Queer Therapy Network

Welcome to Queer Therapy Network MHP Houston Chapter

LIFE IS HARD.

ACCESS TO MENTAL HEALTHCARE SHOULDN'T BE.

Queer Therapy Network MHP Houston Chapter is the first and only professional queer-affirming mental health chapter network of certified mental health providers and postgraduate pre-licensed professionals who seek continuing education training, hands-on experience, job placement, mentorship, and therapist-to-therapist support and want to collectively serve the LGBTQIA+ community with mental health services, resources, and support in a welcoming, safe, inclusive, and diverse environment.

MISSION

To build the first professional and accredited mental health network chapter of queer-affirming

mental health providers, supporters, and allies offering mental health services, resources, and support.

VISION

To become the leading accredited chapter of queer-affirming mental health professionals,

According to ZIPPIA's demographics, there are over 341,444 mental health professionals, counselors, and therapists currently employed in the United States.
Only 27% are non-white, and only 15% are LGBTQ+.
QTNMHPHC is here to change these statistics.

IT'S TIME TO CHANGE HOW

QUEER COMMUNITY MEMBERS

ACCESS MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

Mental health disorders in the queer community are often overlooked or left unspoken. This is likely due,

in part, to the fact that mental health is a highly personal and individual experience. What might be a mental health disorder for one queer person might not be a disorder for another. That said, there are some common mental health disorders that affect the queer community. These include depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and eating disorders.

These disorders can be exacerbated by the unique stressors that queer people face, such as discrimination and hate crimes.

Some of these challenges include:

Homophobia and transphobia, which can lead to discrimination and a lack of acceptance from family, friends, and the wider community.

Internalized homophobia and transphobia, which can cause LGBTQIA+ people to doubt their own worth and feel ashamed of who they are.

Stigma and discrimination, which can make it difficult for LGBTQIA+ people to access mental health services and support.

Bullying and harassment, which can be particularly traumatic for LGBTQIA+ youth.

Lack of social support, which can leave LGBTQIA+ people feeling isolated and alone.

Economic insecurity, which can add to the stress and anxiety of being LGBTQIA+.

70% of (non-queer) mental health providers report not having training in how to affirm and support LGBTQIA+ people, leaving many LGBTQIA+ people feeling unsupported and misunderstood by their mental health providers. This lack of queer-affirming mental health providers continues to contribute to devastating consequences. For many LGBTQIA+ people, finding a mental health provider who looks like them and truly understands their experiences can be life-saving. Queer-affirming mental health providers can provide better much-needed support and guidance to those who are struggling.

DEMAND FOR QUEER-AFFIRMING

MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS

There is an increasing demand for mental health providers who are queer-affirming. LGBTQIA+ people are at higher risk for mental health disorders than the general population, and they are less likely to receive quality mental healthcare.

This is likely due, in part, to the stress that comes from living in a society that doesn't always accept them, combined with the fact that many mental health providers are not LGBTQIA+-affirming or even knowledgeable.

THE IMPORTANCE OF QUEER-AFFIRMING

MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS

There are several reasons why it is important for mental health providers to be LGBTQIA+-affirming.

With an LGBTQIA+-affirming therapist, LGBTQIA+ people are: