LGBTQ+ Therapy Self-Assessment Guide

An educational tool to help you reflect on important questions when choosing therapy. Use your own judgment and professional guidance when making healthcare decisions.

Educational Purpose

This guide helps you think through 15 important considerations when evaluating therapists. The questions and examples are based on community experiences and educational resources, not professional standards or assessments. Always trust your own judgment and seek professional guidance when making healthcare decisions.

What is their experience working with LGBTQ+ clients?

Experience

Why consider this: Understanding their background can help you assess whether they have relevant experience with issues similar to yours.

Responses that might feel encouraging:

"I've been working with LGBTQ+ clients for [X] years and have experience with [specific areas]"
Specific examples of training, client numbers, or areas of focus
Comfortable discussing their experience without defensiveness

Responses that might feel concerning:

Vague answers like "I treat everyone the same"
Discomfort with the question or defensive responses
No specific experience but claiming to be "naturally affirming"

Your notes and reflections:

What training have they had in LGBTQ+ cultural competency?

Training

Why consider this: Formal training can indicate commitment to understanding LGBTQ+ experiences beyond basic awareness.

Responses that might feel encouraging:

Specific workshops, certifications, or continuing education mentioned
"I completed [specific training program] and attend regular updates"
Shows ongoing commitment to learning rather than one-time training

Responses that might feel concerning:

No specific training mentioned
"I learned about it in graduate school" (years ago)
"I have LGBTQ+ friends/family" as only qualification

Your notes and reflections:

How do they stay current with LGBTQ+ issues and best practices?

Ongoing Education

Why consider this: LGBTQ+ understanding evolves constantly. Ongoing education shows commitment to current best practices.

Responses that might feel encouraging:

"I read current research and attend conferences on LGBTQ+ mental health"
Mentions specific journals, organizations, or continuing education
"I consult with LGBTQ+ colleagues on complex cases"

Responses that might feel concerning:

"I learned everything I need to know already"
No specific methods for staying current
Seems unaware that practices evolve over time

Your notes and reflections:

Are they familiar with WPATH Standards of Care?

Technical Knowledge

Why consider this: These standards guide gender-affirming care. Familiarity suggests understanding of transgender healthcare needs.

Responses that might feel encouraging:

"Yes, I'm familiar with the current version and use them in my practice"
Can discuss specific aspects or recent updates
Shows understanding even if they don't write letters

Responses that might feel concerning:

"What's WPATH?" or unfamiliar with the standards
"I don't work with trans people" (even if you're not trans)
Dismissive attitude toward evidence-based trans care

Your notes and reflections:

How do they approach working with clients exploring their identity?

Therapeutic Approach

Why consider this: Their approach to identity exploration can affect how supported you feel during your own journey.

Responses that might feel encouraging:

Emphasizes client self-determination and your pace
"I support exploration without pressure or predetermined outcomes"
Shows comfort with uncertainty and changing understanding

Responses that might feel concerning:

Pushes for quick decisions or labels
Seems uncomfortable with identity questioning
Suggests they know what's "best" for you

Your notes and reflections:

What experience do they have with gender-affirming care letters?

Medical Support

Why consider this: Even if you don't need this service, their comfort with trans healthcare can indicate overall LGBTQ+ understanding.

Responses that might feel encouraging:

"I've written letters and understand the process"
Shows comfort with medical transition support
Understands timeline and requirements even if not experienced

Responses that might feel concerning:

Completely unfamiliar with the process
Discomfort with medical transition topics
"I don't believe in that" or similar dismissive responses

Your notes and reflections:

How do they handle intersectionality with other identities?

Cultural Competency

Why consider this: Most LGBTQ+ people have multiple identities (race, disability, religion, etc.) that intersect and affect mental health.

Responses that might feel encouraging:

Understands how multiple identities interact
Shows awareness of additional challenges faced by LGBTQ+ people of color, disabled LGBTQ+ people, etc.
Asks about your other important identities

Responses that might feel concerning:

Doesn't understand the concept of intersectionality
Treats all LGBTQ+ experiences as the same
Dismisses the relevance of other identities

Your notes and reflections:

What is their approach to discussing relationships and dating?

Relationship Support

Why consider this: LGBTQ+ relationships face unique challenges. Their comfort with diverse relationship structures can be important.

Responses that might feel encouraging:

Comfortable discussing diverse relationship structures
Understands unique dating challenges in LGBTQ+ communities
Doesn't assume heteronormative relationship goals

Responses that might feel concerning:

Assumes all relationships follow heterosexual models
Discomfort with non-monogamous or non-traditional relationships
Focuses only on "straight-acting" relationship goals

Your notes and reflections:

How do they support clients with family or coming out issues?

Family Support

Why consider this: Family acceptance issues are common LGBTQ+ experiences. Their approach can significantly impact your therapeutic process.

Responses that might feel encouraging:

Has specific strategies for navigating family challenges
Understands coming out is a personal decision and timeline
Can help with safety planning and boundary setting

Responses that might feel concerning:

Pushes for family reconciliation without considering safety
"Just give them time" without practical support
Doesn't understand the complexity of coming out decisions

Your notes and reflections:

What is their confidentiality policy regarding LGBTQ+ status?

Privacy & Safety

Why consider this: Privacy around LGBTQ+ identity can be crucial for safety, especially for youth or those in unsupportive environments.

Responses that might feel encouraging:

Clear understanding of confidentiality importance
Discusses how they handle sensitive information
Aware of safety concerns around disclosure

Responses that might feel concerning:

Doesn't understand why this would be sensitive
Unclear about their confidentiality practices
Seems unaware of potential safety issues

Your notes and reflections:

How do they approach religious or spiritual issues?

Spirituality

Why consider this: Many LGBTQ+ people have complex relationships with religion or spirituality. Sensitive navigation of these topics can be important.

Responses that might feel encouraging:

Understands religious trauma and spiritual conflicts
Respects both faith and LGBTQ+ identity
Can help navigate religious family/community issues

Responses that might feel concerning:

Dismisses all religion as harmful
Pushes religious reconciliation without understanding trauma
Doesn't understand the complexity of faith and identity

Your notes and reflections:

What community resources and referrals can they provide?

Community Connection

Why consider this: Good therapists often know local LGBTQ+ resources and can connect you with community support beyond therapy.

Responses that might feel encouraging:

Knows local LGBTQ+ resources and support groups
Can refer to affirming healthcare providers
Connected with community organizations

Responses that might feel concerning:

No knowledge of local LGBTQ+ resources
Only knows general/mainstream resources
Doesn't see value in community connections

Your notes and reflections:

How do they handle their own biases or knowledge gaps?

Self-Awareness

Why consider this: Everyone has biases and knowledge gaps. How they acknowledge and address these can be more important than claiming perfection.

Responses that might feel encouraging:

Shows humility and willingness to learn
Has processes for addressing limitations (consultation, referral, research)
Acknowledges ongoing growth and learning

Responses that might feel concerning:

Claims to have no biases or always know best
Defensive when limitations are mentioned
No clear process for addressing knowledge gaps

Your notes and reflections:

What is their approach to advocacy for LGBTQ+ clients?

Advocacy

Why consider this: Sometimes you may need support advocating for yourself in schools, workplaces, or other settings. Understanding their comfort level can be helpful.

Responses that might feel encouraging:

Comfortable writing letters or communicating with institutions
Understands balance between advocacy and client autonomy
Can support your own advocacy efforts

Responses that might feel concerning:

Completely avoids any advocacy role
Doesn't understand systemic discrimination issues
Uncomfortable with institutional communication

Your notes and reflections:

How do they handle mistakes with pronouns or terminology?

Accountability

Why consider this: Everyone makes mistakes. How they handle errors can be more important than perfection - it shows accountability and growth mindset.

Responses that might feel encouraging:

"I apologize quickly, correct myself, and move forward without dwelling on it"
Shows accountability without defensiveness
Has clear process for handling mistakes

Responses that might feel concerning:

Becomes defensive or makes excuses
"I never make mistakes" or claims perfection
Makes the mistake about them rather than focusing on you

Your notes and reflections:

Your Self-Assessment Reflection

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Comprehensive Legal Disclaimer

Educational Purpose Only

This self-assessment tool is designed solely for educational and informational purposes. It is intended to help individuals reflect on their own experiences and considerations when evaluating potential therapists.

Not Professional Advice

This tool does not provide, nor is it intended to provide:

Professional medical, therapeutic, or psychological advice
Professional assessments or evaluations of therapists
Diagnostic or treatment recommendations
Substitute for professional clinical judgment
Professional standards or credentials verification

Your Responsibility

Users are solely responsible for:

Making their own informed decisions about healthcare providers
Verifying therapist credentials and qualifications through appropriate professional bodies
Seeking professional guidance when making healthcare decisions
Using their own judgment in evaluating therapeutic relationships

No Liability

The creators of this tool disclaim any liability for decisions made based on the use of this assessment. This tool should not replace professional consultation, clinical assessment, or your own careful consideration of healthcare providers.

Seek Professional Help

If you are experiencing mental health concerns, please consult with qualified mental health professionals. If you are in crisis, contact emergency services or a crisis helpline immediately.

Important Legal Notice

LGBTQ+ Therapy Self-Assessment Guide

Educational Purpose

Your Progress

What is their experience working with LGBTQ+ clients?

What training have they had in LGBTQ+ cultural competency?

How do they stay current with LGBTQ+ issues and best practices?

Are they familiar with WPATH Standards of Care?

How do they approach working with clients exploring their identity?

What experience do they have with gender-affirming care letters?

How do they handle intersectionality with other identities?

What is their approach to discussing relationships and dating?

How do they support clients with family or coming out issues?

What is their confidentiality policy regarding LGBTQ+ status?

How do they approach religious or spiritual issues?

What community resources and referrals can they provide?

How do they handle their own biases or knowledge gaps?

What is their approach to advocacy for LGBTQ+ clients?

How do they handle mistakes with pronouns or terminology?

Your Self-Assessment Reflection

Comprehensive Legal Disclaimer

Educational Purpose Only

Not Professional Advice

Your Responsibility

No Liability

Seek Professional Help