LGBTQIA+ Affirming Therapy & Counseling in Albuquerque, NM

At Sandia Therapy and Wellness Center, We Proudly Offer LGBTQIA+ Affirming Therapy and Counseling.

We provide a safe, affirming space to explore your unique experiences, challenges, and triumphs. Our team includes LGBTQIA+ identified and allied therapists and counselors who understand the complexities of gender identity, sexual orientation, and the impact of living in a society that may not always offer acceptance. At our wellness center in Albuquerque, we believe every individual deserves to feel seen, heard, and supported while navigating identity and personal growth.

Make Appointment

Understanding the Mental Health Needs of LGBTQIA+ Individuals

Living authentically as an LGBTQIA+ person brings unique strengths but can also involve bias, discrimination, and isolation. Many individuals face mental health challenges linked to minority stress, fear of rejection, or lack of acceptance from family, community, or society. In today’s climate, these stressors can feel even more intense. Our Albuquerque-based therapists and counselors offer LGBTQIA+ affirming therapy to help you process, adapt, and move forward with resilience.

Make Appointment

Affirming LGBTQIA+ Counseling and Therapy Tailored to You

At Sandia Therapy and Wellness Center, we offer counseling and therapy for a range of LGBTQIA+ experiences, from coming out and family acceptance to body image, internalized bias, and navigating relationships. Our affirming therapists and counselors take a nonjudgmental, inclusive approach grounded in CBT, trauma-informed care, and mindfulness. Serving the Albuquerque community, we help you build resilience, strengthen self-acceptance, and move forward with confidence.

Make Appointment

What the Experts Say About LGBTQIA+ Mental Health

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services: LGBTQIA+


Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people are more likely to experience certain health-related challenges and disparities. For example, LGBT adolescents are especially at risk for being bullied, which can contribute to them thinking about and dying from suicide or using illegal drugs. School- and family-based interventions can help reduce bullying and violence against LGBT adolescents, address drug use and mental health problems, and improve health.


Click here to learn more on the Dept of Health and Human Services website.

American Psychological Association: LGBTQIA+


Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity


Advancing the creation, communication, and application of psychological knowledge on gender identity and sexual orientation to benefit society and improve lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people's lives.


Click here to learn more on the American Psychological Association website.

Human Rights Campaign: LGBTQIA+


LGBTQ+ youth and adults in the United States face numerous mental health challenges, relative to their cisgender and straight peers.


Recent data from the 2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS)found that LGBTQ+ adults were over twice as likely as cisgender/straight adults to be diagnosed with depression, and almost three times as likely to have experienced poor mental health over the previous month.

In the 2022 HRC LGBTQ+ Youth Survey, over half of LGBTQ+ youth (age 13-17) screened positive for depression, and two-thirds screened positive for anxiety. In comparison, 42% of high school aged youth nationwide reported persistent feelings of sadness, and only 29% experienced poor mental health.

If you (or an LGBTQ+ person that you know) is experiencing a mental health crisis or is in need of help, you do not have to face this alone.

Too often, false narratives attempt to blame LGBTQ+ people for their own mental health challenges. However, mental health challenges in the LGBTQ+ community can stem from anti-LGBTQ+ stigma, family and peer rejection, homophobic and transphobic hate speech and violence, workplace discrimination, and the rise in anti-LGBTQ+ state legislation, among other factors.

There are many resources available to help.


Click here to learn more on the Human Rights Campaign website.

LGBTQIA Mental Health: Questions and Answers

Exploring identity and finding support can bring up important questions. These FAQs highlight common concerns and how LGBTQIA-affirming counseling in Albuquerque can help you feel more supported and understood.

  • What are current challenges faced by the LGBTQ community?

    The LGBTQIA community faces many challenges, including discrimination, mental health stigma, and limited access to affirming care. At Sandia Therapy and Wellness Center in Albuquerque, we offer LGBTQIA-affirming therapy to provide safe, respectful support.

  • How does gender identity affect mental health?

    When gender identity isn't accepted or understood, it can lead to stress, anxiety, or depression. Supportive environments and affirming therapy can improve mental health and help LGBTQIA individuals feel safe and seen.

  • What percentage of LGBTQ have mental health issues?

    Studies show that LGBTQIA people are more likely to experience mental health challenges, often due to stigma, discrimination, or lack of support. Affirming counseling creates a space for healing and helps reduce those risks.

  • Is there a biological reason for gender dysphoria?

    Research suggests that gender dysphoria may have biological, psychological, and social factors. While the exact cause isn’t fully known, therapy can offer support, reduce distress, and help individuals feel more aligned with their identity.

Make an Appointment

Click below to schedule with one of our therapists in Albuquerque, NM.

Make Appointment