![LGBTQIA+ couple solving relationship problems in therapy](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/LgehTK1uDjB9iu_tndWVtoMVmzU=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Primary-Image-best-online-therapy-for-lgbtqia-6979454-63f5400f2bfb4d179ce66fed11d02832.jpg)
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Members of the LGBTQIA+ community may find it challenging to find local affirming mental health care. Online therapy offers marginalized communities in therapy deserts or areas lacking quality care a way to receive affirming mental health services from the comfort of their home. All it takes to access this form of therapy is a wifi connection for video sessions or an SMS-capable phone for messaging sessions.
Affirming a patient’s identity and being specifically trained in the life challenges LGBTQIA+ people experience are two important factors for finding the right therapist. The best online LGBTQIA+ therapy services are widely available to the population, have therapists trained in multiple modalities, and employ therapists who are either LGBTQIA+ themselves or strong allies. We surveyed over a hundred users to discern the best user experiences with LGBTQIA+ online therapy.
Best Online Therapy for LGBTQIA+ of 2022
- Best for Gender Identity Concerns: National Queer and Trans Therapist of Color Network (NQTTCN)
- Best for Uninsured: Talkspace
- Best for Teens: Teen Counseling
- Best for Trauma: Amwell
- Best for Couples: Couples Therapy Inc.
- Best for Family Therapy: TherapyTribe
- Best for Insured: Zencare
- Best for Group Therapy: Circles
- Best Directory: Inclusive Therapists
- Best for Free: 7 Cups
Best for Gender Identity Concerns: National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network
![nqttcn](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/DUQiWLjZ4kotSGzdeCj6wCvWW70=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/NQTTCN-logo-e8bb368f1a4f41e199074f6478aad014.jpg)
Key Specs
- Price: Depends on practitioner
- Insurance Accepted?: Varies by practitioner
- Types of Therapy: Couples therapy, family therapy, group therapy, individual therapy for adults and teens, medication management, peer support
Why We Chose It
The National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network (NQTTCN) is the only directory of its type connecting patients to queer and trans therapists of color. It offers a vital service for marginalized people who wouldn’t otherwise know where to find a safe therapist.
Pros & Cons
Directory is free to use
Detailed provider bios
Many therapists offer languages besides English
Not all therapists accept insurance
Not all offer sliding scale fees
Directory covers only 30 states
Overview
For anyone of color working through gender or sexuality identity questions, finding an affirming therapist who understands you and your life experience is key to feeling safe. NQTTCN is a directory of therapists of color focusing on transforming mental health care for queer and trans people of color. It offers practitioner development through local and web-based training and meet-ups, healing justice resources for QTPoC, technical assistance to social justice organizations, and field-building, which means working together with other organizations with common goals.
While its mission might sound complex, NQTTCN's website is straightforward to use: the link to the mental health directory sits at the top of the site, and when you click on it, you enter your city, zip code, or state to look for qualified providers. There are 29 providers in Los Angeles alone, though it may be more challenging to find providers in therapy deserts. Therapists range from social workers to psychiatrists, and some treat teenagers in addition to adults.
Plans & Pricing
- Therapy prices differ by provider—sliding scale to $300 per session.
- Some therapists accept insurance.
- There are no plans available, as it’s a directory.
- Some therapists may offer free consults or offer free assessments.
User Satisfaction
Of 180 users we surveyed, 42% said they chose to use the NQTTCN to find a therapist who shared a similar identity or cultural background. Seventy-eight percent of users said they found navigating the site to be easy or very easy, with 74% saying it was easy to very easy to find a therapist that met their needs.
Best for Trauma: Amwell
![Amwell](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/5szSAA_6Ci1H5oII_XtHE5DNjpc=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Amwell-logo-2000-e4b997bb8b794159a2b3ab2d029b16da.jpg)
Key Specs
- Price: $109-$129 or copay
- Insurance Accepted?: Yes
- Types of Therapy: Individual, couples
Why We Chose It
Amwell won a prestigious customer satisfaction award and has worked to expand access to health care in rural areas. It offers personalized mental health programs that merge therapy, coaching, and psychiatry, which may be useful for patients moving through trauma.
Pros & Cons
Accepts health insurance
Choose your own therapist
Psychiatry and medication management available
Virtual therapy only
No free consultations
No subscription services or bundles offered
Overview
With a focus on individualized health care programs, Amwell is an excellent choice for anyone with diverse mental health needs. Its doctors are available online 24/7, and you can see a provider as soon as you sign up for an account. Because Amwell accepts many different health insurance plans, including Medicare, anyone who is insured is unlikely to have to pay out of pocket for services.
The website offers information about each mental health issue treated, from panic attacks to OCD and more. There is a specific section for LGBTQIA+ counseling that offers affirming services for patients as young as 10 years old from practitioners experienced in serving LGBTQIA+ therapy seekers. Treatment plans are tailored to each patient and can be created as soon as the first session with a therapist.
Plans & Pricing
- Pay an insurance copay, or $109-129 out of pocket.
- Insurance accepted, including Medicare and many private providers.
- Pay per session; there are no plans to choose from.
- There are no free consultations or assessments.
User Satisfaction
Eighty-eight percent of our 105 survey respondents had a positive experience with Amwell, and 86% had most or all of their needs met by their therapist through the service. Sixty-four percent stopped therapy because they met all of their goals or felt good enough to discontinue it, and only 4% had a bad experience with their therapist. Ninety-one percent felt that therapists had good qualifications, with 87% feeling that the therapist diversity was good, very good, or excellent. Customer service ranked high, with no one finding it to be terrible and just 2% thinking it was poor.
Best for Couples: Couples Therapy Inc.
![Couples Therapy Inc. Review](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/fJ2rh0jbHz1tEs2bEOAJyZ6YItA=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Couples_therapy_inc-7022bde998a74b2787828b749753df0f.jpg)
Couples Therapy Inc.
Key Specs
- Price: $159 to $250 per session; $119 to $199 for coaching; $2,500 to $5,000+ per weekend intensive retreat
- Insurance Accepted?: No
- Types of Therapy: Couples, individual
Why We Chose It
Couples Therapy Inc. offers an assortment of therapeutic options for couples, from intensive weekend retreats to online therapy sessions. It is welcoming, including to the international LGBTQIA+ community. There's also a free self-guided course online for those who want to look into helping themselves first.
Pros & Cons
Dedicated customer service team
Choose your own therapist
Two free consultations available
Does not treat general individual health conditions
No payment plans or financial aid available
Not appropriate for abuse/addiction situations
Overview
Serving couples nationwide and internationally, Couples Therapy Inc. has a wide variety of therapy types designed exclusively for couples. The therapists have licenses specific to couples therapy, and use modalities that are evidence-based. Whether you want to improve a good relationship or save one that is falling apart, there’s a type of therapy to serve you and your partner, from premarital counseling to a last-ditch effort.
While the platform does cater to all couples, it is inclusive of the LGBTQIA+ community in its offerings. You’ll schedule therapy sessions directly through the app or website. The coaching programs are available to people throughout the world, even if they are outside Couples Therapy Inc.’s service areas. The company's blog has an informed tone, backed with facts when discussing LGBTQIA+ couples' issues.
Plans & Pricing
- $159 to $250 per couples counseling session; $119 to $199 for couples coaching; $2,500 to $5,000+ per weekend intensive retreat
- No insurance accepted
- No plans to choose from (pay per session)
- Two free consultation sessions offered
User Satisfaction
Ninety percent of respondents rated their therapist’s qualifications as good, very good, or excellent, while 83% felt that the diversity of therapists fell within that range of good to excellent as well. Eighty-three percent would recommend Couples Therapy Inc. to a friend. Eighty-seven percent thought it was a little to a lot better than therapy services they’d used in the past and no one at all thought it was worse than a past service used. Eighty-seven percent thought the therapy they received was a good or excellent value for their money.
Best for Family Therapy: TherapyTribe
![Therapy Tribe logo](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/k1VtoVWKKW3TXo4eFBIW2Tb3Rcw=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Therapy-Tribe-logo-dd762573112743fb8c16f33fc0039971.jpg)
Therapy Tribe
Key Specs
- Price: Varies by practitioner
- Insurance Accepted?: Varies by practitioner
- Types of Therapy: Individual (adults and teens), family, group
Why We Chose It
TherapyTribe is an online directory of providers, with family-friendly resources such as forums, mood mapping, wellness activities, chat rooms and more that provide online support.
Pros & Cons
Detailed therapist bios
Choose your own therapist
Free online support community
No subscription plans offered
Not all therapists take insurance
Not all providers are well-versed in LGBTQIA+ issues
Overview
TherapyTribe’s directory provides numerous resources for families seeking therapy. While not all therapists specialize in the LGBTQIA+ community, many do, and the overall selection of therapists is diverse. The directory serves both individuals and families, and offers counseling for teenagers throughout the United States and abroad.
Therapists treat a range of conditions, using cognitive behavioral therapy as well as more niche modalities, such as hypnosis and dialectical behavioral therapy. The website provides considerable information about each type of therapy offered and can be useful as a resource even for those who seek therapy elsewhere. The online community consists of an assortment of “tribes,” with “LGBT tribe” as one choice. Tribes function as support groups with therapist moderators, and you need only to sign up with an email address to join.
Plans & Pricing
- Price varies by provider.
- Some providers may accept insurance.
- No plans are available.
- Some therapists may offer free consultations or assessments.
User Satisfaction
Seventy-five percent of the users we surveyed said the directory made it easy or very easy to find a therapist that met their needs. Eighty percent of the users said they expected to be seeing the therapist they found using the directory six months from now. Ninety percent of users were overall satisfied with the directory’s services.
Best for Teens: Teen Counseling
![Teen Counseling logo](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/jhx0sxELevwvds7fvvUmuNHN5QU=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Teen_Counseling-3fde5005f2ba43299258a2af6c613c5b.jpg)
Key Specs
- Price: $60-$95/week
- Insurance Accepted?: No
- Types of Therapy: Teen, individual
Why We Chose It
A service for both teenagers and their parents, Teen Counseling is unique in offering therapy to adults centered around the issues their teen is experiencing. The website boasts a list of over 14,000 therapists.
Pros & Cons
Therapy for teens and parents
Live chat, phone and video sessions
Parent and teen get separate message rooms
No medication management
No free consultation or free trial
You cannot pick your therapist
Overview
Teenagers have unique needs, and Teen Counseling aims to address those needs with therapists trained specifically for teen mental health needs and parental concerns. Rather than adults having to find therapy separately to discuss problems their teenager is having, this service enables parents to work directly with a therapist to address concerns about their teenager. Parents and teenagers can also work with the same therapist but in their own designated chat room, private from the other party.
Live chat is available for both teens and parents via video, text, or phone, making this accessible to most people. Even though Teen Counseling therapists do not all specialize in the LGBTQIA+ community, surveyed users rated them well on diversity, with 76% feeling therapist diversity was good, very good, or excellent. Eighty-five percent thought that therapist qualifications were good, very good, or excellent, and all therapists on the site have either a master’s or doctorate degree.
Plans & Pricing
- $60 to $95 per therapy session
- No insurance accepted
- Pay per session; no subscription plans or bundles
- No free consultation or assessments
User Satisfaction
Seventy-six percent of users said that all or most of their needs were met by Teen Counseling, and only 7% found that few or none of their therapeutic needs were met by their therapist. Seventy-two percent said they were likely to recommend the website to a friend, while 18% were not likely to do so. Eighty-eight percent found the website to be between a little and a lot better than ones they had used in the past, with just 6% considering it much worse than others they’d used.
Best for Insured: Zencare
![Zencare](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/VG8L-nF22w44L1RfQxEBXHGeQoQ=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Zencare_logo-86bf55b5c6ab453eb33e605f2221bf0b.jpg)
Zencare
Key Specs
- Price: Varies by provider
- Insurance Accepted?: Yes
- Types of Therapy: Individual (adults and children), couples, family
Why We Chose It
Zencare is a woman-led company that serves about half of the states in the U.S. via an online database where patients can search for therapists according to their insurance plan. Therapist specialties include more niche modalities like art therapy and life coaching.
Pros & Cons
Free consultations
Provider videos help you choose your therapist
Therapists are vetted
Not all providers are LGBTQIA+ specialists
No subscriptions offered
Overview
If you’ve ever found your online insurance platform to be out of date or listing inaccurate about the providers it says accept your insurance, Zencare makes for a solid alternative. The directory was designed so that you can search for a therapist covering a wide breadth of specialties based on your location and your insurance plan. You can also search for therapists that specialize in the LGBTQIA+ community. While more rural areas will yield fewer providers, New York City has 257 therapists available with this specialty.
You can also search for providers who identify as LGBTQIA+ themselves, and who are specifically trans or nonbinary, and/or of color. The search functionality is even able to display only providers who fit certain office hour availability, speak particular languages, and have ADA-accessible in-person locations.
Plans & Pricing
- Therapy costs vary by provider
- Insurance accepted, including Medicare and dozens of private providers
- No different plans to choose from (pay per session)
- Free consultations are available
User Satisfaction
Zencare users we surveyed were overall pleased with their experience, with 82% saying they would be likely to very likely to recommend Zencare to others, while 84% would use the directory again to look for a therapist. Of the 92% of users who said they had insurance, 75% were able to use their insurance to pay for the provider’s fees. Ninety percent of users said they were satisfied overall with the directory’s services.
Best for Uninsured: Talkspace
![Talkspace logo](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/rBGqBSr2szZZ_uAs-ZR97ptlLDc=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Talkspace-af031ca6ee88467999ab94f50740b6c1.jpg)
Talkspace
Key Specs
- Price: $69-$129/week for therapy
- Insurance Accepted?: Yes
- Types of Therapy: Individual, couples, teens
Why We Chose It
Talkspace offers flexible plans, easy scheduling, and the ability to switch providers whenever you choose. This large platform boasts over 60,000 five-star reviews from users.
Pros & Cons
Wide variety of plans available
Quick therapist matching process
Serves all 50 states
Least expensive plan is messaging only
You can’t choose your therapist
No sliding scale options
Overview
With therapists who specialize in the LGBTQIA+ community, Talkspace provides a modern approach to therapy with the option of 24/7 live messaging. You can message your therapist at any time and can anticipate a reply at least once a day during the work week. For people who select psychiatry plans, medication management is available, and can be accessed in conjunction with talk therapy as well. Self-guided therapy, which can be used at any time, is also available through the app.
In addition to specialists for LGBTQIA+ clients, Talkspace has therapists specializing in assorted mental health issues, such as mood disorders or family conflicts. With some licensed providers charging just $69 per session, it is one of the most affordable ways to receive high-quality therapy without insurance.
Plans & Pricing
- Accepts private insurance, but not Medicare
- Messaging Therapy Plan: Unlimited messaging with your therapist, guaranteed responses five days a week, starts at $69/week
- Live Therapy plan: Four live therapy sessions a month via live chat, phone, or video starting at $99/week
- Live + Messaging Therapy plan: Messaging and four live sessions, starts at $129/week
- $249 for psychiatric evaluation with $125 follow-up sessions
- No free consultations, but free personal health assessments are available
User Satisfaction
Therapist qualifications were rated highly for Talkspace, with 92% finding them to be good or excellent in qualifications. Diversity was also well-rated, with 90% finding the selection good to excellent. Eighty-five percent felt that the number of providers available was positive, and 82% would recommend it to a friend. Ninety-seven percent found it better than websites they had used for therapy in the past.
Best for Group Therapy: Circles
![Circles logo](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/ZWaBarZlmEpp_oUk_NrdVHrjSU0=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/logo-circles-f42e558a523e448d89b86029624de91f.png)
Key Specs
- Price: $79/month
- Insurance Accepted?: No
- Types of Therapy: Group
Why We Chose It
If you are seeking group therapy for grief, loss, separation or divorce, you can find others like you at Circles. The first week is free, so no commitment is required.
Pros & Cons
First week free
Affordable
Unlimited messaging with facilitator and group
No LGBTQIA+ emphasis
Limited topics
No teens, must be 18+
Overview
Group therapy can be an excellent resource for people seeking community. Many local LGBTQIA+ centers moved to an online model for support groups during the pandemic, but for people in some areas, support from the local community may be unavailable. Circles is a platform that offers only group therapy, with particular focal points.
Though it is not a designated LGBTQIA+ platform, Circles group therapy focuses on several particular topics, and all people are welcome to become part of a “circle.” Meetings are held weekly, are moderated by a mental health expert, and are full of other members moving through similar life challenges. By connecting with others going through the same problems as you, such as grief or loss, you can realize you are not alone in your struggles.
Plans & Pricing
- $79/month for access to groups
- No insurance accepted
- First week is free
User Satisfaction
Seventy-seven of users we surveyed felt the experts on the site were good or excellent, and 70% would recommend Circles to a friend. Eighty-six percent found it to be better than services they had used in the past; no one thought it was worse than one they had used before. Services were deemed affordable by 59% of respondents, and 80% considered it a good value for their money. Fifty-one percent worked with more than one therapist at Circles.
Best Directory: Inclusive Therapists
![Inclusive T](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/B-MbE-87YzWwhCBHT1OWT2S_tF8=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Inclusive-Therapists-Directory-Logo-13b8a9f73c1e42fc823e93ba679d0d69.jpg)
Key Specs
- Price: Varies, with low-cost options searchable
- Insurance Accepted?: Varies by provider
- Types of Therapy: Individual (for children, teens, and adults), couples, family, group, medication management
Why We Chose It
Inclusive Therapists offers free or sponsored memberships for Black and Indigenous therapists, making them easier to access and find. You can also select a therapist based on their cultural knowledge.
Pros & Cons
Search therapists by identity
Patients match to providers based on fee, location, identity
Therapists are vetted
Not available in Hawaii, Alaska, or West Virginia
Not clear who can prescribe and who cannot
Overview
The name says it all: Inclusive Therapists is an online directory made to help marginalized patients and therapy providers find one another via search functions that are highly individualized. Search filters include cultural knowledge, therapeutic modalities, identity, languages, office facilities, services, and spiritual knowledge. You can even search for more specific elements of some of those as well.
The Inclusive Therapists website allows you to choose a therapist based on your location and other practical preferences, such as sliding scale options, or you can allow the site to match you with a therapist. Many online therapy directories do not perform matching services, making Inclusive Therapists a top choice for anyone who doesn’t want to choose their therapist. Noting that it “celebrates all identities and abilities in all bodies,” this directory is a great resource for anyone working through difficult mental health challenges.
Plans & Prices
- Therapy costs vary by provider.
- Some providers accept insurance.
- No subscription plans are offered (you pay per session).
- Some providers may offer a free consultation.
User Satisfaction
Eighty-nine percent of users rated the directory as good or very good, and 42% indicated the search process to find a therapist was easy. Overall, 77% said they were likely or very likely to recommend Inclusive Therapists to a friend.
Best Free: 7 Cups
![7 Cups logo](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/9yrH4W8so8Joh2JaeVXGRVz7Sxo=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/7-Cups-logo-a3931d7c92324f269f83c3fb1252d815.jpg)
7 Cups
Key Specs
- Price: Free to work with volunteer listeners
- Insurance Accepted?: No
- Types of Therapy: Individual, teen
Why We Chose It
One of the only platforms where you can chat with someone free 24/7, 7 Cups enables anyone to feel less alone. For those seeking therapy, it offers a highly affordable rate of $150 per month, which includes unlimited messaging.
Pros & Cons
Trained active listeners available 24/7
Chat rooms available
Chat rooms moderated to remove bullies and trolls
Listeners are volunteers, not licensed therapists
No live interactions with therapist
Online therapy service is not free
Overview
Volunteer counselors and listeners are always on hand at 7 Cups, which connects people to free one-on-one emotional support at all hours of the day. There are also free support chat rooms, where people can discuss their issues with others who may understand what they are going through. There are LGBTQIA+-focused rooms. Therapy through the website is not free, but is affordable at only $150 per month, and you can send as many messages as you want to your therapist; they answer daily, Monday through Friday.
Unlike many platforms, you can be anonymous at 7 Cups. The platform has listeners who specialize in teen issues and are available just for them, as well. Therapists for the paid program are licensed, and you can begin the process through a quick member sign-up. An app is available that patients can use for free chatting anytime. The app has a high rating in The App Store and Google Play, with 4.3 stars on Apple and 4.8 stars on Google, as well as thousands of reviews. Some users reported that their messages didn’t receive a response, and others noted that while the chat rooms were supportive and had moderators, bullies did pop up.
Plans & Pricing
- Chat rooms and sessions with trained listeners are free
- Meeting with a therapist is $150/month
- No insurance accepted
- No free consultations or assessments
User Satisfaction
We did not survey 7 Cups users in 2022. According to our 2021 survey, eighty-five percent of those polled stated they were either likely or very likely to recommend this service to someone like them. Eighty-one percent reported they were either likely or very likely to still be working with their therapist a year from now. Sixty-six percent of 7 Cups users said the services were either very good or excellent.
Final Verdict
If you are looking for affirming, accepting therapist, we recommend both Inclusive Therapists and NQTTCN. Both directories have social justice mission statements and the therapists listed on these sites specialize in treating the queer community. We particularly recommend NQTTCN to those seeking a queer therapist of color. However, not all providers on these sites accept insurance or offer sliding scale rates. If you’re looking for affordable, widely accessible therapy nationwide, Talkspace might be the better choice for you. It provides therapy in all 50 states, accepts a number of insurance plans, and, if you are uninsured or under-insured, offers relatively affordable monthly therapy subscription plans.
Guide to Choosing the Best Online Therapy for LGBTQIA+
What Is LGBTQIA+ Therapy?
LGBTQIA+ therapy is for patients who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, asexual, two-spirit, pansexual, or another marginalized sexual or gender identity. It involves a therapist who either affirms their patients’ identities or identifies themself as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community.
What Types of LGBTQIA+ Counseling Are Offered?
There are a variety of types of LGBTQIA+ counseling. These options include:
- Gender and sexual identity affirming care
- Grief and trauma therapy
- Couples counseling
- Religious counseling
- Anxiety and depression treatment
The type of therapy that’s right for you depends on both your life experience and the areas you feel you need the most assistance with. Identity counseling is the ideal choice if you are struggling to discern your sexuality or gender or if you want guidance on how to embrace it best. Grief and trauma therapy can help with recent or past traumatic events and PTSD. Religious counseling is a good choice if you come from a religious background and view sexuality and/or gender through a lens of belief systems. If anxiety and depression are your paramount concern, a therapist fully skilled at managing those will be a wise choice.
Therapist Hannah Owens, LMSW, notes that “having a place to unpack and process the societal issues and prejudices faced by members of the LGBTQIA+ community is imperative, just like members of the BIPOC community should have access to unbiased and culturally informed care.” Pyschologist Amy Marschall, PsyD, adds, "While therapy can't fix societal issues, like oppression or microaggressions, it can help with managing stress or processing trauma.”
Comparing Online LGBTQIA+ Therapy
There are a variety of factors to consider when choosing which online counseling option is best for you, including"
- Price
- Topic
- Scheduling
- Location
- Method of counseling (chat system, text messaging, phone call, video call, etc.)
- Ease of switching between therapists
- Specialties in gender issues
- Specialties in issues around sexuality
- Familiarity with varied relationship models
- Therapists' commitment to acting as allies
Your schedule, budget, and access to technology are important factors to consider when deciding on a therapist. Additionally, a service that enables you to try different therapists may make the process of finding the best fit an easier one.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Know If an Online Therapy Provider Is LGBTQIA+ Friendly?
The clear denotation of LGBTQIA+ allyship or therapist identity on a website or social media is the most obvious way to know if a therapist will be affirming. Dr. Marschall tells us that “part of why I chose to have an active social media presence is so that potential clients can confirm I am a safe person for them before seeking services with me. I also put LGBT+ Affirming on my website so that it is clear.”
Though therapists don’t always advertise their identities in general, for this population it can be useful. “As some LGBTQIA+ therapy seekers might need a therapist with similar lived experience as them, it might be more important for the therapist to disclose personal identities that they normally might not share,” notes Owens.
Finding a Christian therapist who is LGBTQIA+ friendly is possible, but may be more difficult to find than one without religious affiliations. Owens tells us that “it is imperative to do your research when looking for Christian counseling as a member of this community,” and adds that “referring to the LGBTQIA+ identities as 'lifestyles' or 'choices' is always a big red flag. Additionally, if the company allows you to filter for LGBTQIA+ care but refers to that as an 'issue' to be addressed in therapy, that is problematic as well, as it assumes that an LGBTQIA+ identity is problematic.”
If you are unsure about the stance of a Christian therapist for LGBTQIA+ oriented services, you may need to ask. Marschall says, “an affirming therapist who is also Christian will acknowledge that this is a valid concern and will talk you through it. Ask about whether they are deliberately and actively affirming of LGBTQIA+ clients, and look elsewhere if the answer is not an enthusiastic yes.” Also, she notes that “there are Christian denominations that are LGBTQIA+ affirming, and there are people who identify as a denomination that isn't affirming who disagree with that aspect of their doctrine.”
Who Is LGBTQIA+ Therapy Right For?
LGBTQIA+ therapy is right for anyone seeking therapy that can take their identity into account, provided they’re not seeking emergency help for issues around suicidal ideation or crisis intervention. Finding a therapist who understands your identity is an affirming choice, versus one who either isn’t familiar with it or holds moral beliefs that aren’t aligned with yours.
Additionally, it’s a great choice for anyone who has questions or concerns about their sexuality or gender identity. There are many specialties within LGBTQIA+ therapy, and a therapist who works specifically within your demographic is likely to do a better job at helping you parse out the questions and concerns you have about it.
Is Online Therapy for LGBTQIA+ Covered by Insurance?
Yes, some online therapy services are covered by insurance. Some therapists directly take insurance and will be in-network providers for whom you will pay only a small copay. Other providers who are not in-network may provide you with superbills to submit to your insurance company for partial reimbursement. If you want to find a therapist that is in-network with your insurance, use your online insurance platform benefits finder to search for a provider. Or, you can ask a therapist what plans they accept; this information is usually available on their website.
Can Online Therapy for LGBTQIA be Anonymous?
Most therapy can’t be anonymous, particularly if you are working through your health insurance. However, some providers of therapy via text may allow you to hide your identity, and some free providers may as well.
Do HIPAA Laws Apply to Online Therapy?
Yes. All HIPAA laws that are in place for in-person therapy also apply to online therapy. Online therapy should be equally safe as in-person therapy in those ways, but it's always a good idea to check the online therapy's privacy policy.
Can Online Therapy or Counseling Help the LGBTQIA+ Community With Mental Health and Trauma?
Yes, online therapy or counseling can definitely help anyone with their mental health and with past or recent trauma. Finding a therapist who is affirming of both your experience and your identity is key for you to get the help you deserve. Marschall says that “LGBTQIA+ people are at higher risk for mental health issues related to trauma and stress from oppression compared to cishet people,” making therapy all the more important.
What If I'm Having Thoughts of Harming Myself?
If you are experiencing thoughts of self-harm, there are many resources available for you. If you have access to a cell phone or laptop, you can text a volunteer at the Crisis Text Line. If you want to speak to someone on the phone, you can dial 988, which is the national suicide and crisis lifeline. This helpline has volunteers available 24/7.
Methodology
To find the best LGBTQIA+ online therapy providers, we looked at both websites that explicitly provide therapy to that population and at therapy providers for all people that also offer LGBTQIA+-oriented therapy. In total, we examined approximately 20 different providers to discern which ones had a wide scope of service geographically, were clearly affirming of gender and sexuality, and advertised therapists with strong experience providing therapy for LGBTQIA+ patients. We examined survey results of their users, noting how many were satisfied with their therapy experience and found it helpful, versus how many did not, and what patients experiences were with therapist diversity, ease of website navigation and scheduling, and price accessibility.