Posted in Frequently Asked Questions, LGBTQ 210 0 0

How to find a mental health therapist for LGBTQ+ people

If you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community and are seeking mental health therapy, it’s important to find a therapist who is affirming and supportive of your identity. Here are some tips for finding a mental health therapist who is a good fit for LGBTQ+ individuals:

Look for therapists who specialize in working with the LGBTQ+ community:

Many therapists have a specific focus on working with LGBTQ+ individuals and are well-versed in the unique challenges and experiences of this community. You can search for therapists with this specialty on directories such as Psychology Today or the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH). If you live in California, Long Beach Therapy specializes in working with the LGBTQ+ community.

Look for therapists who use inclusive language:

It’s important to find a therapist who uses language that is inclusive and respectful of the LGBTQ+ community. This includes using the correct pronouns and terminology, and avoiding assumptions about your identity or relationships. You can gather this information with a quick phone call to a therapist you find online or by looking at their website.

Consider the therapist’s personal beliefs:

While it’s important to find a therapist who is open and accepting of the LGBTQ+ community, it’s also important to consider their personal beliefs. It’s okay to ask a therapist about their views on issues such as same-sex relationships or gender identity. If you don’t feel comfortable with a therapist’s beliefs, it’s important to keep looking until you find someone who feels like a good fit.

Check for cultural competency:

It’s important to find a therapist who is culturally competent and able to understand and respect the unique experiences and challenges of the LGBTQ+ community. This includes being familiar with issues such as discrimination and marginalization, and being able to provide a safe and welcoming space for LGBTQ+ individuals to explore their identities and experiences.

Ask for referrals:

Asking friends, family, or other LGBTQ+ individuals for referrals can be a good way to find a therapist who is a good fit for you. You can also check with professional organizations such as the Human Rights Campaign or the National LGBTQ+ Task Force for lists of therapists who are affirming and supportive of the LGBTQ+ community.

Ultimately, finding a mental health therapist who is a good fit for you as an LGBTQ+ individual is crucial to the success of therapy. It’s important to take the time to find a therapist who is affirming and supportive of your identity, and who is able to provide a safe and welcoming space for you to explore your challenges and experiences.

If you live in California and are looking for a LGBTQ+ therapist, please give us a call at Long Beach Therapy: 562-310-9741.

As someone who is in the LGBTQ+ community, I understand the need to find a therapist who is an ally. Here are additional tips to finding an LGBTQ+ therapist if you live outside of California: Due to licensing restrictions, since I am licensed in California, I can only see people who reside in California. I often see people in other parts of the state through online teletherapy (such as zoom), but if you live outside of California, these are some tips in finding a therapist in your area. If you are looking for an individual therapist in your area, try doing a google search on: “LGBTQ+ therapist near me” or type in YOUR CITY or state such as “LGBTQ+ therapist in California” or “LGBTQ+ therapist in Long Beach” (replace “Long Beach” and/or “California” with your city/state name). Since many older therapists in the LGBTQ+ community use “gay” when they are referring to all LGBTQ+ people, you can also look up “Gay therapist near me”.