Navigating mental healthcare can be difficult. If you’re part of the LGBTQ community, it can be particularly challenging.
Members of the LGBTQ community often face barriers to healthcare such as discrimination and prejudice. Therapy should be a place where you feel safe, supported and understood.
In general, at Modern Therapy and Wellness, we believe that finding the right therapeutic match is essential to your healing. Finding an LGBTQ friendly therapist is possible, and it can be life changing. Help is available.
Let us help you with this process.
What is an LGBTQ Affirming therapist?
It is someone who has a positive view of the LGBTQ community, they are understanding and accepting, they are advocates, they are open and committed to providing affirmative therapy to all.
What should you look for in a therapist?
- A therapist that states that they are LGBTQ+ affirming or allied
- A therapist that offers compassion and understanding
- A therapist that is committed to practicing within an anti-oppression framework
- A therapist who states that they are passionate about working with the LGBTQ+ community
- A competent therapist will use the correct pronouns
- A therapist who has some of this listed in their profile or Bio
Where do I find an LBTQ affirming therapist?
- Consider referrals from friends in your community
- Telehealth or distance therapy is an option if you cannot find someone in your city
- Use directory sites like Psychology today to search therapists profiles
- Use the National Queer and Trans Therapists of color network
Interview the therapist before you start
I tell everyone to consider doing a ten-minute phone consultation with a therapist to determine a good match. Most therapists offer this.
Things to steer clear of
- Being LGBT is not an illness
- Science does not back up theories that being LGBT is from bad parenting
- Attempts to change one’s sexual orientation through reparative or conversion “therapy”
- Therapists who will not use the correct pronouns
- Therapists who will not use someone’s name of choice
All of these things are dangerous and traumatizing. Many states have laws or regulations protecting the LGBTQ youth from conversion “therapy”.
There are therapists who are passionate about serving the LGBTQ+ community. It just may take some research to find the match.
Modern Therapy and Wellness is a small group practice In New Orleans. We provide in person and virtual sessions in the state of Louisiana. We have therapists who specialize in working with the LGBTQ+ community. Give us a call 504-452-1483 or send us an email @info@moderntherapyandwellness.com. We are happy to help.