Being LGBTQ+ doesn't cause mental health problems. However, some mental health challenges can be more common. This could be because of experiences with discrimination, homophobia, transphobia, and bullying.
If you're struggling, questioning who you are, or simply looking for someone who understands, support is available. Here, we'll explore how LGBTQ+ counselling can help and how to find support.
Sex and relationship therapist Beck Harrison explains how an LGBTQ+ therapist can help with a range of issues, and what to look for when searching for an LGBTQ+ therapist.
What is LGBTQ+ counselling?
LGBTQ+ counselling is a type of talking therapy. Working with an LGBTQ+ counsellor offers a safe space to explore your thoughts, feelings and experiences. Some people work with a counsellor to explore their sexuality or gender identity. Others want help with issues that are not directly related to being LGBTQ+.
A therapist doesn't need to be LGBTQ+ to provide effective support. What's most important is that they work in an affirming, inclusive way and make you feel understood.
Many counsellors work in an LGBTQ+ affirming way. This means they recognise and respect different sexual orientations and gender identities. It also means they create an inclusive environment where you can open up and feel accepted.
How can LGBTQ+ counselling help?
LGBTQ+ counselling can help different people in different ways. It may help you to better understand your thoughts and feelings, develop coping strategies, and build confidence in who you are.
People may seek LGBTQ+ counselling for many reasons, including:
- exploring their sexuality or gender identity;
- coming out to family, friends or colleagues;
- coping with discrimination, bullying or stigma;
- relationship and family difficulties;
- low self-esteem or confidence;
- anxiety, depression or other mental health concerns;
- gender dysphoria or transitioning;
- loneliness or feeling isolated;
- family rejection or lack of support at home.
LGBTQ+ mental health and wellbeing
Everyone's experience of being LGBTQ+ is different. While some people feel accepted and supported, others may face challenges. These can include discrimination, bullying, rejection, or a lack of understanding. Experiences like these can affect mental health and wellbeing.
For some people, these experiences can lead to feelings of anxiety, low mood, loneliness, or low self-esteem. Some people may also feel pressure to hide parts of who they are, worry about being accepted, or fear discrimination in everyday life. Over time, this can affect how you feel about yourself and your relationships with others.
Research suggests that LGBTQ+ people are more likely to experience mental health difficulties than the wider population. For example, 51% of LGBTQ+ people reported experiencing or being diagnosed with a mental health condition in the last 12 months, compared with 32% of the general population. Reports have also found that young LGBTQ+ people are more likely to experience suicidal thoughts, bullying and homelessness.
While many people have positive experiences, others may face additional challenges linked to their sexuality, gender identity, ethnicity, faith, disability, neurodivergence, or where they live. These factors can overlap and shape how someone experiences the world around them.
If any of this feels familiar, know that you're not alone. Talking to a counsellor can help you explore your feelings. It lets you make sense of your experiences and find ways to improve your mental wellbeing. Plus, you’ll do this in a supportive, judgement-free space.
Coming out and seeking support
Sharing who you are with others can be both a wonderful and difficult experience. For some, it can also be unsafe. For many LGBTQ+ people, 'coming out' (choosing to tell others that you are LGBTQ+) can happen many times and in different situations. This might include coming out to friends and family, at school or university, or in the workplace.
Talking to a counsellor or therapist who supports LGBTQ+ people can help. They can guide you through your thoughts and feelings about coming out. They can offer a place to discuss any worries or concerns, as well as past experiences and what coming out might mean for you. Counselling can also help you process other people's reactions and build confidence as you move forward.
Exploring your identity and coming out to yourself or others can be a lonely and frightening time.
- Integrative Psychotherapist Sonal Thakrar, MSc, BSc (Hons), Clin.Dip. UKCP (Reg). MBACP, Coming in before coming out.
Finding the right LGBTQ+ therapist
Finding the right therapist is a personal choice. Some people prefer to work with an LGBTQ+ therapist. Others feel comfortable with a therapist who has experience supporting LGBTQ+ clients. What's most important is finding someone you feel safe with and able to trust.
There are different things you may want to consider when looking for a therapist. You may want to consider their training and experience, as well as whether they describe themselves as LGBTQ+ affirming. An LGBTQ+ affirming therapist understands the unique experiences and challenges LGBTQ+ people may face. They will respect your identity and create an environment where you feel accepted and supported.
It's also important to remember that you don't have to continue working with a therapist if they don't feel like the right fit. A good therapist should make you feel heard, respected, and able to talk openly about your experiences without fear of judgement.
Reading therapist profiles can help you learn more about their approach, experience, and areas of support. If you're ready, our directory can help you find an LGBTQ+affirming counsellor or therapist online or near you, depending on your preference.
People come to me either because they want to discuss their sexuality or gender identity, or because they want that to be understood as something that is a part of them, but it’s not what they’re seeking therapy for. A cisgender, heterosexual therapist will often be able to offer that, but not always.
- Jennifer Tomkinson, MBACP (Accred), PGDip, shares tips for finding a therapist if you identify as LGBTQ+
When to seek professional support
There’s no right or wrong time to seek support. You don’t need to be in crisis to speak to an LGBTQ+ therapist or counsellor.
If you're struggling with your mental health, it might help to talk to a professional. Discrimination can be hard to handle. Relationships, work, and family can feel overwhelming, too. Don't hesitate to reach out for support. Support can be useful if you're exploring your sexuality or gender identity. It can also help when you’re considering coming out or are dealing with a gender transition.
Counselling can offer a space to talk openly, explore your feelings, and make sense of your experiences. Whatever you're facing, support is available, and you don't have to go through it alone.
Further help and resources
- Stonewall
- Switchboard - national LGBTQIA+ support line
- LGBT Foundation
