LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in San Francisco, CA
I aim to bring heart, presence, connection, and meaningful guidance to all who choose to work with me. Some of my main areas of focus with clients are navigating relationship issues, building healthy self esteem, anxiety and stress management, and working through trauma. I also have specialized experience working with LGBTQ+ clients, individuals and couples navigating polyamory and open relationships, gender identity (non binary and transgender), sexuality and sacred sexuality, and non traditional spiritual practices. I enjoy working with clients who have a general interest and motivation towards self-reflection and personal growth.
I aim to bring heart, presence, connection, and meaningful guidance to all who choose to work with me. Some of my main areas of focus with clients are navigating relationship issues, building healthy self esteem, anxiety and stress management, and working through trauma. I also have specialized experience working with LGBTQ+ clients, individuals and couples navigating polyamory and open relationships, gender identity (non binary and transgender), sexuality and sacred sexuality, and non traditional spiritual practices. I enjoy working with clients who have a general interest and motivation towards self-reflection and personal growth.
Max Kopeikin
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA, PgDip, BA
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94110
All the work I do is informed by a Queer feminist lens and Liberation Psychology.
I help adults and teens looking to become more aware, learn and better themselves. Maybe there is something that needs to shift/change or maybe it is just a growth-oriented process. I have done a lot of my work with people who identify as Trans/Gender Non-Conforming/Nonbinary. Other queer populations who I have a lot of experience helping include couples, polyamorous relationships, the Latinx community, long-term HIV survivors, and gay/ Queer men. My work celebrates diverse genders, sexualities and kink identities. My ideal client is open to work in a way that combines talk therapy, yoga/somatic approaches and art-based therapies.
All the work I do is informed by a Queer feminist lens and Liberation Psychology.
I help adults and teens looking to become more aware, learn and better themselves. Maybe there is something that needs to shift/change or maybe it is just a growth-oriented process. I have done a lot of my work with people who identify as Trans/Gender Non-Conforming/Nonbinary. Other queer populations who I have a lot of experience helping include couples, polyamorous relationships, the Latinx community, long-term HIV survivors, and gay/ Queer men. My work celebrates diverse genders, sexualities and kink identities. My ideal client is open to work in a way that combines talk therapy, yoga/somatic approaches and art-based therapies.
Bonnie Madison
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94121 (Online Only)
I am especially passionate about working with the LGBTQ+ community, neurodivergence, and trauma.
You deserve to love every single part of who you are. It's not always easy. Maybe it's been especially hard lately. Maybe there are past experiences that have damaged your sense of self-worth. Maybe you're suffocated by a society that tells you how you should look, behave, and love. Maybe you struggle with a sense of shame that makes it difficult to be radically, fully, unapologetically you. Somewhere along the way, you've gotten stuck. It's time to get unstuck. Let's figure this out together.
I am especially passionate about working with the LGBTQ+ community, neurodivergence, and trauma.
You deserve to love every single part of who you are. It's not always easy. Maybe it's been especially hard lately. Maybe there are past experiences that have damaged your sense of self-worth. Maybe you're suffocated by a society that tells you how you should look, behave, and love. Maybe you struggle with a sense of shame that makes it difficult to be radically, fully, unapologetically you. Somewhere along the way, you've gotten stuck. It's time to get unstuck. Let's figure this out together.
Dr. Wonbin Jung
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94108 (Online Only)
I intentionally create a space for queer and multicultural couples and AAPI individuals to fully explore their experiences without the fear of judgment.
With over 8 years of experience supporting queer couples and Asian American individuals, I am here to help those experiencing challenges in their relationships. I offer a space for queer and/or Asian couples to understand the cycles of conflict and what keeps them stuck in those cycles. I help couples break unhelpful patterns and create new ways of connection and affection. As to my work with queer individuals, I help clients actualize their preferred identities in all aspects of their lives and process any relational or spiritual traumas that they may have faced throughout their lives.
I intentionally create a space for queer and multicultural couples and AAPI individuals to fully explore their experiences without the fear of judgment.
With over 8 years of experience supporting queer couples and Asian American individuals, I am here to help those experiencing challenges in their relationships. I offer a space for queer and/or Asian couples to understand the cycles of conflict and what keeps them stuck in those cycles. I help couples break unhelpful patterns and create new ways of connection and affection. As to my work with queer individuals, I help clients actualize their preferred identities in all aspects of their lives and process any relational or spiritual traumas that they may have faced throughout their lives.
Adam MacDonald
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94102
Demographics of my clients tend to include LGBTQ+ folx, poly/open relationships, straight men, adoptees, and South Asians.
My typical clients struggle with shame and perfectionism, often preventing them from living fulfilling lives. When stuck in shame, people may question if they're “good enough” in multiple areas of their lives, which creates a cycle of shame that is difficult to get out of alone. I specialize in areas of insecure attachment, attachment/family trauma, CPTSD, grief and loss, sex and gender, obsession/rumination, and anxiety. I am trained in Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) and am certified in EMDR.
Demographics of my clients tend to include LGBTQ+ folx, poly/open relationships, straight men, adoptees, and South Asians.
My typical clients struggle with shame and perfectionism, often preventing them from living fulfilling lives. When stuck in shame, people may question if they're “good enough” in multiple areas of their lives, which creates a cycle of shame that is difficult to get out of alone. I specialize in areas of insecure attachment, attachment/family trauma, CPTSD, grief and loss, sex and gender, obsession/rumination, and anxiety. I am trained in Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) and am certified in EMDR.
Rori Sante
Associate Clinical Social Worker, ASW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94114
I am a transmasculine, non-binary, white, neurodivergent queer who believes that a better world can exist.
Are you tired of having to educate therapists about your experience as a queer/ trans person? I’m a trans therapist who specializes in addressing the intersection between LGBTQ+ issues and mental health, substance use, and behavior change. I address the role of oppression, discrimination, and stigma in my work with clients. I will help you manage overwhelm, anxiety, depression, and relational challenges by co-creating healthy coping skills that align with your values.
I am a transmasculine, non-binary, white, neurodivergent queer who believes that a better world can exist.
Are you tired of having to educate therapists about your experience as a queer/ trans person? I’m a trans therapist who specializes in addressing the intersection between LGBTQ+ issues and mental health, substance use, and behavior change. I address the role of oppression, discrimination, and stigma in my work with clients. I will help you manage overwhelm, anxiety, depression, and relational challenges by co-creating healthy coping skills that align with your values.
Phillip Whitely, M.S., LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94114
Some of my areas of focus include: LGBTQ+, Work issues, Anxiety, Depression, Poly relationships, Kink, Addictions, Disabilities and disability-related issues, Grief and loss, HIV/AIDS.
I believe that each of us has the ability to make the changes necessary in order to live the life we want. Unfortunately, we cannot always clearly see that path. My goal is to help you uncover the answers which will allow you to take the necessary steps in order to make positive changes in your life. Whether you want to make changes in your habits, further understand your behaviors in relationships, get a handle on your anxiety or depression, or maybe something else, I believe a strong connection with an understanding therapist will help you along your journey.
Some of my areas of focus include: LGBTQ+, Work issues, Anxiety, Depression, Poly relationships, Kink, Addictions, Disabilities and disability-related issues, Grief and loss, HIV/AIDS.
I believe that each of us has the ability to make the changes necessary in order to live the life we want. Unfortunately, we cannot always clearly see that path. My goal is to help you uncover the answers which will allow you to take the necessary steps in order to make positive changes in your life. Whether you want to make changes in your habits, further understand your behaviors in relationships, get a handle on your anxiety or depression, or maybe something else, I believe a strong connection with an understanding therapist will help you along your journey.
Seth Ambrose
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94103
I focus on work with gay men, helping them navigate around themes of identity and belonging.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist located in San Francisco, California. I offer in-person sessions in the City and telehealth services throughout the state of California. I work with individuals and couples, with a focus on somatic approaches to therapy and counseling for gay men.
I focus on work with gay men, helping them navigate around themes of identity and belonging.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist located in San Francisco, California. I offer in-person sessions in the City and telehealth services throughout the state of California. I work with individuals and couples, with a focus on somatic approaches to therapy and counseling for gay men.
Lgbtqia+ Therapist Miranda Young
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC, MA, PPS
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94117
I put an emphasis on the working relationship between client and clinician. This allows me to have a warm, interactive, strength-based and client-centered approach using a variety of modalities. In my work with youth, I also gained experience and insight into the patterns we fall into as children/young adults (based on a multitude of events or traumas in our lives) and how these can later have an effect on our adult selves. I believe that bringing awareness to these patterns and unpacking their origins can be incredibly helpful. I also bring a queer, feminist, trauma-informed, and culturally sensitive/curious lens my work.
I put an emphasis on the working relationship between client and clinician. This allows me to have a warm, interactive, strength-based and client-centered approach using a variety of modalities. In my work with youth, I also gained experience and insight into the patterns we fall into as children/young adults (based on a multitude of events or traumas in our lives) and how these can later have an effect on our adult selves. I believe that bringing awareness to these patterns and unpacking their origins can be incredibly helpful. I also bring a queer, feminist, trauma-informed, and culturally sensitive/curious lens my work.
Yashua Gonzalez Robledo
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94102
I'm also gay and I love working with people from a wide range of backgrounds and have particular experience with LGBTQ individuals, immigrants, and survivors of trauma and domestic abuse.
Are you feeling stuck in life, struggling with depression, anxiety, shame, relationship conflicts, or patterns you want to change? I’m here to support you in finding your way, cultivating self-awareness, and greater clarity. I approach therapy with warmth, sensitivity, and compassion. Our work together will hold a space for you to feel seen, heard, and understood. We will identify your goals, get attuned to what you need, and how to achieve it while learning to be gentle with yourself in the process. I use a somatic and transpersonal approach to integrate mind and body as well as parts work to explore and better understand ourselves
I'm also gay and I love working with people from a wide range of backgrounds and have particular experience with LGBTQ individuals, immigrants, and survivors of trauma and domestic abuse.
Are you feeling stuck in life, struggling with depression, anxiety, shame, relationship conflicts, or patterns you want to change? I’m here to support you in finding your way, cultivating self-awareness, and greater clarity. I approach therapy with warmth, sensitivity, and compassion. Our work together will hold a space for you to feel seen, heard, and understood. We will identify your goals, get attuned to what you need, and how to achieve it while learning to be gentle with yourself in the process. I use a somatic and transpersonal approach to integrate mind and body as well as parts work to explore and better understand ourselves
the gaytherapycenter.
I founded the Gay Therapy Center in 2015 because I believe in the healing power of LGBTQ people working with LGBTQ therapists. It's very important in therapy to know for sure that your therapist really "gets" you. At GTC, we’re LGBTQ therapists for LGBTQ people. We've now grown to become the largest private LGBTQ therapy provider in the country with therapists in DC, NYC, SF, LA, and online. We personally match you to the therapist we think will be particularly good for you! You won’t have to deal with waiting lists, sifting through profiles, or matching by algorithms.
the gaytherapycenter.
I founded the Gay Therapy Center in 2015 because I believe in the healing power of LGBTQ people working with LGBTQ therapists. It's very important in therapy to know for sure that your therapist really "gets" you. At GTC, we’re LGBTQ therapists for LGBTQ people. We've now grown to become the largest private LGBTQ therapy provider in the country with therapists in DC, NYC, SF, LA, and online. We personally match you to the therapist we think will be particularly good for you! You won’t have to deal with waiting lists, sifting through profiles, or matching by algorithms.
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Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94114
I work with individuals, couples, and polycules in the LGBTQIA+ and gender-expansive communities and beyond.
Weekend availability! Reach out about specific days and times. If you’re struggling with relationships, work, emotions, or just existing in the world, you’re not alone. If you want to change, our work together can help you find a path forward. My approach is relational and person-centered, which means I believe you have the capacity to find resolutions inside yourself, and I'll support you as we explore together.
I work with individuals, couples, and polycules in the LGBTQIA+ and gender-expansive communities and beyond.
Weekend availability! Reach out about specific days and times. If you’re struggling with relationships, work, emotions, or just existing in the world, you’re not alone. If you want to change, our work together can help you find a path forward. My approach is relational and person-centered, which means I believe you have the capacity to find resolutions inside yourself, and I'll support you as we explore together.
Amber Rutledge
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94102
I offer a framework rooted in Liberation-based, Somatic, and Trans-personal psychologies while working with clients to amplify feelings of sovereignty and authentic expression within a non-judgmental container.
Hey there, my name is amber and I'm a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist offering in-person services in San Francisco, as well as Telehealth for folx located in California. I work with teens, adults, couples, and various polycule shapes. As a mixed-race, gender-creative, and queer therapist, I am dedicated to serving BIPOC and mixed-race communities as well as queer-identified folx looking to be witnessed and held in their experiences. Together we will explore what brings you to therapy based on the pace that feels right for you, and collaboratively navigate how to implement the changes you may want to see.
I offer a framework rooted in Liberation-based, Somatic, and Trans-personal psychologies while working with clients to amplify feelings of sovereignty and authentic expression within a non-judgmental container.
Hey there, my name is amber and I'm a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist offering in-person services in San Francisco, as well as Telehealth for folx located in California. I work with teens, adults, couples, and various polycule shapes. As a mixed-race, gender-creative, and queer therapist, I am dedicated to serving BIPOC and mixed-race communities as well as queer-identified folx looking to be witnessed and held in their experiences. Together we will explore what brings you to therapy based on the pace that feels right for you, and collaboratively navigate how to implement the changes you may want to see.
I specialize in couples work, Queer & LGBTQIA+ clients, anxiety, depression, grief, and trauma.
My clients often show up to therapy because of a need for meaningful change in their lives, and a desire to feel happier and more fulfilled. You may find yourself struggling with self-doubt and a harsh, critical inner voice; feeling stuck, sad, far away, and disconnected; navigating a new or difficult circumstance such as death of a loved one; or wanting help to reduce conflict and improve communication with your partner. I see therapy as an opportunity for transformative insight, creativity, self-expression, and healing. It is a place to process and move past the painful experience that stick with us and hold us back.
I specialize in couples work, Queer & LGBTQIA+ clients, anxiety, depression, grief, and trauma.
My clients often show up to therapy because of a need for meaningful change in their lives, and a desire to feel happier and more fulfilled. You may find yourself struggling with self-doubt and a harsh, critical inner voice; feeling stuck, sad, far away, and disconnected; navigating a new or difficult circumstance such as death of a loved one; or wanting help to reduce conflict and improve communication with your partner. I see therapy as an opportunity for transformative insight, creativity, self-expression, and healing. It is a place to process and move past the painful experience that stick with us and hold us back.
I specialize in working with Gay/ Queer men, individuals that are in the recovery process from substance use, and males around issues of masculinity, sex, and emotional vulnerability I have expertise in and experience with: Masculinity and other male issues Sex and sexuality Ethically non- monogamous/ polyamory relationships / Kink Substance abuse issues.
Human connection is the catalyst needed to explore any underlining psychic distress. In my psychotherapy practice, I prioritize fostering a collaborative relationship to provide emotional and personal safety, allowing you to dive beneath the surface to better understand the underlying causes of your personal distress. The goal is, through exploration, to create opportunities for you to become more self-aware of your own thoughts and feelings, empowering you to re-create new ways of connecting to yourself and loved ones
I specialize in working with Gay/ Queer men, individuals that are in the recovery process from substance use, and males around issues of masculinity, sex, and emotional vulnerability I have expertise in and experience with: Masculinity and other male issues Sex and sexuality Ethically non- monogamous/ polyamory relationships / Kink Substance abuse issues.
Human connection is the catalyst needed to explore any underlining psychic distress. In my psychotherapy practice, I prioritize fostering a collaborative relationship to provide emotional and personal safety, allowing you to dive beneath the surface to better understand the underlying causes of your personal distress. The goal is, through exploration, to create opportunities for you to become more self-aware of your own thoughts and feelings, empowering you to re-create new ways of connecting to yourself and loved ones
Troy Wood
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94114
I have an authentic, relaxed and LGBTQ affirming approach, and I help clients address life transitions, anxiety, depression, family of origin challenges and trauma.
Are you a gay, bi or queer man struggling with a life transition, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or simply feel dissatisfied with your current situation and need help finding a path forward? If so, I can help. As a gay therapist, I understand our experiences are as diverse as everyone else's, and at the same time, there are parts of our lives that our unique to our community. During therapy, I will help you gain insight into the origin of your problems, develop skills to overcome the challenges you face, increase your emotional resilience, and take meaningful steps to build the fulfilling relationships and life you want.
I have an authentic, relaxed and LGBTQ affirming approach, and I help clients address life transitions, anxiety, depression, family of origin challenges and trauma.
Are you a gay, bi or queer man struggling with a life transition, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or simply feel dissatisfied with your current situation and need help finding a path forward? If so, I can help. As a gay therapist, I understand our experiences are as diverse as everyone else's, and at the same time, there are parts of our lives that our unique to our community. During therapy, I will help you gain insight into the origin of your problems, develop skills to overcome the challenges you face, increase your emotional resilience, and take meaningful steps to build the fulfilling relationships and life you want.
Stephen Gundlach
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94102
My clinical interests include LGBTQIA+ issues, life transitions, anxiety, depression, career and vocational concerns, relationship and attachment issues, family of origin difficulties, religious trauma, and spiritual concerns.
Thank you for taking this important step on your journey of healing and well being. My name is Stephen Gundlach. I am a psychotherapist working with individuals, couples, teens, and families. I see therapy as a process in which the therapist walks alongside you as a mirror and a guide to your own unfolding understanding of yourself and your unique story. In this process inner strengths and resiliencies are identified, habitual patterns that are no longer helping come to light, and desired growth and change become possible.
My clinical interests include LGBTQIA+ issues, life transitions, anxiety, depression, career and vocational concerns, relationship and attachment issues, family of origin difficulties, religious trauma, and spiritual concerns.
Thank you for taking this important step on your journey of healing and well being. My name is Stephen Gundlach. I am a psychotherapist working with individuals, couples, teens, and families. I see therapy as a process in which the therapist walks alongside you as a mirror and a guide to your own unfolding understanding of yourself and your unique story. In this process inner strengths and resiliencies are identified, habitual patterns that are no longer helping come to light, and desired growth and change become possible.
Jim Christrup
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94114
I am a gay-identified therapist and have a special interest in providing positive, affirmative counseling for the LGBTQ community.
Are you struggling with anxiety, panic, phobias, OCD, stress, self-criticism, shyness, or excessive worry? My goal is to help you break out of old, unproductive ways of dealing with these problems and find more flexible and effective ways of responding and healing. I am an experienced and caring therapist who is supportive, engaged, and interactive. Together we focus on what matters most to you and help you move towards what you care about most deeply in your life.
I am a gay-identified therapist and have a special interest in providing positive, affirmative counseling for the LGBTQ community.
Are you struggling with anxiety, panic, phobias, OCD, stress, self-criticism, shyness, or excessive worry? My goal is to help you break out of old, unproductive ways of dealing with these problems and find more flexible and effective ways of responding and healing. I am an experienced and caring therapist who is supportive, engaged, and interactive. Together we focus on what matters most to you and help you move towards what you care about most deeply in your life.
I am dedicated as a White ally to continue developing the empathy and cultural humility necessary to support my clients as they have been mostly People of Color, recent immigrants, and political and LGBTQ+ asylees.
Looking for a queer therapist? I specialize in working with queer, non-binary, transgender, gay, & pansexual adults & adolescents in California. I am most passionate about providing advocacy for cultural and economic diversity in our community and serving LGBTQ+ people experiencing depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Engaging in therapy is more important than ever especially in response to our current political climate and recent backlash of conservative values showing incredible disrespect toward the LGBTQ+ community and throwing extra stress at immigrant populations and POC.
I am dedicated as a White ally to continue developing the empathy and cultural humility necessary to support my clients as they have been mostly People of Color, recent immigrants, and political and LGBTQ+ asylees.
Looking for a queer therapist? I specialize in working with queer, non-binary, transgender, gay, & pansexual adults & adolescents in California. I am most passionate about providing advocacy for cultural and economic diversity in our community and serving LGBTQ+ people experiencing depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Engaging in therapy is more important than ever especially in response to our current political climate and recent backlash of conservative values showing incredible disrespect toward the LGBTQ+ community and throwing extra stress at immigrant populations and POC.
I have extensive experience working with professionals and entrepreneurs, as well as members of the LGBTQ and Asian communities.
I understand how important it is for my clients to feel supported and be able to address their immediate concerns as quickly and as effectively as possible. I view therapy as a collaborative process where I work with my clients to acquire the appropriate coping skills for their present difficulties while gaining the understanding and insight needed to handle future challenges. By working together, I will help you to build on your strengths and expand your skills to not only cope with the obstacles in life, but to optimize your well-being and to reach for your full potential.
I have extensive experience working with professionals and entrepreneurs, as well as members of the LGBTQ and Asian communities.
I understand how important it is for my clients to feel supported and be able to address their immediate concerns as quickly and as effectively as possible. I view therapy as a collaborative process where I work with my clients to acquire the appropriate coping skills for their present difficulties while gaining the understanding and insight needed to handle future challenges. By working together, I will help you to build on your strengths and expand your skills to not only cope with the obstacles in life, but to optimize your well-being and to reach for your full potential.
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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.