Seeking mental health assistance can be difficult, and often makes people feel vulnerable and uncomfortable. This is especially true for LGBTQ people.
If you are a queer person and you aren’t sure that your therapist, psychiatrist, or other mental health professional is accepting and knowledgeable about LGBTQ issues, you are far less likely to get adequate mental healthcare.
That’s why we created the list below to highlight some of the mental health care providers in and around Charlotte who are equipped to care for LGBTQ patients. Read about these providers below and check out their websites in the references section at the end of the article.
Dr. Holly Savoy
Dr. Holly Savoy is a psychotherapist whose office is located in south Charlotte, near the South Park neighborhood. Dr. Savoy offers treatment for all types of mental health issues, but focuses especially on LGBTQ issues. She is a founding member of the Transgender Healthcare Group and consults with schools and other organizations to train staff on how to address LGBTQ issues.
Dr. Annada Hypes
Dr. Annada Hypes is a licensed psychologist with an office located in the Cotswold neighborhood of Charlotte. She focuses on patients aged 12 to 25 and their family members. She is dedicated to maintaining a safe space for the LGBTQ community. She also offers virtual appointments to patients located throughout North Carolina.
Charlotte Counseling and Wellness
Charlotte Counseling and Wellness is a mental health office with multiple providers located in Charlotte’s Elizabeth neighborhood, just south of Uptown.
The counselors and doctors at Charlotte Counseling and Wellness specialize in a wide variety of mental health issues. These range from anxiety and depression, to relationship counseling, to career coaching. They also specialize in LGBTQ care, including issues related to sexuality and gender.
Like many of the providers on this list, Charlotte Counseling and Wellness also offers teletherapy appointments.
SweeneyPsych, PLLC
SweeneyPsych, located just outside of Charlotte’s Uptown, is headed by Dr. Jocie Sweeney, a licensed psychologist. It focuses on treating adult patients aged 16 and over. SweeneyPsych helps treat patients for a wide range of mental health issues.
While this provider does not provide referrals for gender-affirming hormone treatment or surgery, they do offer LGBTQ-specific counseling, including assistance for people transitioning their gender. They also provide assistance for people undergoing other types of life transitions, such as coming out as LGBTQ, relationship transitions, and career transitions.
SweeneyPsych describes itself as a sex-positive, LGBTQ-allied, and racial justice-allied health provider.
Levine Children’s Center for Gender Health
The Children’s Center for Gender Health is a healthcare center for transgender patients of ages 25 and younger. It is associated with Atrium, a large healthcare network in North Carolina.
This center deals with the physical aspects of gender-affirming care, but also provides mental health resources. Mental health specialists at the Levine Center teach young trans people tools to cope with the stresses of transitioning. The Center also connects patients to support groups to navigate issues around school, friends, and family.
The Levine Center also has resources available to educate and assist the family members of transitioning youth.
Transcend Charlotte
Transcend Charlotte is a non-profit organization that connects transgender people to counseling resources. Transcend does not provide direct medical care. Instead, counselors at Transcend Charlotte are licensed social workers.
They offer one-on-one remote counseling sessions as well as monthly group meetings. Transcend Charlotte serves people in Mecklenburg County and neighboring communities in North and South Carolina.
How to Choose a Provider
While all of the options above are LGBTQ-friendly and knowledgeable about queer issues, there are additional considerations when choosing to work with a mental healthcare professional. Some key issues that you should consider include:
- What age range does the provider focus on counseling?
- Does the provider offer the services I need, including referrals for hormone treatment or gender-affirming surgery?
- Does the provider accept my insurance or offer discounts for low-income patients?
- Is the provider close by, or do they offer remote appointments by phone or video chat?
Keep in mind that this list is not exhaustive. There are likely many more fantastic mental health professionals who are experienced with LGBTQ patients in Charlotte. Don’t be afraid to do extensive research, including asking questions of your counselor or psychologist. Make sure that whoever you work with meets your needs.
Other Health Resources
Mental health and physical health are closely intertwined. It is equally important for LGBTQ people to find open and accepting physical healthcare providers as it is finding mental health assistance. Check out our recommendations for LGBTQ-friendly doctors and other healthcare providers in Charlotte, North Carolina.
References – Provider Websites
Levine Children’s Center for Gender Health
Counseling Services – Transcend Charlotte
Holly Savoy, PhD Counseling, Training & Consulting Services
LGBT Counseling — Charlotte Counseling and Wellness
SweeneyPsych, PLLC | Psychological Services | Charlotte North Carolina
