If you're part of the LGBTQ community, finding mental health providers who understand your lived experiences may be critical to your long-term success in therapy. (Getty Images)
Behind Pride celebrations and increasing visibility lies a sobering reality: LGBTQ individuals face significantly elevated mental health challenges compared to their straight, cisgender peers. "Research highlights a heightened need for therapy among LGBTQ individuals due to increased rates of depression, self-harm and suicidal ideation, exacerbated by discrimination, inadequate health care practitioner knowledge and harmful practices like conversion therapy," says Malasri Chaudhery-Malgeri, the chief clinical officer at Recovery.com.
Content concerning mental health is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical or health advice. Consult a medical professional for questions about your health. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, call 911, local emergency services or 988 (the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline).
However, finding therapists who truly understand queer experiences remains frustratingly difficult. The path to healing shouldn't include educating your therapist about fundamental aspects of your identity. Yet, as Rachel Harlich, licensed clinical social worker and nonbinary psychotherapist, explains, "There is an undue burden faced by many LGBTQ+ individuals who seek therapy: having to endure bigotry and ignorance from incompetent providers, or being asked — implicitly or explicitly — to educate one's therapist about one's identities or experiences, or that of our partners."
This knowledge gap isn't coincidental but reflects psychology's historical treatment of queer and diverse identities. For decades, the mental health field actively pathologized queer and trans experiences, treating natural human variations as disorders requiring correction. As Harlich poignantly notes, "We are still dealing with the ramifications of this oppressive stance."
Despite this troubling legacy, there's reason for hope as digital platforms rapidly expand access to providers trained in truly affirming care. After consulting with a panel of mental health professionals and researching popular options, we've identified eight exceptional online therapy platforms that prioritize LGBTQ+ competency and create genuinely safe spaces for healing. Because, as Harlich reminds us, "Every queer and trans person has a right to competent, safe and affirming care."
Update, May 12, 2025: We checked the prices and details of all platforms. We researched and added three additional platforms worth considering, and our top pick of the best online LGBTQ therapy providers has been updated.
Cost: $185-$250 per session | Insurance accepted: No | Time until first appointment: Varies by provider | States available: 42 states | Types of therapy offered: Sex therapy, talk therapy for infidelity, kinks, gender, polyamory, anxiety and depression and couples therapy
The Gay Therapy Center earns our top recommendation as one of the best online LGBTQ therapy providers by delivering what so many gay, queer and trans individuals desperately seek: genuine understanding and empathy.
What distinguishes the platform is its unparalleled specialization. Founded by psychotherapist Adam Blum in 2010, this practice focuses exclusively on LGBTQ mental health, with every therapist identifying as part of the community themselves. This lived experience creates an immediate foundation of understanding that can feel transformative, with testimonials expressing how working with these therapists allows people to drop their defenses and focus on healing rather than explaining their identity.
You'll find personalized therapy across the full spectrum of experiences — from relationship dynamics, including polyamory and kink, to common challenges like anxiety, depression, self-esteem struggles and infidelity recovery. Their thoughtful matching process includes a complimentary 15-minute consultation to ensure you connect with the right therapist for your specific needs.
With licensed providers practicing in 42 states through secure video sessions, you can access affirming therapy regardless of location. Should you prefer in-person connections, the center has offices in New York, Los Angeles, Seattle, San Francisco and Washington, D.C.
Standard 50-minute sessions range from $185-$250, with California residents having access to $125 sessions through associate therapists completing their licensure hours under supervision. While they don't accept insurance directly, they provide superbills that you can submit for partial reimbursement.
Cost: $69-$109 per week | Insurance accepted: Yes | Time until first appointment: Matched with a therapist within 48 hours | States available: All 50 states and Canada | Types of therapy offered: Teen, couples, individual adult and medication management
Talkspace may be one of the better-known online therapy services, but you may not know that it offers specialty services for LGBTQ folks and veterans, two demographics at a higher risk of experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than the general population.
Jordan Gruenhage, a registered clinical counselor with a master’s degree in counseling psychology, explains the minority stress theory — that systemic discrimination, microaggressions and internalized queerphobia combine to increase stress, which contributes to a wide variety of health conditions for LGBTQ people, including PTSD.
Talkspace is equipped to handle the challenges that LGBTQ people face, including the traumas that affect them. The site has a page dedicated to potential queer clients that lays out how many Talkspace providers identify as queer.
To that end, the platform also specializes in treating veterans, and it's impossible to ignore the reality that the intersection of the veteran and queer communities is particularly susceptible to experiencing PTSD. In fact, a 2022 study found that transgender veterans are up to 1.8 times more likely to have PTSD than their cisgender counterparts.
Talkspace helps make quality LGBTQ therapy financially accessible through multiple pathways. Unlike many specialized providers, they accept numerous insurance plans, potentially reducing out-of-pocket costs significantly. Their tiered pricing structure accommodates diverse needs and budgets, with options ranging from basic messaging-only plans to comprehensive packages including video sessions, medication management, couples therapy and access to weekly therapeutic workshops.
This customizable approach allows you to select exactly the level of support you need without paying for services you won't use. Talkspace's transparent pricing page breaks down all options clearly, making it easier to find sustainable mental health support that respects both your financial boundaries and therapeutic needs.
Cost: $247-$390 per month | Insurance accepted: No | Time until first appointment: Within one business day | States available: All 50 states | Types of therapy offered: Individual text and video therapy for adults
Calmerry earns our top recommendation for LGBTQ anxiety treatment by combining evidence-based approaches with comprehensive digital tools specifically designed for anxiety management. Research consistently shows queer individuals experience anxiety at significantly higher rates due to minority stress, microaggressions and societal discrimination — making specialized treatment particularly crucial for community members.
What sets Calmerry apart is its strategic focus on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), widely recognized as the most effective approach for anxiety disorders. "In research, CBT is considered the gold standard [for treating anxiety]. CBT has the most research-based support that shows its effectiveness on anxiety and depression," says Tyler Nicodem, a therapist specializing in the intersections of LGBTQ and religious identity.
Not only do Calmerry's providers use CBT, but the service also provides you with worksheets and digital tools, such as journaling and mood tracking, to guide you through a CBT plan. And if CBT doesn't work for you, Calmerry has providers who specialize in a full range of therapeutic techniques, including Humanistic Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT).
Calmerry's main drawback is its lack of insurance coverage, making sessions entirely out-of-pocket expenses. Monthly plans range from $247 for messaging-only therapy to $390 for comprehensive packages including multiple video sessions and digital resources. Single session options are available for $150 or $120 if it's your first time for those wanting to test the service before committing to a monthly subscription.
Cost: $95-349 per session, varies by plan | Insurance accepted: Yes | Time until first appointment: 24 hours or more | States available: All 50 states | Types of therapy offered: Individual therapy and psychiatry for adults
Brightside earns our highest recommendation for LGBTQ individuals battling severe depression by providing comprehensive care specifically designed to address the alarmingly high rates of clinical depression and suicidal ideation that disproportionately affect queer communities.
Of note, if you or someone you know are experiencing a mental health emergency, call 911, local emergency services or 988 (the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline).
While many platforms provide general therapy, Brightside uniquely combines data-driven treatment approaches, medication management and specialized crisis intervention for those experiencing the darkest symptoms of depression.
This comprehensive approach is critically important given the alarming statistics. According to a 2022 national survey on LGBTQ youth mental health, 45% of respondents seriously considered attempting suicide in the last year, while 14% had a suicide attempt. The risk isn't limited to adolescents either. More than 40% of transgender adults report making a suicide attempt at some point in their lives, with studies confirming that gay, lesbian and bisexual adults are at greater risk for suicidal thoughts and actions across their lifespans.
What makes Brightside stand out is its pioneering crisis intervention program utilizing the Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS) framework, a research-supported approach specifically for suicide prevention. This structured, collaborative method has demonstrated effectiveness in reducing suicidal ideation, improving hope and decreasing overall distress. This specialized crisis support provides a critical safety resource beyond what most teletherapy platforms offer.
Brightside doesn't only treat depression. Its providers can also assist you if you are navigating panic disorder, insomnia, bipolar, PTSD, anxiety, postpartum depression, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), OCD or phobias.
The only downside to Brightside is that it doesn't appear to specialize in LGBTQ care. That said, the Brightside blog features content about the queer community. So while it might not offer specialized solutions if most of your mental distress hinges on queer issues, Brightside can help if you're experiencing clinical mental illness.
Cost: $185-$275 per session | Insurance accepted: Yes | Time until first appointment: Roughly 24 hours | States available: AZ, CA, CT, FL, GA, MD, MA, NJ, NY, NC, OR, PA, TN, TX, VA, WA, Washington, D.C. | Types of therapy offered: Individual therapy, couples therapy, family therapy and workshops
Every relationship deserves support tailored to its unique dynamics, and LGBTQ partnerships bring their own special blend of strengths and challenges to the table. That's where Octave's specialized approach to queer couples therapy becomes invaluable.
Unlike platforms offering generic relationship support, Octave provides therapists specifically trained in the unique dynamics affecting queer partnerships. "Queer couples have all the complexities of being in a relationship, but have the added stressors of being part of the LGBTQ community," explains Nicodem.
These added dimensions can be particularly overwhelming. As Halle Thomas, a licensed professional counselor with Chicory Counseling, points out, queer couples frequently wrestle with unique challenges, from weathering public discrimination together and supporting a partner through gender transition to navigating the financial and emotional complexities of alternative family planning or reconciling religious beliefs with their identities.
Octave has an impressive roster of therapists trained in evidence-based couples methodologies. Its clinicians bring specialized training in gold-standard approaches like the Gottman Method, Emotionally Focused Therapy and Integrative Behavioral Couples Therapy — all adapted to address the distinct relationship patterns and external pressures affecting LGBTQ partnerships.
Perhaps most refreshingly, Octave eliminates the anxiety of wondering whether your therapist will truly understand your relationship. Their transparent platform allows couples to browse detailed therapist profiles, including approaches, backgrounds and personal interests, before committing to sessions. Their advanced search functionality even lets you filter specifically for providers experienced with queer and transgender relationships, ensuring you never waste time or emotional energy on a therapist who might view your relationship through a heteronormative lens.
Cost: $160–$240 per session | Insurance accepted: Yes | Time until first appointment: Varies by provider | States available: All 50 states and DC. | Types of therapy offered: Individual therapy, couples therapy, pediatric therapy, family therapy and psychiatry
When teenagers, regardless of their identity, experience mental health challenges, their behavior can affect the entire family. Our top choice for LGBTQ teen therapy — Thriveworks — recognizes this and offers care for teens and their close family members so everyone has a higher likelihood of success.
LGBTQ teens are at greater risk for mental illness than their peers. A Centers for Disease Control (CDC) 2024 report showed that 65% of LGBTQ students felt feelings of hopelessness or persistent sadness in the past year, compared to only 31% of heterosexual students.
According to Alyson Resnick, licensed professional counselor and mental health clinician at Tree of Life Counseling Center, this increased risk is often associated with factors like interpersonal stigma, harassment and bullying from peers, discriminatory laws and policies and emotional distress related to identity concealment.
Thriveworks boasts a comprehensive approach to supporting LGBTQ teens and their families. Rather than treating adolescent development in isolation, their integrated platform connects every family member with specialized care. When a teen comes out as transgender, for instance, Thriveworks provides individually tailored support for each person involved — affirming therapy for the teen navigating gender identity, adaptive support for parents processing this change, and family sessions that foster understanding across generations. This holistic approach ensures everyone receives the specific guidance they need while building a coordinated support system that strengthens the entire family unit.
If your queer teen is struggling, choosing Thriveworks can give you and your family the support you need to thrive together.
Cost: Varies based on insurance | Insurance accepted: Yes | Time until first appointment: Within days | States available: 42 states and Washington, D.C. (unavailable in AK, DE, HI, ID, NM, ND, SD, WY) | Types of therapy offered: Individual, couples and teen therapy, medication management children (5-plus) to seniors
Managing psychiatric care as an LGBTQ person can mean facing additional layers of stigma and misunderstanding. Talkiatry earns our top recommendation by combining comprehensive medication management with a commitment to queer-affirming care that sets it apart from competitors.
Unlike many telehealth platforms offering simplified psychiatric services, Talkiatry delivers the full depth of traditional psychiatric care through its virtual model. Their providers conduct thorough evaluations comparable to in-person psychiatry, crucial for LGBTQ individuals whose symptoms may be complicated by minority stress factors that less specialized providers might misinterpret.
Talkiatry takes a transparent approach to provider selection. Their detailed clinician profiles allow you to identify psychiatrists with specific LGBTQ cultural competency before your first appointment. It also stands out for its ability to prescribe the full range of psychiatric medications, including controlled substances like stimulants for ADHD. This comprehensive prescribing authority proves particularly valuable for LGBTQ individuals with complex conditions like PTSD, bipolar disorder, or ADHD — diagnoses that disproportionately affect queer communities yet often require specialized medication management.
While Talkiatry requires health insurance (excluding Medicaid) for enrollment, its in-network status with numerous providers typically makes sessions more affordable than traditional psychiatry.
Cost: $0-$299 per session, depending on services and insurance | Insurance accepted: Yes | Time until first appointment: Less than a week | States available: All 50 states and Puerto Rico | Types of therapy offered: Individual psychiatry and therapy for children and adults
Engaging in traditional therapy often means taking time off work or waiting weeks for an opening. However, MDLive prioritizes accessibility for busy LGBTQ individuals. This comprehensive telehealth platform, which also encompasses primary care, urgent care and dermatology, has mastered the art of efficient healthcare delivery across all its services.
If you're juggling demanding work schedules, family responsibilities or other commitments, MDLive's scheduling flexibility is invaluable. Appointments are typically available within days rather than weeks, with extended evening and weekend options accommodating even the most packed calendars. This responsiveness removes a significant barrier to consistent mental health care, especially for those unable to step away from work during conventional hours.
MDLive's transparent pricing model eliminates the financial uncertainty often accompanying mental healthcare, allowing you to budget confidently for your mental health needs.
The platform explicitly includes LGBTQ support among its specialties, signaling its commitment to queer-affirming care. Their client-directed matching system allows you to select your own provider based on detailed profiles rather than relying on algorithmic matching. This self-selection process, combined with the freedom to switch providers anytime without penalty, ensures you never remain stuck with a therapist who lacks understanding of your specific identity or experiences.
While MDLive may lack some of the specialized LGBTQ programming found on other platforms, its combination of scheduling flexibility, transparent pricing and provider choice makes it an exceptionally accessible entry point to mental health support.
Finding a therapist who truly understands LGBTQ experiences requires looking beyond basic credentials. According to Thomas, several key factors should guide your search:
Verify their affirming stance: Look for clear statements about LGBTQ affirmation in their professional materials. Authentic allies and community members typically make their support explicit rather than vague.
Check for specialized training: Ask about specific education in LGBTQ mental health beyond general psychology coursework. Quality providers continuously update their knowledge through specialized training.
Consider community membership: While not essential, therapists who share aspects of your identity may bring valuable lived experience to sessions.
Clarify religious influences: If you're concerned about religious perspectives affecting your therapy, directly ask how they separate personal beliefs from professional practice.
Michael Grey, licensed marriage and family therapist and founder of Grey Insight in Brooklyn, N.Y., emphasizes the importance of interviewing potential therapists before committing. He says you should have a list of questions ready to ask, including whether they've worked with your specific population in the past. Likewise, you should be prepared to tell them the concerns you're looking to address.
The ideal therapist combines professional expertise with a genuine understanding of your identity and challenges. Trust your instincts during initial consultations; the right therapeutic relationship should feel validating from the beginning.
Finding truly exceptional mental health resources for the queer community required a rigorous evaluation process that went beyond marketing claims. We identified platforms with explicit LGBTQ affirmation in their mission and clinical approach, eliminating services that tolerate rather than celebrate diverse identities.
Financial accessibility was another critical factor in our assessment. We prioritized platforms offering insurance coverage options and sliding scale fees, recognizing that economic barriers disproportionately affect marginalized communities. We also verified that each recommended service exclusively employs licensed mental health professionals with legitimate credentials, ensuring you receive evidence-based care from qualified practitioners.
Our comprehensive analysis involved detailed research into the most well-regarded online therapy providers, examining their therapeutic approaches, provider training requirements, client privacy protections and user experiences. To deepen our understanding of what constitutes truly affirming care, we consulted with nine licensed mental health professionals specializing in LGBTQ experiences, incorporating their expert insights into our final recommendations.
LifeStance Health offers inclusive, scientifically backed mental health treatment supporting a broad spectrum of conditions, from anxiety, depression and PTSD to more complex issues like schizophrenia, substance use disorders and dementia. It also provides access to cutting-edge treatments, such as ketamine therapy for severe depression, by blending in-person treatments with teletherapy. The platform specializes in LGBTQ care, including guidance for coming out, gender-affirming therapy, trauma-informed care, LGBTQ youth support and family therapy for LGBTQ couples and families. However, it's unclear exactly how much its services cost without insurance, as the range is between $75 and $300. Furthermore, it's not available in every state.
Pride Counseling Solutions is explicitly built for and by members of the LGBTQ community in Massachusetts. This specialized platform centers queer experiences at every level of service delivery. Every provider undergoes additional training in LGBTQ cultural competency beyond their standard clinical education, ensuring they understand the nuanced ways minority stress affects mental health. The platform offers comprehensive services, including individual therapy, couples counseling and specialized support for gender-affirming care navigation. While insurance coverage varies and full-price sessions start at $125, the sliding scale options make affirming therapy more accessible than many alternatives.
LGBTQ Therapy Space provides specialized care created specifically for the queer community, not as an afterthought but as its central mission. With an all-LGBTQ therapist network, clients connect with professionals who bring both clinical expertise and personal understanding of living as queer individuals. The platform excels at addressing challenges disproportionately affecting LGBTQ communities, from minority stress to internalized stigma, family rejection and gender transition support, through a lens of genuine understanding. Sessions begin at $155, with superbills provided for insurance reimbursement possibilities. Their free 10-minute consultation helps ensure a strong therapeutic match before committing financially.
If you're experiencing thoughts of suicide or self-harm, please connect with emergency resources immediately. Online therapy isn't designed for crisis intervention, so instead, reach out now through any of these immediate support options:
Call 911.
Go to the nearest emergency room.
Contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.
Contact the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741.
Contact the Trevor Project suicide prevention and crisis intervention hotline for LGBTQ youth by calling 866-488-7386, texting START to 678-678 or sending a confidential instant message to a counselor through TrevorChat.
Online LGBTQ therapy provides specialized mental health support through secure digital platforms for queer individuals, combining the convenience of virtual sessions with specialized expertise.
"LGBTQIA+ therapy is therapy but with a depth of knowledge of issues, concerns and challenges that may be present for [queer] clients," explains Samantha Adjekum, a licensed clinical professional counselor with Clarity Clinic. This specialized approach demands continuous education about queer experiences and constant examination of personal biases. As Adjekum emphasizes, it's "therapy for a human who is no different than others but may face different challenges."
At its core, this approach recognizes a simple truth: queer people deserve mental health support that acknowledges their full humanity while addressing the unique stressors they face. Online platforms simply make this specialized care more accessible.
If you identify as LGBTQ, working with a therapist who understands queer experiences is essential. The key question is whether the virtual format suits your preferences and needs.
Digital therapy may not be ideal for everyone. "If you find that you have difficulty feeling connected and communicating with someone over video calls, in-person therapy may be a better fit," explains Gruenhage. Similarly, younger clients often need more interactive approaches. "Children typically do better in therapy settings that allow for interaction, such as play therapy," notes Nicodem, who rarely recommends virtual sessions for children under 13.
Despite these considerations, online therapy offers significant advantages, particularly for the LGBTQ community. "For people who want to seek services, online therapy may be helpful if you don't have the ability to physically get to an office, or if the therapist is in a different part of the state," points out Grey. This accessibility helps queer individuals connect with genuinely affirming providers regardless of local availability.
Virtual therapy provides a valid and effective option for most adults. While thoughtful consideration of your preferences is essential, don't let concerns about the format prevent you from seeking the support you deserve.
Generally, yes. Licensed therapists and platforms must adhere to Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations, safeguarding your health information in most circumstances. The Department of Health and Human Services recommends using only telehealth services requiring secure links or passwords.
However, privacy concerns have emerged in online mental health services. In July 2023, the Federal Trade Commission filed a complaint against BetterHelp for sharing user data with third parties. Before starting therapy, carefully review each platform's privacy policies.
Confidentiality exceptions apply regardless of format. If you're experiencing active suicidal ideations or your therapist deems you pose an imminent danger to yourself or others, your therapist must report this information, explains Grey. Additionally, if you're using insurance to pay for therapy, the insurance company can access your charts, including clinical documentation. Understanding these limitations helps you make informed decisions about your mental health care.
Online therapy makes mental health care accessible to queer people who may not be able to find a therapist in their area who can meet their needs. "If you’re a queer person in rural Appalachia, where I’m from, it can be difficult finding a therapist who claims to be LGBTQ competent and affirming," says Lindsey Brown McCormick, a professional counselor with licensure in Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia and Pennsylvania and owner of Women Thrive Counseling & Consulting. "If someone is, they might specialize in disordered eating when you want to work on previous trauma. Online therapy can improve options so you can find a therapist that meets your needs." Plus, online therapy allows you to log in to therapy sessions from anywhere, reducing added stress and barriers to access, such as transportation.
Research largely supports the effectiveness of virtual therapy, with studies showing comparable outcomes for treating anxiety, depression, PTSD and substance use disorders. Many mental health experts now consider online and in-person approaches equally beneficial for most people.
However, Nicodem highlights crucial nuances in this emerging field. While studies show virtual therapy generally matches in-person effectiveness, particularly for CBT approaches, the evidence is relatively young. Drawing from his clinical experience, Nicodem suggests a slight preference for traditional sessions when feasible, emphasizing that online therapy provides valuable treatment that shouldn't be delayed if it represents your most accessible option.
For LGBTQ individuals, virtual therapy offers a crucial advantage beyond convenience, expanding access to affirming providers regardless of location. This benefit often outweighs any potential limitations in delivery format, especially for those in areas with few qualified LGBTQ specialists.
While licensed therapy typically involves some cost, several resources offer free or highly affordable mental health support for LGBTQ individuals. For example, the LGBT National Help Center provides free peer support through online chat services. Additionally, individual therapists occasionally offer pro bono services to those facing financial hardship, health insurance plans may cover some therapy costs and specific Medicaid programs eliminate copays.
For reduced-cost professional help, the Open Path Collective connects individuals with therapists offering sessions for as little as $30. University training clinics and LGBTQ community centers may provide affordable or free support options.
Malasri Chaudhery-Malgeri, PhD, chief clinical officer at Recovery.com based in Florida
Rachel Harlich, LCSW, licensed clinical social worker and psychotherapist, New York
Alyson Resnick, MA, LMHC, LPC, ACS, licensed professional counselor and mental health clinician, Tree of Life Counseling Center, Princeton, N.J.
Halle Thomas, LPC, licensed professional counselor, Chicory Counseling, Boulder, Colo., and Portland, Ore.
Jordan Gruenhage, MA, CCC, RCC, registered clinical counselor, Centre for Gay Counselling Canada
Michael Grey, PsyD, LMFT, ABS, licensed marriage and family therapist, Founder of Grey Insight, Brooklyn, N.Y.
Samantha Adjekum, LCPC, licensed clinical professional counselor, Clarity Clinic in Mokena, Ill.
Lindsey Brown McCormick, PhD, LPCC-S, PMH-C, CLC, professional counselor, Owner of Women Thrive Counseling & Consulting in Athens, Ohio.
Tyler Nicodem, Pre-licensed Mental Health Counselor, Nashville, Tenn.
Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.