LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Arcadia, CA

Photo of Anthony Gabriel Le, MS, AMFT, APCC, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Anthony Gabriel Le
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Arcadia, CA 91006  (Online Only)
Hello, my name is Anthony! As a queer, second-generation Vietnamese-Chinese therapist, I am passionate about providing a compassionate and warm space for clients to enter center-stage as the main character of their own life.
Oftentimes, we are told to just be our genuine self, but that is so hard to do when societal standards, cultural norms, familial expectations set limits and boxes for us to fit into as well. These restrictions and boundaries only then muffle and silence the voices we have inside of us. This silencing and censoring can develop internal messages within us that we are unloveable, never enough, and not worthy of being authentically you. Feelings of anxiousness, nervousness, sadness, and loneliness may arise alongside these thoughts which make it difficult to get a good night's rest or enjoy your favorite hobbies.
Hello, my name is Anthony! As a queer, second-generation Vietnamese-Chinese therapist, I am passionate about providing a compassionate and warm space for clients to enter center-stage as the main character of their own life.
Oftentimes, we are told to just be our genuine self, but that is so hard to do when societal standards, cultural norms, familial expectations set limits and boxes for us to fit into as well. These restrictions and boundaries only then muffle and silence the voices we have inside of us. This silencing and censoring can develop internal messages within us that we are unloveable, never enough, and not worthy of being authentically you. Feelings of anxiousness, nervousness, sadness, and loneliness may arise alongside these thoughts which make it difficult to get a good night's rest or enjoy your favorite hobbies.
(626) 600-3591 View (626) 600-3591
Photo of Jacky Tse, MPhil, MSW, ACSW
Jacky Tse
Associate Clinical Social Worker, MPhil, MSW, ACSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Arcadia, CA 91006  (Online Only)
Life can sometimes be stressful and overwhelming but you are not alone and it is important to seek help to care for your mental health needs. Therapy can be the help you need and it is my pleasure to offer support at this challenging time. With more than 8 years of experience serving diverse populations including rare disease and disabilities populations, AAPI and LGBTQIA communities, children and teens with behavioral and emotional issues, my therapeutic practice covers perfectionism, depression, trauma, anxiety and stress management. I hold Master of Philosophy from University of Cambridge and Master of Social Work from CSUSB.
Life can sometimes be stressful and overwhelming but you are not alone and it is important to seek help to care for your mental health needs. Therapy can be the help you need and it is my pleasure to offer support at this challenging time. With more than 8 years of experience serving diverse populations including rare disease and disabilities populations, AAPI and LGBTQIA communities, children and teens with behavioral and emotional issues, my therapeutic practice covers perfectionism, depression, trauma, anxiety and stress management. I hold Master of Philosophy from University of Cambridge and Master of Social Work from CSUSB.
(714) 316-7056 View (714) 316-7056
Photo of Theodora Byrne, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Theodora Byrne
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Arcadia, CA 91007  (Online Only)
I am also a woman of queer, transgender experience and I love to work with members of the LGBTQ+ community.
I believe that healing, growth, and change are available to all people, regardless of their present circumstances or past misfortune. I use a collaborative approach to therapy, to work with clients in understanding both their challenges and their goals, and together to find ways of making positive changes along the psychological, social, and biological axes of life. I believe that no one is an island, and that there is no shame in reaching out for help. On the contrary, doing so is an indicator of strength. I seek to provide an empathetic and intellectually engaged environment to cultivate insights and promote growth.
I am also a woman of queer, transgender experience and I love to work with members of the LGBTQ+ community.
I believe that healing, growth, and change are available to all people, regardless of their present circumstances or past misfortune. I use a collaborative approach to therapy, to work with clients in understanding both their challenges and their goals, and together to find ways of making positive changes along the psychological, social, and biological axes of life. I believe that no one is an island, and that there is no shame in reaching out for help. On the contrary, doing so is an indicator of strength. I seek to provide an empathetic and intellectually engaged environment to cultivate insights and promote growth.
(818) 369-3720 View (818) 369-3720
Photo of Annie Miller, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Annie Miller
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Arcadia, CA 91006
My areas of specialty include depression, trauma, anxiety, women's issues, teen and young adult issues, LGBT community, helping families through the transitions of divorce.
It is my desire to provide a place of compassion and safety for individual adults, couples, children, and adolescents as they explore themselves and challenges in their life. Whether you are experiencing a loss, struggling with depression or anxiety, or facing changes in your family life or career, I will join with you to help you meet the goals you have to improve your life and relationships.
My areas of specialty include depression, trauma, anxiety, women's issues, teen and young adult issues, LGBT community, helping families through the transitions of divorce.
It is my desire to provide a place of compassion and safety for individual adults, couples, children, and adolescents as they explore themselves and challenges in their life. Whether you are experiencing a loss, struggling with depression or anxiety, or facing changes in your family life or career, I will join with you to help you meet the goals you have to improve your life and relationships.
(626) 389-2982 View (626) 389-2982
Photo of Melissa Lopez, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Melissa Lopez
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Arcadia, CA 91006
The clientele I work with come into my office with a variety of pressing life issues that are affecting their relationships. My practice is devoted to being an empathetic ear and a constructive partner in my clients' growth. I work with individuals, couples, families, and children. I specialize in working with LGBTQ+ clients.
The clientele I work with come into my office with a variety of pressing life issues that are affecting their relationships. My practice is devoted to being an empathetic ear and a constructive partner in my clients' growth. I work with individuals, couples, families, and children. I specialize in working with LGBTQ+ clients.
(323) 312-5250 View (323) 312-5250
Photo of Christina Isabel Villatoro, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Christina Isabel Villatoro
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Arcadia, CA 91007  (Online Only)
Welcome (Bienvendo(a)(x)...I am a culturally sensitive inclusive Marriage & Family Therapist. I am from an immigrant Spanish-speaking family who encouraged humility, a strong work ethic, and resilience! I have worked in the mental health field for over 20 years, especially as an Ally of the LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities! My focus is to help others as they navigate stress, relationship issues, coming out struggles, acculturation/racial trauma, post-traumatic stress, and depression/anxiety.
Welcome (Bienvendo(a)(x)...I am a culturally sensitive inclusive Marriage & Family Therapist. I am from an immigrant Spanish-speaking family who encouraged humility, a strong work ethic, and resilience! I have worked in the mental health field for over 20 years, especially as an Ally of the LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities! My focus is to help others as they navigate stress, relationship issues, coming out struggles, acculturation/racial trauma, post-traumatic stress, and depression/anxiety.
(626) 618-7785 View (626) 618-7785
Photo of Warren S Kim, LCSW, 72043, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Warren S Kim
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, 72043
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Arcadia, CA 91006  (Online Only)
Embarking on the journey of therapy can be transformative, and I am here to support you every step of the way.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, grappling with relationship challenges, or triggered by past traumas? You're not alone. I focus in providing a safe & supportive environment for individuals seeking to navigate these experiences. My ideal client is someone who recognizes the need for a safe space to process their feelings and develop coping skills. Whether you're struggling with panic attacks, communication issues in your relationships, I'm here to help.
Embarking on the journey of therapy can be transformative, and I am here to support you every step of the way.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, grappling with relationship challenges, or triggered by past traumas? You're not alone. I focus in providing a safe & supportive environment for individuals seeking to navigate these experiences. My ideal client is someone who recognizes the need for a safe space to process their feelings and develop coping skills. Whether you're struggling with panic attacks, communication issues in your relationships, I'm here to help.
(909) 487-5008 View (909) 487-5008
Photo of Shir Shanun, PsyD, Psychologist
Shir Shanun
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
11 Endorsed
Arcadia, CA 91007
Expertise with couples and relationships, intimacy, trust, sexuality, open relationships, polyamory, life style, LGBTQIA+ & Kink.
When we change ourselves we create change in our life and relationships. Therapy is a journey of self discovery to develop intimacy and create meaning in life and relationships. Gain new perspectives expand freedom and fulfillment. Through exploration of your past and present I will help you develop nurturing relationships with others and with your empathetic genuine self; connect with playfulness and creativity; understand repetition in your life; discover the unconscious role in your decisions ; experience intimacy and alleviate depression and anxiety as we transform suffering into growth. More at https://www.shirshanunpsyd.com
Expertise with couples and relationships, intimacy, trust, sexuality, open relationships, polyamory, life style, LGBTQIA+ & Kink.
When we change ourselves we create change in our life and relationships. Therapy is a journey of self discovery to develop intimacy and create meaning in life and relationships. Gain new perspectives expand freedom and fulfillment. Through exploration of your past and present I will help you develop nurturing relationships with others and with your empathetic genuine self; connect with playfulness and creativity; understand repetition in your life; discover the unconscious role in your decisions ; experience intimacy and alleviate depression and anxiety as we transform suffering into growth. More at https://www.shirshanunpsyd.com
(626) 376-4994 View (626) 376-4994
Photo of Kayla Garcia, ASW, Pre-Licensed Professional
Kayla Garcia
Pre-Licensed Professional, ASW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Arcadia, CA 91006
I have worked with many populations such as children, teens, adults, families, POC, and LGBTQ+.
Connecting to my clients is of utmost importance to me. Connecting to you is essential in assisting you to achieve your goals; I truly believe in actively being present for you. I openly listen to what is of significance to you and I non-judgmentally hear where you’re coming from and your life experiences.
I have worked with many populations such as children, teens, adults, families, POC, and LGBTQ+.
Connecting to my clients is of utmost importance to me. Connecting to you is essential in assisting you to achieve your goals; I truly believe in actively being present for you. I openly listen to what is of significance to you and I non-judgmentally hear where you’re coming from and your life experiences.
(626) 649-4411 x002 View (626) 649-4411 x002
Photo of Almog Shanun, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Almog Shanun
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Arcadia, CA 91007
I work with alternative lifestyle couples and the LGBT community.
I work with the human psyche! WHETHER LIFE IS ON FIRE OR WHEN PAIN IS TOO STRONG TO BEAR OR IF YOU LOOK FOR PERSONAL DISCOVERY. My ideal client comes in in order to learn about how to tune with his or her psyche. Clients, in depth work, learn about the inner and outer relationships and how to connect with the things that lies underneath. I see clients who are looking for discovery of what exists beyond the behavior and their actions and who are willing to dive into learning about the forces that drive them.
I work with alternative lifestyle couples and the LGBT community.
I work with the human psyche! WHETHER LIFE IS ON FIRE OR WHEN PAIN IS TOO STRONG TO BEAR OR IF YOU LOOK FOR PERSONAL DISCOVERY. My ideal client comes in in order to learn about how to tune with his or her psyche. Clients, in depth work, learn about the inner and outer relationships and how to connect with the things that lies underneath. I see clients who are looking for discovery of what exists beyond the behavior and their actions and who are willing to dive into learning about the forces that drive them.
(626) 239-1959 View (626) 239-1959
Photo of William Huntley, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
William Huntley
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Arcadia, CA 91007
As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, which I identify as gay or queer, I particularly focus on this population as we tend to be a marginalized community.
Hello, I am Liam Huntley, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I have been working in Social Services/Social Work/Therapy for over 20 years and in Private Practice since March 2022. My main goal as a therapist when working with my clients is to help you see the truth of who you are and what you can be. It may sound strange to hear, but I love working with Trauma, whether it's from family of origin, childhood, or from today's world. I love this area because it is often the driving force of what is creating distress in our lives, and can often show up as Depression or Anxiety among other diagnoses.
As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, which I identify as gay or queer, I particularly focus on this population as we tend to be a marginalized community.
Hello, I am Liam Huntley, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I have been working in Social Services/Social Work/Therapy for over 20 years and in Private Practice since March 2022. My main goal as a therapist when working with my clients is to help you see the truth of who you are and what you can be. It may sound strange to hear, but I love working with Trauma, whether it's from family of origin, childhood, or from today's world. I love this area because it is often the driving force of what is creating distress in our lives, and can often show up as Depression or Anxiety among other diagnoses.
(657) 255-5803 View (657) 255-5803
Photo of Brian Betz, LCP, Psychologist
Brian Betz
Psychologist, LCP
Verified Verified
Arcadia, CA 91007
I identify as a gay man and thus am always happy to work with members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Hello. I am Brian Betz, Ph.D. I have been a licensed psychologist in California for the past 25 years. I have an eclectic, client-centered approach to psychotherapy. I work collaboratively with clients to determine the best therapeutic approach/strategy to address their current challenges. I have an eclectic approach to providing therapy. The therapeutic modalities or modalities that I use are dependent upon each individual client's needs and include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Insight Oriented Therapy, Family Systems, Object Relations, and Trauma-Focused CBT.
I identify as a gay man and thus am always happy to work with members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Hello. I am Brian Betz, Ph.D. I have been a licensed psychologist in California for the past 25 years. I have an eclectic, client-centered approach to psychotherapy. I work collaboratively with clients to determine the best therapeutic approach/strategy to address their current challenges. I have an eclectic approach to providing therapy. The therapeutic modalities or modalities that I use are dependent upon each individual client's needs and include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Insight Oriented Therapy, Family Systems, Object Relations, and Trauma-Focused CBT.
(916) 318-3815 View (916) 318-3815
Photo of Irma Elizabeth Moreno Montelongo, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Irma Elizabeth Moreno Montelongo
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Arcadia, CA 91007
I treat individuals that are struggling with anxiety, depression, grief and loss, LGBTQ+ issues, trauma, bullying, and self-esteem.
Hi there, I'm Irma Elizabeth! I am bilingual clinician (Spanish/English) with close to 13 years of experience who specializes in trauma informed approaches, life transitions, and personal challenges. My experience is extensive as I have worked with infants and young children; children with high-risk needs involved with the Department of Child and Family Services and in specialty services; and adults from diverse backgrounds with a wide-range of clinical presentations (anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, etc.). I have a collaborative approach that adapts treatment to the individual's needs.
I treat individuals that are struggling with anxiety, depression, grief and loss, LGBTQ+ issues, trauma, bullying, and self-esteem.
Hi there, I'm Irma Elizabeth! I am bilingual clinician (Spanish/English) with close to 13 years of experience who specializes in trauma informed approaches, life transitions, and personal challenges. My experience is extensive as I have worked with infants and young children; children with high-risk needs involved with the Department of Child and Family Services and in specialty services; and adults from diverse backgrounds with a wide-range of clinical presentations (anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, etc.). I have a collaborative approach that adapts treatment to the individual's needs.
(909) 403-5971 View (909) 403-5971
Photo of Denise Lin, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Denise Lin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Arcadia, CA 91007
Waitlist for new clients
I have extensive training and experience working with underrepresented minority high achievers as they explore different parts of their identities, specifically within the LGBTQ communities.
I specialize in helping people who are socially attuned to others' needs to the point that they may lose themselves. Working together, my clients build confidence & a stronger sense of self that helps them negotiate conflicting roles and identities. This can involve processing sadness and frustration, which unlocks new sources of connection, happiness, & focus in their personal and work lives. In my time at Caltech, I worked with high achievers navigating complex expectations. As we assess values & sources of joy, my clients develop a stronger understanding of what fulfills them, & where and with whom they want to devote their time.
I have extensive training and experience working with underrepresented minority high achievers as they explore different parts of their identities, specifically within the LGBTQ communities.
I specialize in helping people who are socially attuned to others' needs to the point that they may lose themselves. Working together, my clients build confidence & a stronger sense of self that helps them negotiate conflicting roles and identities. This can involve processing sadness and frustration, which unlocks new sources of connection, happiness, & focus in their personal and work lives. In my time at Caltech, I worked with high achievers navigating complex expectations. As we assess values & sources of joy, my clients develop a stronger understanding of what fulfills them, & where and with whom they want to devote their time.
(323) 498-3101 View (323) 498-3101
Photo of Iris Rojas Bertrand, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Iris Rojas Bertrand
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Arcadia, CA 91006
My name is Iris, I am a bilingual (Spanish & English) Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Long Beach, California. I am a first-generation immigrant of Mexican/Nicaraguan descent. I aim to provide culturally sensitive and compassionate services to all individuals; I am passionate about working with the immigrant population, and the LGBTQ+/BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) community. I have worked in the mental health field for 18 years working with diverse communities in a variety of settings.
My name is Iris, I am a bilingual (Spanish & English) Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Long Beach, California. I am a first-generation immigrant of Mexican/Nicaraguan descent. I aim to provide culturally sensitive and compassionate services to all individuals; I am passionate about working with the immigrant population, and the LGBTQ+/BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) community. I have worked in the mental health field for 18 years working with diverse communities in a variety of settings.
(619) 789-1731 View (619) 789-1731
Photo of Daniele Iturbide, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Daniele Iturbide
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Arcadia, CA 91007  (Online Only)
I have 20 years of experience working with youth and families and the LGBTQ+ community.
* LGBTQ+ affirmative* Are you afraid to speak up or be your true self for fear of what others will say or do? Do you wish your family communicated more effectively, your kids would respect you and your rules, or you could get your teen to open up to you? Do you constantly give to others to the point of exhaustion or until you snap and wonder when it’s your turn to receive? If any of these scenarios fit your current struggles, I can help. When you reclaim your true voice and begin to use it thoughtfully and purposefully, you can lead a more authentic, balanced, and fulfilling life.
I have 20 years of experience working with youth and families and the LGBTQ+ community.
* LGBTQ+ affirmative* Are you afraid to speak up or be your true self for fear of what others will say or do? Do you wish your family communicated more effectively, your kids would respect you and your rules, or you could get your teen to open up to you? Do you constantly give to others to the point of exhaustion or until you snap and wonder when it’s your turn to receive? If any of these scenarios fit your current struggles, I can help. When you reclaim your true voice and begin to use it thoughtfully and purposefully, you can lead a more authentic, balanced, and fulfilling life.
(424) 281-6919 View (424) 281-6919
Photo of Tiffany Drake, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Tiffany Drake
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Arcadia, CA 91006
My name is Tiffany Drake, I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. My approach to therapy is to create a warm and inviting environment. My theoretical approach is CBT, Client-Centered, and Solution-Focused. My theoretical approach is CBT, Solution-Focused and Client-Centered. I work with Clients who struggle with Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, LGBTQ+, Parenting, Domestic Violence, Post- Partum. I create a safe and warm space for my clients and allow them to freely speak with no judgment.
My name is Tiffany Drake, I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. My approach to therapy is to create a warm and inviting environment. My theoretical approach is CBT, Client-Centered, and Solution-Focused. My theoretical approach is CBT, Solution-Focused and Client-Centered. I work with Clients who struggle with Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, LGBTQ+, Parenting, Domestic Violence, Post- Partum. I create a safe and warm space for my clients and allow them to freely speak with no judgment.
(424) 234-2467 View (424) 234-2467
Photo of Kenda Price, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kenda Price
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Arcadia, CA 91006
I am a Health at Every Size (HAES) aligned, LGBTQIA+ affirming, sex positive, and body positive therapist and human.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who specializes in trauma and eating disorders. Together, we will work to build insight and self-compassion in order to help you heal from whatever brings you to therapy, let it be to work through trauma, address maladaptive coping skills, overcome perfectionism, or just feel better in your own skin. As a therapist, I am both direct and compassionate and pride myself on showing up authentically as a human. My priority is creating a trusting and safe therapeutic relationship that can serve as a container for you to get to know all parts of yourself - even (/especially) the messy parts.
I am a Health at Every Size (HAES) aligned, LGBTQIA+ affirming, sex positive, and body positive therapist and human.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who specializes in trauma and eating disorders. Together, we will work to build insight and self-compassion in order to help you heal from whatever brings you to therapy, let it be to work through trauma, address maladaptive coping skills, overcome perfectionism, or just feel better in your own skin. As a therapist, I am both direct and compassionate and pride myself on showing up authentically as a human. My priority is creating a trusting and safe therapeutic relationship that can serve as a container for you to get to know all parts of yourself - even (/especially) the messy parts.
(323) 831-7844 View (323) 831-7844
Photo of Gracie Jennings, MS, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Gracie Jennings
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS, AMFT
Verified Verified
Arcadia, CA 91006
Are you looking for a safe and non-judgmental space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences freely? I'm here to support you in your quest to discover your truest selves and achieve your fullest potential. My therapeutic approach is collaborative and client-centered, tailored to your unique strengths, needs, and goals. Therapy can also be an overwhelming experience so my therapy dog in training, Sir Galahad, is here to welcome you and invites you to have the courage to be imperfect, like him!
Are you looking for a safe and non-judgmental space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences freely? I'm here to support you in your quest to discover your truest selves and achieve your fullest potential. My therapeutic approach is collaborative and client-centered, tailored to your unique strengths, needs, and goals. Therapy can also be an overwhelming experience so my therapy dog in training, Sir Galahad, is here to welcome you and invites you to have the courage to be imperfect, like him!
(626) 658-9794 View (626) 658-9794
Photo of Joshua Sandler, MFA, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Joshua Sandler
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MFA, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Arcadia, CA 91006
Do you want to dig deeper? Are you repeating behaviors or situations and wishing you could break the cycle? Are you or your partner struggling with mismatched communication, attachment, intimacy, reactions, vulnerability, desire, culture, or conflict resolution styles? Sometimes, we're not sure what causes our distress, but we can sense we're not reaching our potential for health, happiness, or success. Even when we know the cause, change can still feel impossible. That's where I come in. Without judgment, my job is to listen, help you understand root causes of your difficulties, & teach you practical tools to help change your life.
Do you want to dig deeper? Are you repeating behaviors or situations and wishing you could break the cycle? Are you or your partner struggling with mismatched communication, attachment, intimacy, reactions, vulnerability, desire, culture, or conflict resolution styles? Sometimes, we're not sure what causes our distress, but we can sense we're not reaching our potential for health, happiness, or success. Even when we know the cause, change can still feel impossible. That's where I come in. Without judgment, my job is to listen, help you understand root causes of your difficulties, & teach you practical tools to help change your life.
(626) 507-7925 View (626) 507-7925
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LGBTQ+ Therapists

Do LGBTQ-affirmative therapists receive special training?

Yes. Many therapists who practice LGBTQ-affirmative therapy have completed specialized training, either during their degree program or as continuing education, to learn the core principles of affirmative therapy and how to best support their LGBTQ clients; some have received certifications in LGBTQ-affirmative therapy. Prospective clients should inquire as to a clinician’s background and training to ensure a good fit.

Why might I want to see an LGBTQ-affirming or LGBTQ-friendly therapist?

Queer and gender-non-conforming individuals frequently experience bias and marginalization in day-to-day life. Working with a therapist who understands these unique challenges, as well as accepts and affirms their identity, can help LGBTQ clients feel safe and supported during therapy—allowing them to better navigate their relationships, mental health, and anything else that they wish to explore during therapy. It is important to note that many therapists can be effective in their work with LGBTQ+ individuals, even in the absence of specific training or background knowledge. The most important component in therapy is the alliance between therapist and client, and this alliance can exist between individuals with very different backgrounds.

How can I find an LGBTQ-friendly therapist?

You may wish to inquire about a therapist’s expertise with your specific challenges or concerns—depression, for example, or relationship strife—as well as their past experiences treating LGBTQ+ clients. Prospective clients may also ask whether a therapist has obtained additional training and/or certification in LGBTQ-affirmative techniques.

How can I inquire about a therapist’s experience with LGBTQ issues?

Prospective clients should feel empowered to directly ask therapists whether they have received training or been certified in LGBTQ-affirming therapy; competent therapists will be happy to explain their educational background and preferred approach(es) to help a client find the best match for them. Clients may also wish to ask how a therapist has treated clients with their particular challenges in the past and what they expect treatment to look like.

Are all the therapists listed in the LGBTQ directory themselves members of the LGBTQ community?

While therapists may choose to disclose their sexual orientation or gender identity in their profiles, the LGBTQ directory features not only those who have shared this information but also those who assert specialized training or experience in providing support to queer individuals, couples or families.