Mental health is also a matter of pride
Talking about mental health within the LGTBIQ+ community is not a luxury, it is a necessity. We know that living in a world that often does not understand us generates anxiety, stress, fear and trauma that is difficult to manage without professional help.
But what happens when we go to therapy and encounter more prejudices? How can we ensure that the person who assists us is really safe and without LGTBIphobia?
Today we want to give you practical tools so that you can find like-minded psychologists who will accompany you with respect and care.
Why is it important to be an LGTBIQ+ friendly psychologist?
Because, although it may seem obvious, not all professionals are trained to accompany our realities. Many queer people have experienced:
- Minimization of their discrimination (“it won’t be that big of a deal”)
- Therapies with a cisheteronormative approach
- Constant microaggressions about their gender or orientation
- Attempts at covert correction (especially towards trans people)
This is not only harmful, but it generates distrust towards therapy in general. And, honestly, we already have enough with the world without our safe space being a hostile place.
How to find similar and safe professionals
1. Consult specialized directories
There are platforms where you will find psychologists trained and aware of LGTBIQ+ diversity. Some options in Spain are:
- Official College of Psychology: some regional colleges have lists of LGTBIQ+ friendly professionals.
- Feminist Psychology Network: although it is not exclusively queer, it includes professionals with a gender and diversity perspective.
- Platforms such as TherapyChat or iFeel: allows you to filter by LGTBIQ+ friendly approach.
You can also ask local LGTBIQ+ associations, which usually have collaborating psychologists or reliable references.
2. Ask before you start
Don’t be afraid to ask in the first session or even before, by phone or email. Some useful questions:
- Do you have training in supporting LGTBIQ+ people?
- Have you worked with trans or non-binary people?
- What do you think about sexual and gender diversity?
- Do you use inclusive language in your sessions?
Their answers will give you clues to their real approach. Remember: you decide whether to continue or not. You don’t have to justify yourself.
3. Trust your intuition
If you feel discomfort, judgment or invisibility, it is valid to stop. Even if the professional has diversity training, they may not be the right person for you. Therapy is an intimate space and not everyone always fits in.
Public and private resources for LGTBIQ+ mental health
Public resources
🏥 National Health System: If your GP is open and understanding, they can refer you to a mental health professional. However, you will not always find psychologists with LGTBIQ+ training, and the waiting list can be long.
🌈 Gender Units: for trans people, there are units in public hospitals where there is psychological care, although their approach is still very medicalized.
🆘 LGTBIQ+ Associations:
- FELGTBI+ offers information about entities with psychological services.
- COGAM (Madrid) has psychological care for LGTBIQ+ people.
- Lambda (Valencia) and other regional associations as well.
- Eddy-G Foundation
- Triangle Foundation
- ARCÓPOLI
- ACATHI
- Lesbians and Gays of the Canary Islands (GAMÁ)
- Casal Lambda
- Naizen (Families of trans minors)
- Now Where – Le Refuge
Private resources
If you can afford private therapy, the range is wider. Always look for references or recommendations from queer people who have had good experiences. And, if price is a barrier, ask if they offer social rates or discount vouchers.
What if I can’t afford therapy now?
Therapy is not accessible to everyone, and that is also a structural problem. In the meantime, you can:
- Search for support groups in LGTBIQ+ associations.
- Participate in listening circles or queer reflection groups.
- Read bibliography or listen to podcasts about queer mental health to feel accompanied, although they do not replace individual therapy.
A small warning: queer mental health also needs self-criticism
Although finding LGTBIQ+ friendly psychologists is crucial, some critical voices within activism point out that individual therapy cannot be the only solution. Are we putting all the burden on the person to adapt to a hostile world, instead of transforming the structures that generate discomfort? Is it enough to “manage” pain without also fighting for its cause?
Perhaps the answer is not to choose between individual care and social change, but to combine them. But the question remains open for you to reflect on.
Taking care of your mental health does not make you weak. On the contrary, it is an act of rebellion and radical self-care. Finding a safe psychologist, who respects you and sees you, can be the difference between surviving and living with dignity.
And remember: you deserve a space where you don’t have to translate who you are to be heard.
