Finding an LGBTQ+ Competent Provider

Having a healthcare provider that understands your unique healthcare needs impacts your quality of care and how likely you are to return for continued care. It can be especially challenging for LGBTQ+ individuals to find providers who are adequately trained in LGBTQ+ health needs. When we surveyed our community in 2018, One Colorado asked LGBTQ+ Coloradans, “What qualities make for a competent provider?” Across the state, you shared with us that utilizing an individual's correct pronouns, addressing transgender specific health needs, and having LGBTQ+ inclusive intake forms and materials were important signs that indicate to our community we are with a safe and competent provider. 

Use this information to navigate health care systems, as you search for and identify LGBTQ+ competent health care professionals and providers for yourself.  

Through Your Health Insurance Plan Provider

Check Your Online Portal

If your insurance provider has an online portal:

• Look for a searchable database of in network providers
• Search for providers using keywords such as “LGBTQ” or “gender affirming care” 

Call Your Health Insurance Plan Provider

Questions you can ask:

• Do you have a patient navigator on staff specific to LGBTQ+ services?
• Do you have a list of covered network providers?
• Do you have a list of LGBTQ+ competent providers? 

Pro-tip: Make a list of questions that are important to you before you make the call.

Search Engines (Google), Provider Databases, or Resource Directories  

When using general search engines, provider databases or directories, it can be helpful to consider specific filters, including: 

• Provider alignment with racial, cultural, spiritual, ethnic, gender, and sexual identities
• Languages spoken
• Accepted insurances 
• Provider subspecialty 
• Therapy goals 
• Symptoms or diagnosis 
• Zip code/regional 
• Traditional and holistic medicine options

Search Engine options

OutCare

• Search for healthcare providers and mental health providers in your area with an option to filter by speciality. The list is made up of providers who register and identify as culturally competent in the care of the LGBTQ+ community. OutCare also has an LGBTQ+ Public Resource Database, Mentorship Program, and a series on diversity and intersectionality.

Gay and Lesbian Medical Association (GLMA)

• Search for primary care providers, specialists, dentists, and mental health professionals in your area. Provider list is made of GLMA community partners and affiliations. 

PsychologyToday 

• Search for mental health providers that can be filtered by languages spoken, insurance, zip code, and identities. Click “more” to filter by LGBTQ+ friendly providers. Provider list is made up of providers who create a profile with Psychology Today. 

Inclusive Therapist

• Mental health provider list that aims to support individuals in finding a culturally responsive, 2SLGBTQ+ affirming therapist. Can filter by specialty, insurance, provider’s identity, languages, and more. 

World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH)

• “Standards of Care” was developed using evidence-based guidelines to provide clinical guidance to health professionals working with transgender and gender diverse people. Providers on this list are members of WPATH.

Word of Mouth 

• Ask a trusted friend or loved one 
• Social media and online discussion forums
• In-person and online support groups
• Networks for resource sharing

Meet with a Provider

Tips for a virtual or in-person appointment with a new or existing health care provider:

• If available and it’s helpful to you – ask a trusted friend or loved one to accompany you on your first visit. 
• Before your appointment, notice the provider website, intake forms, and their waiting room for indications of inclusivity. 
• Meeting with a mental health provider? Ask for a free, 15-20 minute consultation to determine if you are compatible. This is a common practice, and many therapists should be more than happy to do so!

Questions to ask during your appointment:

• Are you comfortable working with LGBTQ+ patients?
• Have you worked with LGBTQ+ patients before?
• What are your payment options? Do you do a sliding scale?
• If there are no spots currently available, can I join a waitlist?

Remember: If you are meeting with an existing provider or you meet with a new provider and it is not a positive experience, you have the right to change your provider at any time for any reason.

Disclaimer: The information listed here is intended to provide guidance for LGBTQ+ Coloradans seeking culturally responsive and clinically competent health care. This guide is not a direct endorsement of any resource listed.