Let’s face it, we are all under incredible pressures these days. Even as the pandemic restrictions are slowly beginning to lift, it’ll be a while before we are completely in the clear. And who knows if things might slide back again? It’s been a hell of a year, and for many of us, our mental health is taking a big hit.

Members of the LGBTQ+ community know all too well the pressures of living a life true to one’s self even under the best of circumstances. Mental health has always been a particularly delicate issue for many in the community. This past year has only exacerbated an already far-reaching problem. Finding a therapist you trust and is trained, proficient, and empathetic of the needs of the LGBTQ+ community can be taxing.

In this Mental Health Awareness Month of May, a new online platform created by LGBTQ+ folks and aimed specifically to the community is here to provide the help you may find yourself in need of. Gay Therapy Space (at gaytherapyspace.com) allows individuals seeking assistance to meet through its virtual platform with LGBTQ+ therapists and therapists who are LGBTQ+ affirming, proficient in the special mental health needs of the community. As they put it: “As queer people, we have a particular history and background, with specific needs, desires, and struggles, while at the same time also sharing the same difficulties that all humans experience. By connecting clients with therapists who understand the emotional complexity of their lives, without judgment, we help facilitate an authenticity and acceptance to your inner life that can help you navigate life’s challenges, both internal and external.”

Founded by Jake Myers, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist licensed in California and Florida, with a specialization in LGBT-Affirmative Psychotherapy, Gay Therapy Space was born from the Covid-19 shut-downs. Myers explains that he was about to start a new psychotherapy group in Hollywood in March of 2020 when he was forced to cancel his plans due to the pandemic. Turning reluctantly to seeing his clients online, he found that his initial fears of a restricted and reduced capacity to serve his clients in the usual manner were moot. In fact he found many benefits to delivering service through an online format:

1. Ease of Entry: Not having to deal with traffic, parking and finding the office eliminates a lot of the stress of going to the therapist.
2. Consistency: Scheduling (or rescheduling) sessions is easier, especially if one has to travel out of town, and sticking to the schedule when traffic and travel aren’t a hinderance allows for a more consistent therapy regimen.
3. Expanded Reach: The client has a greater amount of therapists to choose from within their state when they are not limited to the geography of their town or city. This is especially important for LGBTQ+ clients who may not be able to find an affirming therapist in their immediate area.
4. Eliminates the Waiting Room: From the comfort of the home or office, the client no longer has to endure the lack of confidentiality suffered by sitting in a therapist’s waiting room or office.
5. Health Conscious Appointments: In these pandemic times, you are not exposing yourself to other’s cold and flu germs and COVID. You can ditch the mask and remain healthy in your personal space.

Pricing seems quite reasonable. From their website: “All sessions are $155 each for 45 minutes. Our therapists are not in-network with any insurance, however they can provide a statement/superbill at the end of each month for you to submit if you have any ‘out-of-network psychotherapy’ benefits. If you do, you may be reimbursed a portion of the monthly fees paid.”

Gay Therapy Space founder Jake Myers

Mr. Myers states in a press release, “Finally achieving my own sense of authenticity and purpose in the world through this venture has allowed me the chance to now pass that on to both the community and other therapists, and ideally help thousands of LGBTQ people, old and young, to find their purpose, passion, and sense of peace in the world.”

Gay Therapy Space’s website currently lists therapists in California, Florida, Pennsylvania, New York and Texas, with more to follow.

Visit GayTherapySpace.com to find out if they are the assistance you are looking for.