Photo of Thom Thornsberry Smith, Marriage & Family Therapist in Anacortes, WA
Thom Thornsberry Smith
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, CHT
Verified Verified
Anacortes, WA 98221
Not accepting new clients
We are truly living in troubled times, globally and personally. Many of us find ourselves fluctuating between feelings of anxiety and/or depression. At 67 years old, I’ve spent nearly half my life – 35 years – as a Marriage and Family Therapist/Psychotherapist. Adding Hypnotherapy to my practice has been a game changer, and that, along with friends, colleagues, and many clients, I’ve learned ways of managing my thinking and thereby managing my emotions. This is what I do in my private practice and I can help you to do the same.
We are truly living in troubled times, globally and personally. Many of us find ourselves fluctuating between feelings of anxiety and/or depression. At 67 years old, I’ve spent nearly half my life – 35 years – as a Marriage and Family Therapist/Psychotherapist. Adding Hypnotherapy to my practice has been a game changer, and that, along with friends, colleagues, and many clients, I’ve learned ways of managing my thinking and thereby managing my emotions. This is what I do in my private practice and I can help you to do the same.
(206) 207-3006 View (206) 207-3006

Online Therapists

Photo of John Paul Gaylor, Counselor in Anacortes, WA
John Paul Gaylor
Counselor, MA, LMHCA
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98101
As a gay man, I am particularly passionate about working with fellow LGBTQ+ individuals and couples to navigate issues of mental and emotional health, relationships, identity, and sexuality.
As an individual, couples, and sex therapist, my passion lies in helping people to confront and tackle the challenges which deeply impact their personal and relational lives and leave them feeling stuck. Whether you are struggling to cope with anxiety, grief, or depression, navigating conflict or resentment in your relationship, or facing concerns about your sexual health or identity, I strive to create a non-judgmental and supportive space where clients can explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences without fear of rejection.
As a gay man, I am particularly passionate about working with fellow LGBTQ+ individuals and couples to navigate issues of mental and emotional health, relationships, identity, and sexuality.
As an individual, couples, and sex therapist, my passion lies in helping people to confront and tackle the challenges which deeply impact their personal and relational lives and leave them feeling stuck. Whether you are struggling to cope with anxiety, grief, or depression, navigating conflict or resentment in your relationship, or facing concerns about your sexual health or identity, I strive to create a non-judgmental and supportive space where clients can explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences without fear of rejection.
(206) 472-1678 View (206) 472-1678
Photo of David Han, Counselor in Anacortes, WA
David Han
Counselor, MS, LMHC
Verified Verified
Bellevue, WA 98005
David (he/him) is a licensed psychotherapist (LMHC) in the state of Washington. David primarily works with adolescents (16+), adults including individuals and couples, and LGBTQIA+ individuals and couples who are dealing with a variety of issues including trauma, anxiety, depression, performance anxiety, low self-esteem, identity integration, relational conflicts, sexual identity, and comorbidity. David also provides integrated treatment for individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders within a collaborative team of medication prescribers and/or primary care physicians.
David (he/him) is a licensed psychotherapist (LMHC) in the state of Washington. David primarily works with adolescents (16+), adults including individuals and couples, and LGBTQIA+ individuals and couples who are dealing with a variety of issues including trauma, anxiety, depression, performance anxiety, low self-esteem, identity integration, relational conflicts, sexual identity, and comorbidity. David also provides integrated treatment for individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders within a collaborative team of medication prescribers and/or primary care physicians.
(425) 491-1318 View (425) 491-1318
Photo of Whole Beings Counseling & Consultation LLC, Counselor in Anacortes, WA
Whole Beings Counseling & Consultation LLC
Counselor, MA, CDP, LMHCA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98107  (Online Only)
I began social work with young adults in transition, the LGBTQ+ pop, aging and disability individuals and at risk youth /fostercare variety of clinical settings for residential facilities/ community health agencies including inpatient/ outpatient care utilizing emotional regulation /mindfulness practices, trauma focused, and addictions treatment.
Welcome to counseling; to be helpful lets regain access to inner wisdom for self advocacy through review of your strength base building practices by use of expressive arts therapy (life has been your stage), explore dreams (Adlerian therapies), explore play& traumas to connect with your inner child/teen or find your inner parent, track sensations with the mind, body and spirit for grounding purposes in our sessions. Welcome and thank you for adding me to your search!
I began social work with young adults in transition, the LGBTQ+ pop, aging and disability individuals and at risk youth /fostercare variety of clinical settings for residential facilities/ community health agencies including inpatient/ outpatient care utilizing emotional regulation /mindfulness practices, trauma focused, and addictions treatment.
Welcome to counseling; to be helpful lets regain access to inner wisdom for self advocacy through review of your strength base building practices by use of expressive arts therapy (life has been your stage), explore dreams (Adlerian therapies), explore play& traumas to connect with your inner child/teen or find your inner parent, track sensations with the mind, body and spirit for grounding purposes in our sessions. Welcome and thank you for adding me to your search!
(206) 207-4683 View (206) 207-4683
Photo of Christie Driskell, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Anacortes, WA
Christie Driskell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Duvall, WA 98019  (Online Only)
I have 30 years of experience helping clients to identify and heal the sources of discomfort that bring them to counseling. Whether their concerning issues are situational, biochemical, or a long standing pattern of behavior, my approach is to always start with where the client is and what they are wanting out of counseling. I have extensive experience working with late teens and adults, both men and women. My practice includes individuals and couples work which also includes the LGBTQ community.
I have 30 years of experience helping clients to identify and heal the sources of discomfort that bring them to counseling. Whether their concerning issues are situational, biochemical, or a long standing pattern of behavior, my approach is to always start with where the client is and what they are wanting out of counseling. I have extensive experience working with late teens and adults, both men and women. My practice includes individuals and couples work which also includes the LGBTQ community.
(425) 274-2963 View (425) 274-2963
Photo of Lindsay S Tucker, Pre-Licensed Professional in Anacortes, WA
Lindsay S Tucker
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Bellingham, WA 98225  (Online Only)
I operate with a transfeminist and queer theory lens and work towards a sex and gender expansive world.
In relationship with counseling participants, my approach is trauma-informed, person-centered, and I draw on somatic and mindfulness-based interventions. This means that you can expect a non-judgemental environment to increase your understanding of self with the belief that each participant has their own force for therapeutic change within themselves.
I operate with a transfeminist and queer theory lens and work towards a sex and gender expansive world.
In relationship with counseling participants, my approach is trauma-informed, person-centered, and I draw on somatic and mindfulness-based interventions. This means that you can expect a non-judgemental environment to increase your understanding of self with the belief that each participant has their own force for therapeutic change within themselves.
(360) 997-4597 View (360) 997-4597
Photo of Lauren Beck, Counselor in Anacortes, WA
Lauren Beck
Counselor, MA, LMHC, LCPC
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98101  (Online Only)
As a therapist, my counseling approach is integrative and evidenced-based. I have training and experience in a variety of different therapeutic approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, mindfulness-based therapy, solution-focused therapy, client-centered therapy, LGBTQIA counseling, and sports and fitness therapy. This diverse background allows me to integrate the counseling approach best suited for your unique needs.
As a therapist, my counseling approach is integrative and evidenced-based. I have training and experience in a variety of different therapeutic approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, mindfulness-based therapy, solution-focused therapy, client-centered therapy, LGBTQIA counseling, and sports and fitness therapy. This diverse background allows me to integrate the counseling approach best suited for your unique needs.
(206) 752-1391 View (206) 752-1391
Photo of Shaya Schaedler, Counselor in Anacortes, WA
Shaya Schaedler
Counselor, M Ed, LMHCA, MHP
Verified Verified
Kirkland, WA 98033  (Online Only)
I am an open and proud member of the LGBTQ+ community and have provided individual counseling to clients since 2019. I specialize in working with athletes and LGBTQ+ populations, particularly queer and non-binary adolescents/young adults as well as providing gender affirming care.
I am an open and proud member of the LGBTQ+ community and have provided individual counseling to clients since 2019. I specialize in working with athletes and LGBTQ+ populations, particularly queer and non-binary adolescents/young adults as well as providing gender affirming care.
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Photo of Sara Whitney, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Anacortes, WA
Sara Whitney
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, LMFTA
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98104
I am a queer, Jewish, white, cis-gender woman who was raised in the PNW.
During our work together, we will be doing just that - working together! In our sessions I'll help you to identify what you (and your partner, if couples therapy) would like to see improved and how you visualize yourself, your relationship, and really your life by the end of therapy. From there I help you to recognize patterns, beliefs, and behaviors that may be keeping you stuck. My approach to helping you in this process is through a ‘person-centered’ therapeutic lens, as I trust that you are the expert in your life and that I am here to help you to understand your potential for positive change and to help facilitate that change.
I am a queer, Jewish, white, cis-gender woman who was raised in the PNW.
During our work together, we will be doing just that - working together! In our sessions I'll help you to identify what you (and your partner, if couples therapy) would like to see improved and how you visualize yourself, your relationship, and really your life by the end of therapy. From there I help you to recognize patterns, beliefs, and behaviors that may be keeping you stuck. My approach to helping you in this process is through a ‘person-centered’ therapeutic lens, as I trust that you are the expert in your life and that I am here to help you to understand your potential for positive change and to help facilitate that change.
(425) 658-9372 View (425) 658-9372
Photo of Dr. Jennifer Gildner, Psychologist in Anacortes, WA
Dr. Jennifer Gildner
Psychologist, PhD, CMPC
Verified Verified
Bellingham, WA 98225  (Online Only)
Members of the LGBTQ+ community will receive affirming and supportive care.
As a CA and WA licensed Sport & Counseling Psychologist and Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC), I work collaboratively with my clients to empower them toward meeting their goals. In our work together, I will be encouraging while I will also challenge you to take steps toward your desired change. I am a generalist who works with people struggling with a variety a issues including depression, anxiety, relationships, transitions, and general distress to name a few.
Members of the LGBTQ+ community will receive affirming and supportive care.
As a CA and WA licensed Sport & Counseling Psychologist and Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC), I work collaboratively with my clients to empower them toward meeting their goals. In our work together, I will be encouraging while I will also challenge you to take steps toward your desired change. I am a generalist who works with people struggling with a variety a issues including depression, anxiety, relationships, transitions, and general distress to name a few.
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Photo of Pathway to Change Counseling Services, Marriage & Family Therapist in Anacortes, WA
Pathway to Change Counseling Services
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Puyallup, WA 98371
We provide individual, couples, group, and family counseling specializing in treatment for: depression, anxiety, trauma and PTSD, sexual abuse, ADHD/ADD, anger, mood disorder, behavioral problems, conflict resolution, OCD, grief counseling, parenting support, LGBTQ, gender identity, stress management and more.
We have immediate openings for new clients! Today is your first step on the pathway to change and together we will make the transformation you are seeking in your life. Pathway to Change is unique in that we offer several therapists to choose from who can work collaboratively with you to accomplish the change you want to see. With over 40 years of combined therapy experience each therapist offers a different approach within the therapeutic relationship. We are excited to now offer Life Coaching through our partnership with Simply You LLC. To schedule life coaching sessions please visit the following website: www.simply-you-llc.com.
We provide individual, couples, group, and family counseling specializing in treatment for: depression, anxiety, trauma and PTSD, sexual abuse, ADHD/ADD, anger, mood disorder, behavioral problems, conflict resolution, OCD, grief counseling, parenting support, LGBTQ, gender identity, stress management and more.
We have immediate openings for new clients! Today is your first step on the pathway to change and together we will make the transformation you are seeking in your life. Pathway to Change is unique in that we offer several therapists to choose from who can work collaboratively with you to accomplish the change you want to see. With over 40 years of combined therapy experience each therapist offers a different approach within the therapeutic relationship. We are excited to now offer Life Coaching through our partnership with Simply You LLC. To schedule life coaching sessions please visit the following website: www.simply-you-llc.com.
(253) 218-4176 View (253) 218-4176
Photo of Dr. William Gibson, Ph.D., Counselor in Anacortes, WA
Dr. William Gibson, Ph.D.
Counselor, PhD, MS, LMHCA, LCC
Verified Verified
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
Areas of Specialization include: Gender Identity, Gender Transformation, Sexual Orientation Identity, LGBTQ client populations, Relationship challenges, Spousal Support.
As a client-centered professional, I recognize the strength necessary for an individual to take the first step through the counselor's open door. Through trusting and empathetic positive relationship building, I join my clients in the exploration of a healthier, self-accepting perspective in addressing the challenging components of their life experience. All areas of my practice focus upon acceptance and healthy management of personal questions through the discovery of an enhanced understanding, within a positive environment, which utilizes personal strengths to contribute to a happier, self satisfying life experience. Come take this walk with me...
Areas of Specialization include: Gender Identity, Gender Transformation, Sexual Orientation Identity, LGBTQ client populations, Relationship challenges, Spousal Support.
As a client-centered professional, I recognize the strength necessary for an individual to take the first step through the counselor's open door. Through trusting and empathetic positive relationship building, I join my clients in the exploration of a healthier, self-accepting perspective in addressing the challenging components of their life experience. All areas of my practice focus upon acceptance and healthy management of personal questions through the discovery of an enhanced understanding, within a positive environment, which utilizes personal strengths to contribute to a happier, self satisfying life experience. Come take this walk with me...
(206) 823-2954 View (206) 823-2954
Photo of Josh D Spell, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Anacortes, WA
Josh D Spell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98119
My own journey as a member of the LGBTQ+ population and professional ballet dancer led me to the field of mental health.
At times, we may lose our ability to trust our intuition. We may feel like imposters in our relationships, jobs or within ourselves. Therapy can offer a bridge back to understanding your authentic needs. I work with adults of all genders, races and sexual orientations experiencing anxiety, self-doubt and perfectionism. Symptoms related to these issues can manifest as feeling cut off from emotions, overwhelm, stress and burnout. I also provide services to athletes and performing artists who may be experiencing life transitions, performance anxiety or injury.
My own journey as a member of the LGBTQ+ population and professional ballet dancer led me to the field of mental health.
At times, we may lose our ability to trust our intuition. We may feel like imposters in our relationships, jobs or within ourselves. Therapy can offer a bridge back to understanding your authentic needs. I work with adults of all genders, races and sexual orientations experiencing anxiety, self-doubt and perfectionism. Symptoms related to these issues can manifest as feeling cut off from emotions, overwhelm, stress and burnout. I also provide services to athletes and performing artists who may be experiencing life transitions, performance anxiety or injury.
(206) 589-1440 View (206) 589-1440
Photo of Collective Healing Counseling, Counselor in Anacortes, WA
Collective Healing Counseling
Counselor, LICSW
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98178  (Online Only)
You deserve a life of self-love, compassion, and healing. I specialize in working with people experiencing major life changes (new career, new family configuration, losing a loved one, romantic relationship ending or beginning, new migration to the US), depression, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, and adjustment issues. I often serve BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) and LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual, plus), refugee, and immigrant communities and young adults.
You deserve a life of self-love, compassion, and healing. I specialize in working with people experiencing major life changes (new career, new family configuration, losing a loved one, romantic relationship ending or beginning, new migration to the US), depression, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, and adjustment issues. I often serve BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) and LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual, plus), refugee, and immigrant communities and young adults.
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Photo of Rebecca Barnett, Counselor in Anacortes, WA
Rebecca Barnett
Counselor, MA, LMHCA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bellevue, WA 98005
I have experience working with ADHD and autism, I love working with neurodiverse clients, LGBTQIA+, anxiety, perfectionism, OCD, childhood emotional neglect, divorce, grief, and loss.
Welcome to a nurturing space where you need not face life's challenges alone. I understand the weight of worst-case scenarios and the drowning out of reason. Life transitions can be daunting, especially if you deviate from the heteronormative path. My approach is warm, laid-back, and compassionate. Our work is based on trust, respect, and your goals.
I have experience working with ADHD and autism, I love working with neurodiverse clients, LGBTQIA+, anxiety, perfectionism, OCD, childhood emotional neglect, divorce, grief, and loss.
Welcome to a nurturing space where you need not face life's challenges alone. I understand the weight of worst-case scenarios and the drowning out of reason. Life transitions can be daunting, especially if you deviate from the heteronormative path. My approach is warm, laid-back, and compassionate. Our work is based on trust, respect, and your goals.
(206) 672-8913 View (206) 672-8913
Photo of Integrated Therapy Services NW, PLLC, Marriage & Family Therapist in Anacortes, WA
Integrated Therapy Services NW, PLLC
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
University Place, WA 98466
This includes our Bloom – Perinatal Wellness Program which addresses any stage of the reproductive journey, the Pride Program which provides support & tailored counseling for the LGBTQ+ community, and more.
Integrated Therapy Services (ITS) is dedicated to serving our community by supporting individuals, couples, and families through their lifelong journey of emotional growth and personal development. Our providers come together from the fields of Marriage and Family Therapy, Social Work, and Mental Health Counseling to provide the highest quality mental health services based in the most advance research in a warm and inviting environment. We deliver innovative and personalized treatment with compassion and care. Telehealth or in-person available.
This includes our Bloom – Perinatal Wellness Program which addresses any stage of the reproductive journey, the Pride Program which provides support & tailored counseling for the LGBTQ+ community, and more.
Integrated Therapy Services (ITS) is dedicated to serving our community by supporting individuals, couples, and families through their lifelong journey of emotional growth and personal development. Our providers come together from the fields of Marriage and Family Therapy, Social Work, and Mental Health Counseling to provide the highest quality mental health services based in the most advance research in a warm and inviting environment. We deliver innovative and personalized treatment with compassion and care. Telehealth or in-person available.
(253) 214-9742 View (253) 214-9742
Photo of Heather J Reichmann, Counselor in Anacortes, WA
Heather J Reichmann
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98177  (Online Only)
Whether gay, straight, artist, doctor, bartender or CEO- we are all in this together.
I want to offer you more than scratching the surface, or putting a band-aid on your pain. Let's get to the root. This work is about you - how you relate to yourself and to me. It's about the pain that you've carried (consciously or unconsciously), the grief that has shaped you and the coping mechanisms and defenses that you have adopted in order to live your life. I will bring my curiosity and my awareness to your thoughts, your feelings, your behavior. Together we will get to know the true you.
Whether gay, straight, artist, doctor, bartender or CEO- we are all in this together.
I want to offer you more than scratching the surface, or putting a band-aid on your pain. Let's get to the root. This work is about you - how you relate to yourself and to me. It's about the pain that you've carried (consciously or unconsciously), the grief that has shaped you and the coping mechanisms and defenses that you have adopted in order to live your life. I will bring my curiosity and my awareness to your thoughts, your feelings, your behavior. Together we will get to know the true you.
(206) 203-1121 View (206) 203-1121
Photo of Paul Heiman, Counselor in Anacortes, WA
Paul Heiman
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98102  (Online Only)
Although straight, I have a substantial LGBTQ practice.
I am a licensed psychotherapist with an office in Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood. I have a masters in counseling psychology from Regis University in Denver and over 17 years of professional experience. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, LGBTQ and ADHD issues. I work with couples, individuals, and parents and their children. I draw on a number of schools of thinking, including existential, interpersonal, client-centered, cognitive and humanistic. Put simply, I see my job as helping my clients gain access to resources they already have within them - so they can grow into the people they want to be.
Although straight, I have a substantial LGBTQ practice.
I am a licensed psychotherapist with an office in Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood. I have a masters in counseling psychology from Regis University in Denver and over 17 years of professional experience. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, LGBTQ and ADHD issues. I work with couples, individuals, and parents and their children. I draw on a number of schools of thinking, including existential, interpersonal, client-centered, cognitive and humanistic. Put simply, I see my job as helping my clients gain access to resources they already have within them - so they can grow into the people they want to be.
(206) 745-9433 View (206) 745-9433
Photo of Kelly V Holmes, Counselor in Anacortes, WA
Kelly V Holmes
Counselor, MA, LMHC, LPC, SUDPT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
University Place, WA 98466  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I am LGBTQIA & gender-affirming.
We each have the ability to adapt, overcome adversity, feel joy and sorrow, love, and reach our highest potential. Stressful life events, trauma, loss, conflicts, illness, and transitions can overwhelm our ability to cope. Healing becomes blocked. We become stuck. We protect and defend ourselves to avoid ever feeling that pain again. Solutions that once worked become part of the problem. When the traumatic wound is triggered, we experience intense emotion and distorted ways of thinking. In therapy, we journey together to uncover and remove the blocks to healing, transforming pain and loss into meaning, awareness, and choice.
I am LGBTQIA & gender-affirming.
We each have the ability to adapt, overcome adversity, feel joy and sorrow, love, and reach our highest potential. Stressful life events, trauma, loss, conflicts, illness, and transitions can overwhelm our ability to cope. Healing becomes blocked. We become stuck. We protect and defend ourselves to avoid ever feeling that pain again. Solutions that once worked become part of the problem. When the traumatic wound is triggered, we experience intense emotion and distorted ways of thinking. In therapy, we journey together to uncover and remove the blocks to healing, transforming pain and loss into meaning, awareness, and choice.
(253) 466-7577 View (253) 466-7577
Photo of Michael Andrew Buchert, Counselor in Anacortes, WA
Michael Andrew Buchert
Counselor, MPS, ATR-BC, LMHC, LCAT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98121  (Online Only)
I specialize in working with LGBTQIA populations, and provide services and support for individuals and couples in an array of both traditional and post-modern relationships and partnerships.
I believe that our lives are guided by a few simple truths: we all long to be free to play, make things, and be seen by and connected to the world around us. By activating your own, unique creative potential and personal strengths, I believe that you can tap into your innate wisdom to create harmonious, lasting, and fulfilling relationships at home, at work, and with yourself. In our work together, we will utilize an intersectional framework to explore how the many facets of your cultural identity impact you, and use an array of both verbal and non-verbal modalities to help you achieve your goals.
I specialize in working with LGBTQIA populations, and provide services and support for individuals and couples in an array of both traditional and post-modern relationships and partnerships.
I believe that our lives are guided by a few simple truths: we all long to be free to play, make things, and be seen by and connected to the world around us. By activating your own, unique creative potential and personal strengths, I believe that you can tap into your innate wisdom to create harmonious, lasting, and fulfilling relationships at home, at work, and with yourself. In our work together, we will utilize an intersectional framework to explore how the many facets of your cultural identity impact you, and use an array of both verbal and non-verbal modalities to help you achieve your goals.
(206) 717-8676 View (206) 717-8676

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.