new growth in the New Year, I am here for you on that quest of both self-discovery and seeing more palpable results.
Laura Simmons
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90048
Laura strives to provide a culturally-sensitive and LGBTQIA affirming space for all clients.
Laura Simmons is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, who has been practicing since 2015. She graduated from Brandman University with a Master's degree in Psychology, with emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy/ Professional Clinical Counseling. Laura believes in a collaborative approach in providing mental health care to clients. Laura believes that the strength of the therapeutic relationship is just as important as the interventions utilized. Laura prefers to tailor her approach to care and empower her clients in taking an active role in their treatment planning.
Laura strives to provide a culturally-sensitive and LGBTQIA affirming space for all clients.
Laura Simmons is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, who has been practicing since 2015. She graduated from Brandman University with a Master's degree in Psychology, with emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy/ Professional Clinical Counseling. Laura believes in a collaborative approach in providing mental health care to clients. Laura believes that the strength of the therapeutic relationship is just as important as the interventions utilized. Laura prefers to tailor her approach to care and empower her clients in taking an active role in their treatment planning.
Gregory Cason
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90048
Waitlist for new clients
I am a licensed psychologist in the Beverly Hills/West Hollywood area and use cognitive therapy, which focuses on the ways your thoughts affect your feelings and behaviors. I teach you skills that will help you to make improvements in your life and to achieve your goals. I work primarily with gay men but see both men and women of all orientations. All of my doctoral training was accredited by The American Psychological Association including my Ph.D. from the University of Houston my internship from the University of Texas at Austin and my post-doctoral fellowship from UCLA.
I am a licensed psychologist in the Beverly Hills/West Hollywood area and use cognitive therapy, which focuses on the ways your thoughts affect your feelings and behaviors. I teach you skills that will help you to make improvements in your life and to achieve your goals. I work primarily with gay men but see both men and women of all orientations. All of my doctoral training was accredited by The American Psychological Association including my Ph.D. from the University of Houston my internship from the University of Texas at Austin and my post-doctoral fellowship from UCLA.
Joey Sarcoz
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Hollywood, CA 90048
Hi, I'm Joey Sarcoz. I provide counseling to adults, couples, and adolescents in the West Hollywood area. I specialize in helping the LGBTQ community with relationships, depression, trauma and other life challenges related to minority sexual orientation. If counseling is new for you or your returning to do some deeper work, I'd like to learn more about the challenges you may be facing and share how I can help and support you.
Hi, I'm Joey Sarcoz. I provide counseling to adults, couples, and adolescents in the West Hollywood area. I specialize in helping the LGBTQ community with relationships, depression, trauma and other life challenges related to minority sexual orientation. If counseling is new for you or your returning to do some deeper work, I'd like to learn more about the challenges you may be facing and share how I can help and support you.
Peter Balderas
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90048
I specialize in treating LGBTQ adolescents and young adults who have been struggling to find themselves, and who may be experiencing anxiety, depression, or substance abuse difficulties.
Do you feel like you struggle with accepting your identity? I am a bilingual LMFT with over 20 years' experience in Los Angeles working with adults individually and with couples and families. I am here to support you to feel empowered, respected, and heard. I am passionate about helping you build connections and increase your self-awareness in order to live an authentic and productive life. I utilize a variety of clinical techniques to help children, adults and couples develop long-term coping tools and learn mindfulness skills to alleviate negative symptoms and build self-esteem.
I specialize in treating LGBTQ adolescents and young adults who have been struggling to find themselves, and who may be experiencing anxiety, depression, or substance abuse difficulties.
Do you feel like you struggle with accepting your identity? I am a bilingual LMFT with over 20 years' experience in Los Angeles working with adults individually and with couples and families. I am here to support you to feel empowered, respected, and heard. I am passionate about helping you build connections and increase your self-awareness in order to live an authentic and productive life. I utilize a variety of clinical techniques to help children, adults and couples develop long-term coping tools and learn mindfulness skills to alleviate negative symptoms and build self-esteem.
Bryan Ritchey
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90048
I specialize in treating anxiety and mood disorders, LGBTQ concerns, health psychology issues, disordered eating / body image concerns, couples counseling, substance abuse concerns, and working with issues surrounding diversity and social justice.
I enjoy working with adults and couples who are struggling with issues related to transitional difficulties, self-esteem and self-confidence concerns, communication skills, mood disorders, anxiety management difficulties, health concerns, sexual orientation and gender identity development, and parenting skills. I also enjoy working with professionals who are motivated to improve their performance and to move higher up in their careers. I have an extensive background working with college aged individuals, early to late career professionals, and couples.
I specialize in treating anxiety and mood disorders, LGBTQ concerns, health psychology issues, disordered eating / body image concerns, couples counseling, substance abuse concerns, and working with issues surrounding diversity and social justice.
I enjoy working with adults and couples who are struggling with issues related to transitional difficulties, self-esteem and self-confidence concerns, communication skills, mood disorders, anxiety management difficulties, health concerns, sexual orientation and gender identity development, and parenting skills. I also enjoy working with professionals who are motivated to improve their performance and to move higher up in their careers. I have an extensive background working with college aged individuals, early to late career professionals, and couples.
Camille Campbell
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90048
I work with a wide range of clients including people struggling with anxiety and depression, perfectionism, LGBTQ issues, codependency, new parent struggles, intimacy and commitment issues and developing self-compassion.
People come to therapy for different reasons. You may feel frustrated that you'll never find the right relationship, feel overwhelmed with anxiety or feel like you can't stop beating yourself up for past mistakes. You may be constantly comparing yourself to other people and feel like everyone else has things more figured out than you. You may feel disconnected and unhappy, but just not exactly sure why or what to do about it. Therapy is a way to deepen understanding and move towards healing, self-acceptance and a greater sense of well-being.
I work with a wide range of clients including people struggling with anxiety and depression, perfectionism, LGBTQ issues, codependency, new parent struggles, intimacy and commitment issues and developing self-compassion.
People come to therapy for different reasons. You may feel frustrated that you'll never find the right relationship, feel overwhelmed with anxiety or feel like you can't stop beating yourself up for past mistakes. You may be constantly comparing yourself to other people and feel like everyone else has things more figured out than you. You may feel disconnected and unhappy, but just not exactly sure why or what to do about it. Therapy is a way to deepen understanding and move towards healing, self-acceptance and a greater sense of well-being.
See more therapy options for 90048
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.