How To Find An LGBTQ Friendly Therapist in Philadelphia
Finding the right therapist can sometimes feel like a needle-in-a-haystack. One part of you needs a therapist that is experienced and effective, while another part of you just wants to find someone that gets you. Throw in the fact that you are searching for an queer therapist in Philadelphia and it nearly feels impossible.
When it comes to therapy, no therapist is one size fits all and this is especially true for individuals part of the LGBTQ community.
Finding an LGBTQ affirming-therapist in Philadelphia that not only accepts your gender identity or expression, but truly understands the unique set of struggles and challenges you face is hard. Which is why it is crucial for LGBTQ folks to find an LGBTQ mental health therapist because LGBTQ therapist can have a deeper understanding of discrimination you might have experienced, support you in your coming out story, walk with you through dysphoria, and so much more.
Working with an LGBTQ affirming therapist can really be a game-changer for someone in the LGBTQ community.
So, you might be wondering…
How do I find an LGBTQ friendly therapist?
Are there queer therapists in Philadelphia that I can trust?
What about transgender therapists in Philadelphia?
How can I really know that I found an LGBTQ therapist near me that is competent, affirming and validating?
How is a queer therapist in Philadelphia going to help me?
All of these are valid questions that are important to be curious around when searching for an LGBTQ therapist. Luckily, for you, we are going to talk about tips and tricks of what you should be looking for when searching for an LGBTQ therapist near you and how an LGBTQ friendly therapist can help you!
How To Find An LGBTQ Friendly Therapist
The process of finding an queer therapist can feel overwhelming at times. You aren’t sure where to start looking or what you should even be looking for. Well, let’s break down some options that you have!
The Internet: The first place to start is Google! The internet makes finding a therapist in Philadelphia a lot simpler. Plus, if you put in keywords like LGBTQ therapist near me, LGBTQ affirming therapist near me, queer therapists Philadelphia, and/or transgender therapist Philadelphia. By putting in keywords like these into your search engine, it will generate therapists or practices that might be a good fit for you.
Reaching Out to Your Local LGBTQ Center: Your local LGBTQIA+ center is a hub of helpful resources! They likely have some great recommendations for LGBTQ friendly therapists in the area. If you aren’t sure where your local LGBTQ center is, click here to find one nearest you!
Once you locate a therapist or practice, there are some specifics that you should be looking out for, such as
Licensure–what type of license does the clinician have?
Specialization–does the therapist mention specializing in LGBTQ therapy or LGBTQ affirming therapy? If a therapist or a therapy group is LGBTQ friendly, it is highly likely they will publicize this!
Are they a member of the LGBTQ community? While this isn’t necessary for an LGBTQ individual to have LGBTQ therapist, some do prefer to work with a therapist that is a part of the community.
If everything so far checks out, the next step is reaching out to talk with that therapist to see if it feels like a good fit. This is a great opportunity for you to get a better feel for the therapist's personality and understand their approach to therapy. If you're curious to learn more about questions that you could ask, take a peek at our blog here!
How Can an LGBTQ Therapist Help?
Having a LGBTQ friendly and affirming therapist can make a big difference in your life. Some qualities that be important for a queer therapist in Philadelphia to have would include:
Being understanding
Being empowering
Being knowledgeable about the LGBTQ community and issues individuals within the community have and do face
Being empathetic
Have experience with affirming therapy
Additionally, LGBTQ therapists can help you move and explore a variety of struggles, such as:
Embracing your sexual identity
Coming out to friends & family
Low self-esteem & self-worth
Thoughts of self-harm
It may take time to find a queer therapist in Philadelphia who best fits you and your goals of therapy, but a therapist is out there! Once you find your LGBTQ therapist match, it will be well worth it.
