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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Meet the specialists

 

Being a part of the LGBT+ community I understand what it means to be burdened with feeling unaccepted in certain parts of society. These messages we get from the world can seep into our souls and make us feel unloveable, unwanted, and that we just don't belong. As a gay man, I want to provide a safe place for my community to be able to have candid conversations about LGBT+ issues with someone who also deals with them and can understand easier what it means to be a part of our marginalized group.

— Joshua Bogart, Professional Counselor Associate in Beaverton, OR

I was drawn to psychology as a field in order to support diverse LGBTQ clients. I have extensive experience in exploring a range of issues that often emerge for LGBTQ people: coming out, self-acceptance and love, exploring identity, gender dysphoria, transition, and diverse relationship models, to name a few. I love supporting LGBTQ people of any age and set of life experiences as they navigate the world.

— Dan Walinsky, Psychologist in Philadelphia, PA
 

As a queer immigrant of color, I am familiar with the challenges we experience and navigate as individuals and a community. I am keenly aware of the healing and collaboration we need to work towards within our community, and the activism for rights and freedoms still left to do outside of it. My practice emphasizes queer liberation, trans empowerment, as well as the celebration of diverse expressions of relationship formats.

— Neil Panchmatia, Counselor in Portland, OR

Navigating LGBTQIA+ issues can be a complex journey. From understanding and embracing one's own gender identity or sexual orientation to exploring non-traditional relationship dynamics like ethical non-monogamy or delving into the nuances of asexuality, each person's experience is unique. As a Master's level counseling intern, I offer a supportive and affirming space where you can freely express and explore these facets of yourself.

— Ellery Wren, Licensed Professional Counselor Associate in Plano, TX
 

As someone who is part of the Queer community, I bring both personal and professional experience to the therapy room. Our community is expansive and diverse and I aim to honor each persons individual experiences, as either part of the community or as an ally.

— Em Bridge, Clinical Social Worker in Austin, TX

As a queer person in a straight-passing relationship, I recognize the privilege that I bring to the therapy room. In response, I work to continuously develop my knowledge base and "expertise" about both queer issues as well expansive relationships by engaging in continuing education, consultation and my clinical work. I see a large number of LGBTQ individuals and work to expand my personal network of friends and colleagues.

— Olivia Carollo, Clinical Psychologist in Chicago, IL
 

I focused a lot of my work (even in trauma too) with the LGBTQIA+ population. I've gone through many different trainings working with this population in therapy as well as effective advocacy for our community. I have had personal experience of the impact of oppression because of sexual identity which has driven my motivation to help others in our community. I also spend time volunteering time to run a sexual identity support group and volunteer at different types of events for a county LGBTQ org

— Dempsey Young, Psychologist in State College, PA

Individuals under the "LGBTQ umbrella" are among my more frequent clients. I had the great privilege of working at the San Diego LGBT Center for 2 years, where I provided therapy services for couples, gay men and women, gender non-binary individuals, people diagnosed with HIV, process groups, and individuals exploring their gender identities. I am sex-positive. I'm passionate about my work with LGBTQ populations. I identify as a cisgender straight ally who is somewhat gender non-conforming.

— Dr. Holly Altson, Psychologist in Bellingham, WA
 

I specialize in supporting and celebrating LGBTQ+ identities. Your gender or sexuality may not be the reason you are coming to therapy, but having a therapist who understands what it means to be LGBTQ+ can be comforting and supportive. I also specialize in supporting the coming out process and navigating LGBTQ+ relationships.

— Antoinette Mastronardi, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in San Diego, CA

I identify as queer, and work with clients of all gender identities and sexual orientations. I work with people who are questioning their sexual orientation, and who have a more fluid understanding of their attractions as well.

— Laurie Ebbe-Wheeler, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Los Angeles, CA
 

I have been an active member of the LGBTQ+ community since coming out at age 18. I know what it is like to struggle with sexual identity and to find one's place in a community. Whether you're newly out or have been open about your sexuality for years, I understand the path that you are on. I identify as non-binary and have been involved with sexual identity politics throughout my adult life. I want to help you feel comfortable in your life and honor your true self.

— Beck Pazdral, Counselor in Seattle, WA

I've spent the last 10+ years working in LGBTQIAP+ education and advocacy. Over my four years of clinical practice, I have worked with LGBTQIAP+ across various intersections, especially with regards to disordered eating, chronic illness, being latinx in our community, and neurodivergent-affirming support

— Shirley Roseman, Licensed Clinical Social Worker
 

LGBTQ+ issues related to coming out, trans, curious, relationships, coping with prejudice, family issues, and trauma.

— Carla Edwards-Burke, Psychologist in Kansas City, MO

I have taken several trainings on working with members of the LGBTQIA+ community and it is an area of focus that I am passionate about.

— Jennifer Moynihan Wynn, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Raleigh, NC
 

Through a combination of training and lived experience, I offer a safe place to explore and better understand gender identity and sexuality.

— Mary Bernard, Licensed Mental Health Counselor in DeLand, FL

I operate, clinically, from a position of unconditional positive regard and radical acceptance of one's queer identity. As a queer and trans woman in Texas, I understand how hard the world can be sometimes. I have been able to serve individuals of my community struggling with depression, eating disorders, self-harm, and suicidal ideation. I also believe in the importance of an intersectional practice, being mindful of the unique experiences of BIPOC, disabled, chronically ill, and women.

— Jaelin Barlow, Licensed Professional Counselor in Houston, TX
 

Not only am I a member of the community, I have served members of LGBT+ community in most every environment I have worked. I have acted as the LGBT Special Emphasis Program Manager at a federal government agency. I have sat on Indiana University's Transgender ECHO program as a hub member where other professionals and community members attend to grow their knowledge about this special population. I started a Mental Health and Substance Use Program at the largest HIV/AIDS organization in IN.

— Leslie Weaver, Clinical Social Worker in Indianapolis, IN

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. Young people are even more at risk. If you are a member of the LGBTQ community and are facing

— Jerry Moreau, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Diego, CA
 

I identify under the LGBTQIA+ spectrum. My practice has a special focus on serving this community and while it is not a requirement to be one of our clients, many of our clients are LGBTQ or are questioning in some way.

— Sam Shump, Licensed Professional Counselor in Grandville, MI