Best LGBTQ+ Counseling

NQTTCN helps facilitate the affirming care necessary to better serve BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities with access to therapists and counselors who share similar identities.

Anyone identifying as LGBTQIA+ or BIPOC will feel heard and seen by providers listed in theNational Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Networkdirectory, which is why it takes the top spot on our list. Founded in 2016 by Erica Woodland, a psychotherapist, theNQTTCN的使命is to act as a “healing justice organization committed to transforming mental health for queer and trans people of color (QTPoC).”

The directory succeeds in its intention by providing marginalized communities with a comprehensive, up-to-date list of therapists and counselors who specialize in offering mental health support services for individuals of all ages and stages of life. The directory’s database also allows users to search for mental health providers who have undergone specific training in issues pertinent to serving the LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities. However, the search filters are somewhat more limited than other, similar online directories. Aside from specialties, you can only filter by which therapists offer virtual sessions, are accepting new clients, and offer a sliding scale.

The providers that users find in the NQTTCN directory all bill at their own rates, so cost and insurance acceptance vary. The NQTTCN offers the opportunity for qualified individuals to receive some financial assistance with itsMental Health Fund. Users can apply to receive $100 in aid per session for up to eight sessions with a participating provider.

Our survey data indicates that 80% of NQTTCN users reported feeling very satisfied or satisfied with the qualifications, related experience, or special training of therapists. Seventy-four percent of users were still engaged in therapy with the provider they found through the directory, and 54% reported they were very likely to continue treatment in six months. Of the users who tried another service first, 39% indicated that NQTTCN was much better at filling their counseling needs.

If money is a barrier to obtaining mental health support, Talkspace may fit into even the tightest of budgets. With monthly subscriptions starting at $297 a month, plus a discount at signup, Talkspace provides LGBTQIA+ individuals an affordable option to get the mental health support needed.

The financial landscape is challenging today, especially for young adults, and when it comes to sacrificing something, many opt to forego caring for their mental health needs. One of the goals ofTalkspace是桥,货币分而允许LGBTQI吗A+ community members to engage in the services they need at an affordable price. And, with a wide-reaching platform, users can engage in live counseling via chat, telephone, and video from anywhere.

In addition to individuals, Talkspace provides couples and teen counseling opportunities. For LGBTQIA+ individuals and their loved ones, that could mean they’d only need one platform to address all of their family’s mental health needs. Talkspace also has apage dedicated to LGBTQIA+counseling that provides insight into related services.

Talkspace’s subscription service ranges from $276 to $516 a month. The company accepts some traditional health plans, such as Cigna and Optum, as well as employee assistance programs and educational organization plans. HSA and FSA cards are accepted for payment.

Users can choose from one of three subscription plans:

• $69/week for messaging only
• $99/week for messaging plus one live 30-minute live session per week
• $199/week for messaging, one live session per week, plus workshops

There are no free consultations or assessments, but Talkspace does offer a discount for the first month. Talkspace also has limited psychiatric services for medication management available for an extra price.

One of the largest online mental health support providers, Talkspace ranks high in our user survey, with 90% indicating their overall experience was excellent, very good, or good. When it came to satisfaction with therapists, 83% were very satisfied or satisfied overall, and 90% believed therapist diversity options were excellent, very good, or good. Qualifications of therapists scored high, too, with 92% of users saying they were excellent, very good, or good. Twenty-six percent of users found therapists culturally supportive of LGBTQIA+ individuals, and 76% felt that Talkspace was a good value for the cost.

Grief can become all-encompassing and difficult to wade through without professional help. BetterHelp offers individual grief counseling that helps users navigate what comes after loss.

Since it started in 2013,BetterHelp已发展到一个网络的27000 therapi吗sts. This significant number enables quick matches in most cases and provides users access to a diverse group of therapists. Grief is a universal experience, but when added to the unique struggles experienced by LGBTQIA+ individuals it can become especially overwhelming. BetterHelp believes thattherapy for LGBTQIA+individuals is crucial for overcoming life’s obstacles and difficulties, and the platform helps connect those needing affirming care with therapists who facilitate it.

A blog post on BetterHelp’s website offers a glimpse into the differentstages of grief, including what’s called complicated or prolonged grief. This can happen when someone still feels lingering sadness surrounding a loss that occurred in the past. The counselors at BetterHelp can understand and assist individuals with processing and developing healthy methods of dealing with grief of any kind.

Pricing at BetterHelp is billed monthly and ranges from $240 to $360. This variation depends on a user’s location and the demand for therapists. BetterHelp does offer a possible reduction in subscription costs for users who demonstrate financial need.

BetterHelp doesn’t accept insurance, but users can use FSA and HSA cards to make payments. Note that there is no free assessment or consultation indicated on their site.

The users who took our survey seemed pleased with what BetterHelp offered, and 86% indicated an excellent, very good, or good experience on the platform overall. Thirty-two percent reported that it was important they find a counselor with a similar identity or cultural background and 85% noted that the diversity among providers was excellent, very good, or good. Of those who stopped counseling, mostly due to feeling better, 72% said they would return to BetterHelp in the future if they needed further therapy or counseling.

ReGain focuses on helping couples navigate the ups and downs most relationships undergo. Its large platform, with access to couples-centered therapists across the country, allows LGBTQIA+ couples to engage in relationship therapy tailored to their individual needs.

A couple who prefers telehealth options for therapy versus in-person sessions should consider whatReGainoffers. The availability of a wide range of licensed couples therapists makes it easy to find someone who will fit the unique needs of LGBTQIA+ couples, whether they’re dating, married, and/or have kids. Since the focal point of couples therapy is not on the individuals but the relationship, it is important to find a provider specializing in it.

ReGain began doing business in March 2016 as an offshoot of BetterHelp, one of the largest online therapy providers in the world. Therapists in ReGain's network are licensed and must meet specific parameters, such as having at least 1,000 hours and three years of experience.

During the signup process, the website allows couples to choose a therapist based on several factors, including someone who identifies as LGBTQIA+. For some, this may be an important factor in matching them with a provider. The matching process seems to work since 74% of users indicated that they were very satisfied or satisfied with the therapist options on the site.

The average cost of couples therapy with ReGain is $60-$90/week, billed a month in advance. This cost includes one weekly 45-minute live audio/video/chat session and unlimited messages with a therapist. The cost of therapy depends on where the user lives and the demand for counseling services in their area.

The company doesn't accept insurance but offers a promotional discount for the first month. Users can also apply for a need-based cost reduction simply by filling in the application.

Seventy-seven percent of users who chose Regain to facilitate couples therapy found the experience to be excellent, very good, or good. Out of those who answered, 88% indicated that their counselor was excellent, very good, or good, and 80% of users found diversity in the counselor choices to be excellent, very good, or good. When it came to matching couples with a counselor, 83% reported the service was excellent, very good, or good.

Alcohol addiction requires a multi-prong approach to overcome. Monument has put together an online community that gives those struggling with alcohol the treatment tools to succeed in giving it up.

Members of the LGBTQIA+ community are more likely to have substance abuse issues than their heterosexual counterparts.With this in mind, we choseMonument最好的治疗成瘾治疗服务. While it is limited in what it treats, the services it provides are valuable for any member of the LGBTQIA+ struggling with alcohol. Monument has created a platform that gives users access to physicians, therapists, moderated support groups, and community support forums, including those for BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ individuals. These forums allow for a larger number of people to participate in meaningful discussions revolving around topics chosen by members.

If you are unsure as to whether Monument might work for you, you can join the community for free and get access to the therapist-moderated groups and community support forums. This is a unique feature of Monument compared to other online counseling companies. It is important to note that Monument cannot help all alcohol users, and some may better benefit from in-patient treatment at a facility.

Monument’s monthly fees range based on the service package chosen. The options include:

• Physician Care:$9.99 a month plus a one-time $45 fee for an initial physician appointment; medication management (naltrexone or disulfiram); messaging with a physician; access to moderated therapy groups and community forums.
• Total Care (biweekly):$149 a month for two therapy appointments; messaging with a therapist; unlimited physician appointments; everything else in the Physician Care Plan.
• Total Care (weekly):$249 a month for four therapy appointments plus everything included in the biweekly plan.

The monthly plans at Monument vary to allow users to craft their care based on their needs and financial capability. Insurance is accepted, and users can check the price with insurance before signup. Some of the major carriers Monument accepts include Aetna, Cigna, and Oxford Health. Even if Monument doesn’t accept a particular insurance carrier, users can pay with an FSA or HSA account.

Among those who participated in the user survey, Monument ranked fairly well, with 78% reporting their experience with the therapy provider as excellent, very good, or good, and 73% indicated most or all of their needs were met. A very high 62% said they would recommend Monument to others, and 78% indicated it was better than other services they had tried. Since the platform is extensive in its offerings, 62% of users found navigation and use very easy or easy, with 64% very satisfied or satisfied with the therapist options available through Monument.

Teen Counseling gives teens and parents a safe space to get mental health therapy with a fully vetted and licensed provider. Since LGBTQIA+ teens have unique needs, finding therapists with expertise dealing with this age group is critical to their emotional and mental stability.

Teenagers are one of the most impressionable and at-risk age groups, especially those in marginalized communities. Current data suggests an upward tick in the number of LGBTQIA+ teens experiencing suicidal thoughts.Teen Counseling, a subsidiary of BetterHelp, presents itself as a platform catering to the specialized needs of this age group. With a wide-reaching platform and app, Teen Counseling arms teens with mental health tools they can access in the palm of their hands. Within each user portal, a teen can access an electronic journal, send and receive messages with their therapist and even participate in live sessions. The Teen Counseling portal also contains all resources shared by the therapist, so it’s easy for a user to refer back to at any time.

Parents can also join Teen Counseling for advice and support. Depending on the circumstances, teens and parents are welcome to join therapy together, which can benefit the teen's mental health and the parent-child relationship.

The cost of Teen Counseling varies depending on where you live and the availability of counselors in the network. It typically ranges from $240 to $360 per month, with some discounts for veterans and their families. Users with a demonstrated financial need can apply for aid to reduce the cost of services. Teen Counseling accepts FSA and HSA payments but not insurance plans.

Teen Counseling has one plan that includes messaging and one live session by phone, chat, or video a week. The platform doesn’t offer free consultations or assessments.

Teen Counseling scored positively overall, with 85% saying their experience was excellent, very good, or good. In an LGBTQIA+ context, 30% percent of Teen Counseling users said finding a therapist with a similar identity or cultural background was important, and 76% thought the company provided excellent, very good, or good options for therapist diversity. Eighty-five percent said Teen Counseling's therapist qualifications were excellent, very good, or good.

Teladoc is most known for providing telehealth medical care; however, it has many online counseling opportunities, including psychiatric services for medication management. The best part is that it accepts most major insurance plans, a rarity with online therapy platforms.

With the influx in online counseling platforms, it is surprising that many still don't accept insurance plans.Teladocis an exception, allowing users to utilize insurance benefits. For LGBTQIA+ families looking for an inclusive counseling experience covered under their family insurance plan, Teladoc may be an ideal fit. Finding providers who take insurance may mean the difference between getting help or not.

Our survey data indicated that over 50% of those who chose Teladoc said insurance was important to their decision. According to the Census Bureau, more people were insured in 2021 than in years past, leaving about 8.3% of the population uninsured.With the cost of living increasing, those with insurance want to utilize their benefits, especially when it comes to mental health support.

Since its foundation in 2002, Teladoc has expanded to provide online mental health care to people in 30 countries. Mental health service providers hold various licenses, including Ph.D., LMFT, LCSW, LPC, and LICSW. Medication management is also available through its psychiatric services.

The current out-of-pocket cost of a 50-minute counseling session is $99. Users pay for each session with no minimum or maximum per month. Psychiatry services are available for users who need prescription medication and ongoing medication management. The charge for an initial consultation is $299, and each subsequent appointment is $119.

Since Teladoc takes insurance, these costs may reduce to plan co-pays. Some of the major insurance companies Teladoc accepts include:

• Aetna
• United Healthcare
• Blue Cross & Blue Shield
• Medicare
• Medicaid
  

Users can utilize their FSA or HSA accounts to pay for all services. Note that Teladoc doesn’t offer free consultations or subscription plans.

Teladoc scored the highest in user satisfaction out of all the companies surveyed, with 97% of those indicating their experience was excellent, very good, or good. Ninety percent of users reported that the diversity at Teladoc providers was excellent, very good, or good. Over 28% said they filtered counselor search parameters by gender, identity, and background, and 13% expressed their desire to find a therapist who was culturally supportive of LGBTQIA+.

小水獭在提供精神头脑并不是唯一的lth services for children from birth to 14, but in its holistic approach to supporting and treating the family unit. Little Otter believes that children grappling with mental health are best served when the family actively participates in the counseling process.

Children can be especially vulnerable to mental health issues, especially when they also identify as LGBTQIA+.Little Otteris one of very few to step forward and treat children from birth to 14. Family support and eventual acceptance of children who identify as LGBTQIA+ is crucial to that child’s ongoing mental health and stability, as well as their ability to overcome the stigma and loneliness associated with their identity. The sooner children and families get guidance through this journey, the more successful the results.

Little Otter aims to support children and their caretakers through a wide range of identity issues. The company’sblogposts address topics along this same line, advocating for marginalized individuals struggling with issues related to being BIPOC and LGBTQIA+, gender identity and expression, and body image.

The biggest drawback to Little Otter is the price. An initial 30-minute consultation with a clinician is $90. After that, each session costs users $200 for 45 minutes of therapy. The company doesn’t accept insurance yet, but users may still use their FSA and HSA cards to pay for services. The only way to save at the moment is by bundling services:

• $680 for four sessions
• $1,920 for 12 sessions

Little Otter doesn’t offer free consultations or discounts beyond bundled services. The user survey data shows that 72% believe the value of Little Otter is excellent, very good, or good.

Given the specificity of the ages treated, users had a lot to say about Little Otter. The data indicates that 75% felt the services were excellent, very good, or good, and 70% thought the therapist diversity at the company was excellent, very good, or good. Of those seeking gender-affirming care, 19% were looking for culturally supportive therapy for LGBTQIA+, and 27% were looking for BIPOC support. Thirty percent of users searched for therapists by gender identity and background.

Families with a member struggling with mental health concerns, including LGBTQIA+ issues, often have the most success when those closest participate in counseling. Thriveworks offers families the chance to further a loved one’s mental health journey by partaking in counseling with them online and in person.

Why does therapy have to be either all online or all in-person? It doesn’t, at least, not withThriveworks. The mental health support company has both an online platform providing services to people nationwide and 380 in-person offices in all but five states (New York, North Dakota, South Dakota, Vermont, and West Virginia). Thriveworks providers often have flexible schedules that can accommodate the needs of family therapy sessions. Family participation in therapy related to LGBTQIA+ can increase the chance of success for the individual, especially in teens and young adults.

In some cases, counselors may have immediate availability to help those who need guidance sooner get started with counseling quicker.

Starting family counseling with Thriveworks may also be quick, depending on counselor availability. The Thriveworks website allows users to search for available therapists by state. Providers have posted calendars that indicate whether sessions are in-person or virtual. Their bios give details about their practice specialties, methods, and services.

Thriveworks offers counseling services for $99 per week. While its providers do accept insurance, they don't take all plans. Users should clarify this with their therapists before starting to ensure that their insurance is on the list. Some of the insurance companies include:

• Aetna
• Blue Cross & Blue Shield
• Cigna
• Humana
• Medicare
• United Healthcare

Thriveworks is not a subscription service and doesn’t offer any kind of packaging or discounts.

调查还报告说,90%的Thriveworks users felt the company did an excellent, very good, or good job with providing therapy services overall, and 78% indicated that their needs were met by their therapist. Eighty-seven percent felt like the therapy matching was excellent, very good, or good, and 80% of users said they were very likely or likely to recommend Thriveworks to others.

Inclusive Therapists is a directory that prioritizes the mental health needs of the BIPOC community. It helps make users feel safe in connecting with a provider who can lead them through a vulnerable process right from the start.

With a growing network of 3,800 providers,Inclusive Therapistsis thriving and succeeding in its mission of “[c]elebrating all identities and abilities in all bodies.” With diversity lacking among mental health professionals, Inclusive Therapists is working hard to bridge the gap, in part, by offering providers a low-cost monthly membership to the directory. This enables a greater number of BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ individuals to find the mental health services that best suit their needs. The directory has ample BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ counselors available who can relate to many of the social and mental issues their fellow community members might be struggling with, and offer more focused support.

The website allows users to either find a provider on their own or have the directory find one for them. The search fields allow users to narrow down parameters based on categories, such as Cultural Knowledge, Insurance, Focus, and Spiritual Knowledge. There is also a search field for providers who charge based on a sliding scale. Since the cost of therapy and counseling can be high, Inclusive Therapists started a fund to help offset mental health service prices and bring counseling and therapy to populations that may be struggling more, financially. You can apply for theBlack Mental Health Fundor theBIPOC Therapy Fundfor assistance.

Providers in the Inclusive Therapists directory set their own rates, so there is no clear denotation of price. Not all providers accept insurance, but 71% of the providers in our survey indicated they offer a sliding scale for users in need.

More than 77% of users who participated in the survey said they were satisfied with the provider options given by the site, and 74% were still attending sessions with 54% likely to continue for six months. It may take patience to find a therapist who matches and is accepting new patients —58% said it took multiple therapists to find someone with availability. Users seeking diversity in therapist choices were happy with what Inclusive Therapists provided.