While some women may decide not to disclose their sexual orientation to their practitioners, health-care professionals generally provide better care when they know a patient's complete background and sexual history. Lesbians should check with friends, women's centers, or national or local gay resource centers for referrals of therapists accepting of and knowledgeable about lesbianism. The best way to find out if a health professional is comfortable with homosexuality is to simply ask, either during an initial interview or over the phone before making an appointment. National resource groups and lesbian and gay community centers may be able to provide referrals. The experiences of lesbians in society may place them at increased risk for some mental health problems and may protect them from other psychological problems.
Many lesbians live a life of secrecy, hiding their sexual preferences from family and coworkers.
Lesbian women can help themselves and others by starting lesbian interest and support groups in their areas and participating in those already in existence.