Seeking Refuge Through Counseling

How To Find LGBTQ Support Therapy

Therapy can help people understand themselves, deal with trauma, and improve their lives. Many people find that seeing therapists who specialize in their specific issues can help them make progress in therapy. People in the LGBTQ community can benefit from speaking with LGBTQ-focused therapists who understand their perspectives. However, finding the right therapist can be challenging. Here are some tips that can help you find LGBTQ support therapy:

1. Ask for a referral.

If you already see a therapist but you would like to begin seeing an LGBTQ-focused therapist, you can ask your current practitioner for a referral. Therapists often maintain ties with others in the profession. Your therapist won't be offended if you ask for a referral. They are committed to ensuring that you have the best care, and if a different therapist would serve you better, your therapist will be happy to help you find another therapist who can meet your needs.

2. Take advantage of the internet

The internet is a great resource for anyone who needs mental health care. You can find databases of therapists on the internet, which can allow you to peruse various therapy practices in your area. Many online databases give users the opportunity to refine their searches by specialty. You can use this tool to find therapists who specialize in helping LGBTQ clientele.

3. Speak to your friends

If you have friends in the LGBTQ community, you may be able to ask them who they see for therapy. Word-of-mouth is a great way to find healthcare practitioners that you can trust. If you decide to follow up on a friend's counseling recommendation, make sure you disclose your relationship with your potential therapist during your first conversation. Some therapists may consider seeing two patients who are friends a conflict of interest. If this is true in your case, the therapist may instead refer you to another LGBTQ-focused therapist.

4. Be open to telecounseling

Depending on your location, there may not be any LGBTQ-focused therapists in your area. Fortunately, many therapists offer telecounseling services. Telecounseling is a form of remote therapy that is conducted over the phone or through a video conference. This type of therapy can allow you to choose mental health practitioners who live outside your area. If you're comfortable with the idea of talking to your therapist over the phone, you can look for LGBTQ therapy in a much wider area. 


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