LGBTQ+ Therapy Services

LGBTQ+ affirming speech and occupational therapy focuses on creating safe, inclusive, and supportive spaces where individuals can fully express themselves and build independence, confidence, communication, and daily living skills.

RISE works with LGBTQ+ clients across the lifespan - helping children, teens, young adults, and adults. We also specialize in gender-affirming care is an important part of both speech and occupational therapy services for transgender and nonbinary individuals throughout social, medical, or personal transitions.

Speech Therapy

Gender-Affirming Voice and Communication Care (GAVC)

Social-Pragmatic and Self-Advocacy Skills

Expressive and Receptive Language

Self Expression & Affirming Communication Styles

Motor-Speech/Articulation Disorders

Voice and Upper-Airway Disorders

Stuttering and Cluttering

Augmentative-Alternative Communication (AAC)

Occupational Therapy

Pre- and Post- Operative Care

Medical & Legal Documentation Support

Executive Functioning & Routine Development

Sensory Regulation & Dysphoria Management

Gender Expression & Identity Alignment

Community & Activity Exploration

Emotional Regulation & Coping Strategies

Strategies for Activities of Daily Living

Speech FAQs

  •  Speech therapy can address communication skills, social communication, self-advocacy, public speaking, and gender-affirming voice and communication goals.

    We also specialize in neurodivergent and queer clients who are navigating specific challenges related to identity, transitioning, and living independently.

  •  Gender-affirming voice therapy helps individuals develop communication patterns that align with their identity. This may include work on voice, resonance, pitch, intonation, communication style, and confidence.

    This is something we can discuss in our free consultation before we begin services, and can change throughout our journey together as a team with RISE.

  •  No. Voice and communication goals are personal and can be pursued regardless of medical transition status.

  •  Yes. We support conversational skills, self-advocacy, relationship-building, workplace communication, and navigating social situations.

  •  Yes. Many clients seek support to communicate more effectively, advocate for themselves, and express their identities authentically.

Occupational Therapy FAQs

  • OT goals are individualized and may include:

    • Daily living skills (grooming, dressing, hygiene, routines),

    • Sensory regulation and body comfort

    • Gender-affirming routines and self-expression

    • Executive functioning and organization

    • Stress management and coping strategies

    • Social participation and community engagement

    • Vocational or educational support

  • Occupational therapy can support individuals undergoing gender-affirming surgeries, including top surgery, breast augmentation, facial surgeries, and bottom surgery, by promoting independence, safety, comfort, and participation in meaningful daily activities throughout the recovery process.

    Occupational therapy can also help prepare for surgeries, ensuring your environment and circle of support is prepared to facilitate a smooth and successful recovery.

  • Yes. OT can support routines and activities related to self-care, grooming, clothing, sensory comfort, and other aspects of daily life that align with your gender identity and personal expression.

  • Navigating medical and legal name or gender marker changes can be overwhelming and often involves managing multiple systems, appointments, forms, and deadlines. Occupational therapy can support clients by addressing the executive functioning, organization, self-advocacy, and life-management skills needed to successfully complete these processes.

RISE FAQs

  • LGBTQ+ affirming speech and occupational therapy provides inclusive, respectful, and client-centered care that supports participation in daily life.

    Services are grounded in your identity, values, and goals, and focus on helping you engage in meaningful activities with confidence and authenticity.

    We always use your chosen name and pronouns in all interactions and documentation. Creating a respectful, affirming, and safe environment is central to our practice.

  • No. Our services are inclusive of transgender, nonbinary, gender-diverse, and LGBTQ+ individuals, as well as anyone seeking affirming, identity-supportive care.

  • Yes! RISE is currently in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield/CareFirst, HSCSN, United, Aetna, Cigna, and Maryland Medicaid. We also accept DC Medicaid for clients with IDD/IFS waiver funding.

    If you have an out-of-network insurance, we are happy to provide a superbill of services for possible reimbursement.

  • We encourage anyone interested in services to sign up for a free 20 minute consultation with our OT or SLP!

    This will help us determine the best services for you, as well as give the chance for the team to make sure RISE is a good fit for you and that we can meet your needs.

  • In-person services are offered at the RISE Center located in Eastern Market.

    Teletherapy services are also provided via a HIPPA compliant video conferencing platform.

  • At RISE, we can offer sessions in a quiet space that allows participants the chance to practice skills with all of our modifications and adaptations readily available. This allows us to problem solve together, trial materials, and determine what would best suit the participant.

    We also offer services within the RISE Center, utilizing our sensory room, fully functioning kitchen and our garden.

Interested in LGBTQ+ services?

RISE can help with next steps!