At Queer Therapy Boston, we recognize that everyone has a unique brain and way of understanding/relating to the world around them. Neurodivergent individuals (autistic folks, people with ADHD, etc.) deserve therapy and psychiatric care which firmly takes into account and respects lived experience, rather than from a rigid, one-size-fits-all perspective. Healing looks different for everyone.

Too often, neurodivergent traits are misunderstood, misdiagnosed, or pathologized in mental health settings (and society in general!) For people who don’t understand neurodivergence, care can look more like trying to “fix” or fundamentally change people, rather than meeting them where they’re at, embracing their unique challenges while still honoring their strengths and identities. At Queer Therapy Boston, we embrace the fact that different brains process, cope, and relate in distinct ways and that this is not inherently pathological. We work with clients to meet their own personal goals for what healing and progress look like, rather than enforcing generic, neurotypical standards or expectations.

Neurodivergent folks often find that the style of many mental healthcare providers is not informed about or flexible/responsive to their needs. If you prefer to look away from the camera or to color (etc.) during session because eye contact feels too intense, we’re here for it. If you need to stim or fidget while you talk with your provider, go for it. If you want to process your experiences with masking, burnout, sensory overload, executive functioning challenges, etc., your provider will understand what these mean and be prepared to meet you where you’re at. Instead of framing neurodivergence as something to be “treated” or “overcome,” we approach individuals as having unique neurotypes with their own strengths, challenges, and support needs.

Mainstream psychiatric care unfortunately often relies on outdated diagnostic approaches which have historically underrepresented autistic folks with high-masking traits, women and AFAB individuals, and neurodivergent people navigating trauma. We recognize that there can be a lot of barriers to receiving a formal diagnosis when it comes to neurodivergence, including historically underdiagnosed groups, financial barriers, bias and discrimination concerns, etc. We trust your self-knowledge and will collaborate with you around what you want your mental healthcare to look like.

Psychiatric care should be a collaborative process, not something that someone arbitrates for you. Our queer, neurodivergent-aligned prescriber takes your concerns seriously and recognizes that ADHD and autistic traits can present differently depending on gender, life experiences, and background. If you come to us with a “self-diagnosis” we will genuinely hear you out and work with you around what you’re managing. We believe that you are the expert on yourself and the best source of information about your experiences.

• You do not need a formal neuropsych evaluation or previous diagnosis to seek ADHD treatment.

• We offer ADHD assessments as part of your care and provide thoughtful, affirming medication options, including stimulants when deemed appropriate.

• Our prescriber is deeply informed on unique and underrepresented traits of ASD & ADHD and will work with you to understand your lived experience.

Neurodivergence is not a flaw or disorder; it is a valid differentiation in the enormous variety and diversity of brain types and human experiences.

If you’re interested in working with a team that respects your experience as a neurodivergent individual, understands your lived experiences, and offers supportive services without judgment, shame, or gatekeeping, Queer Therapy Boston is here for you.

You are the expert on you. We’ll meet you where you are.