Frequently Asked Questions
What is Queer Mental Health Therapy? Queer Mental Health Therapy focuses on providing mental health care that is affirming, inclusive, and sensitive to the unique experiences and challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals. This approach recognizes the intersectionality of identity—considering not just sexual orientation and gender identity, but also race, culture, and other factors that shape a person's mental health. Therapists aim to create a safe and supportive space where clients can explore issues related to identity, coming out, discrimination, family dynamics, relationship struggles, and internalized stigma. Here, queer mental health therapy is always provided by a therapist who is also queer.
How is Queer Therapy different than "regular therapy?" Queer therapy is tailored to address the particular needs of LGBTQ+ individuals, acknowledging the role of societal oppression and offering a more affirming, inclusive, and culturally competent approach than traditional therapy.
Do I need to be queer / part of the LGBTQIA+ community to see a queer therapist? You absolutely do not have to be queer to see a queer therapist! We welcome clients of all identities and sexual orientations. There are many reasons a non-queer individual may choose to see a queer therapist: wanting to work with a diverse and inclusive therapist, having a loved one who is queer or questioning, or wanting to process issues related to the queer community such as gender identity/expression or non-monogamous relationships.
How do I choose the right therapist for me? We always say finding the right fit in therapy can feel a little like dating, it may take a few tries to get it right. There are several things to consider when looking for a good fit for you: the specializations they work with, the training / approach they have, their "vibe" or personality, if they provide virtual or in-person therapy, the location of their practice, their availability / schedule, and the rate they charge.
What therapeutic approach, or style, is best? Which approach is best is dependent upon which approach works best for you. Each therapist has their preference of approach and can advocate reasonings for why it may work best. A good place to start is asking what kind of work you want to do - manage symptoms vs. heal the wounds causing the symptoms. Here, we prefer these 3 approaches: Somatic Experiencing (healing the nervous system and learning emotional regulation), Attachment Theory (learning why we operate in relationships the way we do / based on how we learned to attach to caregivers during childhood), and Internal Family Systems (trauma causes ourselves to become fragmented parts that often cause chaos inside. our goal is integrating these conflicting parts).
What do the letters behind practitioners names mean? Letters behind someone's name usually refer to an accreditation they carry. In therapy, letters like MA (Master's of Arts) LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor), APC (Associate Professional Counselor), and NCC (National Certified Counselor) are common. These acronyms show that a therapist has done the necessary trainings to provide therapeutic services in an ethical way.
Why do so many therapists no longer accept insurance? Many therapists no longer accept insurance due to excessively low reimbursement rates from insurance companies, administrative burdens, limited control over treatment such as insurance companies requiring a diagnosis and limiting coverage to a particular number of sessions, privacy concerns, and a preference for flexible, client-centered care. Clients are now opting to receive out-of-network reimbursement, or advocating for a sliding scale rate directly with their therapist, in order to support an equitable wage for their therapist and a higher level of care for themselves.
Why is therapy so expensive? Therapy is a considerable financial investment. Often times clients lack understanding on why rates are so high. Here, we value financial transparency. The rate you pay for therapy is dictated by the amount of time given in a session, the specialized trainings the therapist has paid additional to receive, the supply vs. demand in their specific niche. Further, each therapist's rate is covering: 30-40% withholding at group practices, 25%-30% self-employment taxes, IRA contributions, and health insurance premiums. Self-employed therapists are not afforded paid time off or sick days, therefore, many clinicians set aside additional savings to cover these costs. Many therapists are also paying out of pocket for their own individual, and couples, therapy.
Whats the difference in community mental health agencies vs. private practices? Community mental health agencies typically serve a broader, often underserved populations including those with severe mental health issues, offering a range of services like crisis intervention, case management, and short-term therapy, often on a sliding scale. Therapists at community mental health agencies often see significantly higher caseloads, often 20-40+ clients per week. In contrast, private practice offers more personalized, flexible care, allowing therapists to tailor treatments specifically to each individual client’s needs. With a smaller caseload, therapists can build deeper, ongoing relationships and create a more comfortable, confidential environment, making it ideal for those seeking long-term, focused therapy. Both types of therapy are important to the health of the community.
Is virtual therapy effective? Virtual therapy can be just as effective as in-person sessions, with studies showing similar outcomes for conditions like anxiety, depression, and PTSD. It offers greater accessibility and convenience, especially for those with busy schedules or in remote areas, and many clients find the comfort of their own space helps them open up more easily. However, many clients and therapists still prefer the unique connection available in in-person therapy.
Whats the difference in virtual therapy with a therapist in private practice vs. therapy apps? Virtual therapy with a therapist in private practice offers a more personalized, consistent approach, with licensed professionals who tailor treatment specifically to your needs, much like traditional in-person sessions. While therapy apps can be convenient and flexible, they are criticized in the therapy world due to the lack of consistency and ethical practices among providers, significantly low payout rates for clinicians, and emotional burnout experienced by providers seeing an excess of clients.
Is therapy 100% confidential? Therapy is completely confidential, outside of a few instances including a duty to report harm to self or another person, minor or elder abuse or neglect, or if subpoenaed by court. Emails are not 100% confidential, therefore, personal information should be kept in the therapeutic room rather than shared through email.
How long will I need to go to therapy? The length of therapeutic services are unique to each person and their desired goals. Feel free to discuss your treatment plan with your therapist and check back in as often as desired. Here, we are dedicated to viewing therapy as ongoing wellness, similar to exercise, and are invested in doing deep healing work, such as healing the wound rather than "applying a bandaid" by only attending to the symptoms.
Why can't I be friends with my therapist on social media? Therapists avoid connecting with clients on social media to maintain professional and ethical boundaries. Maintaining privacy and objectivity helps protect the therapeutic relationship.