About LGBTQ+
LGBTQ+ affirmative professionals offer a safe, respectful space to explore identity, relationships, coming out, minority stress or discrimination, without pathologising sexual orientation or gender identity.
Psychotherapists are professionals trained in one or more models of psychotherapy (psychodynamic, systemic, humanistic, cognitive-behavioural…). The protected title and requirements vary by country; profiles show each professional’s training and registration.
Getting mental health care in Afghanistan
Public health system · Basic Package of Health Services (BPHS), Ministry of Public Health
Mental health is a component of the Basic Package of Health Services, so primary health care staff are expected to recognise and manage common mental disorders. Psychosocial counsellors work in most comprehensive health centres. WHO describes facilities treating mental health problems as scarce, with shortages of trained counsellors, especially female counsellors, and of psychotropic medicines. More information
How to check that a professional is licensed
- Medical Council of the Ministry of Public Health. The Medical Council of the Ministry of Public Health checks the academic credentials and professional licences of doctors and other health workers, including in private health centres. Ask for the practitioner's ministry licence.
Urgent help in Afghanistan
If your life or someone else's is in danger, call the emergency number now. These services can help at any time:
- 102 · Medical assistance
Information reviewed in November 2026 · Sources: emro.who.int, who.int
Signs to look out for
Being LGBTQ+ is not a mental health problem. However, discrimination, rejection, hiding who you are or living in an unsupportive environment can create stress that affects well-being. It may help to seek support if you feel anxious or low, isolated, unsafe, conflicted about your identity, struggling with coming out, facing family rejection, or affected by harassment or violence.
What helps: treatments and professionals
Look for affirmative therapy: psychologists, psychotherapists and other professionals who respect your identity and have training in sexual and gender diversity. Evidence-based approaches such as cognitive-behavioural therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy and family therapy can be adapted to address minority stress. So-called conversion therapies are harmful and rejected by professional bodies. Peer and community groups can complement professional support.
When to seek urgent help
If you are in immediate danger, have been assaulted, or are being threatened because of your identity, contact your local emergency services. Seek urgent help too if you have thoughts of suicide or self-harm, or if you have been thrown out of your home and have nowhere safe to go. Specialised LGBTQ+ organisations in many places can offer support and guidance.
What you can do in the meantime
Connect with people and spaces where you can be yourself, whether friends, community groups or trusted online communities. You decide when, how and to whom you come out; your safety comes first. Look for reliable, affirming information sources. Look after sleep, movement and routines, and limit exposure to hostile content online. Ask potential therapists directly about their experience with LGBTQ+ clients.
What does a psychotherapist do?
A psychotherapist helps people understand and change emotional, relational and behavioural patterns through a structured therapeutic relationship. Their work is shaped by one or more models, such as cognitive-behavioural, psychodynamic, systemic, humanistic or integrative therapy. They meet individuals, couples, families or groups, usually in regular sessions, and spend time outside sessions on notes, preparation and their own supervision.
When to see a psychotherapist
Psychotherapy suits people who want to work in depth on recurring difficulties: anxiety, low mood, relationship patterns, self-esteem, the effects of past experiences or major life transitions. It can also help when you feel stuck without a clear diagnosis. If you need a formal diagnosis, a specific psychological assessment or medication, a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist may need to be involved.
How to choose
When choosing, check the licence and training, the approach they use and whether they have experience with what you need. Consider practical aspects too: language, price, location or online sessions and availability. The relationship with the professional matters a great deal; if after a few sessions it does not feel right, it is fine to change.
Frequently asked questions
Does the public health system in Afghanistan cover psychological care?
Mental health is a component of the Basic Package of Health Services, so primary health care staff are expected to recognise and manage common mental disorders. Psychosocial counsellors work in most comprehensive health centres. WHO describes facilities treating mental health problems as scarce, with shortages of trained counsellors, especially female counsellors, and of psychotropic medicines.
How do I check that a psychotherapist is licensed in Afghanistan?
Medical Council of the Ministry of Public Health: The Medical Council of the Ministry of Public Health checks the academic credentials and professional licences of doctors and other health workers, including in private health centres. Ask for the practitioner's ministry licence.