Questions to ask a new counselor
A printable from LGBTQ+ Affirming Counseling. Fill it in by hand. Nothing you write is collected by this website.
Questions to ask a new counselor
- Have you worked with LGBTQ+ clients? With people like me (my age, culture, faith, language)?
- How do you see sexual orientation and gender identity in your work?
- Will you use my name and pronouns, in sessions and in my records?
- What stays private? When would you have to share something, and with whom?
- If I am under 18, what will you tell my parents?
- Do you speak my language, or can we use an interpreter?
- What does it cost? Do you take Medi-Cal or my insurance? Do you have a sliding fee?
- How often would we meet, and for how long?
Red flags. Think about leaving if a counselor:
- Says your orientation or gender identity is a problem, a phase or a sin to be fixed
- Tries to change your orientation or gender identity
- Refuses your name or pronouns
- Pushes you to come out, or to stay in, before you are ready
- Shares what you said without your OK, outside the legal exceptions they explained
Trust yourself. If something feels wrong, you can stop and look for someone else.
From LGBTQ+ Affirming Counseling. Facts checked October 21, 2026. Free information, not legal or medical advice.