®LGBTQ+ Resources
Know Your Rights
LGBTQ+ legal protections vary significantly by state — and the landscape is changing. This page covers your federal rights, links to state-by-state policy profiles for all 13 states where I offer telehealth, and connects you to legal resources if you need them.
Not legal advice. This page provides general information only. Laws change frequently. For advice about your specific situation, consult a licensed attorney. Lambda Legal and the ACLU offer free legal help for LGBTQ+ people.
Federal protections
These protections apply in all 50 states, regardless of state law. They are a floor, not a ceiling — many states provide additional protections.
The Supreme Court ruled that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act prohibits employment discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. File complaints with the EEOC.
Prohibits discrimination in healthcare programs receiving federal funding on the basis of sex, including gender identity and sexual orientation. File complaints with HHS Office for Civil Rights.
HUD has interpreted the Fair Housing Act to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in federally assisted housing.
Federal courts and the Department of Education have interpreted Title IX to protect students from discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation.
State policy profiles — my 13 telehealth states
Each link below goes to the Movement Advancement Project's live policy profile for that state — covering nondiscrimination law, healthcare access, youth protections, identity document policy, and more. These profiles are continuously updated.
I offer telehealth therapy in all 13 states below. Click a state to see its current policy profile, or visit the therapy page for that state.
About the Movement Advancement Project
MAP is an independent think tank that tracks LGBTQ+ policy across all 50 states. Their Equality Maps are the most comprehensive, continuously updated resource for understanding what protections exist — and don't — in your state.
Visit lgbtmap.orgHealthcare rights
Your rights as an LGBTQ+ patient — including in telehealth therapy.
You cannot be denied care because of your identity
Federal law prohibits healthcare providers receiving federal funding from discriminating based on sex, including gender identity and sexual orientation. If you are denied care, you can file a complaint with HHS.
Your therapy records are confidential
HIPAA protects your mental health records, including the fact that you are in therapy, your diagnosis, and the content of your sessions. Your therapist cannot share this without your consent, with limited exceptions.
You have the right to an affirming provider
You have the right to seek care from a provider who is affirming of your identity. If a provider is not affirming, you can and should seek another provider. You do not have to accept care that is harmful.
Insurance must cover mental health equally
The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act requires insurance plans to cover mental health benefits at the same level as physical health benefits. If your mental health claims are denied at higher rates, this may be a parity violation.
Conversion therapy is banned in many states
Many states ban conversion therapy for minors. Some states ban it for adults as well. If you have been subjected to conversion therapy, Lambda Legal and the ACLU may be able to help.
You have the right to your records
Under HIPAA, you have the right to access and receive copies of your medical and mental health records. Providers must respond to requests within 30 days.
Legal resources
These organizations provide legal information, advocacy, and in some cases free legal help for LGBTQ+ people.
Lambda Legal
Legal advocacy and free legal help for LGBTQ+ people facing discrimination. Includes a help desk.
ACLU LGBTQ+ Rights
Know Your Rights guides, litigation updates, and state-by-state legal resources.
Movement Advancement Project
The most comprehensive, continuously updated map of LGBTQ+ policy across all 50 states.
National Center for Transgender Equality
Know Your Rights guides for trans people covering ID documents, healthcare, employment, and more.
HRC State Equality Index
Annual report grading all 50 states on LGBTQ+ equality laws and policies.
Transgender Law Center
Legal resources and advocacy specifically for transgender people, including healthcare rights.
Affirming telehealth therapy across 13 states
I'm a queer-affirming LMFT offering telehealth therapy in Wisconsin, Illinois, New York, Texas, Florida, Arizona, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, New Mexico, Hawaii, Idaho, and Alaska.
This page provides general legal information only. It does not constitute legal advice and does not establish an attorney–client relationship. Laws change frequently — verify current law with a licensed attorney in your state.