Prioritizing Queer Mental Health in 2025

Many queer folks across America are feeling uneasy. 

We are in scary times, feeling as though things are about to get scarier, so now more than ever it’s important for queer people to take good care of themselves, and prioritize their well being and health. 

These concerns are particularly heightened for trans folks, who have continued to be used as a scapegoat, leading to legislative attacks and fundamental rights being both threatened and taken away depending on the state. In this moment, prioritizing mental health and building expansive networks of support has never been more essential for queer folks.

One way queer folks may be doing that is getting ready to make the leap and get professional support for their mental health. Expanding that sphere of support beyond friends and family can help strengthen your ability to tolerate distress, navigate difficult times, and give you a wide variety of options for support when you need it. 

Common Obstacles to Accessing Therapy:

While therapy can be life-affirming for many queer folks , many of those folks face barriers to accessing that care. Stigma surrounding mental health care, fear of judgment from their peers or community, and financial concerns often prevent people from seeking the help they need. 

There are so many obstacles that can make accessing therapy for queer folks difficult, so if you’re on that journey take a little time to be proud of yourself for overcoming whatever obstacles are in your way–or even just beginning the process of facing those obstacles!  

But for queer folks there are added concerns: finding a therapist who is not only accepting of queer folks but affirming, and competent enough to provide unbiased, informed care. For kinky, and polyamorous LGBTQ+ clients, additional fears of fetish-shaming or invalidation may exacerbate these obstacles, making it harder to make that vulnerable leap. And folks in

For support in navigating these challenges, check out these resources on our blog

• No More Shame: Addressing Stigma as a Barrier to Therapy: 

• Is Fetish Shame Keeping You From Therapy?: 

• Plus: When to Start Relationship Therapy: because knowing when to get started with relationship therapy is a common obstacle for folks wondering if it’s right for them!

Common Issues Covered in Therapy:

Queer-affirming therapy provides a space to unpack the unique challenges LGBTQ+ folks face, with someone who really understands them. The issues queer folks are facing both interpersonally as well as socially and politically will be given their proper weight within an affirming therapeutic space, and can help queer folks develop tools and find resources to help get them through the next 4 years. Whether it’s healing from internalized homophobia, processing late-diagnosed neurodivergence, or exploring identity and making community, therapy can be a transformative experience for queer folks.

Explore these topics further on our blog:

• 8 Myths About Queer Sex, Debunked in LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapy

• 5 Tips for Working Through Internalized Homophobia

• Unpacking Late-Diagnosed Autism: Part One and Part Two 

• Tips for Healing From Queer Impostor Syndrome

• How Do I Make Queer Community?

• When You’re Angry at Your Parents: Processing Your Childhood Experiences While Having a Relationship With Your Caregivers: 

Finding a Provider and Choosing a Modality:

Choosing the right therapist can feel daunting, but it’s worth the effort to find someone who aligns with your needs. When exploring providers, check out what modalities they use in their work to make sure they’re the right fit for you..

To get started, read the following resources from our blog:

• What Is Trauma-Informed Therapy?

• A Guide to Trauma-Informed Somatic Healing

• So You Wanna Find a Therapist? Choosing a Trans-Affirming Provider:

• Choosing a Therapist

• I Want to Start Therapy: How Can I Find a Trans-Competent Provider?:

Getting Started With the Process:

Taking the first step in therapy can be intimidating, but our practice is here to guide you. We aim to create a welcoming and affirming space for every client. Whether you’re exploring therapy for the first time or transitioning to online care, these resources can help:

• Starting Your Therapeutic Journey as a Queer Person

• What to Expect in Your First Therapy Session

• How to Prep for Video Therapy

BLOG AUTHORS ALL HOLD POSITIONS AT THE GENDER & SEXUALITY THERAPY CENTER (G&STC). FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OUR THERAPISTS AND SERVICES PLEASE CONTACT US.