LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Catawba, NC
![Photo of Clifford Wilson, LCMHC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6b16f626-4574-404f-912c-b909c1012e45/1/320x400.jpeg)
Clifford Wilson
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Catawba, NC 28609
Clifford Wilson, LMHC Clifford Wilson is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in North Carolina who has been practicing since 1998. He has a Master's Degree in Counseling Education. Clifford's personal philosophy is eclectic in nature. He incorporates different theoretical approaches in helping the client depending on age and problems of the client. One of the theories he uses is Solution-Focus Therapy, a cognitive approach which address how we think. Clifford believes we can focus too much time and energy on the problem itself versus on finding solution(s). Another theory he might use is Person-Centered Therapy.
Clifford Wilson, LMHC Clifford Wilson is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in North Carolina who has been practicing since 1998. He has a Master's Degree in Counseling Education. Clifford's personal philosophy is eclectic in nature. He incorporates different theoretical approaches in helping the client depending on age and problems of the client. One of the theories he uses is Solution-Focus Therapy, a cognitive approach which address how we think. Clifford believes we can focus too much time and energy on the problem itself versus on finding solution(s). Another theory he might use is Person-Centered Therapy.
![Photo of Heather Herrig, MA, LCMHC, LCAS](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/dc88a649-457e-4df2-a726-fa60530bdcde/1/320x400.png)
Heather Herrig
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MA, LCMHC, LCAS
Verified Verified
Catawba, NC 28609
Heather is a Licensed Substance Abuse Counselor as well as a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, who has been practicing since 2014. They graduated from Lenoir Rhyne University in Hickory, NC with a degree in Mental Health Counseling. Heather’s undergraduate degree is from The Ohio State University in Columbus Ohio. With a degree in Human Development and Family Sciences.
Heather is a Licensed Substance Abuse Counselor as well as a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, who has been practicing since 2014. They graduated from Lenoir Rhyne University in Hickory, NC with a degree in Mental Health Counseling. Heather’s undergraduate degree is from The Ohio State University in Columbus Ohio. With a degree in Human Development and Family Sciences.
![Photo of Christian Noel Davidson, MA, LCMHC, LCAS, Drug & Alcohol Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a175d320-afab-47e3-bb93-6cecb9fc412d/2/320x400.png)
Christian Noel Davidson
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, MA, LCMHC, LCAS
Verified Verified
Catawba, NC 28609
C. Noel Davidson treats patients starting at 10 years old. Noel graduated with her Bachelors of Arts in English from Gardner-Webb University and her Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Lenoir-Rhyne University. She is both a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Professional and a Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist through the state of North Carolina. Her previous counseling experiences include outpatient Substance Abuse and Mental Health counseling, Career and Personal Development counseling in a university setting, and working with evidence based children’s programs through Smart Start Services.
C. Noel Davidson treats patients starting at 10 years old. Noel graduated with her Bachelors of Arts in English from Gardner-Webb University and her Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Lenoir-Rhyne University. She is both a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Professional and a Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist through the state of North Carolina. Her previous counseling experiences include outpatient Substance Abuse and Mental Health counseling, Career and Personal Development counseling in a university setting, and working with evidence based children’s programs through Smart Start Services.
![Photo of Clifford Wilson](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/36fa6897-6b99-4239-ae6a-cd3ac2f08d46/1/320x400.jpeg)
In my practice, I am dedicated to supporting individuals navigating depression, anxiety, trauma, and loss. My clients often face complex family dynamics, educational challenges, or severe psychiatric distress. They seek a safe, understanding environment where they can express their experiences openly. I aim to guide them towards practical coping strategies and help them regain control and balance in their lives. My ultimate goal is to support my clients in achieving their personal and emotional goals, fostering a sense of peace and well-being.
In my practice, I am dedicated to supporting individuals navigating depression, anxiety, trauma, and loss. My clients often face complex family dynamics, educational challenges, or severe psychiatric distress. They seek a safe, understanding environment where they can express their experiences openly. I aim to guide them towards practical coping strategies and help them regain control and balance in their lives. My ultimate goal is to support my clients in achieving their personal and emotional goals, fostering a sense of peace and well-being.
![Photo of Tamara Farris, LSW, LSWA, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/91c134c4-14f2-47bb-8cb7-b9a558364f89/1/320x400.jpeg)
Tamara Farris
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW, LSWA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Catawba, NC 28609 (Online Only)
Most of my experience is working with clients dealing with complex challenges including: anxiety, depression, trauma, anger management, family issues, crisis de-escalation, and life transitions.
Learn yourself. Heal yourself. Know yourself. Life often moves us away from our authentic selves, where we are forced to operate within the expectations coming from our environment. More often times than not, we come to a place in life where we realize this life isn't working for us anymore, and something has to change. Although we like the idea of change, change can be scary.
Most of my experience is working with clients dealing with complex challenges including: anxiety, depression, trauma, anger management, family issues, crisis de-escalation, and life transitions.
Learn yourself. Heal yourself. Know yourself. Life often moves us away from our authentic selves, where we are forced to operate within the expectations coming from our environment. More often times than not, we come to a place in life where we realize this life isn't working for us anymore, and something has to change. Although we like the idea of change, change can be scary.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Melissa Leonhardt, MA, NCC, LCMHC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2ac70428-3f83-4b0a-85c2-793c3e3ca569/2/320x400.jpeg)
Melissa Leonhardt
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, NCC, LCMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Conover, NC 28613 (Online Only)
As part of the LGBT community I have a dedication to help with all kinds of issues including everyday issues.
I welcome clients of all genders. I respect that gender identity may not be the central issue, I also help you work on things such as anxiety and depression. I welcome clients who are working to better understand their gender identity or those seeking gender transition. I can help with related to gender, including social isolation and family issues. If transitioning, I provide therapy for hormone treatment and gender transition-related surgeries. I also provide therapy for Depression and Anxiety. Please email- brandnewdaycounseling@gmail.com
As part of the LGBT community I have a dedication to help with all kinds of issues including everyday issues.
I welcome clients of all genders. I respect that gender identity may not be the central issue, I also help you work on things such as anxiety and depression. I welcome clients who are working to better understand their gender identity or those seeking gender transition. I can help with related to gender, including social isolation and family issues. If transitioning, I provide therapy for hormone treatment and gender transition-related surgeries. I also provide therapy for Depression and Anxiety. Please email- brandnewdaycounseling@gmail.com
![Photo of Stephen Mcalister, MA, LCMHC, LCAS, Drug & Alcohol Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1ceb8f35-a489-43f0-aa19-f797dca2d6d3/2/320x400.png)
I am a mental health and substance abuse therapist who is trauma-informed, couples-focused, faith-story-sensitive, and LGBTQ-supportive.
I am an advocate for empowering secret-holders to let go of their burdens to create new freedom. Whether it's dealing with the shame of substance abuse issues, fear surrounding sexual identity concerns, underlying dread from childhood traumas, or ongoing guilt of forgotten crimes from the past. I offer a safe space to put your hurt story to rest. Working together, we create a new story that gives you authenticity, community, and possibility. I combine 5-years of experience with substance abuse counseling with 7-years of experience collaborating with people confronted by childhood trauma, anxiety, depression and other diagnoses.
I am a mental health and substance abuse therapist who is trauma-informed, couples-focused, faith-story-sensitive, and LGBTQ-supportive.
I am an advocate for empowering secret-holders to let go of their burdens to create new freedom. Whether it's dealing with the shame of substance abuse issues, fear surrounding sexual identity concerns, underlying dread from childhood traumas, or ongoing guilt of forgotten crimes from the past. I offer a safe space to put your hurt story to rest. Working together, we create a new story that gives you authenticity, community, and possibility. I combine 5-years of experience with substance abuse counseling with 7-years of experience collaborating with people confronted by childhood trauma, anxiety, depression and other diagnoses.
![Photo of Molly Halbrooks, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8b84ba7b-d0c6-41b7-b1af-057b1b08a23b/2/320x400.jpeg)
I have specialized training in trauma, EMDR, LGBTQIA+ populations, and relational dynamics.
In person sessions in the Charlotte area, telehealth across North Carolina and Georgia. Does anxiety run your life? Do you struggle to make sense of past hurts, to find meaning in the day to day, or to navigate relationships well? I work with adults who have experienced traumatic events, are facing life transitions such as divorce, new parenting, and career changes; individuals struggling with anxiety; and those who are wanting to make sense of and heal from past experiences.
I have specialized training in trauma, EMDR, LGBTQIA+ populations, and relational dynamics.
In person sessions in the Charlotte area, telehealth across North Carolina and Georgia. Does anxiety run your life? Do you struggle to make sense of past hurts, to find meaning in the day to day, or to navigate relationships well? I work with adults who have experienced traumatic events, are facing life transitions such as divorce, new parenting, and career changes; individuals struggling with anxiety; and those who are wanting to make sense of and heal from past experiences.
![Photo of Tara C Martin, MA, LCMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5932bb09-b12b-4caf-bb55-096d29edb67c/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am an affirming clinician for the LGBTQ+ community.
I work with children, adolescents, and adults, ages five and up. I specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. I have five years' experience working with ADHD, anxiety, depression, OCD, and challenges with life transitions.
I am an affirming clinician for the LGBTQ+ community.
I work with children, adolescents, and adults, ages five and up. I specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. I have five years' experience working with ADHD, anxiety, depression, OCD, and challenges with life transitions.
![Photo of Skylar Clark, MA, NCC, LCMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1aa24333-2704-492f-b738-36552d737749/3/320x400.jpeg)
Being lost, frustrated, overwhelmed, and exhausted can be a normal part of life; however, sometimes it becomes too much and too heavy for one person to carry alone. I am so glad that you are here. The reality is, you do not have to carry it alone and you shouldn't have to. Let's face live's difficult challenges together. Whether you are managing symptoms of grief and loss, experiencing issues faced by the LGBTQ+ community, or managing symptoms of anxiety and depression- I am here and I am passionate about supporting you through the issues that you are facing.
Being lost, frustrated, overwhelmed, and exhausted can be a normal part of life; however, sometimes it becomes too much and too heavy for one person to carry alone. I am so glad that you are here. The reality is, you do not have to carry it alone and you shouldn't have to. Let's face live's difficult challenges together. Whether you are managing symptoms of grief and loss, experiencing issues faced by the LGBTQ+ community, or managing symptoms of anxiety and depression- I am here and I am passionate about supporting you through the issues that you are facing.
![Photo of Kalyn Elkins, LCMHCA, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/42011605-27c5-4ca4-9c14-de7a7205bfaa/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kalyn Elkins
Counselor, LCMHCA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Sherrills Ford, NC 28673
Waitlist for new clients
Whether you are looking to heal from past experiences, build better relationships with others or yourself, manage stress and anxiety, work towards resolving conflict, or find healthier ways of thinking, behaving, and experiencing, then I am here to help you recognize that you have the inner resources to do so. Together we can begin reframing negative core beliefs and automatic assumptions that control patterns of feelings, thoughts, and behaviors and accruing different tools and resources that you can take with you on your day-to-day. This gained insight can give you the power to choose how to best move forward.
Whether you are looking to heal from past experiences, build better relationships with others or yourself, manage stress and anxiety, work towards resolving conflict, or find healthier ways of thinking, behaving, and experiencing, then I am here to help you recognize that you have the inner resources to do so. Together we can begin reframing negative core beliefs and automatic assumptions that control patterns of feelings, thoughts, and behaviors and accruing different tools and resources that you can take with you on your day-to-day. This gained insight can give you the power to choose how to best move forward.
![Photo of David Anderson, MA, LMHCA, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/28c314df-ba0a-4ce1-b084-85af5a8c4208/1/320x400.jpeg)
David Anderson is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in North Carolina who has been practicing since 2021. He received his M. A. (2022) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of North Carolina-Charlotte and his B. A (2007) in Business Management (with a minor in Entrepreneur Studies) from the University of New Haven. We are people first, before we or society starts labeling us. The power of active listening is a necessity in order to meet people where they are at. David can help them get to where they want to be. Everyone's life has meaning, and it is worthwhile to find their purpose.
David Anderson is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in North Carolina who has been practicing since 2021. He received his M. A. (2022) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of North Carolina-Charlotte and his B. A (2007) in Business Management (with a minor in Entrepreneur Studies) from the University of New Haven. We are people first, before we or society starts labeling us. The power of active listening is a necessity in order to meet people where they are at. David can help them get to where they want to be. Everyone's life has meaning, and it is worthwhile to find their purpose.
![Photo of Cynthia Johnson, LMHC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4b8a637d-aadb-4da5-aa03-2504a632025d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Cynthia Johnson
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
Troutman, NC 28166
Cynthia Johnson is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and Nationally Certified Counselor with more than five years of clinical experience. Cynthia earned her Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling from Webster University in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Cynthia believes that therapy can only be successful if a strong therapeutic relationship between the therapist and the client is established and maintained. She adopts a person-centered approach, retaining a nonjudgmental attitude and unconditional positive regard. Cynthia handles treatment in a collaborative and holistic manner, using a variety of modalities.
Cynthia Johnson is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and Nationally Certified Counselor with more than five years of clinical experience. Cynthia earned her Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling from Webster University in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Cynthia believes that therapy can only be successful if a strong therapeutic relationship between the therapist and the client is established and maintained. She adopts a person-centered approach, retaining a nonjudgmental attitude and unconditional positive regard. Cynthia handles treatment in a collaborative and holistic manner, using a variety of modalities.
![Photo of Denise McKercher](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/89443c46-1edf-4cb0-aa7a-3ebef54a2085/1/320x400.jpeg)
Denise McKercher
Lic Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate
Verified Verified
Troutman, NC 28166
Denise McKercher is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate in North Carolina who has been practicing since 2023. She has a Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Denise offers a person-centered approach and works collaboratively with her clients to make life-long mindset adjustments to maneuver through this crazy thing we call life. Outside of work, Denise enjoys football (Alabama Crimson Tide and Carolina Panthers), watching movies, and the theatre (acting, directing, and writing).
Denise McKercher is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate in North Carolina who has been practicing since 2023. She has a Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Denise offers a person-centered approach and works collaboratively with her clients to make life-long mindset adjustments to maneuver through this crazy thing we call life. Outside of work, Denise enjoys football (Alabama Crimson Tide and Carolina Panthers), watching movies, and the theatre (acting, directing, and writing).
![Photo of Grace Selvaggi, LCSWA, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4d967163-2e7a-4dc0-bab8-8e94941db580/1/320x400.png)
Grace Selvaggi is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Therapist who has been practicing since 2020 in North Carolina. Grace is a Certified Master Social Worker (CMSW) and Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate (LCSWA) in North Carolina with more than five years of experience specializing in depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, and childhood/adolescent behavioral issues. She graduated with a Master in Clinical Social Work (MSW) degree, an Integrated Behavioral Health (IBH) specialization, Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BSW) degree, and a psychology minor from the University of Kentucky.
Grace Selvaggi is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Therapist who has been practicing since 2020 in North Carolina. Grace is a Certified Master Social Worker (CMSW) and Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate (LCSWA) in North Carolina with more than five years of experience specializing in depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, and childhood/adolescent behavioral issues. She graduated with a Master in Clinical Social Work (MSW) degree, an Integrated Behavioral Health (IBH) specialization, Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BSW) degree, and a psychology minor from the University of Kentucky.
![Photo of Natasha Callahan, LCMHCA, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/717153e2-e16b-4ca4-b555-559bf47855f4/2/320x400.jpeg)
Natasha Callahan, LCMHCa Natasha Callahan is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate in North Carolina who has been practicing since 2022. She completed a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Natasha believes in operating from a person-centered/humanistic and internal family systems informed approach, which emphasizes the therapist disposition of warmth and unconditional positive regard which allows you to explore issues within and come to understand and accept yourself.
Natasha Callahan, LCMHCa Natasha Callahan is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate in North Carolina who has been practicing since 2022. She completed a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Natasha believes in operating from a person-centered/humanistic and internal family systems informed approach, which emphasizes the therapist disposition of warmth and unconditional positive regard which allows you to explore issues within and come to understand and accept yourself.
![Photo of Sandra Mayta, LCMHC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7fb5f2b9-50e3-4708-b451-664bd1a886be/1/320x400.png)
Sandra Mayta is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and Nationally Certified Counselor with more than three years of experience specializing in Anxiety, Depression, Grief, and Trauma. Sandra treats patients between the ages of 11 and 64 utilizing Person Centered, Gestalt, Emotion Focused Individual Therapy, and Narrative Therapy. Sandra strives to create not only a safe space where patients can explore their presenting concerns but also a brave space where patients can practice new ways of feeling, thinking and behaving.
Sandra Mayta is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and Nationally Certified Counselor with more than three years of experience specializing in Anxiety, Depression, Grief, and Trauma. Sandra treats patients between the ages of 11 and 64 utilizing Person Centered, Gestalt, Emotion Focused Individual Therapy, and Narrative Therapy. Sandra strives to create not only a safe space where patients can explore their presenting concerns but also a brave space where patients can practice new ways of feeling, thinking and behaving.
![Photo of Laura Bethany Bruce, MA, LCMHCA, NCC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/13ed570f-59c2-471b-b18d-42e61b50ae6e/2/320x400.jpeg)
Laura Bethany Bruce
Lic Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate, MA, LCMHCA, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Troutman, NC 28166 (Online Only)
Are you finding yourself in the “vicious cycle” of anxiety or depression? Do you feel like some days you are functioning on auto pilot? This can be incredibly draining. I have found that sometimes our experiences, whether good or bad, can shape the way our thought patterns affect our moods and decisions and too often these thought patterns tangle themselves in an ever-weaving web. I primarily practice from a cognitive processing perspective, which is intended to help you untangle that web and begin to remove yourself from the vicious cycle of maladaptive, anxiety and depression-invoking thoughts.
Are you finding yourself in the “vicious cycle” of anxiety or depression? Do you feel like some days you are functioning on auto pilot? This can be incredibly draining. I have found that sometimes our experiences, whether good or bad, can shape the way our thought patterns affect our moods and decisions and too often these thought patterns tangle themselves in an ever-weaving web. I primarily practice from a cognitive processing perspective, which is intended to help you untangle that web and begin to remove yourself from the vicious cycle of maladaptive, anxiety and depression-invoking thoughts.
![Photo of Cassidy Sterling, MSW, LCSWA, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/76d313a0-4f8c-4201-91e7-3eb1b48ea796/2/320x400.png)
Cassidy Sterling is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate in North Carolina with four years of experience. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work and Master’s Degree in Social Work from Western Kentucky University. Cassidy believes in creating a safe, supportive, and trusting relationship with her clients to help them grow and adapt, in order to live a happy and healthy life. In her spare time, Cassidy enjoys listening to live music, exploring nature, spending time with family and friends, and playing with her lab puppy, Bentley.
Cassidy Sterling is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate in North Carolina with four years of experience. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work and Master’s Degree in Social Work from Western Kentucky University. Cassidy believes in creating a safe, supportive, and trusting relationship with her clients to help them grow and adapt, in order to live a happy and healthy life. In her spare time, Cassidy enjoys listening to live music, exploring nature, spending time with family and friends, and playing with her lab puppy, Bentley.
![Photo of Alexis Jones, LCMHCA, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f480000-1231-4134-994f-74014385586e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Alexis C. Jones is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate in North Carolina who has been practicing since 2022. She obtained her Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from North Carolina A&T State University, also holds a Bachelor's of Psychology with a Minor in Social Work from Fayetteville State University. Alexis serves children/adolescents and adults individually and has experience serving couples and providing group therapy. Using the Cognitive Behavioral approach, Alexis assists clients by exploring how their emotions and thoughts impact their behaviors and display in their day-to-day life.
Alexis C. Jones is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate in North Carolina who has been practicing since 2022. She obtained her Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from North Carolina A&T State University, also holds a Bachelor's of Psychology with a Minor in Social Work from Fayetteville State University. Alexis serves children/adolescents and adults individually and has experience serving couples and providing group therapy. Using the Cognitive Behavioral approach, Alexis assists clients by exploring how their emotions and thoughts impact their behaviors and display in their day-to-day life.
See more therapy options for Catawba
Nearby LGBTQ+ Therapists Searches for Catawba
- Conover
- Cornelius
- Davidson
- Denver
- Hickory
- Iron Station
- Lincolnton
- Mooresville
- Newton
- Sherrills Ford
- Statesville
- Troutman
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.