LGBTQ Issues

Just like any other group, the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning (LGBTQ) community faces mental health issues and unique challenges. However, LGBTQ individuals are almost 3 times more likely than others to experience a mental health condition, such as depression or anxiety. Additionally, more than half of individuals who identify as transgender experience depression or anxiety. The LGBTQ community is also at a higher risk for suicide. Young people are even more at risk, as they may experience a lack of support at home and fear, hatred or prejudice in school. If you are a member of the LGBTQ community and are facing mental health challenges, you don’t have to suffer in silence. Reach out to one of TherapyDen’s LGBTQ experts and get help today.

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I have worked with queer and trans clients for over 20 years on all kinds of identity, family, and life issues. I work with queer and trans-including couples which is some of my favorite work. I can help with nuclear and extended family issues, and blended and non-traditional families. I do tranition-focused work with trans and non-binary/genderqueer clients, and can serve as the primary mental health provider for people wanting to pursue medical transition or provide a second letter for GCS.

— Sheila Addison, Counselor in Oakland, CA

As a white queer female therapist, my therapeutic approach involves validating diverse identities, incorporating culturally responsive techniques, and fostering a collaborative and empowering therapeutic relationship.

— Amanda Jonikaitis-King, Counselor in Chicago, IL
 

As a queer and nonbinary practitioner, I am uniquely suited to support clients who experience marginalization due to sexuality or gender identity.

— Bex Lipps, Associate Clinical Social Worker in Seattle, WA

I prioritize maintaining an affirming and non-judgemental atmosphere to help clients explore and express their identities on their terms.

— Manuela Valdivieso, Registered Clinical Social Worker Intern
 

Texas was making progress for LGBTQ+ people and becoming more accepting of consensual non-monogamy. Unfortunately there is a backlash recently that has grown in strength and politically threatens a fascist takeover around the country and around Texas. The need has now become even greater for counselor support for clients suffering under this oppressive culture and needing support to foster coping skills as much as possible in this discriminatory culture.

— Aaron Relyea, Licensed Professional Counselor in , TX

I am a safe zone and affirming of all sexual orientations with over 10 years experience helping the the LGBTQ++ community specifically. I can help you to explore and better understand how past difficult experiences, stigma, and old (or current) messages you’ve told yourself (about yourself) play a major role in your mental health. I will also help you to identify and practice the things that will make you stronger, love yourself more fully, and feel more peaceful in your everyday activities.

— Lindsay Laufer, LCSW, CCTP, Therapist in Charlotte, NC
 

Aurora's clinicians participate in a monthly LGBTQ+ supervision designed to increase practical expertise and referrals of LGBTQ+ clients we are able to serve. A number of our clinicians identify as queer/LGBTQ+ and/or queer/LGBTQ+-friendly. We have a robust list of organizations, material and colleagues who offer LGBTQ+ resources that complement outpatient services we offer.

— Aurora Counseling Associates, Psychotherapist in Natick, MA

You want to explore Gender Affirming Therapy (GAT). You’re ready for the next step, perhaps to understand more deeply what meaning this has for you, individually, what moving along this path will entail - socially, emotionally, cognitively, financially, spiritually, and societally. How this impacts your journey, on your life and how you can best prepare for the reverberations of these decision. I can help you in this process.

— Dr. Evelyn Comber, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Rockford, IL
 

Queer advocacy, gender identity, transition, relationships, queer fertility, ethical non-monogamy, sex and kink, couples and family therapy.

— ash luna, Clinical Social Worker in Evanston, IL

As a Queer therapist who works largely with Queer folks, I provided an affirming and knowledgeable space for you to process identity questions, get support and validation, and generally exist with the knowledge of being seen.

— Yelena Blank, Psychologist in Mountain View, CA
 

I am part of the LGBTQ Community and have both a personal and professional understanding of the specific issues that living our truth brings to us: coming out or identifying an identity, suicidal ideation, self-harm, personal and workplace discrimination based on sexual or gender identity, students who identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender, bullying and victimization. Not all is negative! I’ve also counseled personal growth, career development, goals and creative expression.

— Kevin Jessup, Counselor in Tempe, AZ

As the 'B' in the LGBTQIA+ community, I bring my full self into the therapy space to meet others who live in the world and must face the many cultural challenges our community routinely faces. While I don't believe a therapist has to be gay to help a client, by having a therapist who identifies as LGBT+ can often bring an added measure of comfort to clients who are seeking to live more authentically.

— Timothy Rasmussen, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist Intern in Seattle, WA
 

As a queer person myself, much of my career revolves around supporting the mental, physical, and environmental health needs of LGBTQ+ clients. Through lived experience and trainings about gender-affirming care, shame resilience, and suicidality in queer populations, I've built a knowledge base intended to support queer individuals. Likewise, I offer free consultations and letters for gender-affirming medical care.

— Alex Quinn, Licensed Professional Counselor Associate in Houston, TX

Throughout her undergraduate and graduate career Courtney focused a portion of her studies on Human Sexuality and Education, including a graduate level study aboard of LGBTQ Health Promotion in the Netherlands.

— Courtney Garner, Licensed Clinical Social Worker
 

I have extensive experience working with people who identify as LGBTQ and their allies. During my career I have worked with many clients who are seeking support around some facet of their sexual orientation, as well as clients who are not looking for support with their sexuality specifically, but who want a therapist that "gets them."

— Megan McDavid, Sex Therapist in , OR

I have worked for many years with the LGBTQ+ community, helping people with coming out, family issues, relationship issues, HIV/AIDS, aging, self-esteem, sexual issues, sexual compulsivity and addiction. I am sex positive and BDSM/kink friendly.

— Rick Isenberg, Licensed Professional Counselor in Ridgway, CO
 

I have worked for many years with the LGBTQ+ community, helping people with coming out, family issues, relationship issues, HIV/AIDS, aging, self-esteem, sexual issues, sexual compulsivity and addiction. I am sex positive and BDSM/kink friendly.

— Rick Isenberg, Licensed Professional Counselor in Ridgway, CO