Finding a care provider can be a challenging task for anyone. When a prospective patient looks for a provider, the initial effort is often through a web search. Many of these searches will result in hundreds of providers from which to choose, but the hope is to locate one that will be able to provide the necessary care that also aligns with the prospective patient’s needs. The initial exposure from these web searches offers the opportunity to inform potential LGBTQIA+ patients that they will encounter a safe space when addressing their healthcare needs, and also provides opportunity to share a provider’s professional experience, affiliation, and involvement with these communities. There are currently several websites providing a wide range of search tools to locate potential providers by location, specialty, gender identity, as well as what insurance platforms they accept. In recognition of the increasing need for LGBTQIA+ communities to have access to appropriate healthcare, there are websites where prospective patients can search for providers who are members of these communities, as well as providers who have made a commitment in helping these communities (https://lgbtqhealthcaredirectory.org/; https://www.outcarehealth.org/outlist/; and https://app.wpath.org/member/) search for providers who offer gender-affirming care.
In addition to these websites, organizations and employers can contract with companies, such as Included Health, which will connect employees with care coordinators who assist in locating providers, knowledgeable about LGBTQIA+ healthcare needs.
Working with a Prescribing Psychologist
Prescribing psychologists, competent in caring for culturally diverse populations, including members of the LGBTQIA+ community, are in a unique position to provide healthcare because they can expertly prescribe medications, as well as psychotherapy in various modalities (individual, couples, family, group). This increased accessibility to pharmacotherapeutic care ensures a comprehensive, stable, treatment relationship, particularly when individuals are at risk for feeling overwhelmed when sharing their health history narratives with multiple providers.
Providing a Safe Care Environment
In consideration of the care environment, LGBTQIA+ patients may feel a greater sense of comfort if symbols familiar to these communities are visibly displayed. Posted statements of inclusivity and non-discriminatory practice, as well as posters featuring diverse couples and families, are ways to indicate that the care environment is a safe space for them. Gender-neutral restrooms can also provide a greater sense of safety for members of these communities.
Office staff and providers in care environments also have a role in providing a safe and inclusive space. Therefore, including staff in appropriate training and creating expectations for the achievement of cultural competencies is critical. Those who have face-to-face encounters with patients may also wear pins displaying symbols or emblems, such as pride flags or colors, or those with messages of safety and inclusivity, such as, “You are safe with me.”
Inclusivity can also be recognized in the paper work that patients are asked to complete, in the process of care. Forms can be reviewed and updated to include sexual and gender identifiers, as well as include appropriate follow-up questions when specific identifiers are selected.
Summary
Like many others, prospective LGBTQIA+ patients often begin their provider search online, making it important for healthcare providers and facilities to signal safety, inclusivity, and relevant expertise in their web presence. Several specialized directories—such as the LGBTQ+ Healthcare Directory, OutCare’s OutList, and WPATH’s provider search—help patients find providers by identity, specialty, and commitment to LGBTQIA+ care.
In addition to these directories, some companies may offer services through Included Health, which assists in connecting prospective patients with knowledgeable care coordinators and, ultimately, the care provider. LGBTQIA+ patients who see a prescribing psychologist are in a unique position to receive pharmacotherapy as well as psychotherapy, with highly trained clinicians who value the therapeutic relationship as well as the expertise required to treat complex psychological disorders.
In an effort to create a care environment that is affirming, provider offices can display visible symbols of inclusion, post non-discrimination statements, and provide gender-neutral restrooms. Office staff and providers can further promote affirming care by undergoing LGBTQIA+ competency trainings and using inclusive visual cues, such as pins attached to name badges. The clinical forms and documentation that patients are asked to complete should also reflect inclusivity by allowing selections of sexual orientation, gender identity, preferred name, as well as other details important to identity.
Written by Glenn Sample, Psy.D., MSCP
Reviewed by IAPP's Editorial Board
About The Author:
Dr. Glenn Sample is a licensed Clinical Psychologist in Illinois and California and is authorized to provide telepsychology services across 43 states through participation in the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT). He provides psychological services to adults and couples, drawing on a broad range of clinical experiences and evidence-based approaches to support clients across the lifespan.
Dr. Sample has worked in diverse clinical and organizational settings, including public and private school systems, inpatient psychiatric facilities, community mental health agencies, group practice environments, federally qualified health centers (FQHCs), and private practice. In addition to his clinical work, he has held leadership and administrative roles, including managing a multidisciplinary behavioral health team and directing a neuropsychological assessment department within an FQHC.
His clinical training includes specialized preparation in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) for children and adolescents who have experienced trauma, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) for individuals experiencing emotion regulation difficulties and high-risk behaviors, and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples seeking to strengthen emotional connection and relational functioning. Dr. Sample also has extensive experience providing affirming, culturally responsive services to individuals and couples within LGBT communities and is committed to inclusive, ethical, and client-centered care.
Dr. Sample completed his Master’s degree in psychology at the American School of Professional Psychology in Orange County, California, and earned his doctoral degree at the American School of Professional Psychology in San Francisco. He further pursued advanced postdoctoral education, completing a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychopharmacology at the California School of Professional Psychology.
His work emphasizes evidence-based treatment, relational understanding, cultural humility, and collaborative care across clinical, medical, and community-based settings. He remains dedicated to ongoing professional development, ethical practice, and advancing access to high-quality mental health services.
