Today we’d like to introduce you to Megan Chandler.
Hi Megan, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Hello!
My name is Megan Chandler, and I am the owner of a mental health therapy practice that specializes in supporting the LGBTQIA+ community.
I grew up in a challenging environment—one parent struggling with alcohol addiction and the other constantly working. Despite being surrounded by people, I often felt alone. Many nights, I fell asleep feeling worthless, unattractive, and undeserving due to the harmful messages I heard daily. These experiences shaped my desire to help others navigate the emotional storms of life.
At first, I wasn’t sure how I would do that. In my senior year of high school, I began pursuing a career as a Registered Nurse (yes, I know—very different from being a therapist!). My brief nursing path ended when I hit Microbiology class and realized it simply wasn’t for me. Still, the passion to help people never left—I just needed to discover the right way to do it.
Through research and reflection, I realized I wanted to help people process emotions, build healthy coping skills (because mine definitely weren’t serving me), and heal from trauma. Around this time, I was also exploring my sexuality—an experience filled with guilt, shame, and internalized homophobia. These beliefs didn’t come from nowhere; they were instilled in me from a young age. The idea of being gay or queer felt terrifying because I knew how my parents—one, in particular—felt about it.
This led me to pursue my master’s degree and become a Licensed Professional Counselor, with a mission to serve the Queer and Transgender/Gender Expansive community. As a Queer individual myself, I still face discrimination, but I can say one thing with certainty—at least it’s no longer coming from my parents.
I would not be where I am today, personally or professionally, without therapy and healing from trauma. In 2022, I opened my own private practice to provide the truly affirming care that so many LGBTQIA+ individuals need and deserve.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
As a first-generation college student, I entered higher education with little understanding of how to apply, secure assistance, or navigate the system. That became my first true challenge. After many trips to campus offices and resource centers, I slowly found the support I needed to begin my academic journey.
While pursuing my degree, I faced personal struggles with depression, anxiety, and alcohol use—an unhealthy coping mechanism I believed would numb the pain. Everything began to change when I met my wife, Brandy. She helped me see that life offered far more than escaping through alcohol. Her support opened my eyes to a bigger world—one I had never allowed myself to experience.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
My practice is a mental health therapy center dedicated to providing affirming, culturally responsive care to the LGBTQIA+ community. We specialize in working with Queer and Transgender/Gender Expansive individuals, many of whom have experienced discrimination, trauma, or rejection in traditional mental health settings. Rather than offering “tolerance,” we offer true affirmation, safety, and belonging.
What sets us apart is that our practice is not just LGBTQIA+ friendly—it is LGBTQIA+ led. As a Queer therapist myself, I understand the unique challenges our community faces, including internalized shame, identity exploration, family rejection, and the daily impact of discrimination. This lived experience allows us to approach therapy with deep empathy, authenticity, and zero judgment.
Our work focuses on helping clients process emotions, develop healthy coping skills, and heal from trauma so they can live fuller, more aligned lives. We believe that mental health care should be empowering, accessible, and inclusive of all identities.
Brand-wise, I am most proud that our practice stands as a safe haven. Clients often tell us, “This is the first time I’ve truly felt seen and understood.” That means everything. We don’t force people to fit into systems—we build care around who they are.
I want readers to know that our therapy services go beyond talk—we focus on real healing, identity affirmation, and long-term growth. Whether someone is exploring their identity, struggling with anxiety or depression, working through trauma, or just needing a space to be themselves, our practice is here to support them with compassion and expertise.
At the heart of our brand is this mission: to create a world where LGBTQIA+ individuals are not just surviving—but thriving.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
1. Therapy Services
Individuals can work with us directly through one-on-one counseling, couples therapy, or gender-affirming support. We provide virtual sessions to make care accessible and inclusive. We also are in network with most major health insurance companies.
2. Community & Professional Partnerships
We love collaborating with schools, healthcare providers, nonprofits, affirming faith communities, and LGBTQIA+ organizations. Whether it’s co-hosting workshops, offering mental health trainings, or creating safe spaces for youth and adults, we’re always open to partnership.
3. Speaking & Education
I’m passionate about educating others on LGBTQIA+ mental health, trauma, identity development, and affirming care. I offer trainings for organizations, CEUs for clinicians, and speaking engagements at conferences, panels, and community events.
4. Referrals & Advocacy
You can support our mission by referring LGBTQIA+ individuals to affirming care, advocating for inclusive policies, and helping raise awareness about the importance of trauma-informed, identity-affirming mental health services.
5. Uplifting Our Work
Simply sharing our practice, following us on social media, or recommending us to someone in need makes a huge difference. The more people know affirming care exists, the more lives we can impact.
At the core, our mission is to help LGBTQIA+ individuals feel seen, supported, and empowered. Anyone who shares that vision is welcome to work with us—whether as a client, collaborator, or community ally.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Unitycounselingc.com
