Why LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapy is Important
Image Description: Young male presenting person is putting on makeup.
The question of whether the LGBTQ+ community will be safe in America is top of mind for so many. When folks have to question their security, this can exacerbate mental health challenges. LGBTQ+ affirming therapy is a research-supported approach aimed to address the unique needs of this community.
How does being LGBTQ+ Affect Mental Health?
In general, the LGBTQ+ community uses mental health services at a higher rate than the general population. According to KFF, two-thirds (67%) of the LGBTQ+ population reported the need to utilize mental health services. For those outside of this community, the rate is 39%. Of these individuals who sought support, only half of them were able to access services. Youth, in particular, have noted mental health struggles. The suicide rate for LGBTQ+ youth is 4x higher than their cisgender, straight counterparts. That number (22%) increases for BIPOC LGBTQ+ youth to 27%. Relatedly, transgender individuals have a suicide rate nine times higher than the national average. With access to the right care, these numbers have the potential to decrease dramatically.
What is Affirming Therapy?
According to Psychology Today, “...LGBTQ+ affirmative therapy, is a therapeutic approach that validates and advocates for the needs of sexual and gender minority individuals.” This approach emerged from a field that classified homosexuality as a deviant behavior until 1973. The first few editions of the DSM classified individuals who identified as transgender as having a “disorder” using harmful terms such as “transsexualism” as a diagnosis. The publication of the DSM-V in 2013 replaced these terms with a mental health condition called Gender Dysphoria, which describes the significant distress one can feel due to the discrepancy between their lived gender and biological sex. Not all individuals who identify as transgender have Gender Dysphoria, which means identifying as transgender is no longer considered a mental disorder. Seeing this community as having an identity to embrace rather than a condition to be eradicated is a relatively recent development, and one that has positively impacted countless people.
When you see a therapist that practices LGBTQ+ affirming therapy, which all of our practitioners do, the therapeutic process isn’t necessarily about your sexual orientation or gender identity, but it is an important consideration and something to be validated and nurtured. However, with no disrespect to our peers, a recent study published by the American Psychological Association found that many therapists in the US do not feel equipped to address the needs of LGBTQ+ clients. Even the most well-intentioned, LGBTQ+ allied practitioners reported feeling lost on how to provide affirming-care. This often results in misunderstandings and microaggressions, which can negatively affect clients and deter them from continuing to seek help.
The evidence shows that taking an affirming approach addresses the unique factors that affect LGBTQ+ mental health. At the core of this approach is the capacity to understand and empathize with the toll of living in a place that ‘others’ one’s identity. Here at Closetless Mental Health Counseling, our core values are closely aligned with intersectionality and affirmative therapy. Our therapists are members of this community and/or have taken the time to deeply understand the struggles of our LGBTQ+ clients. If you’re looking for LGBTQ+ counseling that affirms who you are, we’re here to help. Schedule your consultation today!
