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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Being queer, I have some insight into the dynamics in queer relationships and have worked with lots of LGBTQ individuals and couples. Historically, therapists don't disclose things like this about ourselves, but I think it is important that LGBTQ clients can find a counselor and know they won't have to explain or defend their sexuality or relationships.

— PK Ponti-Foss, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Portland, OR

I have been in the LGBTQ community since the early 2000s. I have worked with clients on the coming out process, grief from family abandonment, navigating relationship issues (including non-monogamy), and navigating family planning.

— Tricia Osterberger, Counselor in Weaverville, NC
 

You deserve less anxiety and fear about being LGBTQ in a world that views heterosexuality and monogamy as the only ways to be. Shame arises from our fear and appears in our relationships as well as ourselves. Let's work together to help form a healthier, more fulfilling path for you.

— Patrick Tully, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Los Angeles, CA

I am LGBTQIA+ affirming, and attend regular continuing education trainings, and have a caseload that is majority LGBTQIA+. I see adolescents and adults who are trans as well, accompanying them on the path to gender affirming medical care. I support family members as well.

— Ami Lynch, Clinical Social Worker in Vienna, VA
 

As a queer identified therapist, I have both lived experience and sought extra education on how living in this toxic cis-hetero-sexist patriarchy affects us, and I am so passionate about sharing healing and supporting your journey. I know how powerful it can be to connect with a fellow LGTBQ+ individual, and I would love to be that for you. Also, if you are not part of the community yourself but seeking to understand or support someone you care about, I can help you learn and grow as an ally.

— Hannah Bliss, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Issaquah, WA
 

Homophobia-related trauma can leave you feeling shame, isolated and unsafe even in spaces thought to be welcoming for the LGBTQ community. Seeking help can be a series of frustrations trying to establish a connection not knowing if it is safe to open up about experiences with anti-LGBTQ violence or abuse. As a queer therapist, I want to understand your story and walk beside you as you take the bold steps to heal in an affirming space.

— Eric Goodwin, Licensed Professional Counselor in Portland, OR

Have worked with many college-aged folks, but open to working with any age who is working through discovering their gender or sexual identity, while living in an invalidating world/family system.

— Christine Adams, Psychotherapist in Durham, NC
 

I have a deep understanding of the complexities and experiences that come with being a person who identifies as LGBTQ+ . I work to provide a welcoming and affirming atmosphere where you can explore your emotions, from identity or gender transition and self-acceptance to anxiety, depression, navigating relationships and the dealing with the impact of societal stigma. Together, we'll work on strategies to enhance your mental and emotional well-being.

— Alicia McDonald, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor in Columbus, OH

LGBTQIA+ issues are one of my core specialties, both in my training as a psychologist and in my practice. I offer a safe space to explore your identity and what it means to you, learn skills to better manage minority stress and microaggressions, manage complex interpersonal relationships, explore the impact of internalized heteronormativity/homonegativity/transnegativity, and build self esteem. Therapy is offered in a positive, affirmative, and strengths-based way.

— Wade McDonald, Clinical Psychologist in Frisco, 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'm here for the queers! As a member of the queer community, being able to provide high-quality mental healthcare to other members of the community is a dream come true for me. Contributing to the health and well-being of LGBTQIA+ individuals, partners, and families is my way of giving back to the community I call home.

— Katherine Wikrent, Licensed Professional Counselor Associate in New Orleans, LA
 

Do you live outside of the heteronormative-cisgender box? Are you in the lifestyle or practicing ENM and looking for support for jealousy and insecurity? Or maybe you’re seeking relationship counseling from someone who understands where you’re coming from. As an LGBTQIA+ therapist, I am committed to helping clients of all genders, sexual identities and expressions feel not only safe but truly respected.

— Kristin Williams, Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Omaha, NE

Whether or not sexuality, gender identity, gender expression, or experiences in the queer community are the primary reasons for reaching out, this can be a safe space for you to show up as you. I provide affirming art therapy and counseling for individuals and couples.

— Adele Stuckey, Art Therapist in Alexandria, VA
 

As a progressive children's therapist practicing existential therapy, I affirm and address LGBTQ+ issues with sensitivity and inclusivity. I create a safe space for exploring gender and sexual identities, validating their experiences, and promoting self-acceptance. By addressing existential concerns specific to LGBTQ+ individuals, such as authenticity and belonging, we navigate the challenges they may face. Together, we explore their unique journey, empowering them to embrace their true selves.

— Melanie Bikis, Licensed Professional Counselor Associate

Are you grappling with you sexual orientation, gender identity, or feeling like there aren't any labels that "fit"? Are you wondering what to do if you feel changes in your orientation or identity but you're afraid to lose your community? Or perhaps you are clear about who you are and who you love, but you have other life issues to work on and want a therapist who'll support and appreciated for all of who you are? Then I'm the right therapist for you!

— Joyce Luna Zymeck, Psychotherapist in Tucson, AZ
 

Working with LGBTQ clients is extremely important to me personally and professionally. I live in a state with a harmful political climate against LGBTQ people, and I spend many hours with my clients processing the resulting trauma. I remind my clients that they are worthy of safety and love regardless of what anyone else has said. My ultimate hope with LGBTQ clients is that they can believe in their worth too, and be able to celebrate themselves in a world that wants to eradicate them.

— Braden Weinmann, Licensed Professional Counselor in ,

Before I was a queer clinician, I was first a therapy client. I know how frustrating it can be when the mental health system invalidates our identities and experiences. My goal is to welcome all of your identities and to provide a space where you can heal, process, and experience (queer/trans) joy.

— Rea Pareja, Associate Clinical Social Worker in Portland, OR
 

I incorporate an intersectional understanding in my work with LGBTQ+ clients, as I understand that our community holds many different identities and life experiences. Within this diversity there are common themes that we as queer people deal with, including the prejudices of an at-times hostile society. My therapeutic approach is to understand my clients' experience and feelings, centering them in a grounded and safe space.

— James Clementi, Licensed Mental Health Counselor in new york, NY

Living in a heteronormative world is hard for any member of the LGBTQIA+ community. Despite the world accepting us more nowadays, prejudice and discrimination are still prevalent on top of our already stressful lives. As a member of the community, I like to create a safe environment for clients facing LGBTQ-related issues. Together, we can learn to separate outside influences and focus on what improves our situation.

— Yifan Jin, Mental Health Counselor in New York, NY