Services for LGBTQIA+

Research shows that people who identify as LGBTQIA+ have worse mental health outcomes when compared to cisgender, heterosexual individuals, a finding that is magnified if a person has several marginalized identities. We recognize that finding a LGBTQIA+ literate, never mind affirming, therapist is not always easy. We want to help address this imbalance by making it simple to connect with an affirming therapist at our practice. 

All Therapists of New York clinicians work from an LGBTQIA+ affirming stance, while others have specific expertise in LGBTQIA+ issues and/or identify as queer themselves. Whether you’re coming to therapy hoping to specifically discuss concerns related to your gender or sexuality or want to focus on other areas of your life, it is important to know you are working with a therapist who is affirming of your identities and familiar with the challenges that many members of LGBTQIA+ communities face. 

Some common gender and sexuality related concerns we hear at Therapists of New York include frequent experiences with discrimination and oppression, confusion about ones sexual or gender identity, difficult coming out experiences, and trouble sorting out an authentic self in the face of societal pressure. Whatever you’re coming to therapy to address, our therapists will help you do it while thoughtfully holding you in mind and integrating the various aspects of your identity. 

Letters for Gender Affirming Procedures

Therapists of New York believes it is essential for trans and non-binary (TGNB) people to have access to gender affirming medical care, including surgical options. In order to access surgery, insurance companies and surgeons currently require letters of support from a licensed mental health provider. We offer assessments in order to write a letter of support to give to your surgeon and/or insurance provider. We see our role in this process as advocates for TGNB clients and attempt to frame assessment sessions as an opportunity to think together about your surgical preparedness. 

We typically meet for 1 to 4 sessions (45-60 minutes each) in order to discuss your expectations, questions, and/or concerns around the surgical process, as well as a discussion of other aspects of your experience and plan. These sessions also allow time to gather enough information to provide a diagnosis of gender dysphoria or gender incongruence (a requirement for surgery).  

We also offer ongoing, gender affirming therapy. After an initial consultation, you would be matched with one of our clinicians who specialize in working with LGBTQIA and TGNB individuals. With that, you do not need to be in psychotherapy at Therapists of New York in order to meet for this assessment. At this time, we are able to assess adults (18+) residing in New York. If you are looking for a letter of support in a different state, you can visit GALAP’s directory. 

Please feel free to contact us here for more information (including fees and your out of network benefits) and to set up a brief free phone consultation with Dr. Lauren O’Connor, who specializes in working with queer, trans, and non-binary people and oversees this service.

Groups

Queer Young Adults Group: The group is geared towards individuals ages 18-30 who identify as LGBTQIA+.

The group will support members in working to better understand themselves and their relationship to their sexual orientation and/or gender identity through supportive exploration and processing with fellow members. Topics may also stretch beyond those specific to queerness, as members work to identify ways of addressing general interpersonal difficulties. The group is appropriate for LGBTQIA+ individuals at all stages of identity development.

The group is led by Dr. Lauren O’Connor (she/her), who specializes in working with LGBTQIA+ individuals and has training and experience facilitating process groups. All prospective participants first meet with Dr. O’Connor individually to gauge whether the group may be a good fit for their goals.

In person (6 East 39th Street)
Thursdays 5:30PM-6:45PM
$80/session (Eligible for out of network reimbursement)

LGBTQ+ Elders Group: This group is geared towards individuals ages 65+ who identify as LGBTQ+ and aims to provide a space for LGBTQ+ elders to engage in meaningful connection, support one another, and cultivate community. Beyond this, members will explore interpersonal challenges and share about their personal histories. The group will emphasize the relationships amongst members as a means of understanding their relationships (past and present) outside of group. 

The group is led by Dr. Lauren O’Connor (she/her), who specializes in working with LGBTQ+ individuals. All prospective participants first meet with Dr. O’Connor individually to gauge whether the group is aligned with what they are seeking. 

In-person (6 East 39th Street)
Fridays, exact time TBD based on member preference
$80/session (Eligible for out of network reimbursement)

Click here if you would like more information on therapy for LGBTQIA+ or if you are interested in therapy with one of our affirming therapist or in joining a group.