How to find an LGBTQ+ Therapist
Finding a new therapist is hard! It’s incredibly vulnerable. It’s even more vulnerable and stressful figuring out whether or not the person supports you and celebrates you for all of who you are! Searching for a queer therapist and reading about all of them can be quite stressful, which is why we put together this guide for how to find an LGBTQ+ therapist!
Get curious about labels
With any labels you see out there, ask questions! We all have different language that we use informed by our life experiences and worldviews. Sometimes we have awareness of why we use the words we use and sometimes not. Get curious with providers about why they use the words they use. Do they have awareness and intention behind them or did the words just sound nice at the time they wrote their listings? If a label triggers an ick feeling inside, honor that feeling. There is nothing wrong with looking for someone with language that feels right to you.
LGBTQ-Friendly: This sometimes evokes a stance of tolerance rather than full acceptance. “Oh you’re friendly with the gays, eh?” Do therapists still use it? Yes! Why? Probably because Google rules the world and it sometimes gets keyword search results. Also, some directories only offer this wording for their little checkboxes and drop down options.
LGBTQ-Affirming: Who doesn’t want to be affirmed for who they are? *crickets* We all want to be affirmed, celebrated, and supported to live our lives authentically as we are. “Affirming” has been used more often recently, and we think it’s a great phrase. It paints a picture of someone not just willing to be friendly but someone committed to celebrating queer folks for who we are. That’s great! Again, ask questions. Be curious. Ask, “What does LGBTQ-affirming mean to you?”
LGBTQ-Specialized: This term is a bit newer. We have started using this term because at Rooted Acorn Counseling, we have training and extensive experience supporting folks within the LGBTQ+ community. These days there are masters level degree programs that have LGBTQ as a specialization. (With our currently government attacks on DEI, we’ll see if those programs survive. Unfortunately, universities have been prioritizing getting paid rather than standing up to bullies. *sigh*) For those of us who did not have the privilege and joy of getting a full degree at one of these newer programs, we believe you can still be specialized as long as you regularly take trainings regarding sexuality, gender, and queer-relevant topics. At RAC, each clinician is actively receiving supervision/consultation from a queer supervisor/consultant. We also complete trainings and self-studies throughout the year. Queer-specialized therapy is our passion and we are committed to providing the highest level of care for our queer community!
How do I know if a therapist really is affirming and knowledgeable working with the queer community?
Have a conversation with them to get started! Most therapists offer a 15 to 20-minute free consultation conversation. It’s a great vibe check, but you can also try meeting with a therapist a few times to see if they are a good fit for the longterm work you want to do. If you have concerns or something sits weird with you, talk to your therapist about it. If they welcome dialogue about your experience, then that’s a sign they’re committed to supporting your needs and not just their own agenda. Your experience is important in therapy. So find a therapist that makes space and welcomes your experience to sessions.
Therapy Directories We Recommend
Inclusive Therapists
What we like about this directory: Inclusive Therapists is different than the bigger, more popular directory. It requires providers to take time to answer questions related to social justice and affirming stances. Therapists who have gone through the effort to create a profile on Inclusive Therapy are demonstrating that they’re walking the walk, not just talking about social justice, because their participation on the platform directly supports a BIPOC started directory.
TL;DR: Find a therapist that walks the talk. Support a BIPOC and LGBTQIA+-centered business by using Inclusive Therapists directory.
The Center on Colfax
What we like about this directory: This one has mixed reviews. Anyone can post a profile on The Center’s directory. Recently however, they have taken steps to redo their platform and have a screening process for folks on their directory. Therapists who have paid for a listing on this platform are directly supporting queer programming at The Center. Yes, there growing pains and gaps in services at The Center, but it is an opportunity for our community to stay in dialogue with one another to develop better ways to support our full queer community that is equitable, inclusive, and social justice minded.
TL;DR: Support your local queer hub by using The Center’s directory.
Prism Provider Directory
What we like about this directory: This is a new mental health directory in Colorado Springs. It was funded by a grant after the Club Q shooting. Their directory requires providers to answer social justice questions that directly ask about beliefs and biases and how the provider is committed to eliminating bias in their work.
TL;DR: The Prism directory puts providers through a vetting process.
Search Prism here
Our LGBTQ+ Specialized Therapists
Sharon F. Hester, MS, LPC, LAC
Meet Sharon
Specialties: drug and alcohol therapy, queer adults & teens
Lindsay Cade, MA, LPC
Envision:You trained
Specialties: Queer relationships and trauma-informed therapy
Want to get to know Rooted Acorn Counseling a bit better? Check out our blogs to learn more!
Enjoying what you’ve read so far? What’s next?
Schedule an initial consultation with us to explore if we’re a good fit with your needs! We hope to hear from you soon!
