Finding a therapist that specializes in LGBT issues can be difficult, but there are some good resources you can use to find one. Start with your local LGBTQ center and then look for an online therapist that has experience working with the community.
Here at APMHA we highly recommend Pride Counseling for all your LGBT counseling needs.
As the name suggests, they are focused solely on LGBT topics and have a great understanding of all related issues.
They’ll understand what you are going through, have flexible timings, and are very affordable compared to visiting a therapist in person
Fill out the form on this page to get matched with an LGBT therapist online.
It only takes a few minutes to have an AI writer complete your piece of copy, but the more it knows about the topic the better quality content you’ll get in return. Make sure you provide all relevant information to give it enough context when completing these short forms.
A mental health specialist will understand what you are going through and if they offer video sessions, you can remain anonymous.
Online therapy LGBTQ
LGBT people are as much as three times more likely to experience mental health issues compared to heterosexuals (HealthyPeople, 2019). For this reason, it is vital that professionals take the time to understand the specific challenges this community faces and offer self-identified therapists.
A lot of individual perspectives & experiences are tailored to specific groups of people. However, some are shared by those in the LBGT community. Below, we have outlined some of the services that are offered by APMHA as well as a few other options for those looking to find an LGBT therapist online. At APMHA, we believe finding the right therapist and approach is what’s important.
Anxiety – gay therapist online
Many people have come out even if they haven’t, anxiety about revealing their sexuality is common
This can be something for which you are very worried about the reaction from friends and family, or maybe it is something that you are up to. Maybe you are moving jobs or meeting new people. No matter what your circumstances may be, there will sometimes be things that could make us worry.
Living with the constant fear of hostility can be very mentally draining. There are also outside influences such as real-life experiences, such as getting bullied and witnessing violence, which can lead to anxiety in other facets of life.
Depression/Thoughts of Suicide
LGBT people are often hesitant to seek therapy out of fear of being rejected by the same society that rejected them before. Because of this, they may feel doubly stigmatized.
Since a lot of people in the world experience depression, it is important to have a network or therapists that can help. It is vital these people are trained in spotting the signs of depression and its possible escalation to suicidal thoughts.
The fear of discrimination & rejection among LGBT individuals is one of the factors that lead to higher levels of depression in the community. Front runners in this field are also fighting against mental illness with online options such as APMHA represent a valid after seeking help online via chatrooms, social networks, etc.
Sexual Identity Issues
Sexual identity issues are complex and can involve a range of experiences. It is not unusual for LGBTQ+ people to experience periods of uncertainty and stress when questioning their sexuality.
Online therapy is a great option if you’re looking for someone to talk to about your gender-related issues.
Coming out can have an impact on the dynamics of your relationships with friends & family. By speaking to someone you trust, you can better navigate this change and develop skills that enable you to cope with the challenges that come with it.
Gender Dysphoria
Gender dysphoria is a term to reflect the distress someone may feel when there is a mismatch between their biological sex and gender identity.
We still need to strive towards making the general public more knowledgeable and accepting of gender dysphoria. Whereas homophobia is becoming less stigmatized and instead people are more open-minded and accepting, people with gender dysphoria do not yet enjoy the same level of acceptance.
T as in trans, those under the T section of LGBT have different issues to those who belong to LGB. For example, they have an identity issue. They also have sexual desires and preferences that are different from those belonging to LGB.
*Therapy and counseling: What’s the difference? The distinction between these two can be confusing at first, but understanding them is really important.*
We at APMHA and our LGBT therapist online counselors understand the difference between gender dysphoria and the challenge of discovering one’s true identity. We are here to help identify your needs, but more importantly, to help you move forward in determining who you are.
Without training in HSP, ‘normal’ therapy methods can be ineffective and the damages might be exacerbated by high sensitivity. That’s why it’s best to find a therapist who has experience and knowledge of HSPs.
Highly sensitive people often worry that their sensitivity will be seen as a disorder and they may be offered ‘treatment’ from a therapist. However, this sensitivity is a type of personality trait rather than the result of any kind of illness or disorder. This is something highly sensitive people will not want. For them, their heightened sense of empathy comes naturally, and removing it could be like taking a less sensitive person’s ability to see or hear.
What are my LGBT therapy options online?
LGBT counseling online can be done in either an individual or a group setting, depending on your preferences.
Group therapy brings the support of people to the table who have struggled with the same thing you have. They are able to provide outlets for networks that can be catalysts for growth after you have completed your treatment.
On the other hand, if you’re more interested in privacy, online therapy sessions are a great alternative. You can work one-on-one with an LGBT therapist to tailor their sessions to your specific needs – allowing you the opportunity to focus on what you need.
If you’re unsure which option would be best for you, please get in touch with us. We will help you figure it out!
Other options – LGBT therapist near you
PrideCounseling
Pride Counselling is committed to providing you with hope and healing, no matter what difficulties you’re facing. They focus on providing care to the LGBT community and have a large online presence. They have a vast amount of experience in this area and give PrideCounseling a unique perspective of the needs of this community. Their tailored service reaches out to help people with medication, therapies, lifestyle tips and a number of other treatments that can help them with their mental health.”
However, if you are looking for more than LGBT-related treatment for your needs, APMHA may be a great place to start. Their multi-disciplinary approach enables them to typically provide the intensive therapeutic program that is needed
Mindout – online queer therapy
Mind Out is a charity providing counseling for LGBT people. The counselors have first-hand experience of living through the same issues, so they can understand your feelings better and offer more than just therapy or advice.
Face-to-face sessions are only available in Brighton. Online support service is also offered, but, whilst still very valuable, it doesn’t match up to what is possible through face-to-face sessions. LGBT therapy
Talkspace
Talkspace is a text-based therapy option. They have a number of therapists with different backgrounds so it’s not going to matter if you identify as LGBTQ or not. With no commitment, hours available around the clock, and affordable payments options, TalkSpace is a fantastic resource for those experiencing issues and wanting to learn how therapy can help them.
However, it’s more common for people experiencing higher levels of distress to be assigned a therapist who provides more intensive treatment
Imaan
Imaan is the leading LGBTQ Muslim charity in the UK and they see a wider variety of challenges than other charities. This includes problems like what to do if you’re born into a tradition that opposes your sexuality when it’s part of who you are.
Whilst Imaan does not offer counseling services, they are one of the best organizations to contact if you want advice on any religion-related issues. They have access to contacts and resources which are sure to be able to help you.
