How to Find a Gay Therapist in Charlotte, NC
You want to find a gay therapist in Charlotte.
Not just an LGBTQ-affirming therapist, but someone who is actually Queer-identifying themselves. You want someone who gets what it’s like, who can laugh with you about the funny stuff and lament everything that’s hard about being gay in North Carolina right now. But how do you filter for that in your searches? You feel weird about trying to figure out various therapists’ gender or sexuality based on their picture and the language they use on their website. And yet, finding someone who is part of the Queer community is a priority for you in your search for the right therapist. This article will give you a few easy ways to find an openly-queer therapist, without feeling like you have to stalk their socials.
Use the filtered search on TherapyDen
One quick way to find a therapist who is not just affirming, but identifies as part of the LGBTQIA+ community, is to use the filtered search option on TherapyDen. Unlike the vagueness of the PsychologyToday search options, which lean more into the “affirming” territory, TherapyDen has a “Therapist is part of the LGBTQ community” box that you can check to filter your search results to fit your needs.
Find their Google Business Profile
If you are looking at therapists in private practice, one way to find out if they personally identify as gay or Queer, is to look at their Google Business Profile. While not foolproof (some therapists who are Queer themselves might be working at a practice owned by someone else who is not), Google allows business owners to check a box letting people know whether their business is LGBTQ+ owned. If you are looking at a specific therapist who owns their practice and wondering if they are part of the Queer community, take a look at their Google Business Profile to see if this box is checked.
Check out their website
While not all therapists disclose their identity on their website, this can be a helpful way to learn a lot more about who a therapist is and how they work. If working with the LGBTQ+ community is a priority for them, they may well self-disclose their identity on their site (like me!). Most gay and Queer therapists can relate to the desire to find a therapist who is also in the community! If they are wanting to be found by Queer and Trans clients, chances are, they will self-disclose somewhere on their website.
Find a provider on Charlotte Trans Health
Charlotte Trans Health is an amazing organization based in Charlotte with members throughout North Carolina! This organization is not exclusive to therapists, so it can be a great resource for helping you find other Queer and affirming healthcare providers of all kinds in and around Charlotte (and they have lots of great resources you can check out). While not all therapists on here are Queer-identifying (though many of them are), they are all very specifically committed to serving Queer and Trans communities and providing informed and affirming care. Their provider directory also allows clinicians to check a box saying if they have Trans and Gender Diverse (TGD) lived experience. If you are looking for a therapist who can relate to your experience as a TGD person, this is a great way to find a reputable Trans practitioner in or around Charlotte, NC.
Just ask!
It can feel weird to ask a therapist anything about their personal lives, and it almost always feels strange to ask someone you don’t know to disclose their gender or sexuality to you! However, if finding a counselor who can relate to your experience as part of the LGBTQ+ community is important to you, there is nothing wrong with asking a therapist during a consultation whether or not this is something that they can relate to. To do this, you can say something like: “my identity as part of the Queer community is a very important part of my life and I feel it is important for me to find a therapist who really understands this. Would you mind sharing a little bit about your identity and how you connect with the LGBTQ community?” If the therapist gets weird about this question, this probably tells you everything you need to know about them.
Reach out today
If you are looking for a Queer-identifying or gay therapist in Charlotte (or nearby), NC and you think we might be a good fit, reach out today to schedule a complimentary phone consultation! I see clients in-person at my 2 office locations in Davidson, NC and in the heart of Plaza Midwood. I also offer telehealth counseling to clients all over North Carolina. I am LGBTQ+ identifying and I work primarily with clients and couples who are part of the Queer community. I love helping clients strengthen their most important relationships by finding confidence in who they are.
