Skip to content

Suicide and crisis lifeline: Call 988

Call Baywell: (415) 922-9122

Coming out and sexuality questions

Unsure how to share your true self?

Exploring identity can feel overwhelming at times.

Our board-certified psychiatrists and psychologists provide affirming, evidence-based care to support your journey with confidence.

Confidential. Compassionate. Effective.

Schedule an appointment todayIn-person or telehealth available

Accepted health insurance plans

Aetna
Magellan
Cigna
Blue shield
Mhn
Healthnet

What is coming out?

Coming out is the process of sharing your sexual orientation or gender identity with others. It can be exciting, but it may also bring fear, stress, or uncertainty—especially when you’re unsure how others will respond.

We all have questions as we navigate identity. With affirming psychiatric care, you can find support, reduce anxiety, and move forward with greater confidence and self-acceptance.

45% of LGBTQ+
feel unsafe

Nearly half report discrimination, rejection, or stigma at some point. (Trevor Project)

60% face
mental health strain

Anxiety, depression, or stress are common when exploring identity. (NIMH)

Support boosts
well-being

Affirming care improves resilience, mental health, and self-acceptance. (APA)

No “right time”
to come out

The process is personal—everyone’s timeline is unique and valid. (HRC)

Treatment options we offer

Icon prescription Psychiatric evaluation & diagnosis
Explore identity questions and screen for co-occurring conditions.

Icon medication Medication management
Options for anxiety, depression, or stress linked to coming out.

Icon compassionate Therapy referrals or combined care
We partner with affirming therapists to support your unique journey.

Icon telecare Telehealth services
Receive expert care from the comfort of home.

Why choose us for coming out support

Icon doctors Board-certified psychiatrists and psychologists
Experienced in LGBTQ+ care and identity-related challenges.

Icon personalized Personalized, evidence-based plans
Support tailored to your journey, needs, and mental health goals.

Icon secure Confidential and compassionate care
No judgment—just understanding, care, and expert treatment.

Icon insurance We accept most major insurance plans
Aetna, Magellan, Cigna, Blue Shield, MHN, Healthnet.

7 signs of coming out stress you shouldn’t ignore

It’s normal to feel uncertain when exploring your sexuality or gender identity. But when fear, stress, or self-doubt become overwhelming, they can affect your mental health, relationships, and daily life.

Here are 7 signs of coming out stress you shouldn’t ignore—especially if they’ve been affecting you for weeks or months.

1Fear of rejection or judgment Worrying about how others will react can cause ongoing stress, anxiety, and hesitation to share your identity.

2Hiding your authentic self Feeling the need to conceal your orientation or gender identity can lead to isolation and emotional strain.

3Anxiety about coming out Persistent nervousness or dread about when, where, or how to come out is a common source of distress.

4Strained relationships Uncertainty or fear around sharing your identity may cause tension with friends, family, or coworkers.

5Negative self-talk or doubt Harsh inner criticism or questioning your worth can be a sign of internalized stigma or stress.

6Emotional ups and downs Mood swings, sadness, or irritability may appear as you navigate identity and acceptance challenges.

7Feeling alone in the process You may feel isolated or believe no one will understand—but professional, affirming support is available.

When to reach out for help

If stress around coming out or exploring your sexuality is affecting your mood, relationships, or daily life, you don’t have to go through it alone. Baywell’s board-certified team offers affirming evaluations, safe medication support, and therapy referrals tailored to your journey. Support is here—without judgment.

Schedule an appointment todayIn-person or telehealth available

Questions or concerns?

If you need help, please call our office at 415-922-9122 and our receptionists will assist you. Zoom’s FAQ page may also help to answer some of your questions.

Zoom HIPAA compliance

The Zoom software used by Baywell is HIPAA compliant to protect your privacy and security in accordance with federal laws. We encourage our patients to review Zoom’s HIPAA compliance datasheet for more information.

Start your coming out journey today

You deserve affirming care as you explore your true self. Our team is here with confidential support every step of the way.

Call 415-922-9122 to get connected with a Baywell provider.

Baywell Psychiatry Group Horizontal Lockup
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognizing you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Please visit our privacy policy for more information regarding the personally identifiable information we collect and how it is used.