How can I find an LGBTQI-affirming mental health provider?

Many people find it easier to open up with people who can relate to their background and experiences. While all mental health providers are trained in empathy, having a provider who is part of your community, or who has experience working with people from your community, can make a difference.  

Here are a few resources for your consideration:   

• Psychology Today offers a “Find a LGBTQ+ Therapist” directory. Use the search function to search by location, and narrow the search by mental health issues treated, type of therapy offered, type of insurance accepted, languages spoken and more.  
• The Association of Gay and Lesbian Psychiatrists offers an “AGLP Referral” page to search for LGBTQI-affirming care. Use the search function to search by city, state, zip code or key word.  
• National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network offers a “QTPOC Mental Health Practitioner Directory”. Use the search function to search by city or zip code, and narrow the search by distance, whether the provider offers telehealth appointments, and more.  
• The LGBTQ+ Healthcare Directory is a free, searchable database of healthcare providers, including therapists, who are knowledgeable and sensitive to the unique health needs of those in the LGBTQ+ community. 
• Inclusive Therapists provides a directory or directly matches people with therapists or coaches who will offer care specifically for your unique identity. The goal is to ensure people with marginalized identities get equitable access to radically affirming, culturally responsive mental health care. Inclusive Therapists centers the needs of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and 2SLGBTQIA+ intersections (QTBIPOC) including people who identify as Arab American.     
• Mental Health America and the Human Rights Campaign partnered to develop a screening tool, “Questions to Help QTBOPIC Find Affirming Mental Health Providers”, to help determine whether a therapist will be responsive to your LGBTQ+ identity, especially if you are also a person of color. Access the tool here.  
• The Healthcare Equality Index evaluates healthcare facilities’ policies and practices related to the equity and inclusion of their LGBTQI patients, visitors, and employees.  

Please note that NAMI does not endorse any particular resource provided here. You are encouraged to thoroughly research a provider’s licensure, training, and experience, and  verify that a particular provider participates in your health plan, before engaging in treatment. 

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