Do you ever feel unheard or misunderstood when talking about your sexual orientation or gender identity?
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. For many LGBT individuals, the discrimination and stigma you face can lead to stress, sadness, anxiety, or relationship challenges.
In this guide, you’ll learn how and where to find an LGBT-affirming therapist who can help you feel supported and validated.
Best platforms to find an LGBT-affirming therapist
Below, we’ve looked at some platforms that can help you connect with therapists experienced in supporting LGBT clients.
1. BetterHelp
BetterHelp is an online platform that connects you with licensed therapists experienced in helping members of the LGBT community—professionals who can provide affirming, competent care.
Each therapist has at least three years of experience, and the platform’s matching process helps you pair with someone who respects and understands your identity.
During sign-up, you’ll complete a short intake questionnaire where you can select the issues you want to work on—such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and relationship challenges.
You can also specify your preferences in a therapist, such as whether they are LGBT themselves, or their gender.
Once you subscribe, BetterHelp includes one live therapy session per week, most often held over video call, or you can use texting if you’d prefer. In addition, you can send unlimited text messages to your therapist between sessions to express any concerns that arise in the interim.
This flexibility means you can combine scheduled live conversations with more casual check-ins whenever you need support.
For example, on a busy day, you can send a quick message noting moments of self-doubt or negative thoughts about your gender identity, so you can explore them with your therapist later.
If you feel the counselor you’ve initially been matched with isn’t the right fit, it’s easy to switch to a different professional at any point in the future.
The cost of BetterHelp varies, but for many people, it can be a more affordable alternative to traditional in-person therapy. Exact pricing depends on factors such as your location, therapist availability, and communication preferences.
Ultimately, if you’re LGBT and dealing with concerns such as anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, or identity-related struggles, BetterHelp can be a supportive and accessible option to improve your wellbeing from wherever you are.
2. Mental Health Today Therapist Directory
Our Mental Health Today Therapist Directory makes it simple to find a licensed, experienced LGBT-affirming therapist.
You can filter by qualifications, therapy type, and specializations—for example, LGBT issues, gender identity, or relationship challenges.
The therapists on our directory can help you address a wide range of concerns—such as stress, anxiety, depression, discrimination, or difficulties around coming out—by connecting you with someone who understands what you’re going through and can support you throughout your therapy journey.
You can also search for therapists who combine LGBT expertise with other specialties, such as couples counseling, trauma recovery, or depression.
Whether you prefer to meet in person, or need the flexibility of online sessions—such as video or phone calls—the directory gives you multiple ways to access care.
Each therapist sets their own rates, so you can reach out directly to discuss fees, insurance, and availability (for more details on typical costs and financial aid, see the last section of this article on the cost of LGBT-affirming therapy).
Our platform is a strong choice if you want to find a qualified LGBT-affirming therapist who respects your identity and can help you work toward your personal and emotional goals.
3. Online-Therapy.com
Online-Therapy.com is an online platform that provides Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT).
CBT is a structured, research-backed therapy approach, which can be especially useful for addressing challenges often faced by LGBT individuals, such as anxiety, social isolation, minority stress, internalized stigma, and trauma.
During sign-up, you can share your sexuality or gender identity, preferences in a counselor, and specific concerns (e.g., low self-esteem), making it easy to connect with an affirming professional who understands what you’re going through.
The program is divided into eight interactive sections delivered through video, voice (e.g., audio support from your therapist), or text, guiding you step by step in working on your negative thoughts and emotions.
Plus, there are worksheets, a daily journal, and an activity plan to help you apply CBT methods in your daily life—for example, coping with discrimination, navigating relationship stress, or building self-acceptance.
Depending on your subscription level, you can book live weekly therapy sessions via video, voice, or text, or work through the program on your own, while still receiving therapist support through text messaging.
Additional wellness resources, including yoga and meditation videos, can further support your mental health and resilience.
Online-Therapy.com doesn’t bill insurance directly, but you can request detailed receipts to submit for reimbursement, depending on your insurance plan.
If you prefer a structured approach to therapy and want the option to work with an LGBT-affirming therapist, Online-Therapy.com can provide practical tools and professional support to help you improve your mental health.
How LGBT-affirming therapy differs from regular therapy
William recently came out as gay to his family, who reacted with anger and rejection, calling it a “phase.” This left him fearful of sharing his sexuality and feeling distressed.
In therapy with George, a therapist whose stance on LGBT issues was unclear, William felt anxious about discussing his identity, worried he might face judgment or rejection.
This type of situation highlights why LGBT-affirming therapy can feel very different from traditional therapy.
Gay-affirmative psychotherapy isn’t a separate type of therapy technique or approach—it still uses established approaches like CBT or psychodynamic therapy.
The difference is that these methods are applied through an affirming lens, one that challenges outdated views and recognizes diverse sexual orientations and gender identities as completely normal.
While a non-affirming therapist may still be respectful, they may lack the knowledge, training, or confidence to fully address issues connected to sexuality and gender identity.
In LGBT-affirming therapy, your counselor actively understands that diverse sexual orientations and gender identities are normal—not something to ‘fix’ or minimize.
They create a space where you can talk about your identity without fear of judgment or dismissal.
An affirming therapist is also more likely to understand the emotional toll of prejudice, societal judgment, or being in environments where your gender identity isn’t accepted.
Ultimately, LGBT-affirming therapy allows you to explore your experiences openly, knowing your therapist both accepts you for who you are, and has the skills and perspective to help you thrive.
What if I can’t find an LGBT-affirming therapist in my city?
Therapy can be life-changing—especially when you’re working through challenges connected to your sexual orientation or gender identity.
But not everyone has access to local LGBT therapists, and this can feel discouraging—particularly when you’re already part of a minority group.
If you live in an area where affirming therapists are hard to come by, you still have options. Online platforms make it much easier to connect with qualified professionals who understand LGBT concerns, no matter where you’re located.
One trusted option is BetterHelp, which has a large network of licensed therapists, including many who are LGBT-affirming.
During the intake process, you can specify your preferences and be matched with someone who aligns with your needs (for example, a therapist experienced with coming-out challenges or relationship concerns).
The Mental Health Today Therapist Directory is another helpful tool, allowing you to filter by therapist qualifications and areas of expertise. This makes it easier to find professionals with direct LGBT experience.
You may also consider Online-Therapy.com, which offers a structured CBT-based program. During sign-up, you can outline your main concerns, and therapist bios highlight their specialties, helping you connect with someone knowledgeable about the LGBT experience.
Don’t overlook more traditional routes either. Your primary care physician, psychiatrist, or a trusted friend may be able to recommend a suitable therapist as well. Local LGBT centers, support groups, and university counseling clinics can also be valuable resources.
What to expect when beginning therapy
Starting therapy can feel stressful, especially if it’s your first time. It can feel even more daunting when you’re unsure whether your therapist will understand and accept your LGBT experiences.
These worries are common in the beginning, but knowing what to expect during your first sessions can make the process feel less overwhelming.
The first step is usually an evaluation or assessment session (sometimes two if your history is long or complex). During this time, your therapist will ask about your personal history, relationships, current concerns, and mental health background.
This often includes experiences connected to your LGBT identity, such as coming out, family reactions, discrimination, or past trauma.
Learning about your past helps your therapist understand not only the challenges you face but also the strengths and resilience you bring with you.
Equally important, this first stage is the start of building a trusting relationship—creating a safe and comfortable space where you can speak openly and feel heard.
After gathering this information, your therapist will develop a case formulation. This is their way of understanding how your difficulties developed and what keeps them going.
For example, you may explore how minority stress, internalized stigma, or earlier rejection from family has shaped your current thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
From there, you and your therapist will work together to create a treatment plan. This plan outlines your goals for therapy and steps you’ll take to reach them.
Goals might include reducing anxiety, improving self-esteem, strengthening relationships, or processing past trauma in a safe and supportive way.
Beginning therapy can feel daunting, but with an affirming therapist by your side, you’ll have the chance to understand yourself and take meaningful steps toward healing and growth.
Online vs. in-person LGBT-affirming therapy
One of the most common questions today is whether online therapy can be as effective as traditional, in-person sessions.
Research suggests that for many concerns—including anxiety, depression, and identity-related challenges—online therapy can work just as well as face-to-face care. Still, the format that works best for you depends on your preferences, needs, and personal circumstances.
In-person LGBT-affirming therapy offers the benefit of allowing you to meet face-to-face with your therapist. This allows them to pick up on body language, tone, and subtle emotional cues.
Being in a dedicated space outside of your home can sometimes provide a stronger sense of safety and structure, making it easier to open up.
Plus, some therapeutic techniques—such as exposure exercises or role play—may be more effective in person.
However, in many areas, especially rural or underserved ones, it can be difficult to find an affirming therapist nearby. Barriers such as travel times, childcare/work responsibilities, and long waitlists can also make in-person therapy harder to access.
Online LGBT-affirming therapy, by contrast, gives you the flexibility to connect with a qualified therapist wherever you are. This can be particularly valuable if local options are limited or if you feel anxious about traveling to a therapist in person.
Meeting from home may feel more convenient and private, and online platforms often allow you to choose between video, phone, or messaging formats, depending on which you prefer.
Many also provide financial aid or sliding scale pricing (whereby the cost varies based on your financial status), making therapy more affordable—an option not always available with in-person therapy.
That said, online therapy does have limitations: technical issues can disrupt sessions, and in urgent or crisis situations, in-person support is often a better choice.
Cost of LGBT-affirming therapy
The cost of LGBT-affirming therapy varies depending on the provider or platform you choose, as well as your location and personal circumstances (e.g., the frequency of sessions you want).
In the U.S., private therapy sessions often cost well over $150 each, and rates have been steadily rising in recent years.
LGBT-affirming therapy itself isn’t necessarily more expensive, but it can sometimes be harder to access through insurance networks or local providers.
The lack of coverage may lead you toward online platforms, which tend to offer more flexible pricing options.
BetterHelp operates on a subscription basis, billed every four weeks. Your fee depends on factors such as the state you live in, and therapist availability.
While insurance isn’t accepted, BetterHelp provides financial assistance for those who qualify, potentially allowing you to access a discounted rate, and you can switch plans or cancel at any time.
With the Mental Health Today Therapist Directory, costs are set directly by each individual therapist. You’ll need to contact providers to confirm their fees, insurance coverage, and availability. Some may also offer sliding-scale pricing options.
Online-Therapy.com uses a tiered subscription model. Depending on the plan you choose, you can get help through daily therapist messaging, weekly live sessions, or more frequent support.
Insurance isn’t accepted, but discounts are often available for the first month, and your plan can be upgraded, downgraded or canceled as needed.
Ultimately, the best option is the one that balances your budget with the level of support you need—ensuring you have consistent, affirming care that fits your life.
Conclusion
If you feel trapped, silenced, or weighed down by stigma, prejudice, homophobia, or social judgment, it’s time to take action. LGBT-affirming therapy can empower you to identify, understand, and work through your most difficult feelings and experiences.
You’re not limited by geography—affirming support is now more accessible than ever, giving you the chance to embrace your identity, build resilience, and find strength in who you are.
If you’re still not sure how best to find an LGBT therapist for you, leave us a comment below, and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.
