QUESTIONS
Why the LGBTQ Community?
People in the LGBTQ community face a unique set of psychological challenges. Many have spent their entire lives hiding their true identity, fearing rejection and discrimination.
They may find it increasingly difficult to keep up the charade as they age. This can lead to feelings of isolation and anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.
Some folks may also have difficulty forming close relationships. They may have trouble finding partners willing to accept them for who they are and miss out on important milestones.
Is everyone welcome?
YES! Of course, all people are welcome at Starfish Mental Health! We have extensive experience working with people beyond the LGBTQ community too!
Do you see transgender folks?
YES! We have extensive experience working with the trans community. We can support you along the path if you are starting to explore or are well into the transition process. Bob worked with and had extensive training from one of California's premier transgender health agencies.
We can also provide surgical referral letters using the guidelines for surgical assessment described in the World Professional Association for Transgender Health Standards of Care, 8th Version.
What about depression and anxiety?
According to the National Institutes of Health, depression and anxiety are common among LGBTQ folks!
Studies have shown that these conditions are two to three times more likely to occur in this population than in heterosexual folks. While depression and anxiety can affect people of any age, it can also be a problem for older folks.
This may be partly due to the unique challenges this group faces, such as discrimination, isolation, and rejection by family and friends.
Counseling can provide an important outlet for people struggling with depression and anxiety. By talking openly about their experiences and feelings, people can begin to find relief from their symptoms.
In addition, counseling can help them develop coping mechanisms for stressful situations. With the support of a counselor, people can learn to manage their depression and anxiety and live happy, fulfilling lives.
Can you help me with drug or alcohol use?
Yes! We will work with you to develop a plan based on your goals.
For example, do you want to use more safely, maybe you want to reduce your use, or perhaps, you want to quit altogether?
For many, drug and alcohol use is a way to cope with life's challenges. From the pressures of work to the difficulties of relationships, many turn to substances as a way to cope. However, drug and alcohol use can quickly spiral out of control, leading to negative consequences like job loss, financial problems, and health issues.
In addition, substance abuse can make it difficult to maintain healthy personal relationships. For these reasons, it’s important for people to be aware of the risks associated with drug and alcohol use. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, resources are available to help.
Treatment and support make it possible to recover from addiction and live a healthy life.
On Being HIV+
Sometimes people need a place to talk about recently becoming HIV+. Other times, folks may have been living with HIV for many decades and still would like a safe place to talk.
It is easy to get stuck in life and feel isolated and lonely. Sometimes we need a helping hand to help sort things out.
On Being HIV-
Gay men are at higher risk for HIV/AIDS and other STDs. This is partly due to the lack of safe sex education and available resources.
Gay men also face higher rates of substance abuse, as they often turn to drugs or alcohol to cope with the stress of living.
Fortunately, many counseling and support resources are available for gay men struggling with these issues.
With the help of a trained professional, Gay men can learn to cope with the challenges they face and live happy, fulfilling lives.
Can you help a long-term survivor of HIV?
Absolutely! Aging with HIV is not always a walk in the park.
HIV long-term survivors often face unique challenges that require specialized counseling and support.
HIV can take a toll on mental and emotional health and physical health.
HIV long-term survivors may struggle with anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, and other issues.
In addition, they may have difficulty adjusting to living with HIV and managing their medication regimen.
Counseling can help HIV long-term survivors deal with these challenges and improve their quality of life.
A counselor can provide support, guidance, and coping strategies for dealing with HIV-related issues.
If you are an HIV long-term survivor, consider seeking counseling to help you cope with your unique challenges.
Do you work with couples too?
Yes, we work with relationship issues of all sorts.
Whether you and your partner have been together for decades or are just thinking about starting a relationship, we can help you design a relationship that brings you joy and fulfillment.
Couples counseling is a type of counseling that specifically focuses on the unique needs and concerns of LGBTQ couples. This form of counseling can help you communicate effectively, resolve conflicts, and build stronger relationships. LGBTQ couples counseling can also support people struggling with their identity or coming out.
In addition, couples counseling can help couples navigate the challenges of being in a relationship. If you are in a relationship, consider seeking couples counseling to help you and your partner build a healthy and happy relationship.
Where are you located?
We serve clients throughout the state of California. We use a secure video platform, and you can do therapy from the comfort of your home or office.
We also have an office in the Palm Springs area if you are local. We have an accessible office located at:
777 E Tahquitz Canyon Way, Suite 200
Palm Springs, CA 92262-6784