Telehealth Is a Lifeline for LGBTQIA2S+ Clients in Rural Oregon and Washington
Let’s talk about something big! Telehealth is changing lives. For LGBTQIA2S+ people living in small towns or far from cities, getting mental health care can be hard. There are few mental health providers nearby (especially ones that offer affirming care). That’s where telehealth steps in—it lets clients get help without having to leave home.
Telehealth Helps Us Show Up
Lots of folks in Washington and Oregon live hours away from the nearest therapist. LGBTQIA2S+ clients in these areas may feel especially alone or unsafe walking into local clinics. But now, with more insurance plans covering telehealth, we can show up for them where they are!
Medicaid & Medicare Are Catching Up
Both programs now offer better telehealth coverage since the pandemic:
In 2023, almost 80% of WA Medicaid clients used telehealth for mental health.
In 2024, telehealth visits jumped 60% among LGBTQIA2S+ seniors in Oregon.
That’s huge! It means our elders, youth, and everyone in between can connect with affirming providers.
Private Insurance Is Joining In
Private plans are finally getting on board, too. More of them are now covering online therapy, and they’re including care that supports LGBTQIA2S+ clients. That’s a win for equity and for better mental health.
Why Does This Matter?
Telehealth isn’t just easy—it’s essential for our rural LGBTQIA2S+ neighbors. Here’s why:
Specialized care is now possible from anywhere.
Stigma drops when clients can get support from the safety of home.
Costs and travel go down.
Mental health improves and more clients report feeling supported and less anxious.
What’s Next?
We’re not done yet. We need to keep fighting for more telehealth access, more coverage, and more affirming care options. Because every client, no matter where they live, deserves to feel seen, supported, and safe.
Let’s keep showing up together. Reach out to us today and let’s talk about how we can partner to begin the best services possible to rural Washingtonians and Oregonians.