As we get ready to celebrate Pride Month and wrap up Mental Health Awareness Month, it’s a good time to talk about something that matters a lot—LGBTQ+ mental health.
Being part of the LGBTQ+ community can be empowering, joyful, and full of pride—but it can also come with real mental health challenges. Let’s break it down and talk about how to find support that actually understands you.
Why Mental Health Matters in the LGBTQ+ Community
LGBTQ+ people often have unique struggles that affect their mental health. Studies show that LGBTQ+ individuals are more likely to experience issues like anxiety, depression, and other mental health related conditions than their heterosexual or cisgender peers. But why?
Well it’s not about being LGBTQ+-- it’s about how the world treats LGBTQ+ people. Things like:
- Homophobia and transphobia
- Bullying and discrimination
- Social isolation or being rejected by family
- Identity-based trauma
These experiences can be deeply harmful. And it gets even more complicated when other parts of your identity—like race, disability status, religion or immigration status—impact your ability to access care. That’s why it’s important to find affirming, inclusive mental health support.
How to find LGBTQ+ Inclusive Mental Health Support?
Finding a therapist who get you can make all the difference. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you find someone who’s supportive, respectful, and knows how to help LGBTQ+ youth:
Step 1: Know What You’re Looking For
Before you start searching think about what matters to you:
- Do you want an LGBTQ+ therapist? Some people feel more comfortable talking to someone who shares their identity. Look for therapist bios or websites to see if they share this info.
- Is LGBTQ+ competence enough? Even if your therapist isn’t part of the community, they should at least understand LGBTQ+ issues and not make you feel like you have to explain the basics.
- Are you trans or gender non-conforming and need a letter for gender-affirming care? Then it’s especially important to find a provider who understands what’s required legally and medically.
Step 2: Get Referrals That Make Sense for You
You don’t have to do this alone. There are plenty of resources that help you find LGBTQ+ friendly therapists:
- Mental health directories with LGBTQ+ filters
- LGBTQ+ organizations like
- Local LGBTQ+ centers, health clinics, or support groups
And don’t forget: telehealth is an option, too! If you can’t find someone near you, online therapy can connect you to inclusive providers anywhere.
Step 3: Make the First Move
Let’s be real—calling a therapist for the first time can be super intimidating. You might feel nervous, or worry about being misgendered on the phone. That’s normal!
Here’s the good news: you can ask a trusted friend, family member, or even a support worker to help you make that first call. When you talk to the provider (or leave a message), you can say something like:
- “Hi, I’m looking for an LGBTQ+ affirming therapist, can you tell me about your experience working with LGBTQ+ clients?”
It’s okay to ask up front! It saves you time and helps avoid uncomfortable situations. Your safety and comfort come first in the process.
Step 4: Ask the Right Questions
When you finally meet your therapist, don’t be shy about asking questions that matter to you. For example:
- “I identify as ____. What experience do you have working with LGBTQ+ people?
- How do you support LGBTQ+ clients in your practice?
You deserve a provider who gets it. You should never feel like you have to educate them about your identity or the support you are looking for.
Step 5: How Friends and Family Can Help
Mental health isn’t just an individual journey—it’s shaped by the people around us. For LGBTQ+ folks having supportive friends and family can make a huge difference. Research shows that LGBTQ+ individuals who feel supported by their loved ones are significantly less likely to experience mental health issues. So what does good Allyship look like?
- Listen and learn
- Respect Names and Pronouns
- Stand Up Against Discrimination
- Celebrate their Identity
- Be There, Especially When Things Are Hard
Step 6: Trust Yourself and Keep Going
Sometimes, the first therapist isn’t the right fit—and that’s totally okay. Finding the right person might take a few tries, and that’s not a failure. It’s part of the process.
You’re looking for someone who will support all of you—your mental health, your identity, your authentic self. You have the right to feel seen, heard, and respected in every session.
In many U.S. states, minors 12 and older can consent to certain medical health services—like therapy or crisis counseling—without needing a parent’s permission. In California, most medical plans ensure individuals can seek services they need. Check your local laws or talk to a school counselor, supportive adult, or LGBTQ+ organization for guidance.
Taking care of your mental health isn’t always easy, when the world doesn’t always feel safe or welcoming. But you’re not alone—and you don’t have to figure it all out by yourself.
Whether you’re exploring your identity, dealing with stress, or trauma, or just want someone to talk to, you deserve a therapist who respects and affirms you for who you are. As Pride Month begins, let’s celebrate by taking care of ourselves