Why Choose an LGBTQ Therapist
It is particularly important that folks who identify as LGBTQ+ or anywhere under the queer umbrella work with mental health practicioners who are informed and competent in their understanding of the broad spectrum of gender identity and sexuality, as well as affirming in their approach to all clients around gender and sexuality. As members of minority and marginalized groups, LGBTQ+ folks require a space that is free from heteronormativity and cisgenderism in order to explore themselves and grow safely as individuals.
Studies have reported that "lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning" (LGBTQ) people experience greater health problems compared to non-LGBTQ population. LGBTQ youth may be at even greater risk due to factors such as bullying and homophobic abuse from peers.
Choosing an LGBTQ therapist can be an important part of recovery and healing from mental health challenges associated with gender and sexuality.
How can you find an LGBTQ+ Affirming therapist?
Search National Directories: You can start by using the directory of therapists on the website for the Association of LGBTQ Therapists (ALGBTIC). ALGBTIC only lists therapists who have completed a specific set of training requirements to provide therapy services to LGBTQ clients.
Support Groups and Centers: You can also visit the website for a local LGBTQ Center, which will have a list of therapists who have experience helping clients with their mental health issues. You could also consider attending a Gay/Straight Alliance meeting on your campus or in your community. They may be familiar with resources for students who are questioning their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Referrals You may want to reach out to your health professional to ask if they can make a recommendation to a psychologist in your area. In addition, you may have a family member or friend who is attending therapy who may be able to recommend an LGBTQ+ friendly therapist in your area.
For those located near Brooklyn, NY, Groundwork Therapy offers gender-affirmative and sexuality-affirmative therapy.
Questions to Ask Your Therapist
It's vital for you to find the right therapist, and it's important to ask questions when you're looking. Here are some questions you might consider:
- Do they have experience providing care to LGBTQ+ clients?
- How will they accommodate my needs while also honoring the particular concerns associated with being transgender and/or nonbinary?
- What are some specific issues related to being a member of the
LGBTQ+ community that they have special expertise in treating?
Choosing the best therapist near you can be a difficult task. It requires weighing factors such as location, cost, insurance coverage, and experience. For LGBTQ+ people specifically, the difficulty level increases when considering factors such as accessibility and personal experiences with discrimination.
Finding The Best Fit
While there are many resources available to find an LGBTQ+-affirming therapist near you (national directories included), it's important to carefully consider what will work for YOU before making any decisions on where to go or who to see.
About Groundwork Therapy in Brooklyn, NY
Groundwork Therapy offers gender-affirmative and sexuality-affirmative therapy in Brooklyn, NY, and is accessible to those living within the boroughs of NYC. Our licensed clinical psychologists and therapists have extensive experience providing psychotherapy to adolescents, adults and couples. Contact our office today if you are searching for an LGBTQ+ therapist in the Brooklyn, NY area.