At Restoring Wellness Clinical Services, we believe that everyone should have access to an affirming provider who is competent in working with people from all gender identities and sexual orientations. We recognize that the things you are struggling with may not be directly related to these aspects of your identity, but it is important that your provider understand the increased risks for depression, anxiety, abuse, substance use problems and suicide (1) that can come with being a part of a community that is subject to stigma and discrimination. These risks can be even more significant for people of color who also identify as LGBTQIA+, and having a supportive space where you feel safe and understood is critical to building resiliency and thriving. We are committed to providing ethical and evidence-based care that is affirming of each individual’s unique gender and sexual identities (2, 3).
Some common areas of concern that we can help with include:
❑ Coming out to family, friends, school, work, etc.
❑ Navigating social gender transition
❑ Parenting an LGBTQIA+ child/teenager
❑ Obtaining documentation for medical gender transition or name/gender change
❑ Managing relationship distress
❑ Coping with chronic stress of stigma
❑ Exploring aging and retirement in the LGBTQIA+ community
References
1. Human Rights Campaign. Mental Health and the LGBTQ community. https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/LGBTQ_MentalHealth_OnePager.pdf
2. American Psychological Association. Guidelines for psychological practice with gay, lesbian and bisexual clients. https://www.apa.org/pi/lgbt/resources/guidelines
3. American Psychological Association. Guideline’s for psychological practice with transgender and gender nonconforming people. https://www.apa.org/practice/guidelines/transgender.pdf