Should I Choose An LGBT Therapist If I'm Not LGBT?
Are you a non-LGBTQ+ person who's wondering whether seeing an LGBTQ+ therapist is appropriate for you? Therapy is a valuable tool for people of all different backgrounds and identities, regardless of whether you identify as LGBTQ+ or not. Sometimes, for LGBTQ+ people, finding the right therapist can be particularly challenging. And it is true that many people from the LGBTQ+ community seek out therapists who can understand their unique challenges and experiences. Still, this doesn't mean that non-LGBTQ+ people should limit themselves to only straight and cisgender therapists
So, the short answer is yes, non-LGBT people can benefit from seeing an LGBTQ+ therapist. Therapists who specialize in LGBTQ+ issues are trained to provide quality care regardless of their client's sexual orientation or gender identity. Their expertise extends beyond helping individuals navigate their LGBTQ+ identities and includes treating a wide range of mental health concerns.
Consider Personal Connections
Personal connection with your therapist matters a lot. If someone feels uncomfortable or unsure about their therapist's ability to understand certain aspects of their life, they may need to find a different therapist. For instance, if a cisgender heterosexual person is constantly worried that their gay therapist may not understand the nuances of their heterosexual relationship, they may benefit from finding a straight therapist. Ultimately, an LGBTQ+ client with panic, depression, or other mental health concerns still needs a good therapist who has the skills and experience to help them.
Similarly, an LGBTQ+ person doesn't necessarily need an LGBTQ+ therapist to address common mental health concerns. It is also okay to have preferences for your therapist in terms of gender, age, faith, race, etc., and that is one of the benefits of finding a therapist in the community or private practice (vs. going to a college counseling center or community agency where you may just be assigned a therapist). It all depends on your individual preferences and needs.
Look for Specialized Expertise
Treatments that are effective for depression, everyday anxiety, navigating life stressors, etc., are likely to benefit anyone with those presenting concerns, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Most therapists should also be able to help you navigate relationship concerns or work on general communication skills.
However, some problems may require a specific area of expertise or a specific type of treatment. For example, if someone is dealing with sexual intimacy issues (e.g., painful intercourse, orgasm difficulty), they may benefit from seeking a therapist who is certified by the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT). If someone is struggling with hair-pulling (trichotillomania) or skin-picking (dermatillomania/excoriation), then they should find a therapist who can provide habit reversal training. If you're experiencing obsessive and intrusive thoughts, panic attacks, or phobias, then you need a therapist who can provide exposure-based therapy.
Finding & Choosing a Therapist
Thinking you shouldn’t see an LGBT+ therapist if you're not LGBT may pigeonhole those therapists as being only capable of treating LGBTQ+ individuals, which can be limiting and lead to missed opportunities for you to find the right therapist. Ultimately, what's most important is finding a therapist who is competent, compassionate, and can create a safe and supportive space for their clients to explore their mental health concerns. Seeking therapy from a therapist who doesn't share all your own salient identities doesn't mean that the therapist cannot provide quality care.
Keep an open mind and instead focus on finding a therapist who can create a supportive and non-judgmental space for you and if you have a well-defined and specific concern (e.g., OCD, Trich, etc)., find a therapist with specific training and expertise in that area.
Therapists often offer free initial consultations, which can help get a sense of whether a particular therapist is a right fit for them. Use the consultations to ask questions and express any concerns one may have. It's also worth noting that while some people may feel more comfortable seeking therapy from a therapist who shares their identities, finding such a therapist can be challenging, especially for individuals from multiple marginalized communities.
Contact Me
Looking for a Las Vegas psychologist or an online therapist? I serve Las Vegas, NV, and Nevada statewide as well as Portland, OR, and all of Oregon statewide (in addition to 33+ PsyPACT states) via teletherapy. You may call me at (702) 530-6134, schedule an initial consultation, or use the contact form to take the first step.
You can learn more about my background and credentials on my About Me page.
