Online assessment of Pride Counseling: Therapeutic services for the LGBTQ+ community via the internet
In the wake of Pride Counseling's closure, individuals seeking online therapy tailored to the LGBTQIA+ community have a variety of options to consider. Here are some of the best alternatives:
Calmerry, an affordable and accessible e-counseling platform, offers LGBTQIA+ affirming care through text and video chat. With licensed therapists and flexible scheduling, Calmery starts at about $57 per week. The service provides secure, confidential therapy sessions, daily support, and caters to a wide range of mental health needs [3].
Expansive Therapy, a queer-affirming practice, specializes in therapy addressing gender identity, sexual orientation, and challenges unique to the LGBTQIA+ community. They offer affirming support for issues ranging from digital relationships to identity exploration and self-care strategies, providing culturally competent care [4].
Inclusive Therapists, an online directory, focuses on connecting clients with therapists who celebrate diverse identities, including LGBTQIA+ individuals, BIPOC, and neurodivergent clients. It helps users find culturally sensitive therapists tailored to their needs [3].
For those seeking community engagement, digital support groups like TrevorSpace by The Trevor Project continue to be available, offering community connection and peer support for LGBTQIA+ youth, which is essential for mental health and resilience [1,2].
Pride Counseling, a subsidiary of BetterHelp, offered unlimited messaging and services suitable for people with mental health conditions and those who wanted to discuss their identities or needed to talk with someone. The service asked individuals to fill in a short questionnaire about the topics they wished to discuss with a therapist [5].
While Pride Counseling did not hold accreditation with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), it had an A- grade. However, it's worth noting that the BBB website shows two complaints filed against Pride Counseling in the past 3 years, concerning counselors not attending sessions and customers not receiving refunds [6].
It's important to remember that the cost of these services varies based on location, therapist specialisms, and therapist availability. Most insurance providers, including Medicare and Medicaid, do not cover the costs of Pride Counseling's service. Individuals can contact their insurance provider to see if they can receive partial or full coverage [7].
Individuals who are LGBTQIA+ are more likely to face mental health challenges such as emotional distress, depression, anxiety, thoughts of suicide, stigmatization, violence and harassment, discrimination, and barriers to mental health care [8]. Therefore, it's crucial to prioritize mental health support and find a service that best suits individual needs.
People can switch therapists at any time, and they must have internet access to use these services. It's also worth noting that Pride Counseling did not offer its services to those under 18 years of age [5].
Upon completing the questionnaire, the service will ask for payment and match an individual with a therapist specializing in their areas of concern. People will receive a confirmation when the system has found a match [5].
In summary, Calmerry, Expansive Therapy, and Inclusive Therapists provide excellent LGBTQIA+ specialized online therapy options post-Pride Counseling, supported by virtual support groups like TrevorSpace for community engagement.
Calmerry, a platform offering secure and confidential therapy sessions, is an affordable option for individuals seeking online therapy tailored to the LGBTQIA+ community, with its services starting at about $57 per week and catering to a wide range of mental health needs.
Expansive Therapy, a queer-affirming practice, specializes in therapy addressing issues unique to the LGBTQIA+ community, such as digital relationships, identity exploration, and self-care strategies, providing culturally competent care for individuals seeking mental health support.
