Online therapy services – psychotherapy delivered via video chat or phone instead of in a therapist’s office – have vastly expanded access to therapists who identify as LGBTQIA+ themselves or focus on work with LGTBQIA+ clients. With so many options, it can be hard to know where to start and focus your search. This article is your guide to the best options.
We’ve put together a comprehensive list of online therapy options, including subscription plans and directories, to make it easier to find the right fit for you:
What Is Online Therapy?
Online therapy is psychotherapy provided by a licensed mental health professional in your state using the same modalities and techniques as traditional in-person therapy through internet or telephone communications instead of in-person office visits. Most commonly, online therapy is conducted via video chats and phone calls, but may also include text messaging or a combination of all of these communications methods. This multi-method approach to communicating and experiencing therapy is fairly new at such a scale, and offers the opportunity for you to consider how you’d feel best communicating to work towards whatever your goals for online LGBTQIA+ therapy may be.
Online therapy allows you to find psychotherapists who identify as and/or specialize in work with LGBTQIA+ clients throughout your whole state rather than just the local area where you live, and many of these online therapy options take insurance. Depending on the platform, the different matching systems and directories can help you filter for LGBTQIA+ therapists as a baseline, while also refining for preferences for things like other characteristics of the therapist, areas of expertise, and therapeutic modalities that you feel would best suit you.
Decades of research on a variety of psychotherapeutic approaches consistently indicates that one of the most important factors in the effectiveness of psychotherapy is the strength of the relationship between the therapist and the client.1 This means that finding a therapist who you trust, with whom you feel comfortable being vulnerable, and who you can afford, is paramount to having a meaningful therapeutic experience.
When Is Online Therapy the Wrong Fit?
While online therapy can be a great option for many people, it isn’t the right fit for everyone at all times. If you have an unreliable internet or telephone connection or if you don’t have privacy where you intend to do your online therapy, in-person may be a better fit. Similarly, if you struggle with limited attention and can be easily distracted by the myriad alerts that pop up on your computer or phone, you might feel more focused in an in-person context. Finally, if you are court-mandated to seek therapy and get a diagnosis and treatment plan, know that some online therapy platforms will refer you out to other providers.
1. National Queer & Trans Therapist of Color Network (NQTTCN)
NQTTCN is a nonprofit organization focused on easing access for queer and trans clients of color to find therapists who share their intersectional experiences related to sexuality, gender, and race. NQTTCN is a therapist directory, not an online therapy platform. The directory is user-friendly and one of the best places to find a therapist who has lived experience as a queer and/or trans person of color. Users can search for therapists by city or zip code, online therapy (“telemental health” in the search filter), and languages spoken. Therapists must apply to and be approved by NQTTCN before their profile is listed in the directory. Each therapist offers different services including individual, couples, and group therapy.
Because the directory does not have a matching algorithm or service beyond the search functionality, it does require you to review individual therapist profiles to identify who you feel might be a good fit for you, and to reach out to the therapist to set up a consult. You’ll need to look at individual profiles, make your own short list, and often reach out to individual therapists to compare cost per session, types of therapy offered (e.g., individual, group, etc.), expertise (issues, modalities), insurances accepted, session length, and session frequency (e.g., weekly, biweekly), and ask if the therapist offers text-messaging support.
Who Is NQTTCN Best For?
NQTTCN’s directory is best for people who identify as queer and/or trans and as a person of color looking to work with a therapist who shares these intersectional identities in their lived experience. It is also best if you have the time and capacity to do some research and outreach to different therapists to find an affordable good match.
Online Therapy with National Queer & Trans Therapist of Color Network
| Therapist Directory | Yes |
| Provider Choices | Self-Select |
| Can You Change Therapists? | Yes (but you’ll need to terminate with the therapist you initially chose, then repeat the search process again to begin with a new therapist; the platform does not find you a new therapist) |
| Speed to First Appointment | 1 to 3 weeks |
| Geographic Coverage | All of US |
| Age Limitations | All ages, depending on the therapist |
Cost of National Queer & Trans Therapist of Color Network
NQTTCN’s directory is free for you to search and browse through different providers that match your high-level search preferences. Costs are per-session, like traditional in-person therapy, and are set by the individual therapists. Fees vary considerably and are very different between providers who take your insurance versus paying “out-of-pocket”.
Generally speaking, therapists on the directory charge between $150 and $200 per 45-minute individual session, $250 and $275 for 60-minute couple’s sessions, and $55 and $85 per 90-minute group sessions. So if you’re an individual paying out-of-pocket, you can anticipate spending $600 to $800 monthly if you attend weekly sessions.
As out-of-pocket costs can be high, you can filter results to show therapists who offer “sliding-scale” fees, in which they offer lower session fees if your income qualifies for that particular therapist’s sliding scale policy (e.g., $125 instead of $200 for a 45-minute individual session). However, even if a therapist says they offer sliding scale on their NQTTCN profile, they typically don’t list the actual sliding scale fee range there, and they likely only take on a limited number of such clients at any given time. You will likely need to ask them if they currently have sliding scale openings and discuss if their sliding scale fees are actually affordable for you. NQTTCN has a “Mental Health Fund” that clients can apply to annually (typically by April 30), that covers up to $100 per session for up to six sessions with a therapist on NQTTCN or a therapist of the client’s choice.
Does National Queer & Trans Therapist of Color Network Take Insurance?
Because NQTTCN is a directory, not an online therapy platform, insurance coverage is unique to each therapist in the directory. NQTTCN’s current search functionality does not allow for filtering by insurance coverage, but many therapists do accept at least some insurances; you just have to comb through profiles to find folks that take yours.
If you are insured but your preferred therapist does not accept your insurance, you can also call your insurance to ask if you have “out-of-network” therapy benefits, in which your insurance will reimburse you for a portion of your therapy session costs for therapists who are not in their network. Most therapists are happy to provide documentation (i.e., monthly “Superbills” for all your sessions that month) for you to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement, but again, as this is a directory, you’ll need to ask prospective therapists if they can provide this for you.
What Makes National Queer & Trans Therapist of Color Network Unique?
NQTTCN is in a league of its own in terms of concentration and vetting of therapists who have lived experience as queer and/or trans people of color. If you are a queer and/or trans person of color looking for a therapist who shares these intersectional lived experiences, NQTTCN is an excellent place to search. Because it is a nonprofit organization and a directory, not a platform, it does not have a profit motive – just a motive to deliver on its mission to ease the process of finding and working with queer and/or trans therapists of color.
The directory is free to use for people seeking therapy, and therapists who post profiles are only asked to pay a donation amount of their choice to be listed. Put together, this structure offers a unique level of trust that therapists on the platform are committed to the platform’s mission of access. On the other hand, because it is a traditional directory and not a matching service, it does require a bit more legwork on your end if you’re a client seeking a prospective therapist.
Where to Access the National Queer & Trans Therapist of Color Network
You can visit the NQTTCN Directory page and search for free at any time.
2. Pride Counseling
Pride Counseling is a subscription-based online therapy platform on which all therapists have expertise in serving the LGBTQIA+ community. A subsidiary of BetterHelp, Pride Counseling matches you with a therapist using an algorithm connecting your responses on the intake questionnaire to therapists who align with at least some of what you’re looking for. (Note: do not expect exact matches). The monthly subscription includes four weekly live sessions of 30 to 45 minutes (length can vary between therapists) and unlimited messages to the therapist between live sessions via video or audio recordings and/or text message. You and your therapist schedule the live sessions ahead of time so you can both be available and focused.
While the platform states that all of its therapists have expertise in working with LGBTQIA+ clients, it does not guarantee that the therapist themself will be an LGBTQIA+ person. If you match with someone who does not feel like a good fit, you can request a new therapist, and the algorithm will continue to match you with one therapist at a time rather than giving you a few options to choose from.
Pride Counseling does not allow you to browse therapist profiles before starting, nor do they offer customer service representatives to help you find a good match, so the match process itself can feel like a little bit of a black box. On the flip side, this relieves you of having to do any research, consideration, and outreach to prospective therapists. As soon as you complete your intake questions and add credit card information, your therapist will be assigned to you and they will reach out to you to set up a first session and you can begin to send unlimited messages to the therapist.
Who Is Pride Counseling Best For?
Pride Counseling is best for people who are LGBTQIA+ or other folks who:
- Seek therapists who have expertise and training in serving LGTBQIA+ clients
- Get overwhelmed by or find harrowing the process of shopping therapist profiles comparing options, and reaching out to set up consults and asking questions
- Are limited to a budget of less than $400 per month on therapy
- Find significant value in being able to send unlimited, asynchronous messages to the therapist using video, audio, and text modalities
Online Therapy with Pride Counseling
| Therapist Directory | No |
| Provider Choices | Automatically Matched |
| Can You Change Therapists? | Yes |
| Speed to First Appointment | 1-10 days |
| Geographic Coverage | All of US |
| Age Limitations | 18+ (no minors) |
Cost of Pride Counseling
Pride Counseling offers only one monthly subscription option, ranging from $240 to $360, billed every four weeks. Your first month must be paid up front before seeing your initial therapist match or having your first session. Your unique price (as their site only lists a range) is determined “based on your location, preferences, and therapist availability.”2 The monthly subscription includes one live therapy session per week which can be done via video chat, audio, or real-time instant messaging (you and your therapist can choose which method on a per-session basis), all within the Pride Counseling platform.
The subscription also allows you to send an unlimited amount of asynchronous messages via video, audio, or text to your therapist between live sessions. However, the therapist can respond to these messages on their own time – not in real time – and with as much or as little detail as they have capacity for and feel is clinically appropriate.
If this cost is high for you, at the time you’re prompted to enter your credit card information, you can apply for financial aid. The financial aid application is a typical means-testing form that asks for your individual and household gross monthly income, including any benefits you may receive. Once submitted, the application is reviewed by an algorithm and generates a result in under a minute. Although their website does not specify how their financial aid is determined, it does say that the minimum pricing in their range is $60, so it’s unlikely that any discount will go much below that threshold.
Does Pride Counseling Take Insurance?
Pride Counseling does not accept insurance. It will, however, provide you with the monthly bills that you can submit to your insurance company to request reimbursement for out-of-network benefits. Call your insurance company to ask if your plan includes out-of-network benefits and how much they would reimburse for therapy through Pride Counseling.
What Sets Pride Counseling Apart?
Pride Counseling is primarily set apart by its quick and relatively affordable access to therapists who have expertise in serving LGBTQIA+ clients. At $240 to $360 per month, accessing weekly live therapy sessions and unlimited asynchronous messaging between sessions is a pretty good deal. It is also a fairly discreet platform as the profile you create in intake only requires a first name, which their website states can be a nickname or pseudonym. Also, once you begin therapy, your therapist collects very limited full name and emergency contact information to be used only in case of emergencies. You could proceed throughout your therapy work using only your chosen nickname or pseudonym.
How to Sign Up for Pride Counseling
3. LGBTQ Therapy Space
LGBTQ Therapy Space is a session-based online therapy platform that only includes therapists that are themselves LGBTQIA+. It offers individual and couples therapy via video chat. Fees are out-of-pocket, $155 per individual session and $185 per couple’s session, and it does not accept insurance. However, therapists can send you superbills for out-of-network reimbursement.
LGBTQ Therapy Space serves clients in 14 states and the District of Columbia (see full list in chart below) through video chat therapy sessions. You can start by:
- Perusing their therapist directory and requesting a free 10-minute consultation with a therapist of your choice (who is licensed in your state), which will take you to the intake questionnaire, OR
- Going directly to the intake questionnaire, which will show you all the available therapist profiles in your state and ask you to select your first and second choices. If you don’t select any options, you’ll be matched in 1-3 days by the LGBTQ Therapy Space Team.
No matter which way you go, your next step will be to schedule a 10-minute consult with your potential therapist to see if it feels like a good fit for you. If it does, then you’ll schedule your first session with that therapist and then be prompted to add your credit card information so it can be billed at the time of the session.
Compared to other online therapy platforms, LGBTQ Therapy Space is very small in terms of the numbers of therapists on the platform. Just to give you an idea, they list just 12 therapists in California, six in New York State, and just one in each of the Carolinas. Additionally, most of the providers are white, but there are several therapists of color and their website actively encourages therapists of color to join the network.
This small scale might seem very limiting, particularly if you’re a person of color seeking a therapist of color in a state with one white therapist listed. Nevertheless, the limited number actually reduces the overwhelm of choice that many therapist directories can present. If you have limited options, but know that the options identify as LGBTQ themselves and their focus areas and therapeutic style is visible in their profiles, it’s not a bad starting point for finding a good match.
Who Is LGBTQ Therapy Space Right For?
LGBTQ Therapy Space is best for individuals or couples in the states the platform currently serves looking for online therapy via video with therapists who are LGBTQ themselves, and who:
- Have the resources to spend $620 per month for weekly individual sessions or $740 per month for weekly couples sessions
- Want a match process that combines considering/ranking different therapist profiles for yourself with the support of a customer service professional to match for you.
Online Therapy with LGBTQ Therapy Space
| Therapist Directory | Yes |
| Provider Choices | Both Self-Select or Automatically Matched |
| Can You Change Therapists? | Yes (but you’ll need to terminate with the therapist you initially chose, then repeat the search and consult process again to begin with a new therapist) |
| Speed to First Appointment | 1-3 weeks |
| Geographic Coverage | Certain States: CA, CO, DC, FL, GA, MD, MA, MN, NJ, NY, NC, PA, SC, TX, VA |
| Age Limitations | 12+ |
Cost of LGBTQ Therapy Space
LGBTQ Therapy Space offers therapy at $155 per individual session and $185 per couple’s session, both of which are 50 minutes long. These are not cheap per se, but they are lower than many private practice rates of $200 for individual sessions and $265 for couple’s sessions. If you do weekly sessions, this will total to about $620 per month for individuals or $740 per month for couples. You can anticipate that if you add an extra or unexpected session in any given week, you’ll pay the same per-session rate for the extra session(s).
Does LGBTQ Therapy Space Take Insurance?
LGBTQ Therapy space does not accept any insurances. All their therapists do offer superbills for you to submit to your insurance company for out-of-network benefits. Their intake questionnaire requires you to answer yes or no to the statement, “I will need a superbill.” There is no downside to requesting a superbill, even if you are not sure if your insurance will reimburse you for out-of-network benefits.
What Makes LGBTQ Therapy Space Unique?
LGBTQ Therapy Space is unique in its combination of:
- Including only LGBTQIA+-identified therapists
- Making available a therapist directory with complete profiles
- Offering a mix of ranked choice and customer support for matching
- Relatively more affordable private practice session fees
- Standardized fees and session lengths across their directory
It is also unique in its relatively small scale compared to other similar online therapy platforms, but if you’re looking for a private-practice, LGBTQ-identified therapist for online therapy it is potentially a very good platform for you to consider.
How to Sign Up for LGBTQ Therapy Space
You can sign up for LGBTQ Therapy Space on their Website.
4. Inclusive Therapists
Inclusive Therapists is a therapist directory focused on easing the process of finding a therapist, particularly for traditionally oppressed communities, including LGBTQIA+ folks and people of color. Operated by its sibling non-profit, Mental Health Liberation, it is one of the most user-friendly and match-driven directories out there, including a vast array of options for filtering matches, and match navigation support from their team.
Inclusive Therapists is driven by its mission, which states: “All people with all abilities in all bodies deserve equal access to identity affirming, culturally responsive care. We aim to make this process simpler and safer.”3
Their directory is free to search and includes multiple different approaches, including:
- Filtering insurance coverage and actual sliding scale rates (e.g., $0-$25, $25-50)
- A matching questionnaire and match support from their team
- Using the hyperlinked icons midway down their homepage to immediately search their whole directory for things like “Reduced Fee Teletherapy” and therapy types (e.g., Couples, Family, Individual)
Inclusive Therapists is a therapist directory, not an online therapy platform, so you’ll need to look at individual profiles, make your own short list, and often reach out to individual therapists to compare cost per session, types of therapy offered, expertise, insurances accepted, session length, and session frequency, and ask if the therapist offers text-messaging support. While it is a moderately large directory by volume of listings and it includes so many search filters and match support, the many search options might feel a bit overwhelming, and the pool of therapists who appear in search results decreases significantly with lower price filters.
Who Is Inclusive Therapists Best For?
Inclusive Therapists may be best for you if you enjoy the search process and/or want some guidance and support in finding a good match at a relatively affordable rate. The community of therapists on the directory all apply to be listed and the Inclusive Therapy team reviews their responses to critical questions to ensure that those listed share the directory’s values and mission. It is also particularly good for folks with intersectional identities including being LGBTQIA+, a person of color, and neurodivergent. Finally, Inclusive Therapists may also be best for finding values-aligned providers who offer medication management (e.g., Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners), and coaches.
Online Therapy with Inclusive Therapists
| Therapist Directory | Yes |
| Provider Choices | Self-Select with algorithmic and customer service support to guide match process |
| Can You Change Therapists? | Yes (but you’ll need to terminate with the therapist you initially chose, then repeat the search and consult process again to begin with a new therapist) |
| Speed to First Appointment | 1-3 weeks |
| Geographic Coverage | US+ 3 Canadian provinces (AB, BC, ON) |
| Age Limitations | All ages served |
Cost of Inclusive Therapists
Even with a moderately large pool, the number of options available to you increases substantially with the amount you’re able to pay. Typical rates are $100 – $200 per individual session, or $400 – $600 per month), and there are far fewer listings as your cost-per session filter decreases. That said, Inclusive Therapists makes it about as easy as possible to find an affordable out-of-pocket rate with a therapist that feels like a good match. There are therapists whose profiles indicate they take on clients for as little as $25-$50 per individual session (or $100 – $250 per month). And if you are having trouble finding what you’re looking for – even if your search results end up with no matches – you’re immediately prompted to contact their team to get free support.
Does Inclusive Therapists Take Insurance?
Because Inclusive Therapists is a directory, not an online therapy platform, insurance coverage is unique to each therapist in the directory. Inclusive Therapists’ current search functionality does allow for filtering by insurance coverage and rates. Some therapists have not updated which insurances they accept, so you may need to verify with them that they do indeed accept yours. If you are insured but your preferred therapist does not accept your insurance, you can also call your insurance to ask if you have “out-of-network” therapy benefits, in which your insurance will reimburse you for a portion of your therapy session costs for therapists who are not in their network. Most therapists are happy to provide documentation (i.e., monthly “Superbills” for all your sessions that month) for you to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.
What Sets Inclusive Therapists Apart?
Inclusive Therapists is a bit of a unicorn in the world of online LGBTQIA+ therapy as it combines access to a vetted directory of therapists with a commitment to supporting you to find a match at a rate you can afford. They act on this commitment with filters for transparent sliding-scale rates, insurance accepted, and profiles that include detailed information about the therapist’s approach.
Where to Access Inclusive Therapists
You can search or get match support from Inclusive Therapists for free on their Website.
5. Ayana Therapy
Ayana Therapy offers online LGBTQIA+ therapy through both a per-session and monthly subscription basis. It is focused on matching culturally competent providers and clients with lived experience in marginalized communities. Sessions are 45-minutes and are $140 per session or $290 per month (including 4 sessions for $72.50 each).
Ayana Therapy is a for-profit, mission-driven platform designed to “provide a safe platform offering evidence-based counseling and therapy to every ignored and historically neglected individual who wants it.”4 Founded by an entrepreneur from Senegal after facing his own challenges finding culturally-competent therapy for severe depression, Ayana’s user experience asks you to trust their brand to find a culturally competent provider for you.
Ayana’s homepage is simple and clean and its company value proposition is very promising. However, there are a few tradeoffs. Ayana’s website offers no information on the therapists in the Ayana network and the registration and matching process is a bit clunky:
- Click on “Find Your Provider – Mental Health & Support Services” in the navigation menu.
- That form sends you an email, which directs you to a Google Form on which you have to select your payment plan ($140 per session or $290 per month for four sessions).
- After the payment plan form is submitted, you receive another email directing you to a match questionnaire form.
- Once you complete that form, you get an email with three matches to choose from. You can request different matches if these do not feel like a good fit.
Payment is not required until 24 hours before the session you schedule with your chosen therapist.
Who Is Ayana Therapy Best For?
Ayana is best for folks who identify as a member of an oppressed community, especially people of color and LGBTQIA+ people who like to have a choice in who their therapist is. It is also best for folks who are looking for this type of care and are budget conscious but can afford up to $290 per month for weekly therapy sessions.
Online Therapy with Ayana Therapy
| Therapist Directory | No |
| Provider Choices | Automatically Matched (you can request different matches if you are not satisfied with the matches you initially receive) |
| Can You Change Therapists? | Yes (but you’ll need to terminate with your therapist and liaise with the Ayana team to request new matches) |
| Speed to First Appointment | 1-3 weeks |
| Geographic Coverage | All of US |
| Age Limitations | Only 18+ |
Cost of Ayana Therapy
Ayana Therapy offers therapy per session at $140, or monthly, four-session subscriptions for $290. Given that typical out-of-pocket costs for private practice therapy range from $100 – $200, both Ayana’s per-session and monthly-subscription rates are competitively priced. Their monthly subscription rate, at $72.50 per session, is comparable to some of the best sliding-scale rates you might find on any given therapist directory.
Does Ayana Therapy Take Insurance?
Ayana Therapy does not take insurance and it is not clear from their website if they offer superbills for out-of-network benefits. It is not clear from their site if their payment methods include FSA/HSA or other payments beyond credit/debit.
What Makes Ayana Therapy Unique?
Ayana Therapy is unique in several ways:
- It is a for-profit company focused specifically on serving traditionally oppressed communities with easier access to therapy.
- Its business model is one of few that offers both a per-session and monthly subscription option.
- Its per-session and especially its monthly subscription rates are moderately priced – putting them squarely between subscription-only platforms and out-of-pocket rates for therapists on directories.
How to Sign Up for Ayana Therapy
You can sign up for Ayana on their Website.
6. Gay Therapy Center
Gay Therapy Center is a private therapy practice with only LGBTQIA+ therapists and serving primarily LGBTQIA+ individuals and couples in California, New York, and Washington, DC. It offers online therapy via video chat starting at $185 per 50-minute session. It does not accept insurance, but it will provide superbills, and also accepts FSA/HSA for payment.
Gay Therapy Center is unique in this list as it is a multi-state, private psychotherapy practice that offers online LGBTQIA+ therapy, rather than a tech platform or directory. Although it has offices in San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York City, and Washington, DC, Gay Therapy Center also offers online therapy on a per-session basis.
Gay Therapy Center’s website offers profiles of its founder and 45 therapists in its practice, so you can shop around and get a sense of who you might want to work with. Their therapist directory does demonstrate some racial and ethnic diversity, but it appears to be mostly white. However, their match process is much more personalized than an algorithm connecting keywords between your intake questionnaire and potential therapists. All new clients start with a 15-minute consult call to discuss your needs and goals and from that the practice will recommend which therapist in the practice is the best match for you.
Who Is Gay Therapy Center Best For?
Gay Therapy Center is best for LGBTQIA+ folks living in California, New York, or Washington, DC who want a personalized match experience and who have the budget to spend $185 per session.
Online Therapy with Gay Therapy Center
| Therapist Directory | Yes |
| Provider Choices | Matched-in-consultation (based on 15-minute free phone consultation) |
| Can You Change Therapists? | Yes (but you must terminate with your initial therapist and then conduct a new match consult) |
| Speed to First Appointment | 1-3 days |
| Geographic Coverage | California, New York, Washington, DC |
| Age Limitations | All ages |
Cost of Gay Therapy Center
Gay Therapy Center offers 50-minute sessions starting at $185. Their website states that this rate may differ slightly based on the therapist and the therapy focus (e.g., lower for individuals, higher for couples). There is no subscription and the 15-minute therapist match consult call is free. Relative to other platforms in this guide, Gay Therapy Center rates are in-line with the typical out-of-pocket fees for independent, private practice therapy. That said, typical therapy fees can be very expensive for many folks with limited budgets.
Does Gay Therapy Center Take Insurance?
Gay Therapy Center does not accept insurance. All payment is out-of-pocket. However, it does accept FSA/HSA, checks, cash, and PayPal.
What Sets Gay Therapy Center Apart?
Gay Therapy Center has a unique business model – it serves as a multi-state private practice and offers a full directory of its therapists’ profiles, with a free 15-minute personalized matching consult. Its website, with loads of content on mental health challenges specific to the LGBTQIA+ experience, is a resource in itself if you’re considering online LGBTQIA+ therapy.
How to Sign Up for Gay Therapy Center
You can sign up with Gay Therapy Center on their Website.
7. Teladoc
Teladoc is one of the largest providers of online medical care (also known as telehealth). It conveniently offers access to providers who can prescribe psychiatric medication (psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners) and to therapists for online therapy. Teladoc accepts many insurance plans and offers services on a per-session basis. Therapy sessions range from $0-$99 and psychiatry visits range from $0-$299 for the first visit, and $0-$119 for visits after that.
Teladoc is a session- or visit-based platform (sessions for therapists, visits for prescribing doctors or nurse practitioners). You can set up an account in minutes, which will take you to a “Request a Visit” page on which you can select the “Mental Health” option. Teladoc gives you the option of using a matching questionnaire to connect you to a therapist or prescriber, but it also allows you to search their entire provider directory using multiple filters. All therapy sessions and prescriber visits are conducted via video/audio/messaging features within the Teladoc platform.
Teladoc’s search filters have options for providers specializing in issues including “Gay or Lesbian,” “Gender Identity,” and “Pharmacology-Medication Management.” However, neither Teladoc’s site content nor its provider profiles are specifically catered to LGBTQIA+ folks. It feels more like any mainstream health system. Unfortunately, provider profiles are very limited in details beyond licensure/specialty/availability, so you can’t really get a sense of provider styles. In addition, there are no free or lower-cost consult calls to see if you actually vibe with the provider you match with or choose. So you’ll have to try a first session or visit and see if it’s a fit.
Who Is Teladoc Best For?
Teladoc is best for folks whose insurance covers Teladoc mental health services and especially for those looking for online psychiatric medication management as costs can be as low as $0 and even full rates for both therapy and psychiatry are on the lower end of standard out-of-pocket fees.
Online Therapy with Teladoc
| Therapist Directory | Yes |
| Provider Choices | Either Self-Selected or Automatically Matched |
| Can You Change Therapists? | Yes (but you’ll need to terminate with your therapist and select another or use the matching tool) |
| Speed to First Appointment | 1-3 days |
| Geographic Coverage | All of US |
| Age Limitations | 18+ |
Cost of Teladoc
Teladoc online therapy sessions range from $0-$99 and psychiatry visits range from $0-$299 for the first visit, and $0-$119 for visits after that. The reason for the vast range in per-session fees is that Teladoc accepts so many insurances, and each of those insurance companies has a unique coverage plan for Teladoc services. If your insurance does cover Teladoc mental health services, your fees could be as low as $0 for both therapy and medication management. But even without insurance, Teladoc rates are about 50 percent less than what you might pay for typical out-of-pocket, private practice therapists or psychiatrists.
Does Teladoc Take Insurance?
Teladoc takes so many insurance plans it does not even list them on its site. Instead, it recommends you check with your insurance plan to see what Teladoc services it covers and what, if any, copays you might be responsible for. The site does not explicitly state that it will provide superbills, but with its vast relationships with insurance companies and the digital records of your session bills, you should be able to submit Teladoc visit invoices to your insurance company for out-of-network reimbursement (just make sure to check with your insurance to confirm they will accept this before doing so). You can pay Teladoc with a credit card, FSA/HSA, or PayPal.
What Makes Teladoc Unique?
Teladoc is by far the most accessible and affordable online therapy and online psychiatric medication management platform for people looking to use their insurance to help cover or defray costs of this care. It is also relatively unique in offering access to both therapists and prescribers on the same platform. Finally, even if you’re not using insurance, Teladoc’s search and match features plus its relatively moderate out-of-pocket costs make it a good option for affordable care – it just might take a few tries to find the right fit providers.
How to Sign Up for Teladoc
You can sign up with the IOS APP, the Android APP, or on their Website.
8. MyWellbeing
MyWellbeing is a therapist match platform that uses a uniquely thorough questionnaire and algorithm to generate a list of three therapist options, and leaves the door open for you to request other matches if you don’t see a fit. The match process is free for you to use, includes a free consult call, and 45-minute individual sessions are typically $100 – $200.
MyWellbeing is a session-based platform designed to optimize the match process between clients and therapists using an extensive match questionnaire. The questionnaire includes five sections:
- Therapist identity (including LGBTQIA+, gender, and age)
- Logistics (e.g., your state of residence, online or in-person sessions, service type such as individual or couples, and cost)
- Style (three style options are offered and you rate how much you like each)
- Specialties (a wide range of issues and conditions of which you can select eight)
- Priorities (how you’d rank these different issues in order of importance for a good match)
The match questionnaire takes about 10 to 12 minutes, and is a thought-provoking exercise to help you think about what you want in a therapist. Because there are some ways of approaching this match questionnaire that are relatively unique to MyWellbeing, the platform includes lots of hyperlinks to explanations of the questions and why they consider them important to finding a good match for you. One of the best aspects of MyWellbeing is that your matches are shown to you immediately after submitting your responses – no need to submit a credit card or commit to anything.
Your three matches include detailed therapist profiles, per-session costs, and an overview of areas that you matched on. All of that said, if you prefer reviewing a lot of different therapist profiles, or seeing the full directory of therapists on a particular platform so you can cross-check the match algorithm with your own sense of fit, MyWellbeing leaves these options to be desired. Moreover, it’s a relatively new platform, having started in 2017, so the match algorithm is uniquely thorough, but it does not necessarily have the widest range of providers on the platform.
Who Is MyWellbeing Best For?
MyWellbeing is best for those who would prefer a thorough, algorithmic match process with just a few matches at a time so you don’t feel overwhelmed looking at lots of different profiles. It’s also good for anyone trying to learn about therapy as a client/consumer, as the site has a wide array of content explaining aspects of therapy like how to ask your therapist about their sliding scale policy, and “How Can I Tell if Therapy Is Working?”
Online Therapy with MyWellbeing Therapy
| Therapist Directory | No |
| Provider Choices | Automatically Matched (you get 3 initial matches and you can request more if you don’t feel they’re a fit) |
| Can You Change Therapists? | Yes (but you’ll need to terminate with your initial therapist and complete the match process again) |
| Speed to First Appointment | 1-3 weeks |
| Geographic Coverage | Certain States (CA, FL, NJ, NY, PA, TX) |
| Age Limitations | All ages |
Cost of MyWellbeing
It is completely free to complete the match questionnaire, receive matches, and conduct consultation calls with your matched therapists. Payment begins with scheduled sessions. MyWellbeing states that their providers generally charge between $80 and $300 per session, with the average in New York and California being $200 per session. The match questionnaire question about per-session cost has a minimum of $100 per session. As such, you should generally expect sessions to be in line with other independently practicing therapist fees of $100 – $200 per 45-minute individual session. If you match with therapists who offer rates starting at $100, you can ask them if they offer a sliding scale fee below that, and MyWellbeing’s AQs page offers some helpful guidance on how to have that conversation.
Does MyWellbeing Take Insurance?
MyWellbeing does not currently accept insurance. They do, however, encourage you to look into your insurance to see if it provides out-of-network benefits, another item explained well on their FAQs page.
What Sets MyWellbeing Apart?
MyWellbeing has one of the most thorough and uniquely thoughtful matching questionnaires on the market that also leaves space for you to prioritize both your LGBTQIA+ identity and that of your therapist. If you’re looking for a match algorithm instead of searching through many filters on a directory, and looking to get multiple matches from which to choose, MyWellbeing is a good option. Their content about therapy – covering both the treatment and change process and the consumer perspective on things – is also very useful.
How to Sign Up for MyWellbeing
You can sign up for MyWellbeing on their Website.
9. Expansive Therapy
Expansive Therapy is a private, LGBTQIA+ owned and operated therapy practice in New York and California. It offers individual, couples, and group therapy via video and phone. Starting costs for sessions are generally $160 for individuals and $210 for couples, but there are some more affordable options available. They do not accept insurance but do provide out-of-network benefits support.
Expansive Therapy is a multi-state, session-based private therapy practice founded and operated by LGBTQIA+ clinicians, focused on serving LGBTQIA+ clients. While they have offices in New York City, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, most of their sessions are still being done remotely due to the pandemic. With a traditional private practice business model, there is no match algorithm – you speak for free with a live human to discuss what you’re looking for and they make recommendations based on your needs and goals, and their therapists’ availability.
You can also start by perusing their website where their diverse therapist profiles are listed. You’ll need to start by selecting the city-based team that applies to your state, so NYC for New York State and San Francisco and/or Los Angeles for clients in California. Their therapist profiles include clinical licensure and training, and a brief overview of the therapist’s style. To set up a consult call, you can click the “Book an Appointment” button and complete their intake form, as you’ll need to confirm payment method and availability before setting up a consult call with a therapist.
Who Is Expansive Therapy Best For?
Expansive Therapy is best for LGBTQIA+ clients in New York and California who can afford $160 per individual session and $210 per couples session. It is also best for clients in these categories who also want to work on issues related to trauma as this is a practice-wide focus for them.
Online Therapy with Expansive Therapy
| Therapist Directory | Yes |
| Provider Choices | Either Self-Selected or Automatically Matched |
| Can You Change Therapists? | Yes (but you’ll need to terminate with your initial therapist and repeat a consult call to determine a different match) |
| Speed to First Appointment | 1-3 weeks |
| Geographic Coverage | California & New York |
| Age Limitations | Mostly 18+, but some availability for 16-17 year old clients |
Cost of Expansive Therapy
Expansive Therapy offers therapy per session starting at $160 per individual session and $210 per couples session, both of which are 45-minutes long. They also offer discounted rates of $60 per session in New York working with their Advanced Clinical Interns, who are concurrent students in clinical mental health graduate programs, but these rates are subject to clinician availability.
Does Expansive Therapy Take Insurance?
Expansive Therapy does not accept insurance, but if you have out-of-network benefits, its billing services will support you in submitting your documentation directly to your insurer. They will also verify your out-of-network benefits for you before you begin working with a therapist. It is unclear from their website what payment methods are included, but generally speaking, private practices prefer to have a credit card on file for billing the day of the session, and typically these can include FSA/HSA cards.
What Makes Expansive Therapy Unique?
Expansive Therapy is unique for its multi-state practice, its focus on LGBTQIA+ therapists, its focus on LGBTQIA+ clients, and for its focus on trauma. All of its staff therapists receive individual clinical supervision from Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, the author of The Body Keeps the Score, and a global leader in trauma treatment.
How to Sign Up for Expansive Therapy
You can sign up for Expansive Therapy on their Website.
10. Therapy Tribe
Therapy Tribe is a session-based, global therapist directory that is free for clients to search. Their search functionality makes it easy to filter for online LGBTQIA+ therapy with therapists licensed to practice in your state or country. Typical fees range from $100 – $200 for individual, 45-minute sessions, but they range considerably as every therapist sets their own rates and session lengths. To find online LGBTQIA+ therapy, just click on “Online Therapists” in the navigation menu, select your state or country, and then filter for “LGBTQ Issues” in the “I’m looking for help with” drop down box.
Therapy Tribe was founded in 2006 to offer “safe, convenient, easy-to-navigate tribes focused on bringing together communities of individuals suffering from various mental health illnesses, addictions and diseases.”5 Since then, the site has evolved and expanded into one of the largest and most user-friendly global directories for therapists, groups for folks who share similar mental health challenges, and other wellness services and communities. One of their free, online peer-support communities, which they call tribes, is the LGBTribe, which may be a good resource in addition to therapy.
While the directory offers profiles for hundreds of therapists, there are a couple of tradeoffs with Therapy Tribe’s search functionality:
- First, it does not allow filtering for LGBTQIA+ therapists, just for therapists who list “LGBTQ issues” in the set of areas that they focus on, so if it’s important for you to find a therapist who shares your LGBTQIA+ identity, you’ll need to read through profiles to find therapists who state their identity.
- Secondly, there is not a budget filter, so you can’t narrow your search based on your ability to pay. Instead, you’ll have to read through individual profiles and see each therapist’s per-session rates.
Who Is Therapy Tribe Best For?
Therapy Tribe is best for folks who enjoy the search process to find the right fit therapist, who have a budget of $100 – $200 per session, and who may find additional value in an online peer-support community focused on LGBTQ issues, or other topics like addiction, anxiety, and depression.
Online Therapy with Therapy Tribe
| Therapist Directory | Yes |
| Provider Choices | Self-Select |
| Can You Change Therapists? | Yes (but you’ll need to terminate with your initial therapist, then repeat the search and set up a new relationship with a different therapist) |
| Speed to First Appointment | 1-3 weeks |
| Geographic Coverage | Global (though much lower volume of therapists outside the US) |
| Age Limitations | All ages |
Cost of Therapy Tribe
Therapy Tribe is a directory of independently practicing therapists, so per-session rates vary significantly. Generally speaking, most therapists charge somewhere between $100 – $200 per 45-minute session. However, you can type “sliding scale” into the keywords search box to filter for profiles that include these words. As discussed earlier in this guide, even if a therapist includes “sliding scale” in their profile, you’ll still need to contact the therapist to ask if they are currently taking on new sliding scale clients, what their sliding scale rates are, and what documentation and income eligibility requirements they have for their sliding scale rates.
Does Therapy Tribe Take Insurance?
Therapy Tribe itself is just a directory, so it does not require insurance coverage to search. However, many of the therapists listed on the Therapy Tribe directory do accept some insurance plans. Unfortunately, their search filter does not allow for search by insurance plans accepted, so you’ll need to either type your insurance name in the keywords search box, or review therapist profiles to find one that accepts your insurance. Even if a therapist you’re interested in working with does not take your insurance, most are still happy to provide a superbill for you to submit to your insurance for out-of-network benefits so that may be an option; just be sure to confirm these benefits and documentation needs with your insurance company and with the prospective therapist.
What Makes Therapy Tribe Unique?
Therapy Tribe is unique for its focus on online peer support through its “tribes” for addiction, anxiety, depression, HIV/AIDS, LGBTQIA+ people, marriage and family issues, OCD, and teens. These free, online support groups offer an extra and affordable area of support in addition to therapy. Moreover, Therapy Tribe is one of few global therapist directories, with listings in many countries.
How to Sign Up for Therapy Tribe
You can sign up for Therapy Tribe on their Website.
11. ZocDoc
Zocdoc is a per-session/visit online marketplace for patients and independent medical providers to schedule visits with ease. The platform includes a robust offering of therapists and psychiatric prescribers, easily filtered by insurance coverage. The platform is free to use and per-session rates generally range from $100 – $200 per 45 minute therapy session.
Zocdoc was founded in 2007 and its business model primarily works by charging providers a fee when clients schedule a visit with them. So it’s free for you if you’re using it to find a therapist, psychiatrist, or psychiatric nurse practitioner. The platform also includes a star rating system and written reviews of most providers to give you a sense of other clients’ experiences with them.
To search for a therapist or a psychiatric prescriber, you can start with the four fields visible right on the homepage. Enter “Therapist/Counselor” in the left box, your ZIP code, the date when you’d like your first appointment, and your insurance plan. This will prompt you to a second set of questions to narrow down your mental health needs – asking if you are looking for therapy, psychiatric medication management, a mental health referral, something else, or if you’re not sure yet. Be sure to click “Therapy” if you’re looking for a therapist, then click continue.
The second page of this form asks “What’s the main reason for your visit?” which includes a long list of different mental health conditions (e.g., depression) and psychotherapeutic modalities (e.g., Cognitive Behavioral Therapy); fortunately, this list does include an option for “LGBTQ Care.” The next page of the form asks if you want in-person only, video-only, or in-person or video sessions; for online therapy, click “video-only.” The final page of the form will ask for your insurance again (although it’s unclear why it does this twice since you enter it at the beginning). Many results populate, but you’ll need to click on each individual profile to learn more about the provider’s per-session rates and therapeutic style. Unfortunately, you cannot filter for therapists who are themselves LGBTQIA+.
Who Is ZocDoc Best For?
ZocDoc is best for folks whose highest priority is scheduling a session quickly, as you can get on the calendar for a therapist you like within days just by scheduling on the platform. Zocdoc is also a good fit for folks trying to search by insurance, although insurance coverage seems to be much more common for medical providers than therapists on the platform, many of whom are out of network even when the insurance filter is on.
Online Therapy with ZocDoc
| Therapist Directory | Yes |
| Provider Choices | Self-Select with a search/match algorithm |
| Can You Change Therapists? | Yes (but you’ll need to terminate with your initial therapist, then repeat the search process again and start with a new therapist of your choice) |
| Speed to First Appointment | 1 - 3 days |
| Geographic Coverage | All of US, expanding internationally |
| Age Limitations | All ages |
Cost of ZocDoc
ZocDoc is a marketplace, so you can actually book and pay for a therapy session through the platform. However, for the purpose of finding a therapist, it is essentially a directory of independently practicing therapists, which means that per-session rates are essentially the same as on most other directories: $100 – $200 per 45-minute session. These rates vary considerably based on the provider and the therapy type as prices are typically higher for couples and child/adolescent therapy.
Does ZocDoc Take Insurance?
Zocdoc’s search and matching algorithm does ask for your insurance plan (twice). However, even when searching with a variety of different insurance plans, the vast majority of therapist results are “out-of-network” providers, meaning they do not accept insurance. As with most other directories, most of the therapists on ZocDoc say they are willing to provide superbills for you to submit to your insurance company for out-of-network benefits.
Many of the therapists listed on Zocdoc, even if they come up with your insurance plan included in your search, do not actually accept your insurance. ZocDoc makes this easy to see because it lists “out of network provider” both in their profile snippets (in the search results list) and in a pop-up when you click on the provider profile. The reason so many providers continue to appear as “accepting” insurance is because they provide superbills for out-of-network benefits.
What Makes ZocDoc Unique?
ZocDoc is far and away the easiest place to book a first session with a therapist. You can get directly on their calendar by entering your desired availability. It also offers a match algorithm and directory search functionality that allows you to shop through options, including based on other client ratings and reviews. However, it does not include filters for therapists that are LGBTQIA+ themselves, and the per-session costs are just about the same as any other therapist directory.
How to Sign Up for ZocDoc
You can use ZocDoc’s IOS APP, Android APP, or sign up on their Website.
12. Psychology Today
Psychology Today is a session-based directory of independently practicing therapists. It offers a variety of search functionalities for all types of therapy (individual, couples, group, etc.) and for types of insurance accepted. Typical costs are $100 – $200 per 45-minute session.
Psychology Today was founded as a magazine in 1967, but its website has since grown into one of the world’s largest directories of independently practicing psychotherapists. Its directory business model relies on therapists to pay for being listed on the platform, and has grown since the pandemic to include a video chat functionality for therapists to provide online sessions directly through Psychology Today. You can find virtually any kind of therapist on Psychology Today, ranging across types of training and licensure (e.g., psychologists, clinical social workers, mental health counselors, etc.) and focus areas (e.g., depression, anxiety, etc.).
If you’re searching for online LGBTQIA+ therapy, you can start by clicking “Find a Therapist” in the top navigation menu, entering your ZIP code, and using two levels of filters. The top filter menu has a blue background and includes “Therapists, Teletherapy, Psychiatrists, Treatment Centers, and Support Groups” – you’ll want to filter for therapists or teletherapy. The bottom filter menu includes “Price, Issues, Insurance, Sexuality, Gender, Telepsychiatrists, Ethnicity, Language, Faith, and Age.” If you’re trans or gender expansive and that’s a topic that you’d like to discuss in therapy, “Transgender” can be found under the issues filter. However, LGBTQIA+ issues is not listed under issues; rather, you’ll need to select “LGBTQ+,” “Lesbian,” or “Bisexual” under the Sexuality filter. This is a bit confusing because it appears to filter both for the therapists’ sexual orientation and an issue area they work on simultaneously. You can also filter for any other relevant categories that you’re looking for.
One caveat with Psychology Today, that applies to all directories where the content is populated by the providers themselves, is that the information may be outdated, so you might find a great fit only to discover that they no longer take your insurance or have availability for new clients.
Who Is Psychology Today Best For?
Psychology Today is best for folks who enjoy the search process and can afford approximately $100 – $200 per 45-minute session for individual therapy. It is also a great resource for information on psychology, mental health, and therapy in general for you to explore alongside your search for a therapist.
Online Therapy with Psychology Today
| Therapist Directory | Yes |
| Provider Choices | Self-Select (using search filters) |
| Can You Change Therapists? | Yes (but you’ll need to terminate with your initial therapist and then conduct the search process again to find a new one) |
| Speed to First Appointment | 1-3 weeks |
| Geographic Coverage | All of US and 19 other countries |
| Age Limitations | All ages |
Cost of Psychology Today
Psychology Today is a free-to-search directory of independently practicing therapists, so per-session rates vary considerably between providers and types of therapy being offered. Typically, per-session rates for individual 45-minute sessions range from $100 – $200. Their price filter is one of the best out there for a directory, and includes per-session ranges: “Less than $90,” “$90 – $130,” and “More than $130,” so you can narrow by rates. However, as you might expect, the number of results shrinks correspondingly with lower rates.
Does Psychology Today Take Insurance?
As a directory of independently practicing therapists, insurance acceptance varies significantly across providers. If you’re looking for a provider that takes your insurance, your best bet is to filter for that insurance in your search and then reach out to the provider to confirm they actually accept it as insurance policies can change unexpectedly. Payment methods also depend on each provider and they may list them in their Psychology Today profile, or you may need to contact them directly to get more details.
What Makes Psychology Today Unique?
Psychology Today is unique for its extensive collection of relevant content for your mental health journey and its massive online directory of independently practicing therapists. If you want to start your search for a therapist at a very wide level to see the types of practitioners that are out there and what their rates are, Psychology Today is a great place to start, even if it’s not where you ultimately find your therapist.
How to Access Psychology Today
You can utilize Psychology Today’s directory on their Website.
13. TherapyDen
TherapyDen is a free-to-use, session-based national directory of independently practicing therapists offering free search for individuals, couples, and group therapy. Founded and run by therapists, the platform is focused on easing the search process for a fitting therapist including a range of filters, detailed therapist profiles, and helpful content. Typically, per-session rates for 45-minute individual therapy sessions range from $100 – $200.
TherapyDen is a user-friendly directory designed and operated by therapists for therapists and clients to ease the searching and matching process. Its approach is slightly different from many directories in that it specifically focuses on supporting therapists listed on the site in finding the clients they want to work with. TherapyDen does this by making the search process intuitive and accessible, using a mobile-friendly design and a wide range of filters.
To find online LGBTQIA+ therapy, you can click the orange “Online” toggle button in the top right, and then filter by:
- Service (e.g., individual, couples, group, etc.)
- Specialty (e.g., LGBTQ issues)
- Insurance (e.g., Out-of-Pocket, Aetna, etc.)
- Cost (from $0 – $500 per session)
TherapyDen stands out for its more unique filters, which include:
- Specialized Experience (e.g., Health at Every Size Framework, Racial Justice Framework)
- If the provider offers a Free Consultation
- If the office is ADA accessible and includes gender-neutral bathrooms
- If the therapist offers online scheduling
- If the therapist is LGBTQIA+ themselves
- Therapist language, gender, ethnicity, and familiarity with different faiths
- Therapy techniques used
As it is a directory, you’ll need to reach out directly to the therapists you’re interested in working with to see if they’re a good fit for your needs and goals. Note that on the desktop version, the different background colors for different parts of the therapist profile can make it look like some of the profile details are just the website footer – keep scrolling! – the profiles are extensive. You aren’t at the bottom until you see the contact form for the therapist profile you’re reading.
Who Is TherapyDen Best For?
TherapyDen is best for folks who enjoy the search process and who prioritize mobile-friendly user experiences and a progressive approach to search filters. If you are looking for a provider that affirms your health at any size, uses a racial justice framework, or is affirming of your nonmonogamy, kink, or other sexual practices, TherapyDen is best for you.
Online Therapy with TherapyDen
| Therapist Directory | Yes |
| Provider Choices | Self-Select |
| Can You Change Therapists? | Yes (but you must terminate with your initial therapist first and then begin the search process again to find a new therapist) |
| Speed to First Appointment | 1-3 weeks |
| Geographic Coverage | All of US |
| Age Limitations | All ages |
Cost of TherapyDen
As a directory of independently practicing therapists, TherapyDen has a wide range of per-session fees. It is free to use to search for these providers, but each provider sets their own session rates and lengths. TherapyDen’s cost filter ranges from $0 to $500, so that is the range you’ll see across provider profiles. Generally speaking, most independently practicing therapists charge between $100 – $200 per 45-minute individual session. As with most cost filters, the number of therapists in your results will decrease with lower rates and increase with higher rates. There is a “sliding scale” filter option as well, so you can select that and inquire with each individual therapist offering a sliding scale what their policy is and what income eligibility documentation they may need to see from you to qualify for it.
Does TherapyDen Take Insurance?
TherapyDen is free to search and providers listed take a wide range of insurance plans – their insurance filter includes over 30 different insurance companies. Payment methods depend entirely on the therapist and, unfortunately, they are not listed on the therapist profiles, so you’ll have to ask the therapists you’re interested in working with how their payment works.
What Makes TherapyDen Unique?
TherapyDen is unique for its focus on supporting therapists find clients who are good fits for their work, and for its unique filters that go beyond location/issue/modality to more specific niches that are of interest to clients searching for a good match. TherapyDen is also unique for its self-identification as a “progressive” therapist community and platform.
How to Sign Up for TherapyDen
You can sign up for TherapyDen on their Website.
Final Thoughts
Taking the time to determine which online LGBTQIA+ therapy services is best for you can be overwhelming but worth it. Hopefully this comprehensive list helps you make this important decision and gets you closer to accessing and receiving the mental health care you’re looking for.
LGBTQ+ Online Therapy Comparison Table
| Provider | Directory | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| National Queer & Trans Therapists of Color Network (NQTTCN) | Yes | Free to search; most providers offer free 15-minute phone consults; $100 - $200 per session after that |
| Pride Counseling | No (all providers specialize in LGBTQIA+ issues, but are not guaranteed to be LGBTQIA+ themselves) | $60-$90 per session (slight financial aid discount available) |
| LGBTQ Therapy Space | Yes | Free 10 minute consult; $155 per session after that |
| Inclusive Therapists | Yes | Free to search, free match support, typically $100-$200 per session after that |
| Ayana Therapy | Yes | $72.50 to $140 per session depending on subscription |
| Gay Therapy Center | Yes | Free consult and matching call, ~$195 per session after that |
| Teladoc | No (you can only filter by therapist specialty in LGBTQ issues) | $0 - $99 per session depending on insurance coverage |
| MyWellbeing | No (you see matches after you complete the match questionnaire) | Free to see matches and consult calls, $100-$200 per session after that |
| Expansive Therapy | Yes (many are and you can request this in your consult) | Free matching call $160 per session after that; some sessions can be as low as $60 |
| Therapy Tribe | Yes | Free to search; most providers offer free 15-minute phone consults; $100 - $200 per session after that |
| ZocDoc | No | Free to search and book session; $100 - $200 per session after that |
| Psychology Today | Sort of (the filter combines therapist identity and speciality around sexuality so it’s not necessarily clear what the therapist’s sexual orientation or gender identity is) | Free to search; most providers offer free 15-minute phone consults; $100 - $200 per session after that |
| TherapyDen | Yes | Free to search; most providers offer free 15-minute phone consults; $100 - $200 per session after that |
