Finding a therapist who fits your lifestyle and needs should not feel like a challenge. Yet for many LGBTQ+ individuals, it may quickly become evident that options are not as available as they might have expected. Maybe your options are limited within your local area, or a therapist you have visited did not provide a supportive experience. Perhaps dedicating the time to attend regular therapy simply is not feasible. That is why more people than ever are turning to LGBTQ+ therapy online.
Studies indicate that telehealth appointments are as effective as in-person therapy when conducted with trusted providers. For those who are seeking gender-affirming mental health care, online therapy appointments can offer support where in-person options are limited. Here are the basics to keep in mind.
Essential Takeaways
- Gender-affirming mental health care can come with roadblocks for some, but telehealth appointments succeed in overcoming these obstacles in many cases.
- Online therapy can remove stigma, improve safety, and offer quick assistance when patients need it.
- Those who may not otherwise have access to LGBTQ+ friendly therapy can use telehealth for accessible options that fit into their schedules.
- Telehealth appointments also allow participants to find therapists that suit them, rather than being stuck with the only option in town.
How Telehealth Appointments Can Remove Gender-Affirming Roadblocks
Everyone deserves to enjoy mental wellness and be secure in their own identity. For those within the LGBTQ+ community, challenges such as access to care and the stigma associated with seeking it may stand in the way of seeking the support you need. Online mental health care is a powerful way to receive gender-affirming support by:
Removing Stigma and Improving Safety
Depending on where you live (both geographically and in a familial sense), seeking mental health care that supports your gender and sexual identities may come with stigma or even danger. Rest assured that therapists are not here to judge; we always welcome our LGBTQ+ patients!
That being said, it is entirely normal to be cognizant of how the rest of your community will respond. Not everyone feels comfortable walking into a physical office and risking being seen. For some, this may even pose the risk of retaliation from family members or acquaintances. Telehealth therapy services allow you to access care in a place and at a time of your choosing, removing this burden.
Providing Quick Assistance
Whether you are in the middle of a transition (physical or otherwise) or simply need someone to talk to now, telehealth appointments are often more readily available than in-person sessions. Online mental health care can give you access to therapy when you need it.
Making Therapy Available
In some locations, a therapist’s office is not readily available for logistical reasons, e.g., it is too far away or not easily accessible by public transit. For those who want to seek LGBTQ+ friendly therapy but have limited options in their area, telehealth appointments can bring the therapy opportunities to you and meet you where you are.
Offering LGBTQ+ Allyship
You may be able to find a therapist in your area, but unless they explicitly say so, they may not be an ally. Whether the therapist simply does not have expertise in LGBTQ+ situations or does not feel safe or supportive, you may need to consider other options. Online mental health care opens up your range of possibilities so that you can find a therapist who understands your specific situation, whether that is questioning your identity, maneuvering trans challenges, developing your non-binary personhood, or something else.
Providing Flexibility
One of the leading reasons why people do not attend therapy (or stop attending after the first appointment) is that they cannot fit the regular visits into their schedules. Consistency in care makes a difference, and patients should strive to stay on track with the therapist’s recommended schedule. To facilitate this, telehealth appointments keep things flexible; you can choose the date and time, shifting it around other commitments without the time sink of traveling to the office.
Maintaining Continuity
Sometimes, life can make it hard to attend your appointments. If you are traveling, taking a temporary job elsewhere in your state, or otherwise experiencing a temporary disruption to your routine, telehealth appointments help maintain continuity of care. You will not lose access to the therapist you trust simply because you are further away from their office.
Embrace the Power of Your Gender-Affirming Choices With Village Counseling
Whether your gender or sexual identity is a new and exciting experience or you have been a part of the LGBTQ+ community for a long time, gender-affirming mental health care is essential for supporting your wellness. Contact Village Counseling today to meet with one of our ally therapists and invest in your own mental well-being. Our telehealth appointments can bring quality care that meets you where you are.