LGBTQ+ Therapists in East Village, Milwaukee, WI

Photo of Blake Bettis, Psychologist in East Village, Milwaukee, WI
Blake Bettis
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
East Village, Milwaukee, WI 53202  (Online Only)
I practice Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, integrating Multicultural and Queer Affirmative perspectives to create a therapy experience that is focused on gaining deep insight into individual, family, and cultural influences that shape who you are and empowering you to begin making new choices where possible and addressing the things getting in the way of this.
We suffer for many reasons: some physical, some psychological, and some social and political, typically a combination. Often, our best efforts to prevent or reduce pain, which might once have been effective, lead to different kinds of pain and we find these ingrained patterns of self-protection difficult to change. It’s important to address suffering at all levels (personal, interpersonal, sociopolitical), and therapy can be one of many steps you need to take to address the sources of your distress. Therapy is a chance to explore the ways you have made meaning of your experiences and how these have helped and/or hindered you.
I practice Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, integrating Multicultural and Queer Affirmative perspectives to create a therapy experience that is focused on gaining deep insight into individual, family, and cultural influences that shape who you are and empowering you to begin making new choices where possible and addressing the things getting in the way of this.
We suffer for many reasons: some physical, some psychological, and some social and political, typically a combination. Often, our best efforts to prevent or reduce pain, which might once have been effective, lead to different kinds of pain and we find these ingrained patterns of self-protection difficult to change. It’s important to address suffering at all levels (personal, interpersonal, sociopolitical), and therapy can be one of many steps you need to take to address the sources of your distress. Therapy is a chance to explore the ways you have made meaning of your experiences and how these have helped and/or hindered you.
(608) 879-1124 View (608) 879-1124
Photo of Kate Sayers, Licensed Professional Counselor in East Village, Milwaukee, WI
Kate Sayers
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
East Village, Milwaukee, WI 53202
With over a decade of experience, I specialize in working with my peers in the LGBTQIA+ community. I help you heal from your traumas, manage your anxiety, and feel empowered to live a life you value. I proudly serve those in the transgender, gender non-conforming, and non-binary communities. Whether you are in the beginning stages of questioning your gender &/or sexual identity or have been out for many years & looking for ways to celebrate your identity(ies), my hope is that therapy offers a place to process all the hurt, joy, and trauma - free from judgement. I proudly own & operate Safe Space Therapies, my private practice.
With over a decade of experience, I specialize in working with my peers in the LGBTQIA+ community. I help you heal from your traumas, manage your anxiety, and feel empowered to live a life you value. I proudly serve those in the transgender, gender non-conforming, and non-binary communities. Whether you are in the beginning stages of questioning your gender &/or sexual identity or have been out for many years & looking for ways to celebrate your identity(ies), my hope is that therapy offers a place to process all the hurt, joy, and trauma - free from judgement. I proudly own & operate Safe Space Therapies, my private practice.
(262) 218-4779 View (262) 218-4779
Photo of Cayla Lund, Licensed Professional Counselor in East Village, Milwaukee, WI
Cayla Lund
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
East Village, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Cayla Lund is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Art Therapist with over 4 years of experience specializing in depression, anxiety, trauma, and transitional concerns. Cayla is passionate about working with the LGBTQ+ community and helping navigate through related issues. Cayla provides treatment to clients ages ranging from 10 years old and 35 years old. Cayla utilizes Person Centered, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapy, and Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Cayla has experience counseling children, adolescents, young adults, adults, and groups in clinical and inpatient settings.
Cayla Lund is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Art Therapist with over 4 years of experience specializing in depression, anxiety, trauma, and transitional concerns. Cayla is passionate about working with the LGBTQ+ community and helping navigate through related issues. Cayla provides treatment to clients ages ranging from 10 years old and 35 years old. Cayla utilizes Person Centered, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapy, and Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Cayla has experience counseling children, adolescents, young adults, adults, and groups in clinical and inpatient settings.
(262) 333-0487 View (262) 333-0487
Photo of Cayla Lund, Licensed Professional Counselor in East Village, Milwaukee, WI
Cayla Lund
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, ATR
Verified Verified
East Village, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Cayla Lund is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Art Therapist with over 5 years of experience specializing in depression, anxiety, trauma, and transitional concerns. Cayla is passionate about working with the LGBTQ+ community and helping navigate through related issues. Cayla provides treatment to clients ages ranging from 10 years old and 35 years old. Cayla utilizes Person Centered, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapy, and Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Cayla has experience counseling children, adolescents, young adults, adults, and groups in clinical and inpatient settings.
Cayla Lund is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Art Therapist with over 5 years of experience specializing in depression, anxiety, trauma, and transitional concerns. Cayla is passionate about working with the LGBTQ+ community and helping navigate through related issues. Cayla provides treatment to clients ages ranging from 10 years old and 35 years old. Cayla utilizes Person Centered, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapy, and Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Cayla has experience counseling children, adolescents, young adults, adults, and groups in clinical and inpatient settings.
(262) 668-8338 View (262) 668-8338
Photo of Reggie Thirus, Licensed Professional Counselor in East Village, Milwaukee, WI
Reggie Thirus
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
East Village, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Reggie Thirus is a licensed professional counselor who graduated from the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee in 2016. Reggie has been counseling for 6 years. Reggie works with adults, individuals and couples. Reggie has experience working with mood issues, LGBT issues, relationship issues, trauma issues and parenting issues. Reggie works with clients to help them change their negative thought and behavior patterns, helps them to recognize and understand more about their feelings and helps clients develop a more authentic self. Reggie enjoys exercise, listening to good music and getting outdoors to spend time in the sun.
Reggie Thirus is a licensed professional counselor who graduated from the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee in 2016. Reggie has been counseling for 6 years. Reggie works with adults, individuals and couples. Reggie has experience working with mood issues, LGBT issues, relationship issues, trauma issues and parenting issues. Reggie works with clients to help them change their negative thought and behavior patterns, helps them to recognize and understand more about their feelings and helps clients develop a more authentic self. Reggie enjoys exercise, listening to good music and getting outdoors to spend time in the sun.
(262) 686-4753 View (262) 686-4753
Photo of Kate Valente, Licensed Professional Counselor in East Village, Milwaukee, WI
Kate Valente
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
East Village, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Are you struggling to feel connected to yourself or others right now? Perhaps you’re exploring or questioning identity, sexuality, or gender? Are you a parent who has a child that may be struggling with their own mental health, “big feelings”, or behaviors? I specialize in working with kids (6 years and up) & teens, young adults (18-30), and the LGBTQ+ community.
Are you struggling to feel connected to yourself or others right now? Perhaps you’re exploring or questioning identity, sexuality, or gender? Are you a parent who has a child that may be struggling with their own mental health, “big feelings”, or behaviors? I specialize in working with kids (6 years and up) & teens, young adults (18-30), and the LGBTQ+ community.
(414) 420-1632 View (414) 420-1632
Photo of Tessa Stevenson, Licensed Professional Counselor in East Village, Milwaukee, WI
Tessa Stevenson
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
East Village, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Waitlist for new clients
I work with adults (18+) who are experiencing a wide variety of mental health concerns including depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, life transitions, interpersonal issues, and more. As a queer therapist, I am especially passionate about working with individuals who identify within the LGBTQ+ community. In my sessions, I help my clients explore how their own self-concept may be related to what they are experiencing, as well as understanding the external and internal influences that may be impacting your mental health.
I work with adults (18+) who are experiencing a wide variety of mental health concerns including depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, life transitions, interpersonal issues, and more. As a queer therapist, I am especially passionate about working with individuals who identify within the LGBTQ+ community. In my sessions, I help my clients explore how their own self-concept may be related to what they are experiencing, as well as understanding the external and internal influences that may be impacting your mental health.
(414) 348-0415 x502 View (414) 348-0415 x502
Photo of Sierra Widule, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in East Village, Milwaukee, WI
Sierra Widule
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
East Village, Milwaukee, WI 53202  (Online Only)
As a queer therapist, I give preference to working with queer-identifying/-questioning clients.
The healing power of connection makes the foundation of my therapeutic practice. I strive to develop a collaborative relationship that fosters exploration and understanding of self, others, and contexts. In our work together, we will process your lived experiences, emotions, and cognitions with the intentions of developing insight and utilizing self-determination. We will move alongside each other in efforts to alleviate your suffering and build your resiliency.
As a queer therapist, I give preference to working with queer-identifying/-questioning clients.
The healing power of connection makes the foundation of my therapeutic practice. I strive to develop a collaborative relationship that fosters exploration and understanding of self, others, and contexts. In our work together, we will process your lived experiences, emotions, and cognitions with the intentions of developing insight and utilizing self-determination. We will move alongside each other in efforts to alleviate your suffering and build your resiliency.
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Photo of Sam Troemel, Marriage & Family Therapist in East Village, Milwaukee, WI
Sam Troemel
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
East Village, Milwaukee, WI 53202  (Online Only)
I help queer and gender nonconforming partners feel more secure, intimate and connected. Whether you're struggling with communication, intimacy, or conflict, I can help you transform negative patterns, cultivate emotional safety, and foster a sense of belonging with each other. By emphasizing emotional presence, responsiveness, and engagement, I guide partners through the process of de-escalating conflict and creating a more secure attachment. This approach not only improves communication but also fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of each other's needs and vulnerabilities.
I help queer and gender nonconforming partners feel more secure, intimate and connected. Whether you're struggling with communication, intimacy, or conflict, I can help you transform negative patterns, cultivate emotional safety, and foster a sense of belonging with each other. By emphasizing emotional presence, responsiveness, and engagement, I guide partners through the process of de-escalating conflict and creating a more secure attachment. This approach not only improves communication but also fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of each other's needs and vulnerabilities.
(414) 736-7483 View (414) 736-7483
Photo of Jennifer Yelk, Licensed Professional Counselor in East Village, Milwaukee, WI
Jennifer Yelk
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
East Village, Milwaukee, WI 53202
The most common concerns I work with are: LGBTQ+, healthcare workers, teens and adults with anxiety, OCD, depression, phobias, self-esteem concerns, trauma histories and anyone who needs better coping strategies.
Choosing a therapist can be difficult. You want someone you can trust and who has the experience to help with your needs. I am qualified to treat most conditions that cause people distress. Some areas of special interest include LGBTQ+, healthcare workers, anxiety (OCD, phobias, general anxiety), phobias, stress, work-life balance, depression, trauma, relationships, parenting, boundary-setting, and developing assertiveness. I am a strong LGBTQAI+ ally and have experience and special training working with LGBTQAI+ couples and individuals. Hablo español y hago terápia en español. Tengo experiencia con gente de todas partes.
The most common concerns I work with are: LGBTQ+, healthcare workers, teens and adults with anxiety, OCD, depression, phobias, self-esteem concerns, trauma histories and anyone who needs better coping strategies.
Choosing a therapist can be difficult. You want someone you can trust and who has the experience to help with your needs. I am qualified to treat most conditions that cause people distress. Some areas of special interest include LGBTQ+, healthcare workers, anxiety (OCD, phobias, general anxiety), phobias, stress, work-life balance, depression, trauma, relationships, parenting, boundary-setting, and developing assertiveness. I am a strong LGBTQAI+ ally and have experience and special training working with LGBTQAI+ couples and individuals. Hablo español y hago terápia en español. Tengo experiencia con gente de todas partes.
(608) 315-5684 View (608) 315-5684
Photo of Kevin Wahl, Licensed Professional Counselor in East Village, Milwaukee, WI
Kevin Wahl
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
East Village, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Kevin is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Licensed Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC) who provides mental health therapy services to adults. His practice is LGBT friendly and promotes racial and ethnic equality. He has experience working with individuals with various diagnoses that range from anxiety, depression, and substance use concerns. He welcomes working with individuals with persistent mental health concerns, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, and Psychosis. Kevin uses Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Kohutian Psychoanalytic Self Psychology.
Kevin is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Licensed Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC) who provides mental health therapy services to adults. His practice is LGBT friendly and promotes racial and ethnic equality. He has experience working with individuals with various diagnoses that range from anxiety, depression, and substance use concerns. He welcomes working with individuals with persistent mental health concerns, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, and Psychosis. Kevin uses Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Kohutian Psychoanalytic Self Psychology.
(414) 928-2325 View (414) 928-2325
Photo of Amy Kistner, Licensed Professional Counselor in East Village, Milwaukee, WI
Amy Kistner
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
East Village, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Amy has been providing psychotherapy services since 2003, focusing on women's issues and reproductive health, the needs of LGBTQIA+ clients, anxiety and depression and work with teenagers and young adults. Outside of the office Amy enjoys spending time with her family which includes her children and two dogs.
Amy has been providing psychotherapy services since 2003, focusing on women's issues and reproductive health, the needs of LGBTQIA+ clients, anxiety and depression and work with teenagers and young adults. Outside of the office Amy enjoys spending time with her family which includes her children and two dogs.
(414) 348-4679 View (414) 348-4679
Photo of Aryn Pardieck, Counselor in East Village, Milwaukee, WI
Aryn Pardieck
Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
East Village, Milwaukee, WI 53202  (Online Only)
I also specialize in working with LGBTQ+ clients, including transgender clients and those struggling with gender dysphoria.
My goal is to create a space for my clients to harness their inner strengths, increase self-awareness, and cultivate self-compassion. I work collaboratively with my clients to help them navigate difficult thoughts and emotions while at the same time pivoting towards a life of meaning, purpose, and connection. My style is mindful, holistic, and. warm. As a fellow traveler in this world, I know life can be tough. Painful experiences from the past can echo into the present. Yet it is possible to heal and grow. I have 15 years of experience as a therapist, and I work with both adults and teens.
I also specialize in working with LGBTQ+ clients, including transgender clients and those struggling with gender dysphoria.
My goal is to create a space for my clients to harness their inner strengths, increase self-awareness, and cultivate self-compassion. I work collaboratively with my clients to help them navigate difficult thoughts and emotions while at the same time pivoting towards a life of meaning, purpose, and connection. My style is mindful, holistic, and. warm. As a fellow traveler in this world, I know life can be tough. Painful experiences from the past can echo into the present. Yet it is possible to heal and grow. I have 15 years of experience as a therapist, and I work with both adults and teens.
(312) 564-5335 View (312) 564-5335
Photo of Shannon Skaistis, Pre-Licensed Professional in East Village, Milwaukee, WI
Shannon Skaistis
Pre-Licensed Professional, PhD
Verified Verified
East Village, Milwaukee, WI 53202
My name is Shannon, and I am a psychotherapist based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I am excited to offer individual and group therapy to clients under the supervision of Kavitha Venkateswaran, Ph.D. In my training to become a counseling psychologist, I have specialized in working with trans and queer individuals, interpersonal concerns, college student mental health (especially first-generation), intersectional identity exploration, and relational trauma.
My name is Shannon, and I am a psychotherapist based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I am excited to offer individual and group therapy to clients under the supervision of Kavitha Venkateswaran, Ph.D. In my training to become a counseling psychologist, I have specialized in working with trans and queer individuals, interpersonal concerns, college student mental health (especially first-generation), intersectional identity exploration, and relational trauma.
(262) 333-5891 View (262) 333-5891
Photo of Michael L Jorn, Psychologist in East Village, Milwaukee, WI
Michael L Jorn
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
East Village, Milwaukee, WI 53202
I specialize in providing therapy to men for a variety of issues. This includes all men, straight or gay. Relationship issues, anxiety & mood issues, and chronic illnesses are common problems in my practice. This can also include rebuilding after a painful divorce process. Having good relationship skills whether at home or work is an increasingly important skill to have in order to function well.
I specialize in providing therapy to men for a variety of issues. This includes all men, straight or gay. Relationship issues, anxiety & mood issues, and chronic illnesses are common problems in my practice. This can also include rebuilding after a painful divorce process. Having good relationship skills whether at home or work is an increasingly important skill to have in order to function well.
(414) 269-4845 View (414) 269-4845
Photo of Pathways Counseling Center, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in East Village, Milwaukee, WI
Pathways Counseling Center
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
East Village, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Our clinician's are known best for our expertise in child and family therapy, problematic sexual behavior, couples counseling, and transgender/gender affirmation.
Pathways Counseling Center was established in 1985 as a state certified, outpatient mental health clinic. We have several therapists that provide a variety of services for various challenges. We offer services to individual clients, their families and significant others in treatment settings that include individual, couples, and group sessions. Our mental health professionals provide services to children, adolescents, adults, families and couples to help our clients achieve emotional health and well-being.
Our clinician's are known best for our expertise in child and family therapy, problematic sexual behavior, couples counseling, and transgender/gender affirmation.
Pathways Counseling Center was established in 1985 as a state certified, outpatient mental health clinic. We have several therapists that provide a variety of services for various challenges. We offer services to individual clients, their families and significant others in treatment settings that include individual, couples, and group sessions. Our mental health professionals provide services to children, adolescents, adults, families and couples to help our clients achieve emotional health and well-being.
(262) 946-5153 View (262) 946-5153
Photo of Meredith Stoner Heath, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in East Village, Milwaukee, WI
Meredith Stoner Heath
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, SAC
Verified Verified
East Village, Milwaukee, WI 53202  (Online Only)
I am an ally to the LGBTQIA+ community and I help clients of all genders seeking support with exploring gender identity or sexuality, coming out, or transitioning.
Welcome! I’m Meredith Stoner Heath (she/her), and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker licensed in both Wisconsin and Illinois. It’s not easy to accept help or to open up to someone new. I believe when clients feel safe and accepted, they are able to make the most change, so I strive to provide an empathetic and compassionate environment that is free of judgement where clients can feel open to sharing their feelings and struggles. During our sessions, we will collaborate together to develop personalized goals that will help you to make the changes you want to see in your life and improve your overall health and well-being.
I am an ally to the LGBTQIA+ community and I help clients of all genders seeking support with exploring gender identity or sexuality, coming out, or transitioning.
Welcome! I’m Meredith Stoner Heath (she/her), and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker licensed in both Wisconsin and Illinois. It’s not easy to accept help or to open up to someone new. I believe when clients feel safe and accepted, they are able to make the most change, so I strive to provide an empathetic and compassionate environment that is free of judgement where clients can feel open to sharing their feelings and struggles. During our sessions, we will collaborate together to develop personalized goals that will help you to make the changes you want to see in your life and improve your overall health and well-being.
(262) 300-7548 View (262) 300-7548
Photo of Reshma Rampersad, Psychologist in East Village, Milwaukee, WI
Reshma Rampersad
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
East Village, Milwaukee, WI 53202  (Online Only)
I work with individuals from across the lifespan and lifestyles including traditional and non-traditional students, LGBTQIA+ community, first generation individuals, and individuals from diverse ethnicities.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist and I provide individual, couples, and group therapy as well as psychological testing. I believe in a holistic approach to therapy allowing for the balancing of mind, body, and spirit. I place an emphasis on mindfulness and acceptance in my therapeutic approach allowing you to evolve in a meaningful way. Navigating that evolution can be difficult and uncomfortable, my job is to help you through that process. To facilitate your transformation I utilize Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Interpersonal Therapy.
I work with individuals from across the lifespan and lifestyles including traditional and non-traditional students, LGBTQIA+ community, first generation individuals, and individuals from diverse ethnicities.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist and I provide individual, couples, and group therapy as well as psychological testing. I believe in a holistic approach to therapy allowing for the balancing of mind, body, and spirit. I place an emphasis on mindfulness and acceptance in my therapeutic approach allowing you to evolve in a meaningful way. Navigating that evolution can be difficult and uncomfortable, my job is to help you through that process. To facilitate your transformation I utilize Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Interpersonal Therapy.
(331) 258-5675 View (331) 258-5675
Photo of Paige Bintz, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in East Village, Milwaukee, WI
Paige Bintz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, APSW
Verified Verified
East Village, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Welcome! I am so happy that you are taking the hardest and most important step in your mental health journey - finding a therapist that is right for YOU! I work with a multitude of people from different backgrounds and goals. However, the ones that I find I have the most successful relationships with are young adults in their 20s-30s dealing with transitions into emerging adulthood. We are constantly bombarded with the push to be perfect (supermom, money mindset, 75 hard etc.) But why run yourself into the ground when you can live by your values and be your most authentic self? I can help you along that journey!
Welcome! I am so happy that you are taking the hardest and most important step in your mental health journey - finding a therapist that is right for YOU! I work with a multitude of people from different backgrounds and goals. However, the ones that I find I have the most successful relationships with are young adults in their 20s-30s dealing with transitions into emerging adulthood. We are constantly bombarded with the push to be perfect (supermom, money mindset, 75 hard etc.) But why run yourself into the ground when you can live by your values and be your most authentic self? I can help you along that journey!
(414) 810-4844 x122 View (414) 810-4844 x122
Photo of Jacob Peters, Pre-Licensed Professional in East Village, Milwaukee, WI
Jacob Peters
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA
Verified Verified
East Village, Milwaukee, WI 53202
For me, the first and most important thing I can possibly know about you is how you want to feel at the very end of our therapeutic relationship. You might wonder why that is so important to me, and the answer is as simple and complex as this: When you tell me where you want to go, I will invest energy and resources during our time together to make sure that we are moving towards that goal in each and every session. While we address your challenges, I will help you discover your strengths and dig in to find resources that you already have in your life. When you meet your goal, that's when I know I've done my best.
For me, the first and most important thing I can possibly know about you is how you want to feel at the very end of our therapeutic relationship. You might wonder why that is so important to me, and the answer is as simple and complex as this: When you tell me where you want to go, I will invest energy and resources during our time together to make sure that we are moving towards that goal in each and every session. While we address your challenges, I will help you discover your strengths and dig in to find resources that you already have in your life. When you meet your goal, that's when I know I've done my best.
(262) 233-2353 View (262) 233-2353

See more therapy options for East Village, Milwaukee

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.