Queer Therapist in Seattle

Are any of your clinicians queer-identifying?

Yes. Some clinicians at Puget Sound Psychotherapy & Psychiatry identify as queer. All clinicians are trained in affirming, identity-informed care.

"As a queer person, when I have a queer therapist, there's a lot I don't have to explain."

— Bethany Thomas, Licensed Counselor at PSP

At the same time, what matters most is whether a therapist is affirming, informed, and able to meet you where you are. Some clients prefer shared identity. Others just want someone who clearly gets it — and we have many compassionate, understanding straight therapists who are well trained to be allies.

Will I have to explain basic queer or trans issues in therapy?

No. You should not feel like you're teaching your therapist the fundamentals of your identity. Some clients come in after past experiences where therapy kept circling back to their identity as "the issue."

Therapy should reflect your actual goals. Maybe you're here for anxiety, burnout, grief, relationship conflict, or something else entirely. Your identity may shape your experience, but it shouldn't take over the conversation unless you want it to.

Can your clinicians provide gender-affirming care letters for surgeries or procedures?

Yes. Some of our clinicians provide gender-affirming care letters when they are needed for surgery, consultations, or insurance requirements. They are written according to the latest WPATH Standards of Care.

If this is part of why you're seeking therapy, it's OK to bring it up early. We can talk through what's needed and connect you with a clinician who has experience in this area.

What goes on the notes that go to insurance about my queer or trans identities?

Nothing, unless you are seeking coverage for gender-related treatment. Your identity is not automatically shared with your insurance.

"If you came in and told me you were trans and you were here because your grandfather died, insurance does not need to know that you're trans."

— Bethany Thomas, Licensed Counselor at PSP

Documentation focuses on what is actually being treated. If you're concerned about privacy, you can ask exactly how this works — a good therapist will explain it clearly.

Are your couples counselors affirming of queer and/or poly relationships?

Absolutely. Clinicians at Puget Sound Psychotherapy work with a wide range of relationship structures, including queer, non-monogamous, and poly relationships. You won't have to defend your relationship in therapy. The work is about understanding you and getting at the heart of what brought you here.

What if I only want a queer therapist?

That's completely valid. For many people, that shared understanding helps them relax faster and feel more open.

"It's very reassuring to know someone has a similar experience. You shouldn't have to work in therapy to feel comfortable."

— Lindsey Nunez, Licensed Counselor at PSP

You don't need to push yourself to make something work if it doesn't feel right. If you're looking for something specific, we'll help you find the right fit.

What are signs a therapist might not be a good fit for LGBTQ+ clients?

Sometimes it's obvious, but other times it's more subtle. It might be language that feels dated or off. It might be a sense that your identity is being treated as the problem. No need to justify though — if it doesn't feel right, that's enough.