The Potential Benefits Of LGBTQIA+ Therapy For Queer-Identifying Individuals

LGBTQIA+-affirming therapy is practiced by licensed therapists who are specifically trained in providing support for the unique challenges that those in the LGBTQIA+ community often face. Finding the right therapist who understands the challenges of gender transition, gender-nonconforming identities, coming out, discrimination, and
other challenges common in the lives of queer people can be critical. Read on to learn more about what LGBTQIA+ therapy is, why it’s important, and how to find this type of provider.

What is LGBTQIA+ therapy?

When we refer to LGBTQIA+ therapy, we simply mean sessions of talk therapy for mental health conducted by a licensed therapist in an affirming way for members of the queer community. The queer community generally includes individuals whose gender  identity is anything other than cisgender (when a person’s gender identity aligns with the one they were assigned at birth) and heterosexual (when a person experiences romantic and/or sexual attraction only to members of the “opposite” sex or gender). There are many identities under the LGBTQIA+ umbrella, and individuals holding any of them may benefit from inclusive, LGBTQIA+ therapy sessions.

Keep in mind that affirmative therapy is not to be confused with “conversion therapy,”  now referred to as “sexual orientation change efforts” or “gender identity change efforts” to differentiate it from evidence-based therapy practices. The American Psychological Association defines this practice as “sustained efforts to discourage or change behaviors related to LGBTQIA+ identities and expressions” associated with “religious proscriptions against homosexuality and outdated psychoanalytic theories,” which has now been widely discredited and even banned in several states because it’s been shown to be ineffective and deeply harmful. Unlike conversion therapy, LGBTQIA+ 
therapy is supported by research and aims to affirm and support the individual rather than judging them or trying to change their identity.

The community that LGBTQ therapy supports

LGBTQ stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender/two spirit, and queer/questioning. This acronym has evolved over time, and more inclusive terms now include LGBTQIA (which adds an “I” for intersex and an “A” for asexual) and LGBTQIA+ (with the “+”referring to many other queer identities not specifically referenced in the acronym). The 
word “queer” is often used as a blanket term to encompass all the identities within the LGBTQIA+ community. However, not all people within this community are comfortable with this terminology, so it’s usually best to ask about and then use each individual’s personal, preferred terminology.

In addition to those directly named in the LGBTQIA+ acronym, the American Psychological Association also mentions a diverse array of identitiesthat fall under the umbrella of this community, any of whom may benefit from LGBTQIA+ affirmative therapy or counseling with a licensed therapist. Some examples include diverse sexual orientations (pansexual, queer, fluid, and asexual), expressions (such as gender non-conforming and androgynous), and gender identities (including transgender, third gender, genderfluid, transitioning, and gender non-binary). Anyone who considers themselves part of this community may benefit from LGBTQIA+-affirming care.

What is LGBTQIA+ affirmative therapy?

Licensed therapists who specialize in providing affirmative care to LGBTQIA+ clients are typically educated on gender identities, expressions, and sexual orientations, and some may also be queer themselves. These therapists are equipped to provide welcoming, nonjudgmental, and compassionate counseling and therapy services for LGBTQIA+ clients of all identities.

As a 2023 paper on the topic puts it:

“Queer affirmative mental health care is an approach where the mental health professionals (MHP) recognize the historical wrongdoings towards queer people by mental health systems, understand how MHPs had caused harm and distress to queer persons, acknowledge, and take responsibility for the cis-heteronormative biases and privileges that are with us knowingly and unknowingly, ready to make reflective feedback on these privileges and to make amends. A queer affirmative MHP (QAMHP) understands the negativity, discrimination, and stigma the queer people had faced as well as their struggle to overcome those challenges.”

This type of therapist can help queer individuals with virtually any emotional or mental health challenges they may be facing. They’re typically trained in helping individuals navigate negative experiences, trauma, and/or mental health concerns related or unrelated to stigma and minority stress. LGBTQIA+ therapists can also be a helpful resource for people who are currently exploring or questioning their sexuality or gender or who are experiencing gender dysphoria.

LGBTQIA+ therapists who practice affirmative therapy are typically held to a high  standard for providing conscientious and empathetic gender-affirming counseling and therapeutic care. The training they’ve received will typically have encompassed how to create an inclusive and affirming environment—such as using a person’s preferred name and pronouns and viewing and speaking about gender and sexuality in an expansive rather than a binary way

Statistics about the need for LGBTQIA+ therapy

Living as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community can come with unique challenges due to pervasive homophobia, transphobia, and heterosexism in the world today. These factors can lead to social stigma, increased risk of violence, and minority stress. Bullying, discrimination, and a lack of family acceptance or outright rejection are also common obstacles that many LGBTQIA+ youth face.

Any of these can be particularly impactful when the person experiencing them has intersecting identities—such as being a queer BIPOC individual or a queer individual with a disability—because such an individual may experience discrimination and prejudice for multiple identities they hold. Seeking counseling from a licensed therapist who specializes in supporting individuals who are facing these types of challenges can be a valuable source of support and guidance for individuals who identify as queer.

Many studies and surveys have indicated the prevalence of discrimination and its potential effects on the mental health of queer people, including the following:

• A survey from The Trevor Project reports that 39% of youth who identify as LGBTQIA+ considered suicide or experienced suicidal ideation in 2024, with those identifying as transgender or non-binary and those identifying as individuals of color experiencing higher rates.
• A 2019 survey indicates that 86% of LGBTQIA+ youth reported harassment or assault at school.
• 30–60% of people who identify as queer are estimated to experience anxiety or depression at some point, which is 1.5 to 2.4 times higher than the rates for cisgendered, heterosexual individuals.
• One long-term study reports that transgender individuals are six times more likely to have an anxiety or mood disorder and six times more likely to attempt suicide than cisgender individuals.
• In 2023, 50% of youth who identify as LGBTQIA+ and wanted to get mental health services like LGBTQIA+ affirmative therapy were not able to do so.

LGBTQIA+ stigma in healthcare settings

Another reason that safe, affirming LGBTQIA+ counseling can be so important is that stigma and discrimination against queer people are common in healthcare settings in general. Almost one in six LGBTQIA+ adults report having experienced stigma and discrimination in a healthcare setting, leading one in 5 individuals in this community to avoid seeking out healthcare services due to fear. Those who experience discrimination also tend to experience a higher risk of heart disease and high blood pressure, making it even more important for them to receive routine healthcare. 

The availability of affirming care is lacking in both physical and mental health services. Non-binary clients, for instance, often have trouble finding therapists, doctors, or other providers who are willing to understand and affirm their experience. Many even face outright prejudice and discrimination—especially those with intersecting identities. For example, they may struggle to find a therapist with experience treating gender dysphoria or offering counseling and mental health resources to gender-diverse individuals. As a result, an individual who needs mental health care may not feel safe seeking it.

The importance of affirming therapy for LGBTQIA+ individuals

Some of the most common mental health challenges among people who identify as LGBTQIA+ are anxiety disorders, major depressive disorders, and substance use disorders, all of which can typically be treated by a licensed LGBTQIA+-affirming therapist. According to one study on the topic, “evidence-based interventions that are
culturally adapted for minoritized groups yield better outcomes than non-tailored interventions,” meaning that LGBTQIA+ therapy for LGBTQIA+ individuals may often be more effective than therapy from a professional who is not trained to provide affirming care.

In addition to often being effective for treating various mental health conditions, affirming care can be life-saving for queer individuals. LGBTQIA+-informed therapists are typically trained in recognizing and avoiding the microaggressions that can reflect societal prejudice and may exacerbate the very mental health conditions the individual could be in therapy to address. 

Finding an affirming therapist

If you identify as LGBTQIA+ are searching for a therapist, you might consider these suggestions to help you find a provider with the right training and expertise:

• Seek a therapist who states specifically that they provide LGBTQIA+- affirming therapy or counseling.
• Ensure they are licensed and check their educational background and years of experience in providing LGBTQIA+ therapy.
• Consider their identity. For example, you might feel more at ease or understood when working with an LGBTQIA+ therapist who has the same or a similar identity as you.
• Make a list of questions to ask the therapist during an initial consultation or first therapy session, one of which might be about their past experience providing therapy to people with your identity or in your situation. If you are transgender and you need your therapist to write a letter supporting gender-affirming medical care or changes to legal documents, ensure they know how to navigate this process.
• Feel free to switch providers if you decide your therapist is not a good fit. Switching therapists is considered a normal part of looking for the right match.
• Consider your options, such as whether you’d like to try individual therapy, couples therapy, or family therapy and whether you want to receive in-person or online care.

If you’re unable to find a therapist who offers LGBTQIA+-affirming therapy in your area, you might consider online therapy. Online therapy and counseling can often be just as effective as in-person therapy, and seeing a therapist online is typically more affordable than seeing an in-person therapist without insurance

Options for online mental health support

Mental health tips for LGBTQIA+ individuals

In addition to seeking LGBTQ affirmative therapy or counseling with licensed therapists, there are other actions you can take and resources you can use to help maintain or improve your mental health as an individual of the LGBTQ+ community:

• Find at least one safe space or other accepting and supportive environment where you can be yourself, which may be in-person or online.
• Find the nearest LGBTQIA+ community health center, which gender-diverse people often consider to be valuable resources. They may also point you toward a therapist who offers free or affordable affirming therapy.
• Join a student-run group like a Gender & Sexualities Alliance Networkif you’re in school. These groups may help members build resilience and organize with other students who identify as LGBTQIA+.
• Read about LGBTQIA+ journeys on the It Gets Better Project website. 
• Read books and listen to podcastscreated by queer people, which can provide a sense of connection, joy, improved self-worth, and acceptance.
• Consider incorporating preventative practices, to preserve your mental health, such as talking about your feelings with trusted loved ones, getting enough sleep, practicing positive self-talk, eating nutrient-dense foods often, staying physically active, socializing regularly, and practicing mindfulness or meditation.
• Call a hotline if you're in crisis and/or you need someone to talk to

Support hotlines

Hotlines that are available to support LGBTQIA+ people 24/7 include the following:

• LGBT National ​Hotline: 1-888-843-4564
• Trans Lifeline: 1-877-565-8860
• The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386
• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741