Table of Contents

• Why Is Finding an LGBTQ+-Affirming Therapist Important?

• Where to Start Your Search in San Diego

  • The San Diego LGBT Community Center

  • San Diego Youth Services - Our Safe Place

  • Psychology Today and Inclusive Directories

  • Community Health Clinics

  • Online Support and National Hotlines

• Begin Your Journey with Expansive Therapy

Why Is Finding an LGBTQ+-Affirming Therapist Important?

While any therapist can be a helpful guide, a therapist who specializes in LGBTQ+ issues offers a deeper level of understanding and has the ability to open up a truly affirming space for LGBTQ community members.

An LGBTQ+-affirming therapist can provide a safe space to discuss topics such as:

• Coming Out: Navigating the process of coming out to family, friends, and colleagues.

• Gender Identity and Transition: Support for transgender and gender non-conforming individuals, including assistance with social, legal, and medical transition.

• Relationship Challenges: Addressing relationship dynamics unique to the LGBTQ+ community.

• Internalized Homophobia or Transphobia: Working through feelings of shame or self-stigma.

• Minority Stress: Addressing the chronic stress experienced by marginalized groups, including the constant vigilance against discrimination and prejudice.

• Working Through Shame: Processing feelings of shame related to identity, past experiences, or societal judgment.

• Navigating Discrimination: Developing coping strategies for prejudice, harassment, or other forms of discrimination.

• Family Acceptance: Helping individuals and families build bridges of communication and understanding, as well as helping LGBTQ folks to build chosen family bonds.

Where to Start Your Search in San Diego

When searching for a therapist, it's helpful to use both general and LGBTQ+-specific resources. Here are some of the top places to begin your search:

1. The San Diego LGBT Community Center Located in Hillcrest, this is a cornerstone for the local LGBTQ+ community. The Center provides a wide array of behavioral health services, including individual, couples, family, and group counseling. They offer programs focused on specific needs, such as gender-affirming care, relationship violence intervention, and services for victims of hate incidents.

2. San Diego Youth Services - Our Safe Place Our Safe Place is a program for LGBTQ+ youth and their families up to age 21. They provide individual and family therapy, as well as psychiatric services and 24-hour support. They have multiple drop-in centers and a welcoming, trauma-informed approach to care.

3. Psychology Today and Inclusive Directories Many therapists list their services on directories like Psychology Today. You can filter your search by "LGBTQ" or "Transgender" to find providers who have specified expertise. Other inclusive online directories may also be a great resource for finding a therapist.

4. Community Health Clinics Organizations like Family Health Centers of San Diego and San Ysidro Health offer LGBTQ-focused services, including mental health care, in a supportive environment. These clinics often provide services on a sliding scale, making them a more affordable option.

5. Online Support and National Hotlines For immediate support or additional resources, national organizations like The Trevor Project and Trans Lifeline offer free, confidential crisis services for LGBTQ+ individuals. While not a substitute for ongoing therapy, they are vital for crisis intervention and a great place to start.

Begin Your Journey with Expansive Therapy

If you are looking for a trusted option in California, consider Expansive Therapy. As a 100% LGBTQ-owned therapy practice, they are uniquely positioned to understand the needs of the community from the inside out.

Expansive Therapy has immediate openings for online therapy in San Diego, providing a flexible and accessible way to receive care from the comfort of your own home. Whether you are seeking support for anxiety, depression, relationship issues, shame, isolation, or a safe space to explore your identity, their team is ready to help you on your path to mental wellness and LGBTQ empowerment.

Contact Expansive Therapy today to schedule a free consultation and start your journey toward a more expansive life.