LGBTQ+ Support

Today, many people recognize that each person has a gender identity and sexual orientation. Gender identity is separate from biological sex and is, instead, your internal sense of being male, female, neither, or both. Sexual orientation refers to whom you are physically or romantically attracted to. Those who fall under the sexual minority or gender diverse populations, such as people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, or questioning, may choose to identify as LGBTQ+. This identity doesn’t mean that the individual has a mental health condition or disorder. However, those who identify as LGBTQ+ often have unique mental health challenges. Sadly, the transgender and bisexual communities have incredibly high rates of mental health problems within this community. Fortunately, the LGBTQ+ support program at PHC Mental Health Counseling Services can provide the support you or your loved one needs as you discover more about your identity.

Why Is an LGBTQ+ Support Program Necessary?

In spite of the progress we have made, non-binary individuals face tremendous challenges. The same technology that allows us to find community and understand that we are not alone also exposes us to anonymous bullying and aggression. While it is encouraging to identify our allies, we are currently seeing an erosion of hard-won rights at a governmental level, and aggression towards non-gender-conforming individuals is increasing. As a result of these mixed messages, many non-binary individuals suffer from internalized homophobia.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide is the third-leading cause of death in the United States among those aged 10-to-14 and the second-leading from age 15-to-24. Gay, lesbian and bisexual youth are two to five times as likely as their straight peers to attempt suicide, and young transgender people are also at heightened risk. Prejudice is a leading factor.

The American Psychiatric Association warns that conversion therapies can lead to depression, anxiety, and self-destructive behavior “therapist alignment with societal prejudices against homosexuality may reinforce self-hatred already experienced by the patient.” But supportive psychotherapy can be a crucial resource. The American Medical Association attributes emotional disturbances felt by LGBT people to a “sense of alienation in an unaccepting environment” and calls for affirmative psychotherapy to help people cope and develop.
Make an appointment today to begin your journey to the life you deserve.

Why Do People Seek Our Gender Therapist in Orlando?

Our gender therapist helps those in the LGBTQ+ community understand, minimize, and manage feelings of discomfort surrounding their expression and expression. We know that people seek out an LGBTQ+ support program for a range of reasons, including:

• To explore their understanding of gender identity
• In order to support loved ones who are navigating gender identity
• To access interventions that will affirm their newly discovered identity
• In order to manage mental health conditions

No matter why you’re seeking our LGBTQ+ support program, we can help. Please reach out to PHC Mental Health Counseling Services today to learn more.