Everyone deserves mental health care where they feel respected, understood, and accepted. At Sabanosh Psychiatry & Wellness, our LGBTQ+ mental health services emphasize affirming, individualized care that honors your identity, experiences, relationships, and personal goals.
Being LGBTQ+ is not a mental health condition. However, experiences such as discrimination, rejection, family conflict, social isolation, and minority stress can affect emotional well-being. LGBTQ+ individuals may also experience anxiety, depression, ADHD, substance use concerns, and other mental health conditions unrelated to their identity.
Our approach focuses on the individual rather than assumptions or stereotypes. We work collaboratively with you to understand your concerns and develop a treatment plan that reflects your needs.
Understanding LGBTQ+ Mental Health
Mental health is shaped by many factors, including biology, relationships, personal experiences, and social circumstances. For some LGBTQ+ individuals, navigating environments that are not consistently accepting or safe can add emotional stress.
We offer support for concerns such as:
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Anxiety, depression, and persistent stress
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The emotional impact of stigma, discrimination, or rejection
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Family relationships and interpersonal challenges
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Identity exploration and questions about self-acceptance
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ADHD and other psychiatric concerns
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Substance use concerns and coping with stress
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Other mental health symptoms affecting daily life and relationships
You do not need to be experiencing identity-related stress to benefit from affirming psychiatric care. We welcome individuals seeking general psychiatric support who value an inclusive, respectful treatment environment.
What Does Affirming Psychiatric Care Mean?
Affirming care means approaching your treatment with respect for your identity, without treating your sexual orientation or gender identity as a disorder.
We recognize that your experiences are unique. We do not assume that your mental health concerns stem from your identity, nor do we overlook the impact that discrimination, rejection, or other experiences may have had on your well-being.
Our goal is to create a collaborative environment where you can discuss your concerns openly and receive clinically appropriate care without judgment.
Our Approach to Your Care
Respect for your identity.
We aim to create a welcoming environment where you are treated with dignity and respect.
Individualized psychiatric evaluation.
We take time to understand your symptoms, medical and psychiatric history, treatment goals, and relevant life circumstances.
Collaborative treatment planning.
Recommendations are based on your clinical needs and preferences and may include medication management or other appropriate treatment recommendations.
Attention to your broader experiences.
Relationships, family dynamics, social support, and experiences of discrimination may be relevant to your mental health. We consider these factors when they are meaningful to your care.
Confidentiality and trust.
Your privacy matters. We respect your personal information and discuss confidentiality and its applicable limits as part of care.
What to Expect at Your First Appointment
Your initial appointment is an opportunity to share what has brought you to seek care and what you hope to accomplish. You can discuss your symptoms, previous treatment experiences, and any concerns you would like your provider to understand.
You do not need to educate your clinician about your identity or justify your experiences to receive respectful care. We want you to feel comfortable participating in decisions about your treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be experiencing LGBTQ+-specific concerns to receive care?
No. We provide general psychiatric care as well as support for concerns that may be particularly relevant to LGBTQ+ individuals.
Can I discuss anxiety or depression related to family rejection or discrimination?
Yes. These experiences can have a meaningful impact on mental health. We can explore how they affect you and discuss appropriate treatment options.
Will my identity be treated as a mental health diagnosis?
No. Sexual orientation and gender identity are not, in themselves, psychiatric disorders. Our focus is on your well-being and any mental health concerns for which you seek support.