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    • Grief
    • OCD
    • Personality Disorders
    • PTSD
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    • Dating
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    • Infidelity
    • Relationships 101
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  • Best LGBTQ+ Online TherapyBest LGBTQ+ Online Therapy
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    • The National Queer & Trans Therapists of Color NetworkThe National Queer & Trans Therapists of Color Network
    • Pride CounselingPride Counseling
    • TeladocTeladoc
    • LGBTQ Therapy SpaceLGBTQ Therapy Space
    • Inclusive TherapistsInclusive Therapists
    • Gay Therapy CenterGay Therapy Center
    • MyWellbeingMyWellbeing
    • Expansive TherapyExpansive Therapy
    • Therapy TribeTherapy Tribe
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    • Psychology Today Psychology Today
    • Therapy DenTherapy Den
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Best LGBTQ+ Online Therapy Options for 2023

Headshot of Brian Ackerman, LMSW

Written by: Brian Ackerman, LMSW

Dena Westphalen, Pharm. D.

Reviewed by: Dena Westphalen, Pharm.D

Published: November 28, 2023

Choosing Therapy may earn commissions from the companies reviewed when you click links on this page. Learn more about our editorial standards, review process, and advertising policy.

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, knowing where to start and focus your search can be hard. This article is your guide to the best options.

We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of online therapy options, including subscription plans and directories, to make finding the right fit for you easier.

Best LGBTQ+ Online Therapy Options at a Glance

Best Overall
NQTTCN Logo

The National Queer & Trans Therapists of Color Network

Provider-Based Visit NQTTCN
Why We Chose Them

NQTTCN is in a league of its own in regards to therapists who have lived experience as queer and/or trans people of color.

Personal Experience

"The NQTTCN mission is to ease the process of finding and working with queer and/or trans therapists of color. "

Headshot of Brian Ackerman, LMSW
Brian Ackerman-- LMSW
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Best Coverage
Pride Counseling Logo

Pride Counseling

$240 - $360 monthly Visit Pride Counseling
Why We Chose Them

Pride Counseling is available in all 50 US states and has fairly affordable rates.

Personal Experience

"Pride Counseling is easy to get started with, matching works quickly, and is available in all 50 states."

Headshot of Brian Ackerman, LMSW
Brian Ackerman-- LMSW
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Best With Insurance
Teladoc logo

Teladoc

$0 - $99 per session Visit Teladoc
Why We Chose Them

Teladoc is great for those wanting to use their insurance, especially for those seeking online medication management.

Personal Experience

"Teladoc accepts insurance from many national companies and would be great if you need additional services."

Headshot of Brian Ackerman, LMSW
Brian Ackerman-- LMSW
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Best for LGBTQ+ Couples Counseling
LGBTQ Therapy Space Logo

LGBTQ Therapy Space

$155 - $185 per session Visit LGBTQ Therapy Space
Why We Chose Them

LGBTQ Therapy Space is best for couples looking for online therapy via video with therapists who are LGBTQ themselves.

Personal Experience

"LGBTQ Therapy Space had a relatively easy signup process and it was great to self-select your own therapist."

Headshot of Brian Ackerman, LMSW
Brian Ackerman-- LMSW
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Best for Intersectional Identities
Inclusive Therapists Logo

Inclusive Therapists

Therapist-Based Visit Inclusive Therapists
Why We Chose Them

Inclusive Therapists is particularly good for folks with intersectional identities including being LGBTQIA+.

Personal Experience

"Inclusive Therapists' search filters might feel overwhelming, but it is worth the effort to find a therapist that is value-aligned."

Headshot of Brian Ackerman, LMSW
Brian Ackerman-- LMSW
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Best In-Person LGBTQ Therapy
Gay Therapy Center Logo

Gay Therapy Center

$185 per session Visit Gay Therapy Center
Why We Chose Them

Gay Therapy Center offers in-person services to those living in CA, NY, and D.C. area.

Personal Experience

"Gay Therapy Center is best for LGBTQIA+ folks who want a personalized match experience for in-person care."

Headshot of Brian Ackerman, LMSW
Brian Ackerman-- LMSW
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Best Matching Process
MyWellbeing Logo

MyWellbeing

$80 - $300 per session Visit MyWellbeing
Why We Chose Them

MyWellbeing has one of the most thorough and uniquely thoughtful matching questionnaires on the market.

Personal Experience

"MyWellbeing is best for those who would prefer a matching process with a curated list of a few matches."

Headshot of Brian Ackerman, LMSW
Brian Ackerman-- LMSW
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Best for Trauma-Focused Therapy
Expansive Therapy Logo

Expansive Therapy

$160 - $210 per session Visit Expansive Therapy
Why We Chose Them

All staff receive supervision from Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, the author of The Body Keeps the Score and a global leader in trauma treatment.

Personal Experience

"Expansive Therapy is best for LGBTQIA+ clients in New York and California who want to work on issues related to trauma."

Headshot of Brian Ackerman, LMSW
Brian Ackerman-- LMSW
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Best Peer-Support Community
Therapy Tribe logo

Therapy Tribe

$100 - $200 per session Visit Therapy Tribe
Why We Chose Them

Therapy Tribe is best for folks who find value in an online peer-support community focused on LGBTQ issues.

Personal Experience

"Therapy Tribe is unique for its focus on online peer support for addiction, HIV/AIDS, LGBTQIA+ people, OCD, and more."

Headshot of Brian Ackerman, LMSW
Brian Ackerman-- LMSW
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Best for Quick Scheduling
ZocDoc Logo

ZocDoc

Provider-Based Visit ZocDoc
Why We Chose Them

ZocDoc is far and away the easiest place to book a therapist by entering your desired availability.

Personal Experience

"ZocDoc is best for folks whose highest priority is scheduling a session quickly."

Headshot of Brian Ackerman, LMSW
Brian Ackerman-- LMSW
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Best Range of Online Therapists
Psychology Today Logo

Psychology Today

$99 - $200 per session Visit Psychology Today
Why We Chose Them

Psychology Today has a massive online directory of independently practicing therapists with a very wide range of modalities.

Personal Experience

"Psychology Today is best for folks who enjoy the search process and it is also a great resource for information on mental health."

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Brian Ackerman-- LMSW
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Best Mobile Experience
Therapy Den Logo

Therapy Den

$100 - $200 per session Visit Therapy Den
Why We Chose Them

TherapyDen is best for folks who enjoy the search process and who prioritize mobile-friendly user experiences.

Personal Experience

"TherapyDen is unique for its focus on supporting therapists find clients who are good fits for their work, and for its unique filters."

Headshot of Brian Ackerman, LMSW
Brian Ackerman-- LMSW
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Why Trust Us

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250+

Companies reviewed
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1,050+

Hours of first-hand experience
why-trust-analytics

825+

Data points analyzed

Choosing Therapy’s reviews are fair, honest, and thorough. To date, we’ve reviewed mental health products and services offered by more than 250 companies. That has involved more than 1,050 hours of firsthand use of those products and consideration of over 825 data points. Our editorial policies outline a rigorous review process, but they all boil down to this: produce a review that your own friends and family could rely on. Learn more here.

Our Picks for Best LGBTQ Online Therapy Options

  • Best Overall – National Queer & Trans Therapists of Color Network
  • Best Coverage – Pride Counseling
  • Best With Insurance – Teladoc
  • Best for LGBTQ+ Couples – LGBTQ Therapy Space
  • Best for Intersectional Identities – Inclusive Therapists
  • Best In-Person LGBTQ Therapy – Gay Therapy Center
  • Best Matching Process – My Wellbeing
  • Best Trauma-Focused Therapy – Expansive Therapy
  • Best Peer-Support Community – Therapy Tribe 
  • Best for Quick Scheduling – ZocDoc
  • Best Range of Online Therapists – Psychology Today
  • Best Mobile Experience – Therapy Den

Detailed Reviews of the Best LGBTQ+ Online Therapy Options

The National Queer & Trans Therapists of Color Network

Provider-Based
NQTTCN Logo

  • Price: Provider-Based
  • Insurance Accepted? Yes
  • Geographic Availability: All US States

Visit NQTTCN

Why We Chose It

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.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Nonprofit dedicated to easing access for queer and trans clients to find therapists
  • User-friendly directory
  • Wide range of services, depending on provider
Cons
  • No live matching agents
  • Costs depend on provider you select
  • Preferred provider may not have in-person services

Cost

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.

Overview

NQTTCN main website
NQTTCN results page

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.

In Our Experience

Since the NQTTCN 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.

Best Coverage – Pride Counseling

$240 - $360 monthly
Pride Counseling Logo

  • Price: $240 – $360 monthly
  • Insurance Accepted? No
  • Geographic Availability: All US States

Visit Pride Counseling

Why We Chose It

Pride Counseling is available in all 50 US states and has fairly affordable rates. This allows more clients to be matched across the country.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Available nationwide
  • Low monthly costs
Cons
  • No insurance accepted
  • No couples counseling

Cost

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.

Overview

Pride Counseling Main page
Pride Counseling Matching

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 messages. 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 the first session. You can begin to send unlimited messages to the therapist.

For more information about how Pride Counseling’s founding site works, you can read our detailed review of BetterHelp.

In Our Experience

Pride Counseling is easy to get started with and the matching process works quickly. The costs were fair for a monthly subscription option.

Best With Insurance – Teladoc

$0 - $99 per session
Teladoc logo

  • Price: $0 – $99 per session
  • Insurance Accepted? Yes
  • Geographic Availability: All US States

Visit Teladoc

Why We Chose It

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.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Insurance accepted
  • Available Nationwide
  • Medication management available
Cons
  • No couples counseling
  • No kids & teen therapy, only for 18+
  • May take a couple of tries to find the right provider

Cost

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.

Overview

Teladoc main page
Teladoc mental health page

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, psychiatry visits range from $0-$299 for the first visit, and $0-$119 for visits afterward.

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 to see if it fits.

In Our Experience

Teladoc was great if you were using insurance, but didn’t feel as inclusive as other platforms. This would be better if you also needed additional services, like family medicine services.

Best for LGBTQ+ Couples Counseling – LGBTQ Therapy Space

$155 - $185 per session
LGBTQ Therapy Space Logo

  • Price: $155 – $185 per session
  • Insurance Accepted? No
  • Geographic Availability: 10+ US States

Visit LGBTQ Therapy Space

Why We Chose It

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.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Couples counseling available
  • Individual (12+) therapy available
  • Superbills available
  • Self-select therapist or be matched
Cons
  • Insurance is not accepted
  • Not available in all US states

Cost

LGBTQ Therapy Space costs $155 per individual therapy session and $185 per couples session. All sessions with LGBTQ Therapy Space are 50 minutes long.

Overview

LGBTQ Therapy Space main page
LGBTQ Therapy Space services and cost

LGBTQ Therapy Space is a session-based online therapy platform that only includes therapists who are themselves LGBTQIA+. It offers individual and couples therapy via video chat. Fees are out-of-pocket, $155 per individual session and $185 per couples session, and it does not accept insurance. However, therapists can send you superbills for out-of-network reimbursement.

LGBTQ Therapy Space serves clients in the following states: CA, CO, DC, FL, GA, MD, MA, MN, NJ, NY, NC, PA, SC, TX, VA, and the District of Columbia. If you have coverage in your state, the first step is to peruse their therapist directory and request your free 10-minute consultation with a therapist of your choice. This will then prompt you to begin the intake questionnaire.

You can also start by 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, 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.

In Our Experience

LGBTQ Therapy Space had a relatively easy signup process and it was great to self-select your own therapist. However, they are not available in all states which is not ideal.

Best for Intersectional Identities – Inclusive Therapists

Therapist-Based
Inclusive Therapists Logo

  • Price: Therapist-Based
  • Insurance Accepted? Therapist-Based
  • Geographic Availability: All US States

Visit Inclusive Therapists

Why We Chose It

Inclusive Therapists is particularly good for folks with intersectional identities including being LGBTQIA+, a person of color, and neurodivergent.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Self-select a provider that is value-aligned with you
  • Available in all US States
  • Therapists are all highly vetted to ensure they share the directory core values
Cons
  • Costs depend on the provider you select
  • Insurance plans accepted with depend on the provider

Cost

Inclusive Therapists costs typically range from $100 – $200 per individual session and there are some providers who offer sliding scale therapy.

Overview

Inclusive Therapists main page
Inclusive Therapist results page

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: “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.

In Our Experience

Inclusive Therapists is a moderately large directory and it includes so many search filters that many search options might feel a bit overwhelming. However, it is well worth the effort to find a therapist that is value-aligned with you.

Best In-Person LGBTQ Therapy – Gay Therapy Center

$185 per session
Gay Therapy Center Logo

  • Price: $185 per session
  • Insurance Accepted? No
  • Geographic Availability: CA, NY, & D.C.

Visit Gay Therapy Center

Why We Chose It

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.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Only LGBTQIA+ therapists
  • Individual and couples therapy
  • Online or in-person sessions
Cons
  • Only available in CA, NY, or D.C.
  • Insurance is not accepted

Cost

Gay Therapy Center costs $185 per 50-minute session. There is a 15-minute therapist match consult call that is completely free.

Overview

Gay Therapy Center main page
Gay Therapy Center insurance and fees

Gay Therapy Center is a private therapy practice with only LGBTQIA+ therapists and serves 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 D.C., 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 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 there, the practice recommends which therapist in the practice is the best match for you.

In Our Experience

Gay Therapy Center is a great resource for those living in CA, NY, and D.C. area. They offer in-person services which would be ideal for those struggling with more severe mental health symptoms.

Best Matching Process – MyWellbeing

$80 - $300 per session
MyWellbeing Logo

  • Price: $80 – $300 per session
  • Insurance Accepted? No
  • Geographic Availability: CA, FL, NJ, NY, PA, TX

Visit MyWellbeing

Why We Chose It

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.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • In-depth matching process
  • Three top matches to choose from
  • Free consult call prior to selecting therapist
  • Coaching available
Cons
  • Insurance not accepted
  • Available in only 6 US states
  • No option to self-select a therapist

Cost

MyWellbeing costs $80 – $300 per session, depending on your location and the therapist you are matched with. Consultation calls with your matched therapists are free.

Overview

My WellBeing main page
My WellBeing matches

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 matching 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 types 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 is 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 matching algorithm is uniquely thorough, but it does not necessarily have the widest range of providers on the platform.

In Our Experience

MyWellbeing has one of the most thorough and uniquely thoughtful matching questionnaires on the market, leaving space for you to prioritize your LGBTQIA+ identity and that of your therapist.

Best for Trauma-Foucsed Therapy – Expansive Therapy

$160 - $210 per session
Expansive Therapy Logo

  • Price: $160 – $210 per session
  • Insurance Accepted? No
  • Geographic Availability: CA & NY

Visit Expansive Therapy

Why We Chose It

Expansive Therapy is best for LGBTQIA+ clients in New York and California who want to work on trauma-related issues. Trauma-focused therapy is a practice-wide focus for Expansive Therapy.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Trauma-focused therapy for LGBTQIA+ community
  • In-person or online therapy available
Cons
  • Only available in CA and NY
  • Insurance is not accepted

Cost

Expansive Therapy costs $160 per 45-minute individual session and $210 per 45-minute couples session. They also offer discounted rates of $60 per session in New York working with their Advanced Clinical Interns, concurrent students in clinical mental health graduate programs, but these rates are subject to clinician availability.

Overview

Expansive Therapy main page
Expansive Therapy founders

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 some more affordable options are 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 matching 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.

In Our Experience

Expansive Therapy is unique for its multi-state practice, its focus on LGBTQIA+ therapists, its focus on LGBTQIA+ clients, and 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.

Best Peer-Support Community – Therapy Tribe

$100 - $200 per session
Therapy Tribe logo

  • Price: $100 – $200 per session
  • Insurance Accepted? Provider-Based
  • Geographic Availability: All US States

Visit Therapy Tribe

Why We Chose It

Therapy Tribe is best for folks who find value in an online peer-support community focused on LGBTQ issues, or other topics like addiction, anxiety, and depression.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Available in all US States
  • Search a directory for the perfect fit
  • Great peer-support community
Cons
  • Costs and insurance accepted depends on the provider you select
  • Limited filters in the directory
  • Despite accepting clients of all ages, it may not be ideal for LGBTQ kids and teens

Cost

Therapy Tribe costs range from $100 – $200 per 45-minute session, but will ultimately depend on the therapist you select from the directory.

Overview

Therapy Tribe main page
Therapy Tribe results page

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 into one of the largest and most user-friendly global directories for therapists, groups for folks with 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. Overall, the search filters do not allow you to specifically search for LGBTQIA+ therapists and there is no budget filter. This means you will need to read profiles carefully to ensure you are finding a therapist that aligns with your personal identity and your budget.

In Our Experience

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.

Best for Quick Scheduling – ZocDoc

Provider-Based
ZocDoc Logo

  • Price: Provider-Based
  • Insurance Accepted? Provider-Based
  • Geographic Availability: All US States

Visit ZocDoc

Why We Chose It

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.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Self-select a provider
  • Couples and kids and teens therapy available
  • Available in all US States
Cons
  • No set costs or insurance plans accepted
  • No LGBTQ specific filters

Cost

ZocDoc $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.

Overview

ZocDoc main page
ZocDoc results page

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, or 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+.

In Our Experience

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.

Best Range of Online Therapists – Psychology Today

$99 - $200 per session
Psychology Today Logo

  • Price: $99 – $200 per session
  • Insurance Accepted? Provider-Based
  • Geographic Availability: All US States

Visit Psychology Today

Why We Chose It

Psychology Today is great for folks who want to search for a provider directory with a wide range of modalities, specialties, and locations.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Self-select your own provider
  • Wide range of therapists to choose from
  • Wide range of costs and insurance plans accepted
Cons
  • Searching through the directory can take a lot of time
  • No customer service to help you navigate the directory

Cost

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

Overview

Psychology Today main page
Psychology Today results page with issues treated

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 paying to be listed on the platform and has grown since the pandemic to include 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 you’d like to discuss in therapy, “Transgender” can be found under the issues filter. However, LGBTQIA+ issues are 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 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, which 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.

In Our Experience

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.

Best Mobile Experience – Therapy Den

$100 - $200 per session
Therapy Den Logo

  • Price: $100 – $200 per session
  • Insurance Accepted? Yes
  • Geographic Availability: All US States

Visit Therapy Den

Why We Chose It

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.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Wide range of costs
  • Insurance is accepted
  • Great mobile experience
Cons
  • No matching help from customer service
  • So many choices can easily overwhelm some

Cost

Therapy Den is a directory of independently practicing therapists and as such 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.

Overview

Therapy Den main page
Therapy Den Results page

TherapyDen is a free-to-use, session-based national directory of independently practicing therapists offering free searches 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.

In Our Experience

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.

Compare the Best LGBTQ+ Online Therapy Options in 2023

NQTTCN Pride Counseling Teladoc LGBTQ Therapy Space Inclusive Therapists Gay Therapy Center My Wellbeing Expansive Therapy
Cost Provider-Based $240 - $260 monthly $0 - $99 per session $155 - $185 per session Provider-Based $185 per session $80 - $300 per session $160 - $210 per session
Insurance Accepted yes no yes no Provider-Based no no no
Individual (18+) Therapy yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes
Couples Therapy yes no no yes yes no no no
Medication Management no no yes no yes no no no
View Provider Directory yes no no yes yes no no no
LGBTQ Filters in Directory no no no no yes no no no
NQTTCN Pride Counseling Teladoc LGBTQ Therapy Space Inclusive Therapists Gay Therapy Center My Wellbeing Expansive Therapy
Cost
Provider-Based $240 - $260 monthly $0 - $99 per session $155 - $185 per session Provider-Based $185 per session $80 - $300 per session $160 - $210 per session
Insurance Accepted
yes no yes no Provider-Based no no no
Individual (18+) Therapy
yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes
Couples Therapy
yes no no yes yes no no no
Medication Management
no no yes no yes no no no
View Provider Directory
yes no no yes yes no no no
LGBTQ Filters in Directory
no no no no yes no no no

Final Verdict

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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 communication 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 working 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.

For Further Reading

  • Mental Health America – How Do I Find LGBTQ-Friendly Therapy?
  • The Trevor Project – Connect with a Crisis Counselor 24/7
  • American Psychiatric Association Research on Mental Health Among LGBTQIA+ Folks
Sources Update History

Choosing Therapy strives to provide our readers with mental health content that is accurate and actionable. We have high standards for what can be cited within our articles. Acceptable sources include government agencies, universities and colleges, scholarly journals, industry and professional associations, and other high-integrity sources of mental health journalism. Learn more by reviewing our full editorial policy.

  • Martin, D. J., Garske, J. P., & Davis, M. K. (2000). Relation of the therapeutic alliance with outcome and other variables: a meta-analytic review. Journal of consulting and clinical psychology, 68(3), 438–450. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10883561/

  • “Frequently Asked Questions” (2022). Pride Counseling. https://www.pridecounseling.com/faq

  • “About Us.” Inclusive Therapists. https://www.inclusivetherapists.com/about

Show more

We regularly update the articles on ChoosingTherapy.com to ensure we continue to reflect scientific consensus on the topics we cover, to incorporate new research into our articles, and to better answer our audience’s questions. When our content undergoes a significant revision, we summarize the changes that were made and the date on which they occurred. We also record the authors and medical reviewers who contributed to previous versions of the article. Read more about our editorial policies here.

November 28, 2023
Author: No Change
Reviewer: No Change
Primary Changes: Complete revamp of overall style; updated logos for all companies.
Quick Update: May 30, 2023
Primary Change: Ayana is no longer an active online therapy platform.
Original Publish Date: July 21, 2022
Author: Brian Ackerman, LMSW
Reviewer: Dena Westphalen, PharmD
Show more

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    • The National Queer & Trans Therapists of Color NetworkThe National Queer & Trans Therapists of Color Network
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    • Inclusive TherapistsInclusive Therapists
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