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Best Ways How to Find an LGBT Therapist

Why is it important to find an LGBT+ therapist?

People in the LGBT+ community suffer from more mental health disorders than those who do not identify as part of that community. This is due to a variety of factors: a history of discrimination, lack of support from friends/family/community, social stigma, and internalized homophobia. As a result, members of this community also are at higher risk of suicide. This is strongest in members who identify as transgender. Finding a therapist who is a part of the LGBT+ community is incredibly beneficial for an LGBT+ patient. This is someone who understands the stigma and hardships that come with being in the community. Only someone who is part of that community can understand those experiences. In the same way some clients may need a Christian or Jewish therapist, some may need a member of the LGBT+ community to better work through their issues and feel supported.

Where can you find a therapist?

1. Mental Treat

Finding a therapist does not have to be difficult. There are many online resources and search engines, such as Mental Treat, that make this process easier. Mental Treat is a platform that allows you to use different filters to narrow down the right therapist for you. You can choose therapists by their specialization, therapy approach, issues they work with, insurance coverage, and more. Each therapist has their own profile with an ‘about’ section where you can learn more about them and their practice, find qualifications, specialties, treatment approach, client focus, financial information, and contact information. All of this is easily accessible through the Mental Treat page.

Our users register on our platform in order to find the right specialist for them or, if they are mental health professionals, they use our platform to better expand their practices and build their brand. We are unlike other mental health websites because we work with people on both sides.

2. Violet

Therapists on Violet are queer-competent providers who have extensive experience working with the LGBT+ community. Joining is an easy, 3-day process that starts with patients filling out their information and goals as part of the “pairing process”. Then, Violet works to find a match and patients will be able to book a free, 15-minute consultation to see if this therapist is a good fit. If the match works, you can then book virtual or in-person appointments.

3. National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network

This network is composed of Queer and Transgender-identifying therapists of color who work with other Queer and Transgender people of color. They have a directory where you can search for therapists by location and find someone local to you. You will be able to click on the different therapist profiles to view their contact information, fees, practice website, specialties, and more.

4. Gay and Lesbian Medical Association (GLMA)

The Gay and Lesbian Medical Association has a directory for LGBT+ individuals to search for any health professional they need. There is a strict process providers must comply with in order to be listed in the directory. An example from their website: “I believe that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender identities are within the spectrum of normal human experience and are not in themselves pathological, “unnatural,” or sinful. I therefore do not promote or support attempts to change patients’ sexual orientation or gender identity.”

5. Your city’s LGBT+ resource center

If your city has an LGBT+ resource center, this is a great way to get started. They will be able to match you with the nearest center to you. Many of these centers have licensed therapists and other mental health resources available and accessible.

6. The Trevor Project

The Trevor Project is the leading national provider of crisis intervention and suicide prevention within the LGBT+ under 25 community. Their website provides countless resources, including a 24-hour crisis hotline. The Trevor Project has options for TrevorLifeLine (the 24-hour crisis line), TrevorChat (24 hour instant messaging), and TrevorText (24-hour texting with a Trevor counselor).

7. PrideCounseling

PrideCounseling is an online therapy platform operated by BetterHelp. This platform helps connect you with a licensed therapist in your state or connect international clients with U.S. therapists. PrideCounseling therapists specialize in working with LGBT+ community members and finding the right therapist for each individual. These sessions are held via video chat, phone, or live chat and no insurance is accepted.

What else is important to pay attention to?

Gender identity and sexuality are two incredibly important factors in all of our lives. These factors determine how we relate to each other in many ways, however, some people may prioritize other aspects of their identities in choosing a therapist. For instance, some may prioritize having a therapist of the same race or religion. You may need to see a therapist who specializes in treating anger management disorders rather than someone who is in the LGBT+ community, and that’s okay too! Whatever you are looking for in a therapist, know that there are other important factors and traits to pay attention to.

One of the most important elements in finding a therapist is making sure that you have a connection with that person. They are going to be part of your journey to healing and needs to be someone you can trust with those intimate details of your life. Finding the right person is not easy, but it makes a huge difference in your process.

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