How to find an LGBTQ-affirming psychiatrist in San Francisco

San Francisco has no shortage of mental health providers. Finding one who truly understands LGBTQ+ lives can still be hard. Plenty of people have had a provider who meant well but got their partner’s pronouns wrong, focused on their sexuality when they came in for sleep, or left them doing all the educating.

What “LGBTQ-affirming” actually means

An affirming provider sees your identity as a normal, healthy part of who you are. They don’t treat it as the problem, and they don’t ignore it either. They understand how stigma, family rejection and discrimination can affect mental health, and they make room for your relationships, chosen family, sex life and gender without judgment.

Questions to ask before you book

• What experience do you have working with LGBTQ+ patients?

• How do you handle names and pronouns in your records?

• Are you comfortable talking about sex, PrEP, HIV or substance use?

• Do you work with trans and nonbinary patients, including people on hormones?

• What does treatment usually look like: therapy, medication or both?

A good provider will be glad you asked.

Psychiatrist, psychiatric NP or therapist?

Therapists focus on talk therapy. Psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) can diagnose conditions and prescribe medication, and many also bring therapy skills into their sessions. If you’re dealing with depression, anxiety, ADHD or sleep problems and want medication to be an option, a psychiatric provider is a good place to start.

Look for specifics, not just a rainbow

Directories like OutCare and Psychology Today let you search for LGBTQ+ affirming providers. Read how each provider describes their work. Specific language about LGBTQ+ care usually tells you more than a rainbow logo.

Care at Wellthy

Earl is an LGBTQ+ psychiatric nurse practitioner and an OutCare Affirming Provider. He sees patients by telehealth anywhere in California, with in-person visits in San Francisco by request. Read about our LGBTQ+ mental health care or book a free consult.

This blog is for general information and isn’t medical advice. If you’re in crisis, call or text 988 any time, or see our list of crisis lines.