Feeling like you’re running on empty? For us LGBTQ+ folks, mental wellness isn’t just about avoiding burnout—it’s about finding spaces where we can breathe, grow, and just be.
We get it—life can feel like an endless juggling act. Work deadlines, family drama, that friend who keeps texting you “let’s catch up soon!” even though you just saw them last week… It’s a lot. And for our community, add navigating identity in a world that doesn’t always get us, dodging microaggressions, and carrying the emotional weight of being our authentic selves in spaces that might not feel safe.
👉 Jump straight to the list of Austin’s top queer-friendly therapists
That’s why finding mental health support that truly sees us—our experiences, our challenges, and our joys—is so crucial. The good news? Austin has some incredible LGBTQ+-affirming therapists, and we know them because we’re part of this community too.
So, What’s Mental Wellness, Really?
Mental wellness isn’t just therapy or yoga or journaling your feelings (though all of those can help). It’s about creating balance in your life, where your thoughts, emotions, and actions work together to support your well-being.
For us, that might look like reclaiming your power when someone gets your pronouns wrong for the tenth time or finding the courage to have that “actually, I’m not coming to the family dinner” conversation. It’s about building resilience to handle whatever life throws your way—while staying true to who you are.
Why Mental Wellness Matters for Us
It’s the Foundation of Physical Health
Stress hits differently when you’re navigating queer life in a world that’s still catching up. Chronic stress can mess with your sleep, your energy, and your immune system. Prioritizing mental wellness isn’t selfish—it’s survival.
It Helps You Own Your Identity
Whether you’re figuring out what “authentic self” even means or fully embracing who you’ve always been, mental wellness gives you the tools and support to own it. Gender-affirming care, identity exploration, and finding your voice—it all starts with taking care of your mind.
It Makes Relationships (Chosen or Otherwise) Better
We know chosen family is everything, but even those relationships can get messy. A clear mind helps you communicate better, set boundaries, and show up for the people who matter most.
It Brings Joy Back into the Everyday
Mental wellness isn’t about erasing hard times—it’s about finding moments of joy even when life feels heavy. Whether that’s laughing with friends, finally nailing that eyeliner wing, or just enjoying a quiet cup of coffee without existential dread sneaking in.
Top LGBTQ+ Mental Health Specialists in Austin
Here are some of the best queer-friendly therapists in Austin who can help you find that balance:
Ample + Rooted
Therapists: Neathery Falchuk (they/them), Al Clifton (they/them), Jules Falchuk (she/her)
Specialties: Ample + Rooted is an inclusive practice offering support for individuals navigating eating disorders, complex trauma, and identity exploration. Their work centers on creating a welcoming and affirming space for queer and trans individuals, as well as those who are neurodivergent, chronically ill, disabled, or body diverse.
Approach: With a foundation in body liberation and harm reduction, the team provides compassionate care tailored to the unique needs of each client. They also offer consultation spaces and training programs, including the Foundations ED training co-facilitated by Neathery and Al.
Group Offerings: Ample + Rooted runs two long-standing process groups currently open to new participants:
- A group focused on body image and eating disorder recovery.
- A group centered on substance use with a harm reduction approach.
Contact Information: Learn more at ampleandrooted.com
Prism Integrated Health
Therapists: Max Casero (they/them)
Specialties: Prism Integrated Health provides mental health therapy and ADHD coaching with a focus on serving the LGBTQIA+ community. Their team specializes in trauma recovery, navigating life transitions, couples and relationship support, mood disorders (including anxiety and depression), and neurodivergence, such as ADHD, Autism, and AuDHD.
Approach: Known for their skilled and compassionate care, Prism has been a trusted resource in the Austin community for nearly a decade. Many of their therapists also identify as LGBTQIA+, ensuring care that is by the community and for the community. Their approach is grounded in accessibility and a deep understanding of the diverse needs of their clients.
Contact Information: Learn more at prismintegratedhealth.com
Rooted Rising Therapy
Therapist: Max Mirasol (he/him)
Specialties: Rooted Rising Therapy offers virtual, sex-positive therapy tailored for queer rebels, outlaws with tender hearts, old souls, and creative minds. Max specializes in supporting individuals and couples within the queer, kinky, and ethically non-monogamous communities, providing a safe, affirming space for exploration and growth.
Approach: Max’s work is grounded in compassion, understanding, and respect for his clients’ identities and experiences. With a focus on creating an inclusive environment, Rooted Rising Therapy serves clients across Texas, addressing unique challenges with care and expertise.
Contact Information: Learn more at rootedrisingcc.com
Paige Schilt, LMSW
Therapist: Paige Schilt (she/her)
Specialties: Paige Schilt brings a unique perspective to her practice, combining her background in LGBTQ+ activism with her expertise as a licensed social worker. Her work focuses on providing affirming support for LGBTQ+ individuals and families, helping clients navigate identity, relationships, and personal growth.
Approach: With a life-long commitment to social justice, Paige’s approach is deeply rooted in advocacy and inclusivity. Her experience includes serving as the Director of National Media for Soulforce and presenting at events like the Texas Transgender Nondiscrimination Summit and the Gender Odyssey conference.
Additional Background: Paige’s dedication to community shines through her collaborations, including work alongside her wife, Katy Koonce, at Transformations Psychotherapy.
Contact Information: Learn more at transformationspsychotherapy.com
Restored Embodiment
Therapist: Rosa Alvarez-Velez (she/her/ella), LCSW, SEP
Specialties: Rosa Alvarez-Velez is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Somatic Experiencing Practitioner specializing in complex and pervasive trauma. Her therapeutic approach includes Somatic Experiencing (SE), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Integrated Somatic Parts Work. Rosa works with individuals and couples, offering therapy in both English and Spanish.
Approach: Rosa is known for her expertise in somatic and experiential therapies, helping queer, transgender, and people of color lead fuller, more authentic lives. She provides compassionate support for clients navigating challenges like unsatisfying relationships, unresolved family ruptures, or estrangement. Her work focuses on empowering clients to dismantle shame and cultivate deeper, more meaningful connections.
Contact Information: Learn more at restoredembodiment.com
Lauren Thompson, LMSW
Therapist: Lauren Thompson (she/her)
Specialties: Lauren Thompson is a therapist with a background in social work, providing support to individuals navigating a wide range of challenges. Her expertise includes working with clients on queer and trans identity, racial and ethnic identity, family of origin issues, life transitions, interpersonal challenges, trauma, grief, and the effects of colonization. Her diverse professional experience spans education, healthcare, and child welfare settings.
Approach: Lauren is known for her warm, authentic presence that makes even difficult conversations feel approachable. She combines a sense of humor with honest, grounded dialogue, creating a space where clients feel both supported and understood. Her curiosity and respect for her clients’ stories guide her work, honoring the vulnerability they share in therapy.
Contact Information: Learn more by reaching out to Lauren at lthompson@austinmindfultherapy.com or 512-827-9931
Violet Crown Therapy
Therapist: Julie Burke (she/her)
Specialties: Julie Burke, owner and therapist at Violet Crown Therapy, offers support for individuals, couples, and families. She works with clients as young as 12 or 13 through adulthood, providing affirming care for people of all identities, sexualities, and backgrounds. Her focus includes helping clients build meaningful connections with themselves and others, identify their needs, and establish healthy boundaries.
Approach: Julie is known for her validating and compassionate style, blending love, humor, and a touch of sass to create a supportive and approachable therapeutic environment. Her down-to-earth energy, described by one client as that of a “tattooed Disney princess,” makes her relatable and engaging.
Contact Information: Learn more at violetcrowntherapy.com
Don’t Forget to Prioritize Your Mental Wellness. Here’s How.
Set Boundaries
It’s okay to say no. No to draining commitments, no to people who don’t respect you, and yes to prioritizing your peace.
Find an Affirming Therapist
This part’s big. You need someone who gets you—who knows that your struggles aren’t just “stress” but sometimes come from existing in a world that wasn’t built for us.
Make Time for Mindfulness
We’re not saying you need to sit cross-legged and chant (unless that’s your thing). Mindfulness can be as simple as taking a breath before responding to that annoying email or stepping outside for a second when things feel overwhelming.
Celebrate the Heck Out of Yourself
You’re here. You’re thriving (even if it doesn’t always feel like it). Find spaces and people who see and celebrate you.
Not Sure Where to Start?
We get it—finding the right therapist can feel overwhelming. If you’re stuck, reach out to Dr. Syd from OutWellness. They are familiar with these incredible professionals and can help you decide which one might be the best fit for your needs.
Therapy doesn’t have to be scary, and you don’t have to go through it alone. Let’s figure it out together.
Take care of yourself—you’re worth it.
