Is Your Therapist LGBTQ+ Affirming? 10 Questions To Ask
When it comes to mental and medical health, finding the right provider can be a challenging experience. For members of the LGBTQ+ community, this search often bears an added layer of complexity. A compassionate, well-informed therapist or medical provider can make all the difference in a person's journey toward self-acceptance, healing, and well-being and many say they are - but how can you be so sure?
Why Assess Further
Many providers will simply check the box on Psychology Today or other directories but that doesn’t guarantee competency. The LGBTQ+ community faces unique barriers and experiences that not every therapist or medical provider is equipped to understand or address. Ensuring that a provider is not only supportive but also knowledgeable about these specific issues is paramount.
Having Choice and Agency
To LGBTQ+ individuals and parents of LGBTQ+ children: Remember, you have both the right and responsibility to choose a care team that genuinely respects, understands, and supports your or your child's identity. This isn't about merely finding someone who "tolerates" or "accepts" – it's about finding those who truly affirm and celebrate each individual's unique journey. Ideally, this isn’t their first rodeo and they can intuitively understand your needs, sparing you the task of educating them.
Questions to Consider
When seeking a therapist or medical provider, consider asking the following questions to ensure they're a good fit:
1. What is your experience working with clients who are [insert identity here]?
2. Can you tell me what ongoing learning and education you engage in to remain up to date on best practices and issues facing [insert identity here]?
3. What is your understanding of the issues [insert identity here] clients may face when navigating mental health care?
4. Why have you chosen to work with clients who are [insert identity here]?
5. Do you feel comfortable working with clients who have experienced rejection from family, discrimination, and trauma related to their [insert identity here] identity?
6. Are you receptive to client feedback around education around [insert identity here] issues? How do you ensure your clients don't bear the burden of educating you?
7. What is your involvement with the [insert identity here] community in this area?
8. What does providing [insert identity here] affirming therapy look like to you?
9. Have you ever had any clients who felt the need to constantly educate their therapist on [insert identity here] issues?
10. How do you ensure your therapy space is safe, inclusive, and respectful for individuals identifying as [insert identity here]?
Your desire to seek care should be met with unwavering support, understanding, and expert guidance. Don't settle for anything less than what you or your child deserves. Remember, you get to determine if a provider is a good fit, and the right care team can make all the difference.
Take Action Today!
Go to the Protect Trans Youth page for ways to take action, resources, and suggestions for where to donate your time and money. Sign the ACLU petition to Protect Trans Care Now.
Has a kid in your life recently come out to you? Check out my free guide!
Sign up for How To Talk To Kids About Gender, the course that helps parents and caregivers have the not-so-difficult conversations that matter about gender.
