LGBTQ Issues

Joaquin Lopez (he/him)

Licensed Professional Counselor Intern

MS, NCC

As a Latino gay male in his 40s, my compassion is informed by my survival as an out teenager during the late 80s and 90s during the time of AIDS. LGBTQ issues include self-esteem, code switching, family attachments, feeling safe, forging your own identity, and being seen. I create a loving and safe environment that embraces every aspect of the LBGTQ client.

Erica Grossman, LPC

Professional Counselor

Finding a LGTBQ friendly and knowledgeable therapist can be difficult. I welcome all consensual expressions of love and sexuality and all gender identities. Through a social justice lens I offer a safe and non-judgmental space to navigate LGBTQ identity development, relationships, family dynamics, and transitions.

Morgan Fitz Gibbon (she/her)

Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

OR #T1128

My graduate training focused on LGBT Affirmative Therapy. Affirmative psychotherapy works to heal the wounds of internalized homophobia, biphobia, or transphobia that can be an underlying cause for depression, anxiety, substance abuse, unsafe sex, relationship or intimacy problems and other difficult challenges faced by many LGBTQ individuals.

Jon Joebgen

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

LCSW

I am passionate about working with LGBTQ-identified adults, teens, and families. I work from an affirmative framework with these populations. This means I believe it is essential to go beyond “accepting” to help individuals and families to fully understand and embrace all aspects of identity and diversity, to improve self-esteem and confidence, as well as cultivate growth and support.

Matthew Geraths

Marriage and Family Therapist

My practice is queer inclusive and my therapeutic approach incorporates queer theory/ activism.

Paula Emerick (she/they)

Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

LMFT

Personally, I identify as a 'faggy dyke' and I've been a loud and proud member of queer communities in Detroit, Ann Arbor, San Francisco, and Portland since the 90s. Clinically, I have worked with queer, poly, and kink folks for six years. I don't claim to be an expert, but I feel at home outside of the box.

Sonia Holdaway (she/her)

Licensed Professional Counselor Intern

MS

I specialize in working with fellow LGBTQ+ adults and relationships. Whether you come to counseling specifically for issues around gender identity or sexuality, or are seeking a counselor who shares an LGBTQ+ perspective, I provide a safe, affirming, body-positive and sex-positive space where you are welcomed for who you are. Learn more about counseling for couples and individuals on my website: www.relationshipcounselingportland.com

Holly Morseman, LPC, NCC

Licensed Professional Counselor

As an affirming counselor, I have worked with many clients within the LGBTQI+ community on issues such as gender identity and dysphoria, discrimination and harassment, sexuality, low self-esteem, transitioning, unhealthy coping mechanisms, family issues, relationship dynamics (poly- and non-monogamous couples welcome), depression, anxiety, addiction, empowerment, career issues, etc.

Melissa Hartley (she/her/hers)

Licensed Professional Counselor Intern

MS, NCC, LPC intern

I am an LGBTQ2A+, and sex-positivity affirming counselor. There is safe and welcoming space in my office for all of your identities and ways of expressing yourself!

Benita Munson

Licensed Professional Counselor

LPC, CRC, CADC I

I have worked with numerous LGBTQ clients with varying issues over the course of my career, and am extremely comfortable with appropriate language, and offering a climate of total support without judgement. All parts of you are welcome here. I have worked with many LGBTQ+ relationships in couples or poly relationships.

Sprout Therapy PDX

Licensed Professional Counselor

Many clinicians at our practice identify on the LGBTQIA+ spectrum, and all of us at Sprout have experience working with queer folks. We all consider ourselves lifelong allies to our LGBTQIA+ community.

Emily Thomas (She/her)

Licensed Professional Counselor Intern

NCC

I have worked with those experiencing issues related to LGBTQ, but also those who are part of the LGBTQ community who simply want a therapist who is affirming and understanding. BOTH are welcome here.

Kelly Arthur, LPC, CADC I

Licensed Professional Counselor

I love working with members of the queer community, including individuals as well as couples who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, queer, trans, non-binary, poly, and kink. Although times are changing, queer voices are still silenced in our culture, so my office provides a safe space. I have years of experience and specialized training in cultural competency specific to the LGBTQ population.

Pearl Health Center

Licensed Professional Counselor

Healthcare at the Pearl Health Center is always safe and affirming. Our providers are passionate about advocacy and use a collaborative approach to therapeutic services and community resources.

emily bilbao (she/her)

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

I have been a part of the LGBT community personally and professionally for many years. I offer non-judgemental therapy regardless of your sexual orientation or relationship configuration.

Gary Alexander (he/him)

Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

MFT, CADC III, NCC

Helping to develop healthy, happy lives and relationships within the queer, poly, lifestyle, and sexual minority communities.

David Hanna

Licensed Professional Counselor

I care deeply about the rights, struggles and needs of gay, lesbian and transgender people. It is important to me to provide a place that is safe, supportive and attuned to the needs of all who experience and express their gender and sexuality in any way that they are most comfortable.

Misha Drlikova

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

LCSW

Individuals who identify themselves as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered or questioning sometimes face challenges unique to the LGBTQ community. I strive to provide an open, safe and affirming space to those who are coming to therapy to talk about the challenges that are directly related to their identity as a queer, trans or non-binary person.

Elizabeth Price (she/her)

Professional Counselor

M.A. Clinical psychology

Young people aged 21 to 25 who experience 'sexual marginalization' are 8 times more likely to complete suicide than those who don't feel marginalized. Have you internalized some of the hate/judgment/shunning amok in our culture for being your fabulous Queer self? Don't let sexual shame hurt you. Come wipe it off and re-embrace your sex positive values in sacred conversation dedicated to you.

Amanda Ball (she/her)

Licensed Professional Counselor Intern

MS, LPC Intern

My clients come from all walks of life, but I especially enjoy serving my clients from the queer community. For me, queerness is just another part of who you are, not part of 'the problem.' I aim to understand your unique story, but I won't need you to teach me the basics. Or, if you are still exploring, I can provide an open, non-pressuring environment to do so.

Celine Redfield

Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

I wrote my thesis on integrating sexual and cultural identities together for Latina Lesbians. I was trained at the LA LGBTQ cente. I am also queer myself, I understand the challenges of being LGTBQ. Wether you are struggling with coming out, dealing with internalized heterosexism, needing support for your transition or needing support. I can help you.

Leslie Yeargers

Marriage Family Therapist Intern

I support the transgender, non-binary, and LGB community with living in the world as their authentic selves. I will also work with their families and loved ones to foster deeper connection and understanding of one another.

Elizabeth Ellisan (she/her)

Licensed Professional Counselor

As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I know how hard it is to find a therapist who is the right fit. I can offer a supportive, affirming environment regardless of sexuality, gender, and primary concern. I can help with identity exploration, coming out, and other LGBTQ concerns. I have training an experience working with trans and non-binary individuals, including teens and their families.

Connective Therapy Collective

Licensed Professional Counselor

LMFT, LCSW, LMFTI, CSWA, QMHA

I'm a member of your community, experienced in treating the unique relationship, sexuality, and interpersonal challenges that come from a minorty sexual orientation or expression. I want to empower and support you, and facilitate a more fulfilling personal journey long term. I can also treat gender dysphoria including writing letters of recommendation and supporting transitions.

Lilyan Smith-Moore, LPC

Licensed Professional Counselor

I am affiliated with The Association for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Issues in Counseling. I have more than 50 hours of class training on LGBTQ issues in counseling. I have worked with LGBTQ clients at every stage of the lifespan, from children to older adults. I also provide consulting to other professionals.

Joe Doherty

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Joe moved to PDX 25 years ago to become Clinical Director of Phoenix Rising, one of only 4 state certified mental health clinics serving the GLBTQ community at that time. He developed his private practice to specialize in GLBTQ issues and has also taught at the graduate and post-graduate level in this area.

Tamara Webb

Licensed Professional Counselor

A member of the LGBTQ community since 1993, I understand intimately the social, cultural and gender-based challenges of living an affirming LGBTQ life within the dominant culture. I have extensive experience providing both individual and group therapy for LGBTQ concerns, and am committed to social justice for this community.

Laura Wrzesinski (she/her)

Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

I am a queer-indentified and LGBTQ affirming therapist. I have experience working with LGBTQ individuals, couples & their families across a wide range of issues, including: coming out, family acceptance, questioning gender identity or sexual orientation, improving dating patterns & strengthening long-term relationships, healing trauma & increasing self-acceptance.

Sasha Strong (they/them)

Licensed Professional Counselor

Are you queer, or in the LGBTQIA2S+ community umbrella? Me too! I practice affirmative therapy with queer folks, and I have worked with all sorts of clients, including lesbian, gay, bisexual/pansexual, trans*, queer, poly, kinky, and intersex folks. I love working with my community. I'm also a founding member of the Oregon Association of LGBT Issues in Counseling.

Neil Panchmatia MS, LPC-I, NCC (he/him)

Professional Counselor

As a queer immigrant of color, I am personally familiar with the challenges we experience and navigate as individuals and a community. I am keenly aware of the healing and collaboration we need to work towards within our community, and the activism for rights and freedoms still left to do outside of it.

Lara D'Amore

Licensed Professional Counselor

As the parent of a transgender child, am aware of the unique needs that present themselves to those who are adjusting to a family member's transition. It is important for the support people to have access to their own supports to be able to process emotions, fears, values and beliefs. I provide a safe place to process your own transition through a family member's transition.

Veronica Carmenate (she/her)

Clinical Psychologist Resident

Ph.D.

Safe space to address identity, sexuality, relationships etc.

Jason Durtschi

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

I have worked extensively for more than 10 years in the LGBTQ community, on issues related to coming out, including working with trans individuals, and couples counseling. I have completed related trainings as well as experience.

Kate Madden

Licensed Professional Counselor Intern

MA, NCC

I have training and experience working with LGBTQ+ community and so many of my clients report that therapist have insisted on centering their queer identity to the exclusion of the rest of their humanity...while our queerness is a gift (that can come with challenges), I recognize in my work that it is just a part of who you are and choose work with ALL of you towards your goals and healing.

Liz Powell (they/them)

Clinical Psychologist

CA PSY 27871; OR PSY 3068

I've worked with LGBTQ issues for over a decade and love work with these populations. As a non-binary, bisexual/queer person, I understand the gifts and challenges of LGBTQ+ communities. Exploration of sexuality and gender is core to my practice.

Kate Sturges, MA, LPC (she/her)

Licensed Professional Counselor

As a queer identified woman, it is my goal to create a safe space for people who identify as LGBTQ.

Kimberlee Harrison

Licensed Professional Counselor

GC-C, CCTP

I have extensive experience working with individuals who identify as LGBQTI+, addressing such issues as establishing their identity, coming out, transitioning, interpersonal relationships, discrimination, and oppression.

Sam Skye (he/him)

Licensed Art Therapist

ATR, LAT, LPC

My practice is informed by an anti-oppressive, sex-positive, and feminist systems approach that seeks to bring empowerment and respect to the individual. My practice includes those who identify as straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual, queer, pansexual, asexual, transgender/gender nonconforming, kinky, BDSM, vanilla, monogamous, polyamorous, and more.

Nick Vaske, LCSW, CADC I (he/him)

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

LCSW, CADC I

I am a queer-identified person and member of the LGBTQIA+ community. I have worked with adults and youth in both inpatient and outpatient settings around their sexual orientations and gender identities to build knowledge, understanding, self-compassion, and appreciation for how wonderful they are, find community, and better cope with a society that is often oppressive.

Tiffany Butler

Licensed Professional Counselor Intern

I have worked with many adults in navigating the realization they are in a mixed orientation relationship after one partner or spouse comes out as LGBTQ. Together, we address the feelings they are experiencing as well as how they wish to move forward either independently or as a couple.

PK Ponti-Foss

Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

I am both personally and professionally involved with LGBTQ community and am very aware of the dynamics of being part of those communities. I find that, like so many oppressed groups, it is important to find support with someone who you don't have to teach the basics of your experience to along the way.

Naomi Painter (she/her)

Licensed Professional Counselor Intern

LPC intern

I am aware that gender and sexuality work on a spectrum and that we are all on our own personal journey towards what works for each of us. I work to be an ally to all genders and sexual expressions: lesbian, gay, bisexual/pansexual, transgender, intersex, queer, questioning, and the asexuality spectrum.

Graham Borgman (He/him/his)

Licensed Professional Counselor

Beside the emotional issues that crop up around being a member of a socially, politically, and economically marginalized community, the expression of gender and sexuality are remarkably intimate and personal parts of life that bring with them significant psychological dynamics. I work with the LGBTQ community whether or not you are seeking therapy for gender or sexuality issues.

Colette Gordon (they/them)

Licensed Professional Counselor

LPC

I am queer and trans and committed to working in these communities. I understand these identities broadly and I know that sharing them does not mean we have the same experience. I want to make room for your experience under this queer umbrella, including as it relates to race, gender, ability, size, sexuality, culture and class background.

Nina Landey (she/they)

Licensed Professional Counselor

I have helped younger and older queer couples and individuals. I welcome people with any gender or sexual identity and expression. I am completely affirming of LGBTQIA+ individuals and couples. You are safe with me.

Michael Viola, MA (He/Him)

Licensed Professional Counselor Intern

MA, LPC Intern

The concept of two-spirit is paramount in working with these issues. Embodying the spirit of electrical male and magnetic female is a gift and must be recognized as such. As a gay male myself much empowerment and strength has come from uniting these polarities and owning the power of uniqueness as our energy runs along the diversity of this spectrum. We are something far beyond what pop culture and religion designate us.

Michael D. Jolliffe (he/him)

Licensed Professional Counselor Intern

MS

Special education and personal experience with LGBTQ issues, particularly the gay male experience and the cis-gender experience of trans loved ones and family.

Nicole Craig (She/her)

Licensed Professional Counselor

MA, LPC, CADCI

I provide an LGBTQ affirmative approach to psychotherapy which recognizes the immense value of each LGBTQ person’s well-being and creates a supportive environment for personal acceptance and growth. Experienced working with youth and adults, I work to provide a supportive environment to serve as a counter-force to issues regarding minority status and to help liberate your full potential.

Colin Wolf (he/him)

Licensed Professional Counselor

MA, LPC

Over 10 years of experience working with LGBTQ+ clients on a variety of issues and concerns, including developing authentic identity, strength through vulnerability, life beyond trauma and resilient, loving relationships, as well as queer family planning.

Jules Allison (They/them)

Licensed Professional Counselor Intern

LPC-Intern, MA

I’m queer and non-binary and most of my clients are as well.

Catherine Cooney (she/her)

Licensed Professional Counselor

MS, LPC, CSAT

As a member of the queer community, it's been part of my personal and professional journey to seek training, supervision and experience to become equipped to meet the counseling needs of LGBTQ individuals and couples. I continually seek professional development opportunities to stay informed on issues facing sexual and gender minorities.

Hunter Vaughn, PsyD

Clinical Psychologist

Since my undergraduate years, I've focused on developing my knowledge & skills for working with LGBTQ individuals, couples, & families. This passion extends to my graduate research with lesbian co-mother families, my clinical experience & training, and the focus of my practice. LGBTQ individuals have unique experiences, needs, strengths, & concerns. I strive to honor & incorporate these in therapy

Marie McMahon (she/her)

Licensed Professional Counselor Intern

MA, NCC, EAGALA

I identify as Gay/Lesbian, and I am here to connect and support those who are wrestling with questions of sexuality, experiences of rejection and oppression, and who are seeking to build community.

Korel Ponti-Foss LMFT, ATR

Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

I understand the dynamics and challenges of being a part of this community and offer a GLBTQ friendly environment for counseling. Additionally, I have helped many teenagers and adults undergoing gender transitions (including non-binary) and have helped many families learn how to support and advocate for their loved one while they undertake their exciting journey.

Johanna Rayman (she/her)

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

LCSW, GCFP

I am a lesbian and have provided social services to the broader LGBTQ+ community since the mid-1990s. I can help with questioning identity/ coming out, or offer a safe space to focus on other therapy goals where your identity is not an issue. I have training & experience supporting transgender/ non-binary/ genderqueer people since 2013, including assessments for gender-affirming procedures.

Susan Shelbourne, LPC NCC

Licensed Professional Counselor

LPC

I have personal and professional experience with the LGBT community and have provided counseling to individuals navigating the coming out process, relationship issues and family dynamics.

Emily Berry LPC (she/they)

Licensed Professional Counselor

With a strong background in social justice and a personal connection to the LGBTQ community, I am dedicated to working with issues around LGBTQ identity development and navigating relationships and the world within this context. I am trans and non-binary affirming and dedicated to staying informed on the needs and struggles of the entire queer community.

Caitlin Keitel (she/her)

Professional Counselor

M.A. Process Oriented Facilitation

I specialize in working with women identified, non-binary and queer people to rewrite the stories we have been told, and tell ourselves, about our self-power, lovability, competence, beauty, bodies, and societal worth.

Heather Rensmith (she, her, hers)

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

LCSW, CST

Training specific to LGBTQ issues in Sexual Health Certificate Program

Kendyl Watts

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

I have 20+ years of experience living, working and volunteering within the queer community. I am familiar with many of the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals and their families, and I also understand that your LGBTQ+ identity may have nothing at all to do with why you are seeking therapy. Either way, you and your relationships will be seen, valued and respected without exception.

Wendy Curtis

Licensed Professional Counselor

MA, LPC

This is a funky category in my opinion as LGBTQ issues aren't usually very different from everyone else's issues, but with the added component of systemic oppression historically and currently. I include this category as a signal that I am hopefully a 'safe' person for you to talk to, who has had many LGBTQ people in my life who have shaped who I am.

Rhys Pasimio

Licensed Professional Counselor

As a member of the community, I am committed to providing competent and culturally sensitive services to a frequently marginalized and underserved population. My approach is person-centered; I work to learn from you what you most need, then walk beside you as you grow into your ideal self.

Dmitri Dosamantes (he/him)

Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

LMFT

I am both personally and professionally involved with LGBTQ & Trans community and am very aware of the daily micro-aggressions that occur within families, at work, and socially. You will not have to provide me with Trans 101 basics. We can start right away with what you are bringing into therapy. I also provide letters that are acquired for hormone therapy and gender-affirming surgery.

Zeyah Roge (She/Her and They/Them)

Marriage Family Therapist Intern

MA, MFT Intern, LMT, RYT-500

As a LGBTIQ person, I am passionate about providing safe and welcoming therapy to sexual and gender minorities. Prior to becoming a therapist, I was a queer and transgender health advocate. In recent years, I developed an LGBTIQ support group for formally incarcerated folks at the Women's Resource Center in S.F., CA. Currently, much of my client base is queer, trans, and gender non-conforming.

Paige Matthews

Licensed Professional Counselor Intern

I identify as queer, and I have direct experience working with LGBTQ+ teens and adults. My work focuses on queer sex-drug linked behavior; the impact of heterosexism and transphobia on mental health; and the impact of systemic oppression on mental health for queer and trans folks.

Camille Keith, MS, NCC (she/her)

Licensed Professional Counselor Intern

MS, NCC

My experience includes helping clients explore issues related to their gender identity or sexual orientation.

Stacy Sheffler (she/her)

Licensed Professional Counselor

Living in a Cis world, LGBTQ people experience the world in a different lense and often have to navigate through those microdifferences that can cause pain, discomfort, anxiety or depression. Being able to assert and affirm your experience are necessary to feeling confident in your identity and how you experience this world and this world experiencing you.

Steve Hohenboken, LPC, ATR (he/they)

Licensed Professional Counselor

If you are gay, bisexual, straight, or queer; if you are cisgendered, trans, or gender fluid; if you identify in a way that you do not see named here-- I want you to feel welcome and respected in my practice.

Heather Simpson (she/her)

Marriage Family Therapist Intern

MA LMFT Intern

With previous degrees in Women's and Gender Studies and a background in sexuality I can affirm not only an understanding of LGBTQ issues from an academic perspective but also from a lived experience.

Sarah Hardin

Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

You are the expert on your own identity. I provide identity-affirming therapy to support your process and struggles with being yourself in this world.

Megan McDavid, LCSW, MEd

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

I have extensive experience working with LGBTQ people and those living with HIV, and can provide supportive and culturally competent therapy around these issues.

Robin Friedman, LCSW (She/her)

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

L5164

I've worked for many years with the LGBTQ+ population. I provide a safe, open and affirming environment for those who are coming to therapy because of stressors or challenges me related to gender or sexual identity, or who are working to understand their identity. I also provide a safe place for those who identify as LGBTQ+ or other identities who want to focus on other areas, but want be assured they have a safe place to be themselves and feel understood.

Ajay Dheer (He/They)

Marriage Family Therapist Intern

M.S. Marriage and Family Therapy

First and foremost, I want to be explicit that I don’t consider LGBTQ+ identities to be ‘issues.’ That being said, I enjoy and specialize in working with the impact of these identities on day to day life. In addition to being a member of LGBTQ+ communities, I’ve received specialized education in working with queer folx. Over the past two years have gained expertise through both individual and group therapy settings.

Robert Morrissey

Licensed Art Therapist

I have worked with sexual minority youth in the juvenile justice system in LA as well as LGBTQ communities of color during the height of the AIDS crisis in NYC.

Malia Graves

Marriage Family Therapist Intern

I am passionate about issues in the LGBTQ community and have taken courses in gender and sexuality. I specialize in adolescent and teen LGBTQ issues such as orientation, gender expression and gender roles, transitioning, and the coming out process.

Sylas Veit (they/them or he/him)

Licensed Professional Counselor Intern

MA in Marriage, Couple and Family Therapy

In addition to being part of the queer and trans community, I have worked specifically with LGBTQ+ clients for a range of concerns, from exploring gender identity and pronouns, to navigating dysphoria and discrimination, to identifying and celebrating what makes them feel most empowered. I have taken specific coursework during my graduate school training for trans and genderqueer therapy concerns. I love discussing ways to build chosen family and how to advocate for your needs.

Nicole Kammerlocher (she/her/hers)

Licensed Professional Counselor Intern

As a queer person, it is important to me to create space in my practice to serve my community. Being queer myself does not mean that I share your experience - I almost certainly do not - but as I have trained to grow my abilities as a counselor, I have always focused my efforts around how I can use my knowledge to help my community with both general and LGBTQ specific struggles.