LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Hawaii

Photo of Leilani Maxera, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Leilani Maxera
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Honolulu, HI 96822  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I am a Kanaka ʻŌiwi therapist who is queer, poly, kink, asexual/aromantic, and sex-worker friendly. I value harm reductionist, abolitionist, anti-capitalist, and anti-colonial therapy practices. I also love working to support other people in the healing and helping professions. I avidly support reproductive rights and the rights of transgender people, and can offer support to any individuals struggling with what is currently happening to erode these rights.
I am a Kanaka ʻŌiwi therapist who is queer, poly, kink, asexual/aromantic, and sex-worker friendly. I value harm reductionist, abolitionist, anti-capitalist, and anti-colonial therapy practices. I also love working to support other people in the healing and helping professions. I avidly support reproductive rights and the rights of transgender people, and can offer support to any individuals struggling with what is currently happening to erode these rights.
(808) 862-2469 View (808) 862-2469
Photo of Steven Hobaica, PhD, Psychologist
Steven Hobaica
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Honolulu, HI 96822  (Online Only)
I am a licensed clinical psychologist who uses evidence-based psychotherapy. I have particular interest and expertise in working with issues surrounding gender, sexuality, culture, identity, relationships, and sexual functioning. I also have extensive experience in treating mood, anxiety, substance misuse, and trauma-related disorders. I identify as a member of the LGBTQ+ community and bring in my own experiences as an LGBTQ+ person into my therapy practice. Creating a safe space for everyone in therapy is essential for growth. I find myself working best with people who are ready for change and are motivated to experience healing.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist who uses evidence-based psychotherapy. I have particular interest and expertise in working with issues surrounding gender, sexuality, culture, identity, relationships, and sexual functioning. I also have extensive experience in treating mood, anxiety, substance misuse, and trauma-related disorders. I identify as a member of the LGBTQ+ community and bring in my own experiences as an LGBTQ+ person into my therapy practice. Creating a safe space for everyone in therapy is essential for growth. I find myself working best with people who are ready for change and are motivated to experience healing.
(808) 563-5147 View (808) 563-5147
Photo of Alex Stitt, LMHC, LGBTQ+, Counselor
Alex Stitt
Counselor, LMHC, LGBTQ+
Verified Verified
Keaau, HI 96749
Waitlist for new clients
As a trauma-informed Queer Counselor I specialize in LGBTQ+ issues, gender identity, consensual nonmonogamy, and sex-positive lifestyles.
Warm, heartfelt, and open minded, I love helping people embrace their authenticity and work towards their goals. I believe therapy needs to balance deep introspection with practical solutions, so if you find yourself exploring your identity, your relationships, or your direction in life, let’s have a chat. Maybe its time to retrace your steps, or question the crossroad, or blaze a new trail, or rest a while. Wherever you are in your journey, I'll meet you where you're at.
As a trauma-informed Queer Counselor I specialize in LGBTQ+ issues, gender identity, consensual nonmonogamy, and sex-positive lifestyles.
Warm, heartfelt, and open minded, I love helping people embrace their authenticity and work towards their goals. I believe therapy needs to balance deep introspection with practical solutions, so if you find yourself exploring your identity, your relationships, or your direction in life, let’s have a chat. Maybe its time to retrace your steps, or question the crossroad, or blaze a new trail, or rest a while. Wherever you are in your journey, I'll meet you where you're at.
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Photo of Marc Anthony Campos-Ramos, PhD, LCSW, MPH, PsyD, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Marc Anthony Campos-Ramos
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LCSW, MPH, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Honolulu, HI 96813  (Online Only)
Among the areas that I focus on: depression, anxiety, substance abuse, LGBT, immigration/Asylum, anger management.
In Net work with Health Net/MHN. Culturally Informed Therapy. Sliding Scale available I welcome the opportunity to develop a trusting relationship to help you work on addressing your concerns. We will work as a team to help you. My advanced training in public health allows a holistic approach. We will work together as a team.
Among the areas that I focus on: depression, anxiety, substance abuse, LGBT, immigration/Asylum, anger management.
In Net work with Health Net/MHN. Culturally Informed Therapy. Sliding Scale available I welcome the opportunity to develop a trusting relationship to help you work on addressing your concerns. We will work as a team to help you. My advanced training in public health allows a holistic approach. We will work together as a team.
(510) 878-4090 View (510) 878-4090
Photo of Dr. Lisa K. Lee - Pumehana Psychology LLC, PsyD, Psychologist
Pumehana Psychology LLC
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Honolulu, HI 96814  (Online Only)
I graduated with my Doctorate of Clinical Psychology from Fuller Graduate School of Psychology in 2020 and completed my residency in LGBTQ+ Health at Veterans Affairs Pacific Islands Health Care System in 2021.
I'm Dr. Lisa Lee, PsyD (she/her) and mahalo nui loa for taking the time to read about my practice. Pumehana means "warm hearted" in Hawaiian, which is the type of therapist I strive to be with my clients. Being born and raised on O'ahu, I am all too familiar with the stigma placed upon seeking help in many communities and hope to greet you with the warm and accepting stance you deserve. Although I specialize in seeing LGBTQ+/MVPFAFF+ clients, I am licensed to serve a broad range of clients across the Hawaiian Islands via telehealth.
I graduated with my Doctorate of Clinical Psychology from Fuller Graduate School of Psychology in 2020 and completed my residency in LGBTQ+ Health at Veterans Affairs Pacific Islands Health Care System in 2021.
I'm Dr. Lisa Lee, PsyD (she/her) and mahalo nui loa for taking the time to read about my practice. Pumehana means "warm hearted" in Hawaiian, which is the type of therapist I strive to be with my clients. Being born and raised on O'ahu, I am all too familiar with the stigma placed upon seeking help in many communities and hope to greet you with the warm and accepting stance you deserve. Although I specialize in seeing LGBTQ+/MVPFAFF+ clients, I am licensed to serve a broad range of clients across the Hawaiian Islands via telehealth.
(808) 534-4777 View (808) 534-4777
Photo of Dr. Jeralyn Carter, PsyD, MHC, Counselor
Dr. Jeralyn Carter
Counselor, PsyD, MHC
Verified Verified
Waipahu, HI 96797  (Online Only)
I am a mental health counselor who has worked in the mental health field for over nineteen years and have been a Doctor of Clinical Psychology and a licensed mental health counselor in Hawaii since 2013. Additionally, I have collaborated with clients of various ages, ethnicies, cultures, Nationalities and from all social classes dealing with a wide range of issues. My experience is vast as I have worked with the following: neuro-psychiatric, suicidal ideation/attempts, LGBTQIA, PTSD, anger management, grief/loss, trauma, abuse, relationship issues, school counseling, juvenile justice, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and the like.
I am a mental health counselor who has worked in the mental health field for over nineteen years and have been a Doctor of Clinical Psychology and a licensed mental health counselor in Hawaii since 2013. Additionally, I have collaborated with clients of various ages, ethnicies, cultures, Nationalities and from all social classes dealing with a wide range of issues. My experience is vast as I have worked with the following: neuro-psychiatric, suicidal ideation/attempts, LGBTQIA, PTSD, anger management, grief/loss, trauma, abuse, relationship issues, school counseling, juvenile justice, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and the like.
(808) 862-2944 View (808) 862-2944
Photo of William Edward Conti, PhD, LMHC, CSAC, Psychologist
William Edward Conti
Psychologist, PhD, LMHC, CSAC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Honolulu, HI 96815
I also have many years of experience working with the Gay and Lesbian community.
DECIDING TO BEGIN PSYCHOTHERAPY IS A COURAGEOUS ACT. I enjoy working with clients who, via symptoms such as depression, anxiety, sexual-orientation or career issues, eating disorders, life transitions, or relationship issues are seeking a deeper understanding of their lives and which direction they wish to take. Often the symptom is the "call" from psyche, a portal into a deeper exploration into one's life which may yield increased self-awareness and introductions to formerly unknown aspects of one's own being. I feel privileged to be called upon to accompany individuals on this journey. At this time,
I also have many years of experience working with the Gay and Lesbian community.
DECIDING TO BEGIN PSYCHOTHERAPY IS A COURAGEOUS ACT. I enjoy working with clients who, via symptoms such as depression, anxiety, sexual-orientation or career issues, eating disorders, life transitions, or relationship issues are seeking a deeper understanding of their lives and which direction they wish to take. Often the symptom is the "call" from psyche, a portal into a deeper exploration into one's life which may yield increased self-awareness and introductions to formerly unknown aspects of one's own being. I feel privileged to be called upon to accompany individuals on this journey. At this time,
(213) 465-3904 View (213) 465-3904
Kenneth Shigematsu
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Kailua, HI 96734
I treat adult clients with depression, domestic violence anxiety, grief, adjusting to difficult situations, codependency, life transitions, sexual orientation and trans issues.
Welcome to my Path profile. My name is Ken Shigematsu, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California and Hawaii. I use CBT, Supportive and Goal oriented modalities to assist clients. I treat clients with depression, adjustment, grief and LGBTQI issues. I listen closely and ask questions to better learn about your situation and goals. I use CBT, Supportive and Goal oriented modalities to assist clients. I use Feedback Informed Care to guide your care.
I treat adult clients with depression, domestic violence anxiety, grief, adjusting to difficult situations, codependency, life transitions, sexual orientation and trans issues.
Welcome to my Path profile. My name is Ken Shigematsu, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California and Hawaii. I use CBT, Supportive and Goal oriented modalities to assist clients. I treat clients with depression, adjustment, grief and LGBTQI issues. I listen closely and ask questions to better learn about your situation and goals. I use CBT, Supportive and Goal oriented modalities to assist clients. I use Feedback Informed Care to guide your care.
(808) 736-1447 View (808) 736-1447
Photo of Samantha Bailo, MA, Pre-Licensed Professional
Samantha Bailo
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hilo, HI 96720
Finally ready to reach out and find a therapist? Congratulations. You did the first hard thing. It's not easy reaching out and asking for help. I have a special interest in issues that pertain to the LGBTQ+ community and female sexuality as well as spirituality and cultural issues. Mindfulness and meditation are two practices I often teach clients due to their wide application and the effect that these skills had on my own life. In therapy, I lean toward a solution-focused approach, helping clients actualize changes they wish to make in their lives.
Finally ready to reach out and find a therapist? Congratulations. You did the first hard thing. It's not easy reaching out and asking for help. I have a special interest in issues that pertain to the LGBTQ+ community and female sexuality as well as spirituality and cultural issues. Mindfulness and meditation are two practices I often teach clients due to their wide application and the effect that these skills had on my own life. In therapy, I lean toward a solution-focused approach, helping clients actualize changes they wish to make in their lives.
(808) 518-6773 View (808) 518-6773
Photo of Laura Moidel Acevedo, MACP, LMHC, Counselor
Laura Moidel Acevedo
Counselor, MACP, LMHC
Verified Verified
Hilo, HI 96720
I have particular compassion and knowledge for those with transgender and sexual orientation issues and with survivors of sexual abuse and sexual assault. I am familiar with the social stigma and trauma that can result from being a person with these issues and have helped many overcome the resulting emotional and psychological distress.
I have particular compassion and knowledge for those with transgender and sexual orientation issues and with survivors of sexual abuse and sexual assault. I am familiar with the social stigma and trauma that can result from being a person with these issues and have helped many overcome the resulting emotional and psychological distress.
(808) 419-7277 View (808) 419-7277
Photo of Bridget Murphy, LCSW, CSAC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Bridget Murphy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CSAC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Honolulu, HI 96814  (Online Only)
I also provide affirmative therapy to LGBTQ+ individuals.
"What we think, we become." These difficult thoughts and feelings can be a gateway for personal growth, and seeking therapy is a courageous step in the healing process. I will support you to heal, deepen, and improve your relationship with yourself and others by bringing awareness to your present thoughts and historical patterns that no longer serve you. I will work in collaboration with you by providing a nonjudgmental, safe, empowering, and compassionate environment.
I also provide affirmative therapy to LGBTQ+ individuals.
"What we think, we become." These difficult thoughts and feelings can be a gateway for personal growth, and seeking therapy is a courageous step in the healing process. I will support you to heal, deepen, and improve your relationship with yourself and others by bringing awareness to your present thoughts and historical patterns that no longer serve you. I will work in collaboration with you by providing a nonjudgmental, safe, empowering, and compassionate environment.
(808) 670-1043 View (808) 670-1043
Photo of Becca Chavez, LSW, Pre-Licensed Professional
Becca Chavez
Pre-Licensed Professional, LSW
Verified Verified
Honolulu, HI 96817
For the past 10 years I have specialized in working with children and youth experiencing homelessness. I am also a proud queer woman of color. I implement motivational interviewing specifically to identify strengths & resiliency to support you becoming your favorite self. My goal is to meet people where they are at to foster a safe, nonjudgmental space for people to process their thoughts and emotions. I am guided by harm reduction, trauma-informed care, and cultural humility. I believe that everyone is doing the best that they can in a given moment.
For the past 10 years I have specialized in working with children and youth experiencing homelessness. I am also a proud queer woman of color. I implement motivational interviewing specifically to identify strengths & resiliency to support you becoming your favorite self. My goal is to meet people where they are at to foster a safe, nonjudgmental space for people to process their thoughts and emotions. I am guided by harm reduction, trauma-informed care, and cultural humility. I believe that everyone is doing the best that they can in a given moment.
(808) 746-8442 View (808) 746-8442
Photo of Tihera Shanell Clements - The Cultural Society of Wellness, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
The Cultural Society of Wellness
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kapolei, HI 96707  (Online Only)
I specialize in trauma, emotional stress, LGBTQA+ issues, overcoming depression, reducing anxiety, processing grief, and sexual abuse survivors for BIPOC.
Have you been feeling a shift or intense desire to change? You know there is a better way of life but are unsure how to achieve the ultimate level of rest, happiness, and overall balance. I believe in soul healing and a return to wholeness through mind, body, and soul practices. I can support you through this journey with holistic and clinical paths to achieve complete wholeness. (Services available for Georgia and Hawaii)
I specialize in trauma, emotional stress, LGBTQA+ issues, overcoming depression, reducing anxiety, processing grief, and sexual abuse survivors for BIPOC.
Have you been feeling a shift or intense desire to change? You know there is a better way of life but are unsure how to achieve the ultimate level of rest, happiness, and overall balance. I believe in soul healing and a return to wholeness through mind, body, and soul practices. I can support you through this journey with holistic and clinical paths to achieve complete wholeness. (Services available for Georgia and Hawaii)
(912) 493-7405 View (912) 493-7405
Photo of Justin Miller, LMHC, LPC, LGBTQ+, Counselor
Justin Miller
Counselor, LMHC, LPC, LGBTQ+
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Honolulu, HI 96813
Your life journey as a gay person is full of unique joys and challenges. Most of us never learned how to be gay (and happy). I get it. But know this: you can create the life you want. You can find your chosen family, heal the past, overcome shame find your passion and learn to finally love yourself at any age. And you don't have to trek up this mountain alone. As a gay counselor, my passion is helping fellow gay people develop their own toolkits to overcome anxiety, heal and thrive. As a gay man I've tackled similar mountains in my life using Cognitive Behavior Therapy and tools that work. If you are ready, I'd be honored to help.
Your life journey as a gay person is full of unique joys and challenges. Most of us never learned how to be gay (and happy). I get it. But know this: you can create the life you want. You can find your chosen family, heal the past, overcome shame find your passion and learn to finally love yourself at any age. And you don't have to trek up this mountain alone. As a gay counselor, my passion is helping fellow gay people develop their own toolkits to overcome anxiety, heal and thrive. As a gay man I've tackled similar mountains in my life using Cognitive Behavior Therapy and tools that work. If you are ready, I'd be honored to help.
(808) 378-3799 View (808) 378-3799
Photo of Joseph Anthony LoGiudice - Liberation Psychotherapy, LCSW-R, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Liberation Psychotherapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-R
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Honolulu, HI 96813
Liberation Psychotherapy is a private LGBTQ-centered group therapy practice. Our foundational philosophy is based on the meaningful engagement between the therapist and client and achieved using Carl Rogers’ client-centered techniques of active-listening, empathy, and unconditional positive regard. Liberation Psychotherapy’s primary mission is to help clients explore their experiences thereby clients can heal and grow and embrace their strengths and resiliencies. To honor and respect the uniqueness of our clients, we subscribe broadly to a liberation and integrative model.
Liberation Psychotherapy is a private LGBTQ-centered group therapy practice. Our foundational philosophy is based on the meaningful engagement between the therapist and client and achieved using Carl Rogers’ client-centered techniques of active-listening, empathy, and unconditional positive regard. Liberation Psychotherapy’s primary mission is to help clients explore their experiences thereby clients can heal and grow and embrace their strengths and resiliencies. To honor and respect the uniqueness of our clients, we subscribe broadly to a liberation and integrative model.
(808) 435-7408 View (808) 435-7408
Photo of Christopher Skaggs, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Christopher Skaggs
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Kihei, HI 96753  (Online Only)
I offer relationship therapy to LGBTQ+ people in relationships, I am poly and multiple partner inclusive, sex positive, and kink affirming.
I work with individuals, and relationships and people that struggle to effectively communicate their needs. Because of how they were brought up, or conditioned through experience, they might have vastly different ways of showing up in relationships, especially through conflict. We all want to work on what drives our behavior so that we can better understand ourselves and each other. This allows us to be vulnerable with one another and experience our real selves, so we can connect and love on a much deeper and more meaningful and satisfying level.
I offer relationship therapy to LGBTQ+ people in relationships, I am poly and multiple partner inclusive, sex positive, and kink affirming.
I work with individuals, and relationships and people that struggle to effectively communicate their needs. Because of how they were brought up, or conditioned through experience, they might have vastly different ways of showing up in relationships, especially through conflict. We all want to work on what drives our behavior so that we can better understand ourselves and each other. This allows us to be vulnerable with one another and experience our real selves, so we can connect and love on a much deeper and more meaningful and satisfying level.
(808) 646-3306 View (808) 646-3306
Photo of Joseph Anthony LoGiudice, LCSW-R, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Joseph Anthony LoGiudice
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-R
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Honolulu, HI 96823
I proudly identify as an LGBTQ therapist who believes in a therapeutic relationship that is stepped in active-listening, empathy, and unconditional positive regard. In turn, this allows for clients to feel safe and secure when we engage in a therapeutic relationship. Therapy is about being yourself without the judgment of the world; and it is a discovery process that gives you the opportunity to visualize possibilities in life. My attention is drawn to connecting with clients, being collaborative and interactive, and learning how to help clients become unstuck in life.
I proudly identify as an LGBTQ therapist who believes in a therapeutic relationship that is stepped in active-listening, empathy, and unconditional positive regard. In turn, this allows for clients to feel safe and secure when we engage in a therapeutic relationship. Therapy is about being yourself without the judgment of the world; and it is a discovery process that gives you the opportunity to visualize possibilities in life. My attention is drawn to connecting with clients, being collaborative and interactive, and learning how to help clients become unstuck in life.
(808) 427-3375 View (808) 427-3375
Photo of Alan R Spector, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Alan R Spector
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Kailua, HI 96734  (Online Only)
As Co-Founder of Equality Hawaii, I am well-versed in the issues faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals.
Are you sad, anxious, or struggling with thoughts of self-harm? Have you experienced trauma in your life? If so, I can help. I offer a validating environment that allows you to explore your problems without judgement and together we can work to create solutions. I've been trained in a variety of treatment methods and will tailor therapy to your specific needs. I draw heavily from Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and combine both DBT Psychotherapy and DBT Skills Training into individual sessions.
As Co-Founder of Equality Hawaii, I am well-versed in the issues faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals.
Are you sad, anxious, or struggling with thoughts of self-harm? Have you experienced trauma in your life? If so, I can help. I offer a validating environment that allows you to explore your problems without judgement and together we can work to create solutions. I've been trained in a variety of treatment methods and will tailor therapy to your specific needs. I draw heavily from Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and combine both DBT Psychotherapy and DBT Skills Training into individual sessions.
(808) 729-7737 View (808) 729-7737
Photo of Erika Vargas, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Erika Vargas
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Aiea, HI 96701  (Online Only)
I also specialize in working with survivors of trauma, LGBTQ individuals, & professionals.
Life is hard sometimes. If you're having difficulty managing or just need someone to talk to, I would be honored to be part of your healing journey. Maybe you just want to be seen and heard, or you wonder if life could be better. I’m passionate about helping others to find fulfillment, peace, healing, inner strength, and purpose. I will work with you, at your pace, to make long-lasting changes in your life. I incorporate trauma informed approaches, EMDR,CBT, Solution Focused, and Motivational Interviewing to create a safe and non-judgmental space for exploration, goal setting, and transformation.
I also specialize in working with survivors of trauma, LGBTQ individuals, & professionals.
Life is hard sometimes. If you're having difficulty managing or just need someone to talk to, I would be honored to be part of your healing journey. Maybe you just want to be seen and heard, or you wonder if life could be better. I’m passionate about helping others to find fulfillment, peace, healing, inner strength, and purpose. I will work with you, at your pace, to make long-lasting changes in your life. I incorporate trauma informed approaches, EMDR,CBT, Solution Focused, and Motivational Interviewing to create a safe and non-judgmental space for exploration, goal setting, and transformation.
(808) 736-0372 View (808) 736-0372
Photo of Nica Selvaggio, LMHC, NCC, Counselor
Nica Selvaggio
Counselor, LMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
Honolulu, HI 96815
I specialize in working with folks who struggle with eating disorders, PTSD, C-PTSD, Grief/Bereavement, Adoption and/or Foster Care, Gender Dysphoria, Transgender issues, LGBTQIA+ issues, and issues related to sex/sexuality.
Mental health shouldn’t be a privilege. So much of how we feel in our minds and bodies has to do with the identities we inhabit in the world and how our environments do or do not support us. Counseling is a tool that can be helpful when dealing with the natural anxiety, depression, and grief that can arise as a result of living in a culture that refuses to see you or value you. I work with folks through an anti-oppression and somatic (body-based) lens. As a Non-Binary and Queer therapist, I am passionate about the decolonization of the therapy space. The personal is political.
I specialize in working with folks who struggle with eating disorders, PTSD, C-PTSD, Grief/Bereavement, Adoption and/or Foster Care, Gender Dysphoria, Transgender issues, LGBTQIA+ issues, and issues related to sex/sexuality.
Mental health shouldn’t be a privilege. So much of how we feel in our minds and bodies has to do with the identities we inhabit in the world and how our environments do or do not support us. Counseling is a tool that can be helpful when dealing with the natural anxiety, depression, and grief that can arise as a result of living in a culture that refuses to see you or value you. I work with folks through an anti-oppression and somatic (body-based) lens. As a Non-Binary and Queer therapist, I am passionate about the decolonization of the therapy space. The personal is political.
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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.