Finding an LGBTQ Friendly Therapist

Many nonbinary individuals need help with emotional and mental issues. There is a stigma attached to their identities which is difficult to ward off in itself. Adding on to that, the trouble of finding an LGBTQ+ affirming therapist may feel like a roadblock. A medical professional should provide a sense of safety and support to people who seek therapy. They must create a comfortable environment for helping clients with immediate issues.

A study in India analyzed the rate of suicide among queer folks in the past decade. It found that hundreds of LGBTQ+ individuals committed suicide. The rates of suicide in queer people were higher than in their non-queer peers. This result shows the conditions of the nonconforming individuals in India. It also shows how pride counseling could reduce this overwhelming number of suicidal individuals. Licensed therapists that focus on their specific issues can achieve this.

If you identify as an LGBTQ+ person, you may narrow the search for a specialist by making a list of requirements. These requirements should suit your interests. These could help maximize the effectiveness of therapy.

You can start by asking yourself simple questions like:

• Do I want an expert who identifies as a queer therapist?
• Would I be comfortable sharing my experience with a non-queer therapist?
• Do I want a mental health care professional who is LGBTQ+ affirming in their knowledge and opinions? 
• Would it be okay if I consult therapists who display a general knowledge of gender fluidity? 
• Do I want someone who identifies with my problems at a personal level?
• Do I want someone who understands intersectionality? 
• Would I be comfortable with a therapist who is well-educated on the subject of queer identity? 
• Do I want someone supportive of the voice of the nonbinary community? 
• Can a good therapist provide me with a safe space?

Finding a suitable counselor for an individual can help achieve their baseline expectations. It also ensures you a treatment that is fair and suited to your emotions. The list of questions mentioned above may help you find your ideal medical expert. They will provide a set of desirable attitudes and qualities you may want in your therapist.

The Importance of Queer-Friendly Therapy

There is a dire need for Queer Friendly therapy. This need is immediate because of the problems faced by nonbinary people. These problems can arise from various causes. One of them is the rampant queerphobia in the masses.

Another is the microaggression and discrimination faced by the LGBTQ+ community regularly. The lack of empathy in one’s close friends, family, or workspace can also have a devastating impact. If the family accepts the person as they are, it may become easier, but that is seldom the case. All these may lead people to have problems with identifying with their identity.

These problems manifest as anxiety, depression, and panic attacks in affected individuals. Mental health for such individuals is highly vulnerable. Hence, The need to confide in such situations is as critical as being able to express oneself as an autonomous identity. Queer-friendly counselors are best suited for providing their guidance on such occasions. It is because they are well-educated and sound for the job. It is also because one would spend less time tutoring them on the subject of queer identity.

Consult National Directories

Several LGBTQ+ friendly healthcare providers and directories are available online. They feature a list of contacts of many doctors, clinical psychologists, and psychiatrists. Their clients are the ones who recommend them online. These directories provide a list of location-based information about medical professionals. These professionals may even work at several locations. Given below is a comprehensive list that can lead you to the right therapist.

• Orinam.net is a unique website that maintains a list of queer-friendly dedicated health care practitioners, doctors, and therapists. Its listings include cities like Chennai, Coimbatore, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Delhi-Noida, and Hyderabad. The website features target-reader-based resources that support acceptance and inclusivity. It also has a group of LGBTQ+ peer supporters and counsellors who can be directly approached.
• Queerala.org is another such Kerala-based organization. It offers adequate support to Malayali people who identify as nonbinary. It has a list of queer-friendly and LGBTQ+ affirming psychiatrists on its website.

Get Referrals From Friends and Family

You should seek referrals from close ones or people who know adequate and proper therapy resources. They could be family, friends, colleagues from work, medical professionals, or any queer-friendly organization. The target is to specialize in offering devoted and committed contacts.

You may prefer a referral suggested by someone who shares the same gender identity as yours. You may also prefer referrals from LGBTQ+ affirming individuals. In each of the cases mentioned above, trust is a crucial element. Trust offers a sense of security to the person who is seeking referrals.

Find a Local Community Centre

The first LGBTQ+ community centres were in Los Angeles, CA, and Albany. Since its establishment in 1971, many centres have opened worldwide. They offer shelter and safety to the people of this community. Centrelink is an organization that keeps a directory of all the LGBTQ+ local community centres. It has a website where people from anywhere in the world can gather information about their nearest community centres. It provides a search engine where a person can put the details of their geographical region and look for a community centre nearby.

Here are a few notable centres in India:

• Nazariya
• Naz Foundation
• Harmless Hugs 
• The Humsafar Trust.

These organizations have amassed thousands of members across India. They organize workshops, film screenings, and other events which support the cause of queer folks and their allies.

Also Read

Seek Out a PFLAG Chapter Near You

PFLAG was the acronym for ‘Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays.’ It was later widened to ‘Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays.’ It is one of the largest LGBTQ+ supporting organizations, with over 400 Chapters across the United States. It provides guidance, education, and support to its members and allies. It provides tools and resources for educating people about PFLAG’s national priority.

You can find a PFLAG Chapter near you on the official website of the organization. It has chapters all over the 50 states in the United States. If you’re not a resident of the States, you can look for PFLAG ally organizations in your area. They are also called Family Organizations. They use the same model of work and ethics as PFLAG. They might also use the organization’s name for activities in special instances.

Do Your Own Background Research

A lot of information, organizations, NGOs, and helplines are out there to get you in touch with the right therapists and health experts. It would be best if you did not completely rely on them. You should first rely on yourself and do background research for a thorough and complete understanding of your requirements and needs. This will make things easier for you as well as the counselor.

You must focus on your deal-breakers before engaging in any treatment or therapy. Once you create a detailed set of requirements for yourself, you can go ahead with your research accordingly. Here are a couple of steps you can take for going through a background check on therapists:

• Verification of their license
• Reviews of clients

The steps mentioned above do not necessarily guarantee a great experience but can help separate the wheat from the chaff.

Verification of license qualifies as an essential background check. Licensures protect consumers from unethical and incompetent counselors. As a consumer, you can complain to the licensing board if your experience with a healthcare professional is below satisfactory. You must file a complaint if you suspect your therapist of violating professional standards.

Reviews of former clients are critical in preparing a person for the sessions and meetings with a therapist. It is always a beneficial advantage to be aware of the behavior and conduct of a therapist beforehand. Any information regarding a prior case of behavioral misconduct can prove very helpful in saving an already troubled person from another unfortunate experience.

Apart from the steps mentioned above, a casual profile check can also help you find just the right healthcare professional for you. This includes factors such as:

• Level of educational qualifications
• Their degrees
• Years of experience and practice 
• The method of therapy

Thorough background research on therapists is very important for consumers. It is a responsibility that should be carefully performed.

Find a Trusted Counsellor With Docvita

Finding the right queer-affirming therapist who provides you with a sense of comfort and security may seem like a daunting task. There are a million directions to turn to, and it can feel like an overwhelming and almost impossible task. People want trustable counselors, for they are much like confidants. They should listen without displaying a hint of judgment and offer well-educated and professional advice to them.

The nonbinary youth today need acceptance and inclusive treatment. It is a staple need for their faction’s betterment and mental well-being. For any questions and inquiries, you can schedule an appointment with a trusted counselor with Docvita.

If you, a friend, or a family member need an LGBTQ+ affirming counselor, you can educate yourself and avail professional help through us. All you need to do is visit our page and schedule your first session today.