Affirmative Therapy at LAOP
At LAOP, we recognize the challenges that people within the LGBTQIA+ community often face in finding affirming mental health treatment. Our dedicated team is equipped with the resources and training to not only provide effective evidence-based treatment modalities, but also offer a sense of community and belonging for our LGBTQIA+ clients.
What Sets Us Apart
From the first call with Admissions to the last day of treatment, our team will treat you with respect and support you throughout your programming. We’re committed to fostering a safe, welcoming environment where individuals can explore their gender identity, sexual orientation, and mental health concerns without fear of judgement. We also emphasize taking an individualized approach to treatment, combining evidence-based modalities with holistic, creative therapies to deliver comprehensive care that meets your unique goals and needs.
What is Affirmative Therapy?
LGBTQIA+ affirmative therapy recognizes and validates the diverse experiences of LGBTQIA+ individuals. It is a lens of treatment that can be applied to any therapeutic modality as a means to support the LGBTQIA+ community. This approach aims to create a supportive and inclusive environment for clients to positively explore their identities and address mental health concerns. Here are some ways we incorporate this approach into our care:
Trauma-Informed Care
This approach begins with an understanding that LGBTQIA+ individuals may face specific traumas related to their identities, including societal discrimination, family rejection, and internalized homophobia or transphobia. Trauma-informed care takes these unique pressures into account, ensuring therapy is tailored to address such experiences comprehensively.
Expressive Therapy
Expressive therapy offers LGBTQIA+ clients a creative outlet to explore and process their emotions, trauma, and identity, providing a non-verbal means of expression and fostering empowerment and self-discovery. This includes creative therapies such as art therapy and music therapy.
Support Groups
Support groups provide a safe and affirming space to connect with others who share similar experiences, offering validation, understanding, and a sense of community. Support groups can also provide valuable resources, coping strategies, and social support. LAOP offers monthly support groups led by mental health experts. Register for free here.
Our Team
Our team includes directors, therapists, and supportive staff trained in supporting LGBTQIA+ clients on their healing journeys. Our licensed therapists are committed to providing affirmative psychotherapy and creating a safe space for individuals exploring gender identity, sexual orientation, and mental health concerns.
FAQs
What should I expect from LAOP’s programs?
During your treatment program at LAOP, you can expect a supportive and nonjudgmental environment where you can discuss your thoughts, feelings, and experiences with a mental health professional trained in affirmative psychotherapy. The therapist will work collaboratively with you to address your specific needs and goals.
How can LGBTQIA+ affirmative therapy help me?
LGBTQIA+ affirmative therapy can help individuals navigate the challenges specific to the LGBTQIA+ community, such as coming out, family rejection, discrimination, and identity exploration. It provides a safe space to address mental health issues and work towards self-acceptance and empowerment.
Are the therapists at Los Angeles Outpatient Center trained in LGBTQIA+ affirmative therapy?
Yes, the therapists at Los Angeles Outpatient Center are trained in LGBTQIA+ affirmative therapy practices endorsed by the American Psychological Association. They are dedicated to providing culturally responsive mental health care and creating a safe space for LGBTQIA+ individuals to explore their mental health concerns. We pride ourselves in ensuring our community of providers is as unique as yours!
Can I use Insurance for Therapy?
Yes, we work with most major insurance plans and offer private pay options. Click here to submit your insurance information for review.
Free Community Support Groups
Join our free virtual Community Support Groups, happening on the first Tuesday of each month at 12 PM. Led by mental health experts, our groups offer a safe space to connect, share experiences, and receive support from peers and trained facilitators. Our June 4th session will focus on "Supporting LGBTQIA+ Mental Health.” Open to members of the public.
