LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Livingston, NJ
![Photo of Sharon Rothbart, RN, MSW, LCSW, LLC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e0eb0ebe-d7c5-4a6e-a06c-8e7ef80266a3/2/320x400.jpeg)
Sharon Rothbart
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, RN, MSW, LCSW, LLC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Livingston, NJ 07039
I will assist you in identifying your strengths, and to help you flourish. I appreciate people's complexities, and will help you formulate the best way to move toward your goals. I have experience supporting clients with anxieties, panic, trauma, depression, isolation, divorce, relationship and career issues, and the grief associated with illness or loss. I am an avid LGBTQ supporter and have a deep commitment to human rights and exploring the gender spectrum as part of a healthy journey in life. I also help parents understand, support and accept children who are in the process of questioning their gender.
I will assist you in identifying your strengths, and to help you flourish. I appreciate people's complexities, and will help you formulate the best way to move toward your goals. I have experience supporting clients with anxieties, panic, trauma, depression, isolation, divorce, relationship and career issues, and the grief associated with illness or loss. I am an avid LGBTQ supporter and have a deep commitment to human rights and exploring the gender spectrum as part of a healthy journey in life. I also help parents understand, support and accept children who are in the process of questioning their gender.
![Photo of Rosaria Matos, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1d30e11d-05ec-4962-bd46-84468ce9e975/2/320x400.jpeg)
Practice Specialties Include: LGBTQIA+ Topics, Transgender Healthcare, Gender Identity, Gender Transition, Gender Dysphoria, Support for Trans Individuals and their Families, Polyamory, Ethical Non-Monogamy (ENM), Open Relationships.
Attention new clients: Please contact me for one-time letters of support for gender-affirming care (hormone therapy, gender-affirming surgery, etc.). At this time, I am only taking on adult (18+) for regular ongoing sessions. My name is Ro. I’m a trans genderfluid therapist specializing in inclusive, affirming care for LGBTQIA+ individuals and their loved ones. I utilize a person-centered approach that is non-blaming, collaborative, and empowering. You have a right to exist exactly as you are. My goal is to help you tap into your natural strengths, allowing you to better cope with your traumas and circumstances.
Practice Specialties Include: LGBTQIA+ Topics, Transgender Healthcare, Gender Identity, Gender Transition, Gender Dysphoria, Support for Trans Individuals and their Families, Polyamory, Ethical Non-Monogamy (ENM), Open Relationships.
Attention new clients: Please contact me for one-time letters of support for gender-affirming care (hormone therapy, gender-affirming surgery, etc.). At this time, I am only taking on adult (18+) for regular ongoing sessions. My name is Ro. I’m a trans genderfluid therapist specializing in inclusive, affirming care for LGBTQIA+ individuals and their loved ones. I utilize a person-centered approach that is non-blaming, collaborative, and empowering. You have a right to exist exactly as you are. My goal is to help you tap into your natural strengths, allowing you to better cope with your traumas and circumstances.
![Photo of Samantha Merse, LAC, ATR-P, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/70789513-9ad9-4dd7-97a4-85ec8145dd2d/2/320x400.png)
My ideal client is someone who is motivated and ready to work on themselves. They are a client who attends each session as scheduled and on time, coming into it with an open mind and willingness to grow. The client would ideally be an adult who is within the LGBTQIA+ community and is coming to me to work on bettering themselves. Their issues would include depression, anxiety, and questioning their gender and sexual identity.
My ideal client is someone who is motivated and ready to work on themselves. They are a client who attends each session as scheduled and on time, coming into it with an open mind and willingness to grow. The client would ideally be an adult who is within the LGBTQIA+ community and is coming to me to work on bettering themselves. Their issues would include depression, anxiety, and questioning their gender and sexual identity.
![Photo of Gail Schrimmer, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f2a4d5ed-5a79-4a7c-aba0-41cc55d671a5/1/320x400.jpeg)
Schrimmer has researched Autism, the queer community, ecotherapy, patient satisfaction variables, and group psychotherapy.
Are you seeking individual or group therapy, a psychological evaluation, career testing, or career coaching? Air-filtrated indoor, telehealth, and outdoor sessions are offered, and most in-network insurance plans accepted. With over 20 years of therapy, testing, teaching, and supervising experience, and as both a clinical psychologist and a school psychologist, Dr. Schrimmer has a uniquely comprehensive practice. Calls generally receive a response by the next business day. In addition to daytime appointments, weekend and evening hours are available.
Schrimmer has researched Autism, the queer community, ecotherapy, patient satisfaction variables, and group psychotherapy.
Are you seeking individual or group therapy, a psychological evaluation, career testing, or career coaching? Air-filtrated indoor, telehealth, and outdoor sessions are offered, and most in-network insurance plans accepted. With over 20 years of therapy, testing, teaching, and supervising experience, and as both a clinical psychologist and a school psychologist, Dr. Schrimmer has a uniquely comprehensive practice. Calls generally receive a response by the next business day. In addition to daytime appointments, weekend and evening hours are available.
![Photo of Sarah West, MA, LPC, NCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4714350f-4ace-4745-9027-f83376cd7a1d/3/320x400.jpeg)
Counseling Association invited Sarah to their conference, where she presented her lecture, “Out of the Closets and Into the Streets: Assisting the Coming Out Process for LGBTQ Youth,” which explored different stages of the coming out process and focused on improving reactions and responses for LGBTQ family members.
Sarah West is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of New Jersey and a certified School Counselor in both CT and NJ. Sarah earned her B.A. Degree in Psychology from LaSalle University. After graduating from LaSalle, Sarah attended graduate school at New Jersey City University, where she earned a M.A. Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling. Sarah has worked both as a School Counselor and in private practice and joined The Massler Center in 2020. She believes that working as a team and having a positive counselor-client relationship is the foundation for successful treatment.
Counseling Association invited Sarah to their conference, where she presented her lecture, “Out of the Closets and Into the Streets: Assisting the Coming Out Process for LGBTQ Youth,” which explored different stages of the coming out process and focused on improving reactions and responses for LGBTQ family members.
Sarah West is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of New Jersey and a certified School Counselor in both CT and NJ. Sarah earned her B.A. Degree in Psychology from LaSalle University. After graduating from LaSalle, Sarah attended graduate school at New Jersey City University, where she earned a M.A. Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling. Sarah has worked both as a School Counselor and in private practice and joined The Massler Center in 2020. She believes that working as a team and having a positive counselor-client relationship is the foundation for successful treatment.
![Photo of Amy B Herber, MA, LPC, SAC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/367bbbc9-22a7-4012-a1e0-bd505077b634/1/320x400.png)
Amy B Herber
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, SAC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Livingston, NJ 07039
It can be difficult to reach out and ask for help. But therapy does not have to be hard or painful, it is simply part of a journey to help us live a more balanced and joyful life. Whether it's coping with heightened emotional stress or anxiety, navigating through major life changes, addressing concerns related to substance use, LGBTQ +, or simply seeking personal growth, I will work with you in a kind, non-judgemental, supportive manner to meet you where you are and assist you in overcoming the challenges you face.
It can be difficult to reach out and ask for help. But therapy does not have to be hard or painful, it is simply part of a journey to help us live a more balanced and joyful life. Whether it's coping with heightened emotional stress or anxiety, navigating through major life changes, addressing concerns related to substance use, LGBTQ +, or simply seeking personal growth, I will work with you in a kind, non-judgemental, supportive manner to meet you where you are and assist you in overcoming the challenges you face.
![Photo of Brandon Isaacson, MA, NCC, LAC, Licensed Psychoanalyst](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2736f88a-d1e3-4e72-b8f8-9f48ef0d13a7/1/320x400.png)
Brandon Isaacson
Licensed Psychoanalyst, MA, NCC, LAC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Livingston, NJ 07039 (Online Only)
I am an EMDR therapist with a history working with the LGBTQ+ (incl.
I am patient, calm, thoughtful, kind, and trustworthy, with a deep passion for bringing people to a newfound perspective about themselves and what they’re bringing to therapy. We will seek to understand why you are feeling the way you feel, learn coping tools to help decrease your distress now, and heal the deeper cause underlying your presenting problem. My expertise is working with trauma, uncovering how the past reflects the present, stress and anxiety, ADHD & neurodivergence, and clients in the LGBTQIA+, disability, academic, and Jewish communities.
I am an EMDR therapist with a history working with the LGBTQ+ (incl.
I am patient, calm, thoughtful, kind, and trustworthy, with a deep passion for bringing people to a newfound perspective about themselves and what they’re bringing to therapy. We will seek to understand why you are feeling the way you feel, learn coping tools to help decrease your distress now, and heal the deeper cause underlying your presenting problem. My expertise is working with trauma, uncovering how the past reflects the present, stress and anxiety, ADHD & neurodivergence, and clients in the LGBTQIA+, disability, academic, and Jewish communities.
![Photo of Dr. Jonathan Lebolt, PhD, CGP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4fb71595-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Jonathan Lebolt
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, CGP
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Livingston, NJ 07039
Each crisis in our lives is an opportunity for healing and growth. My primary approach is relational psychoanalytic, meaning I help patients use the healing power of the therapeutic relationship to uncover and work on their deepest conflicts. An interactive and empathic therapist, I offer advice and support when needed, and I share my own experiences when I think they will be helpful. Though I have extensive, in-depth training, I rely greatly on intuition and humor in my work.
Each crisis in our lives is an opportunity for healing and growth. My primary approach is relational psychoanalytic, meaning I help patients use the healing power of the therapeutic relationship to uncover and work on their deepest conflicts. An interactive and empathic therapist, I offer advice and support when needed, and I share my own experiences when I think they will be helpful. Though I have extensive, in-depth training, I rely greatly on intuition and humor in my work.
![Photo of Laurence J Horowitz, LSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f42560e-61ad-4c61-955c-f7d329f03fa9/2/320x400.jpeg)
I see children, adolescents, and emerging young adults. Clients I see face challenges including but not limited to anxiety, bedwetting, self-esteem issues, identity exploration, or difficulties in social relationships. I provide a safe and supportive space where my clients and their parents can express themselves, find acceptance, and work toward success. Through the therapeutic process, we develop coping strategies for improving communication skills, fostering self-acceptance, achieving overall emotional well-being, and an overall more cohesive family system. For children, I specialize in child-centered play therapy, utilizing a
I see children, adolescents, and emerging young adults. Clients I see face challenges including but not limited to anxiety, bedwetting, self-esteem issues, identity exploration, or difficulties in social relationships. I provide a safe and supportive space where my clients and their parents can express themselves, find acceptance, and work toward success. Through the therapeutic process, we develop coping strategies for improving communication skills, fostering self-acceptance, achieving overall emotional well-being, and an overall more cohesive family system. For children, I specialize in child-centered play therapy, utilizing a
![Photo of Adinah Elizabeth Liss Bialik, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5a1c536e-05fb-4823-bfe8-3e3a78344f61/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a NJ Licensed Psychologist currently working via telehealth. I offer individual psychotherapy with a humanistic and holistic approach to mental health in a free-flowing conversational style. I work with adolescents and adults looking for support to cope with stress, anxiety, depression, grief, life transitions, and relationship problems including sex and intimacy. In addition to private practice, I have 10+ years of experience working with individuals who are involved with the NJ foster care and family court systems. In addition to accepting private pay patients, I am a provider for BCBS, Aetna, and United Healthcare.
I am a NJ Licensed Psychologist currently working via telehealth. I offer individual psychotherapy with a humanistic and holistic approach to mental health in a free-flowing conversational style. I work with adolescents and adults looking for support to cope with stress, anxiety, depression, grief, life transitions, and relationship problems including sex and intimacy. In addition to private practice, I have 10+ years of experience working with individuals who are involved with the NJ foster care and family court systems. In addition to accepting private pay patients, I am a provider for BCBS, Aetna, and United Healthcare.
![Photo of Daniel Linehan - Cognitive Change, LPC, LCSW, LCADC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0b720a79-39c5-4f40-a9bf-e7153fbb6b6c/3/320x400.png)
Cognitive Change
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LPC, LCSW, LCADC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Livingston, NJ 07039
Cognitive Change has been providing excellent service to each individual, couple, and family for over 12 years through the use of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for all ages. Our clients include all cultural, racial, gender, and economic backgrounds. All our therapists are either certified in CBT, TEAM-CBT, or DBT and are supervised by a certified CBT therapist. We work with co-dependency, anger, OCD, phobias, panic disorders, PTSD & trauma. Our goal with all clients is to learn how to move toward the life the client wants to live while accepting themselves and the world around them.
Cognitive Change has been providing excellent service to each individual, couple, and family for over 12 years through the use of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for all ages. Our clients include all cultural, racial, gender, and economic backgrounds. All our therapists are either certified in CBT, TEAM-CBT, or DBT and are supervised by a certified CBT therapist. We work with co-dependency, anger, OCD, phobias, panic disorders, PTSD & trauma. Our goal with all clients is to learn how to move toward the life the client wants to live while accepting themselves and the world around them.
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![Photo of Julie Attalla, MS, LAC, NCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b9fae2df-ac05-4a68-963e-8fba5f597d13/1/320x400.png)
My ideal client is open to insight and a different perspective. They are perhaps ready for a change and will walk a path that may be uncomfortable at times. My ideal client has dealt with everything from existential crises, searching for life's meaning, addiction, behavior issues, trauma, and attachment issues, to name a few that stand out.
My ideal client is open to insight and a different perspective. They are perhaps ready for a change and will walk a path that may be uncomfortable at times. My ideal client has dealt with everything from existential crises, searching for life's meaning, addiction, behavior issues, trauma, and attachment issues, to name a few that stand out.
![Photo of Colleen M. Cavanagh, MS, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ededd461-9dd0-4687-ad39-c3ffc88cce19/2/320x400.jpeg)
Colleen M. Cavanagh
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MS, LCSW
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Livingston, NJ 07039
People can heal from abuse, trauma, loss, grief, broken relationships, and life-changing events. Talking with a trusted professional makes a difference. I step into genuine relationships with my clients. I encourage and challenge my clients to do the same with their loved ones and family members. Healing happens in connection with others, and by strengthening emotional bonds, we become more available to renewal and restoration of our emotional selves. We let go of our emotional baggage! It is such an honor and pleasure to walk beside my clients and witness their journey back to wholeness and happiness.
People can heal from abuse, trauma, loss, grief, broken relationships, and life-changing events. Talking with a trusted professional makes a difference. I step into genuine relationships with my clients. I encourage and challenge my clients to do the same with their loved ones and family members. Healing happens in connection with others, and by strengthening emotional bonds, we become more available to renewal and restoration of our emotional selves. We let go of our emotional baggage! It is such an honor and pleasure to walk beside my clients and witness their journey back to wholeness and happiness.
![Photo of Melanie Wexler, MSW, LSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e8f7718b-63dd-4607-9f43-bd6fe62b7151/1/320x400.jpeg)
Welcome! My name is Melanie and I am a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) at the Massler Center for Psychological Wellness. Throughout my experience, I have had the pleasure of working with motivated individuals who struggle with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorders, ADHD, OCD, ASD, gender identity, and completing activities of daily life.
Welcome! My name is Melanie and I am a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) at the Massler Center for Psychological Wellness. Throughout my experience, I have had the pleasure of working with motivated individuals who struggle with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorders, ADHD, OCD, ASD, gender identity, and completing activities of daily life.
![Photo of Jan Weiner, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d6a201df-4189-4e2d-b0ae-29bffd2fcef0/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am an experienced, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, working with persons ages 12+ who have trouble coping with anxiety, depression, and other interpersonal issues. I work primarily within the Cognitive- Behavioral Orientation, using empirically supported treatments. I have extensive experience treating Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Pure-O, Phobias, Social Phobia, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, Mood Disorders, and Eating Disorders. My work also frequently addresses perfectionism and relationship issues (marraiges, breakups, career changes). I am a compassionate, empathetic psychologist who understands the importance of a strong clinical understanding of your issues so that we can work together to achieve your goals.
I am an experienced, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, working with persons ages 12+ who have trouble coping with anxiety, depression, and other interpersonal issues. I work primarily within the Cognitive- Behavioral Orientation, using empirically supported treatments. I have extensive experience treating Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Pure-O, Phobias, Social Phobia, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, Mood Disorders, and Eating Disorders. My work also frequently addresses perfectionism and relationship issues (marraiges, breakups, career changes). I am a compassionate, empathetic psychologist who understands the importance of a strong clinical understanding of your issues so that we can work together to achieve your goals.
![Photo of Brittany Ruane, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e4bf540-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Sometimes, when we feel anxious or depressed, life can appear to come to a standstill. The rest of the world is moving, but we feel stuck or fearful of moving forward. As your therapist, I will provide a safe space for you to explore what may be holding you back. I will help guide you towards making positive changes and choices.
Sometimes, when we feel anxious or depressed, life can appear to come to a standstill. The rest of the world is moving, but we feel stuck or fearful of moving forward. As your therapist, I will provide a safe space for you to explore what may be holding you back. I will help guide you towards making positive changes and choices.
![Photo of Ruxandra Ritter, PhD, LPC, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3fb04dcd-a389-4450-b030-9677538598ce/1/320x400.jpeg)
Whether you feel burdened by sadness or stress, worried about your personal relationships, or puzzled by sexual difficulties, there is hope. Over the years, I have seen many people enter the therapeutic journey with doubt and hesitancy, and emerge with a renewed sense of meaning and joy in connecting with others. I am passionate about what I do and I deeply believe that good psychotherapy can transform lives. I hold a doctorate degree in clinical psychology and have post-graduate training, as well as special interest, in addressing sexual issues, relationship difficulties, and struggles with life transitions.
Whether you feel burdened by sadness or stress, worried about your personal relationships, or puzzled by sexual difficulties, there is hope. Over the years, I have seen many people enter the therapeutic journey with doubt and hesitancy, and emerge with a renewed sense of meaning and joy in connecting with others. I am passionate about what I do and I deeply believe that good psychotherapy can transform lives. I hold a doctorate degree in clinical psychology and have post-graduate training, as well as special interest, in addressing sexual issues, relationship difficulties, and struggles with life transitions.
![Photo of Erica Harris, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ab1bdf1f-09c5-482e-9376-76f41e89780b/2/320x400.jpeg)
Do you find yourself struggling in your relationships? Do you have anxious, worrying thoughts? Are past experiences negatively influencing your present? We often learn to understand ourselves, and the actions and behaviors of others, through the lens of our early life experiences. I will help you disentangle the complex webs that we all form, which may feel insurmountable to conquer alone. I am committed to providing a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental therapeutic space where we will explore uncharted areas of your life to make connections between prior experiences and current emotions in order to develop insight and growth.
Do you find yourself struggling in your relationships? Do you have anxious, worrying thoughts? Are past experiences negatively influencing your present? We often learn to understand ourselves, and the actions and behaviors of others, through the lens of our early life experiences. I will help you disentangle the complex webs that we all form, which may feel insurmountable to conquer alone. I am committed to providing a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental therapeutic space where we will explore uncharted areas of your life to make connections between prior experiences and current emotions in order to develop insight and growth.
![Photo of Bijay K. Minhas, LCSW, MSW, DBT, Coach, CCDP/AP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/40e64f3b-9bac-4da8-89a9-2e61b546ebd7/1/320x400.jpeg)
Bijay K. Minhas
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW, DBT, Coach, CCDP/AP
Verified Verified
Livingston, NJ 07039 (Online Only)
I support you to set, meet, surpass goals that transform your life/relationships.
Struggling with mental illness and deep emotional pain can be overwhelming finding the right therapist to help you should not be. So if your trying to manage stress, anxiety, trauma, depression, difficult relationships or low self confidence, I am here to help you navigate to better health. With a proven track record of working with the most powerful therapy modalities clients not only feel better, they do better. Clients say - 'she connects the dots for you when you are unable to do so for yourself, Thank you for helping me get my life back, I achieved the goals, surpassed expectations. She is gold standard'. Are you ready?
I support you to set, meet, surpass goals that transform your life/relationships.
Struggling with mental illness and deep emotional pain can be overwhelming finding the right therapist to help you should not be. So if your trying to manage stress, anxiety, trauma, depression, difficult relationships or low self confidence, I am here to help you navigate to better health. With a proven track record of working with the most powerful therapy modalities clients not only feel better, they do better. Clients say - 'she connects the dots for you when you are unable to do so for yourself, Thank you for helping me get my life back, I achieved the goals, surpassed expectations. She is gold standard'. Are you ready?
![Photo of Shana Spier, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/49a18b4a-1d20-46c5-a9df-5df10b94825f/2/320x400.jpeg)
Shana Spier
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Livingston, NJ 07039
Do you often feel overwhelmed, misunderstood, anxious, frustrated, helpless? Are you struggling with emotional and physical intimacy in your relationships? Do you struggle to feel close to others and to yourself? Have you experienced sexual assault or trauma? Do you wish you could feel less afraid to express what you need and how you feel? Struggling with these feelings often leaves us feeling stuck, exhausted, unfulfilled. They can also accompany more serious emotional or behavioral symptoms. Therapy can help you cope with and resolve the disturbing experiences and pain that are causing you distress.
Do you often feel overwhelmed, misunderstood, anxious, frustrated, helpless? Are you struggling with emotional and physical intimacy in your relationships? Do you struggle to feel close to others and to yourself? Have you experienced sexual assault or trauma? Do you wish you could feel less afraid to express what you need and how you feel? Struggling with these feelings often leaves us feeling stuck, exhausted, unfulfilled. They can also accompany more serious emotional or behavioral symptoms. Therapy can help you cope with and resolve the disturbing experiences and pain that are causing you distress.
See more therapy options for Livingston
Nearby LGBTQ+ Therapists Searches for Livingston
- Caldwell
- East Hanover
- Essex Fells
- Florham Park
- Maplewood
- North Caldwell
- Orange
- Roseland
- Short Hills
- South Orange
- West Caldwell
- West Orange
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.