Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Monica Lyn Thompson.
Dr. Thompson, before we jump into specific questions about your work, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
In 2016, I was working at a federal penitentiary in Atlanta as a psychologist and conducting forensic evaluations as somewhat of a side gig. I was burnout from long hours at work, studying for the EPPP (major licensing exam for psychologists), stressed out over steadily increasing student loan payments, and as if that weren’t enough I was also navigating a deteriorating romantic relationship whose failure was imminent because I wanted to live freely as a queer polyamorous woman.
The stress of it all was weighing on me heavily and I knew it was time to find a therapist. I’ve always been a firm believer in therapy and it’s been a valuable resource at various times in my life where I needed a space to process trauma, microaggressions, navigating graduate school as a black queer woman, and so many other things. So I began the tedious process of searching for a therapist in Atlanta.
Finding any old therapist is probably pretty easy, but I wasn’t looking for just anyone. I’ve done my share of firing therapists who were generally competent, but culturally insensitive, unaware, and quite frankly – ignorant to important aspects of who I am. I didn’t feel like having to do the emotional labor involved with explaining microaggressions to white cishet providers. So my searches became more narrow and clearly defined. I was looking for a person of color, whose background demonstrated a clear interest and competency in culturally informed treatment and in social justice. I preferred a queer identifying therapist, but I was okay with an LGBTQ+ affirming one. On top of all this, we live in a monogamy centered society so where the hell was I gonna find someone who also had knowledge about navigating polyamorous relationships without projecting monogamous values onto my relationships.
As you can probably guess, that search turned up absolutely no one. The sheer frustration I felt after searching for months became yet another stress added to my plate, but it was also the start of my organization, Therapy for Queer People of Color.
I took a lot of inspiration from Dr. Joy Harden Bradford of Therapy for Black Girls and started thinking about how to take that model and apply it to even more marginalized subgroups. I started a small part-time private practice where I exclusively see clients who identify as QPoC and I quickly realized being one out and proud therapist for my community wasn’t enough. So I began networking with other therapists I trusted for referrals. As that list grew, I started thinking of ways to streamline access to those therapists. Eventually, the idea came to start my own directory made up entirely of therapists who are LGBTQ+ affirming, culturally competent, and generally the type of providers who aren’t further traumatizing my community with their oppressive values or beliefs.
The QPoC Directory officially launched in July 2019 and has been met with an overwhelming amount of support and enthusiasm from the QPoC community and our allies. We have over 100 therapists nationwide in the directory and our 2020 goals include expanding to include at least 1-2 licensed therapists in every US state. One of many things that stand out about this directory is our focus on promoting telemental health. Research consistently indicates that the mental health field is moving in that direction. As a 100% virtual therapist, I know firsthand how telemental health eliminates so many barriers to therapy like transportation, living in rural/remote areas, care child, disability, etc. When we promote and add therapists who offer online counseling services, we significantly increase the likelihood that more folks in the QPoC community will be able to access therapy.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The biggest challenge along the way was navigating various aspects of becoming an entrepreneur. In grad school, they teach you how to be a skilled psychologist, not a business owner. Google was a big help in figuring things out like how to apply for an EIN #, register my business name, and deciding what type of company it would be. I had mentors along with way who I reached out to for help with other aspects of setting up my business, creating a website, and working with web developers to bring my vision to life.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
Therapy for Queer People of Color (QPoC) is based in Atlanta, Georgia. We are an affirming anti-oppressive mental health network that is passionate about reducing mental health stigma through education. With a focus on individuals who exist at the margins of society, we empower LGBTQ+ communities of color to proactively engage in mental health treatment. We believe in accountability, the eternal nature of growth, and the power of community healing. Our goal is to increase access to quality and inclusive mental healthcare for queer folks of color.
In addition to providing psychotherapy to QPoC who live throughout the state of GA via telemental health, we also connect potential clients with affirming therapists nationwide through the QPoC Directory. Additionally, we offer dynamic presentations, educational training, and a broad scope of culturally sensitive trauma-informed psychological evaluations.
I am most proud of the QPoC Directory because it makes it easier for the community to locate a therapist without all the hassle and frustration that I went through back in 2016. This directory is special because it allows clients to search by all sorts of things. I can search for a PoC therapist. A queer therapist. A therapist who specializes in non-monogamous relationship therapy. So many things I needed and wanted years ago, so that definitely makes me proud.
As for what sets this organization apart, I’d say my commitment to having a positive impact in my community. I know the directory isn’t as robust as other search engines, but we’re continuing to grow. I strongly believe in community and resource sharing so if a potential client isn’t able to find a therapist in the QPoC Directory, I make time to meet with them for a brief virtual consultation to learn more about them and their needs. With that information, I conduct a search myself for referrals to offer them and follow up to see how things went.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My biggest cheerleader hands down is my amazing mother. She’s offered every type of support along the way including financial investments that truly made it possible to live my dream! My dad (Brian), my sister (Brit) and my tribe of fearless friends (Ro, Stephanie, Winley, Gigi, Adrienne, April, Gelli, & Leana) have all been important along my journey for reasons I cannot adequately articulate here. I love you all!
As for mentors, Dr. Jamila Thomas has been a consistent mentor and friend since I worked in that Atlanta prison. She’s always been a great sounding board for venting my frustrations, a voice of reason when my career plans were all over the place, and a colleague I truly respect for always encouraging and supporting my personal and professional growth.
Last but certainly not least, I’d like to send a heartfelt shout out to the amazing co-founders of The Weekend Soiree, Imani Grant and Mary Fuller. Presenting at their inaugural retreats over the past two years has helped expand a less visible aspect of my organization – professional presentations & workshops for the QPoC. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed talking to QPoC about mental health and wellness, communication skills in the bedroom & boardroom, and polyamory!
Contact Info:
- Website: therapyforqpoc.com
- Phone: (404) 981-7012
- Email: therapyforqpoc@gmail.com
- Instagram: @DrMonicaLyn
- Facebook: @DrMonicaLyn
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