MENTAL HEALTH/ THERAPISTS
NOTE: the notation [DMV] denotes providers who are able to write letters for sex designation change on state ID
Genny Bimslager, LCSW
SE Hawthorne area of Portland (home office)
(503) 235-5312
gblcsw@hotmail.com
Areas of Focus Individual and couples counseling and some groups (women survivors of childhood sexual abuse). Specialties: Trauma, couples therapy, gender identity, depression, anxiety, domestic violence, multigenerational family therapy, chronic illness.
Accessibility For accessibility, can arrange to meet at the YWCA
Cost/Insurance Sliding scale starting at $40 out of pocket, works with insurance.
Gender Experience 25-30% client base trans or genderqueer. Trained on HBSOC, understands reasons and importance of HBSOC, works individually with clients, understanding that it varies person to person. Can write DMV letters and first surgery letter. genderqueer friendly
Sexuality Experience Kink friendly, Understands self-scarring not necessarily suicidality.
Youth Experience Seven years of experience with LGBT youth Confidentiality for youth: information shared with parents based on client's discretion.
Other Member of SMPA. experienced working with HIV(+) people
BACK
TO TOP
Wendy Blenning, LCSW, MSW [DMV]
2325 E Burnside Street
Portland, OR 97214
(503) 329-3225
wendyblenning@comcast.net
www.wendyblenning.com
Areas of Focus Solo practice, individuals/couples/families
Accessibility Not wheelchair accessible. Seven stairs to her office.
Cost/Insurance Payment direct, discounts available, willing to get folks on insurance if she can.
Gender Experience DMV certified. Letters for surgery/hormones. Genderqueer friendly and experienced. Has own protocol based on HBSOC. SOC can give guidance and is helpful, understands it is not the be-all end-all. Reads books, goes to presentations, queer consultation groups, uses internet to stay current on trans and queer needs.
Sexuality Experience Member of SMPA. Kink: familiar, not an expert, not judgmental
Youth Experience Seven years of experience with LGBT youth, worked at a neighborhood health clinic for runaways in L.A.
Other Will meet with people about what's going on, has protocol on her website. Years of extensive work with people living with HIV.
"My hope is that this directory will provide enough security and safety for people who seek counseling for a letter of readiness for hormone therapy or surgery, to openly share their concerns about all aspects of their lives. In some cases, individuals have not been totally candid with the therapist about important issues for fear that sharing these things will impact getting the letter. By not being candid, the individual misses out on the opportunity to identify and possibly work on/through issues of depression, anxiety, abuse, self-abuse, etc. that may be causing distress."
BACK
TO TOP
Kristi Erlich, MS
3615 NE Grand Avenue
Portland, OR 97212
503.281.1166
kristi@owlsnestnorth.com
www.owlsnestnorth.com
Areas of Focus: Trans and queer couples, recovery from cult and high-demand group experiences, poly and kink-affirming, individuals/relationships/families.
Accessibility: Partially wheelchair accessible
Cost/Insurance: Sliding scale happily offered. Otherwise, $70-80 for 60-70 minute sessions.
Gender Experience: A vast majority of my client base identifies as trans or genderqueer but open to all. Open to each client’s unique expression and identification of gender. Participate/d in gender-focused trainings, supervision and education. Honors chosen names and pronouns.
Sexuality Experience: Poly and kink experienced. Sex positive. Sex industry affirming/experienced.
Youth Experience: Experienced in seeing youth in the context of family counseling. Prior to being a counselor, worked with youth in educational and social service settings for over a decade.
BACK
TO TOP
Annik Larsen, LCSW
1920 NW Johnson, Suite 112
Portland, OR 97209
(503) 957-0135
annik@easystreet.com
Areas of Focus General counseling, especially with people who are somehow in transition (major life changes of any sort, especially if unsure which direction to go; providing clarity and support). Can provide letters and help get clear about what to do when, how, where, with whom.
Accessibility Wheelchair- and scooter-accessible with elevator; downstairs office also available. Willing to work with interpreters. Speaks French and English.
Bathrooms: One unisex, single-stall, accessible; one women's, two stalls, not accessible.
Cost/Insurance Sliding scale $50-100; works with insurance that doesn't require her to be on a panel. "Always" discusses diagnoses with clients before issuing them to insurance companies, looking for least harmful and most useful.
Gender Experience Has worked with trans clients since mid-'80s. Comfortable with fluidity and non-binary situations. Not compelled to toe the line of the SOC; tries not to keep people there longer than necessary. Prefers naturopathic approaches, looking at total health picture and providing support. Asks client when to use different names and which to use if calling at home.
Sexuality Experience Open to diverse sexualities
Youth Experience Usually doesn't see people younger than 15, but has worked with 16-17yr olds from OI. Confidentiality policy may vary for those under 15; will have conversation about what they want to share.
Other No intake forms or receptionists.
BACK TO TOP
Heather Leffler, MSW, LCSW [DMV]
2325 E Burnside St
Portland, OR 97214
(503) 261-9696
Areas of Focus Half-time therapist who does individual and couples counseling for predominantly queer and trans clients. She uses a client-driven approach, and broad theory tailored to individuals. She generally helps people with general transition in their lives.
Accessibility No wheelchair access, no TTY. She will hire an ASL interpreter if needed.
Cost/Insurance $60 a session, but cost adjustment available. Check her name against insurance.
Gender Experience Has done multiple letters for prescriptions and letters for surgery. Familiar with HBSOC and for her therapy is not to "prove" "authentic" transness, but so she knows who clients are/where they are at. Also, she knows not everyone is seeking physical changes. On intake form, blank space for gender, asks name. Finds work with trans clients exciting because people come into themselves and learn to talk about it. Sensitive to special confidentiality concerns when working with the small Portland trans and queer communities. Genderqueer experienced and positive.
Sexuality Experience Member of SMPA. She is a member of the queer community, and she may be at events, which she lets clients know up front. Poly and Kink experinced.
Youth Experience Generally sees adults, but sometimes adolescents.
Other Up front about confidentiality and mandatory reporting. Seven years of experience working with HIV+ client base.
BACK TO TOP
Terrie A. Lyons, PhD, PC [DMV]
3033 SW 1st Ave
Portland, OR 97201
(503) 221-8764
Areas of Focus One-on-one psychotherapy and evaluations for individuals and couples.
Accessibility No wheelchair access.
Cost/Insurance $125 for therapy, $150 for evaluation. Check her name against insurance
Gender Experience Experienced with trans clients. Impressed and honored with folks who deal with accepting this part of themselves. Sometimes asked to give a second letter for surgery. Genderqueer experienced and positive -Understands gender is not a fixed or binary category. Member of HBIGDA, very positive about their organization
Sexuality Experience Open to talking about poly relationships and supportive of finding out what's good for them.
Youth Experience No kids or adolescents except older adolescents if emancipated.
Other Experince with HIV + Understands that families go through coming-out too, and need to work through it
BACK TO TOP
Suzan Mayer, MSW, LCSW, [DMV]
319 SW Washington Street, Suite 1015
Portland, OR 97204
(503) 245-4614 (phone)
(503) 227-2561 (fax)
suzmayer@pacifier.com
Areas of Focus Assessment and counseling according to the Harry Benjamin Standards of Care, short-term crisis intervention.
Accessibility Wheelchair accessible. Hard of hearing or deaf folks should bring interpreter. Near bus mall/MAX. Solo practitioner so direct intake, she does her own billing, uses preferred name and pronoun. Gendered bathrooms, women's single stall, Men's has two stalls. Prefers not to see clients with active substance abuse problems.
Cost/Insurance On many insurance panels, check her name against insurance. If no, $75/hour.
Gender Experience She is pansexual and pangendered, and does not like to be put into boxes. Has no compunctions with using SOC as a guideline, but not written in stone. ½ her clients are trans or cross-dressing, she always offers her services to relatives.
Sexuality Experience She is pansexual and pangendered, and does not like to be put into boxes. Kink-friendly.
Youth Experience Has worked with a handful of 16-21 clients. No individual therapy under age 16
Other Counselor for over thirty years. Other mental health help: Independent contractor with Washington County Circuit Court to civil commitment hearings. Also EAP (Employee Assistance Programs).
BACK TO TOP
Shelly Norton, PhD
5525 East Burnside Street
Portland, OR 97215
(503) 239-4475
Areas of Focus Psychotherapy for older adolescents and adults. Individuals, groups, couples (about half her practice), families around anxiety, trauma, relational issues. Specializes in sexuality concerns and gender identity.
Accessibility Not fully wheelchair accessible. Space for preferred name, which is used on chart, no gender/sex question.
Cost/Insurance $100 per hour, negotiable.
Gender Experience Attends conferences, learns from clients, educates others. Very familiar with HBSOC, aware that they give provider a lot of power and regards each client as individual. Can write letters for hormones, surgeries, DMV. Not a lot of experience with genderqueer folks, does NOT assume genderqueers are "trans and waiting to come out".
Sexuality Experience Will discuss self-scarring if relevant. Down with anything between consenting adults: Kink positive, Poly positive. Does not see sex offenders but can refer.
Youth Experience Youth can come without immediate consent of parent/guardian. Can be important for parent to know about therapy. 15-18 confidentiality primary with client.
Other
BACK TO TOP
Catherine Nyhan, MA
(503) 957-1267 Self-refer, this number connects directly to Nyhan.
Areas of Focus Brief, solution-focused psychotherapy for individuals, couples and families.
Accessibility No accommodations available for wheelchair users.
Cost/Insurance Sliding scale.
Gender Experience all-inclusive
Sexuality Experience Queer friendly kink-friendly. Nyhan has eight years of experience providing services to GLBT clients and clients with alternative lifestyles, supplemented by a 40-hour training through the Seattle Counseling Services for Sexual Minorities.
Youth Experience youth advocate
Other
BACK TO TOP
Steven "Bo" O'Dell
1732 SE Ash
Portland, OR 97214
(503) 249-7844
(503) 363-1175 (Salem office)
Areas of Focus He practices traditional cognitive therapy and some energy protocol.
Accessibility He signs ASL in addition to speaking English. Has TTY contact number as listed above, his Portland office is not wheelchair accessible but he does home visits if mobility access issues. Salem office is wheelchair accessible. Clients contact him directly, uses preferred names and pronouns only.
Cost/Insurance Compatible with some insurance with the exceptions of Providence and Pacificare, and sees people at reduced fees. Otherwise $90/hour, $135 for assessment. Keeps a private practice and in Marion County he can take OHP.
Gender Experience Since 2000 his office has accommodated folks in physical transition. He has helped six people on their way to and through surgery. Has seen a number of others in other phases. Sees fewer MTFs than FTMs. Very familiar with SOC VI. He finds that it is a good reference, but that it sometimes complicates it, sometimes helps people.
Sexuality Experience Explicitly asks before touch, kink friendly.
Youth Experience From the mid-90s had contact with youth through Phoenix Rising. Worked with youth for ten years with Windfire, presently about 5% of his client base are under twenty. Mostly he has worked with folks aged 14 and up but there are exceptions. He is a youth advocate.
Other
BACK TO TOP
Beth Richman LCSW, CADCI [DMV]
3101 SW 1st Ave, Suite 201
Portland, OR 97201
(503) 754-6145
bethrichmanlcsw@world.oberlin.edu
Areas of Focus Clinical social worker; counseling for individuals, groups, and couples. Clients are primarily adults, older adolescents, queer, and/or trans. Specializes in trauma, eye movement rapid desensitization, work with drug and alcohol issues, personal coaching.
Accessibility Stairs (10 steps) leading up to office; not accessible. Can arrange to meet elsewhere if client is interested. Intake forms don't address gender. No receptionist. Says office is "very cool [about trans issues]." Open to working with interpreters. Unisex bathroom.
Cost/Insurance Sliding scale: $15-$30 per group, $50-$85 for individuals. Monthly retainer cost for coaching is $300 (three individual coaching sessions, emergency contact if needed, and unlimited e-mail). Accepts Blue Cross and Blue Shield, insurance through Portland State. Can work with insurances that accept any provider.
Gender Experience Feminist/multicultural perspective. Has done academic work on non-trans mental health practitioners working with trans clients, and has worked at a trans counseling center in San Francisco. Has trans-specific resource lists. Doesn't think that people with mental health conditions should be excluded from transitioning.
Sexuality Experience Very kink-friendly and poly-friendly; sometimes runs poly workshops. Views self-scarring as potentially important coping mechanism; self-admitted bias towards trading it for something with less risk of infection. Queer-identified. Member of SMPA.
Youth Experience Works with families, but would probably refer clients under 16 elsewhere. Will not take parent's requests to try to change their kids or convince them out of something.
Other
BACK TO TOP
Brandt Rigby, LCSW
7822 SW Capitol Highway, Suite #4
Portland, OR 97219
(503) 920-5020
paindance3000@yahoo.com
Areas of Focus Outpatient mental health.
Accessibility Not wheelchair accessible.
Cost/Insurance Sliding scale $40-$80/hr. Some insurance accepted: Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Lifewise, Mutual of Omaha, etc.
Gender Experience Much experience with trans clients of all ages (7-70-years-old). Familiar with HBSOC and use them as guidelines to treatment only. Full transition is honored as clinically appropriate. When asked if he was genderqueer positive, responded that it is his experience that people are better able to grow clinically when their self-determined identity is honored fully
Sexuality Experience Experienced working with clients who are part of BDSM/kink communities.
Youth Experience Has clinical experience working with sexual and gender minority youth.
Other
BACK TO TOP
Deborah Samuels, M.S., RN
1016 SE 12th Avenue
Portland, OR 97232
(503) 238-0380
dsamu@spiritone.com
http://www.spiritone.com/~dsamu
Areas of Focus Individual and group psychotherapy.Specialties: trauma, survivors of sexual abuse, depression, anxiety, stopping smoking, life transitions, self-esteem, HIV/AIDS, hypnotherapy.
Accessibility
Cost/Insurance Sliding scale, negotiable. Takes some insurance. $75/hr, initial assessment $85/hr.
Gender Experience
Sexuality Experience Member of SMPA.
Youth Experience Adults only.
Other
BACK TO TOP
Stephen Schweitzer, Ph.D.
1374 Willamette St., #7
Eugene, OR 97401
(541) 484-5694
Areas of Focus
Accessibility
Cost/Insurance
Gender Experience
Sexuality Experience
Youth Experience
Other
BACK TO TOP
Jennifer Stoltz, PhD
1133 NW 21st Avenue, Suite 300
Portland, OR 97209
(503) 222-5010
Clinical psychologist, "child, family and adult psychotherapy."
Areas of Focus
Accessibility
Cost/Insurance
Gender Experience
Sexuality Experience
Youth Experience
Other
BACK TO TOP
Erik Tyler, M.DIV
1811 NE 8th, Portland, OR, 97203
(503) 402-1978
Areas of Focus
Accessibility
Cost/Insurance
Gender Experience
Sexuality Experience
Youth Experience
Other
BACK TO TOP
Reid Vanderburgh, MA [DMV]
319 SW Washington #701,
Portland, OR 97204
(503) 341-7001
ReidPDX@toast.net
www.transtherapist.com
Areas of Focus Holistic psychotherapy. Gender identity and transitions (including partner and couples issues), life transformations, loss and grief, sexual orientation.
Accessibility Wheelchair accessible. No receptionist. Accessible. Men's and women's bathrooms on third floor, unisex bathroom on fourth floor (all accessible).
Cost/Insurance Sliding scale $60-80 for individuals (50 min), $80-100 for couples (90 min). Some lower-income slots available for trans clients, starting at $30 for people who can't afford anything. Doesn't currently accept insurance (though some employers will reimburse).
Gender Experience Trans-identified. About 95% of clients are trans. Has worked with partners of transitioning clients. Thinks "body feedback" from trying hormones is helpful in making decisions about transitioning. See website for articles.
Writes hormone letters (worded such that they can be used for top surgery or as first letter for bottom surgery, if desired), DMV letters, and travel carry letters. Trained to work with people on relationship issues (within family, with partner(s), etc.). Tries to help give clarity, increase self-acceptance and client's connection to and ability to check in with their own feelings (especially so clients can accurately assess how hormones change their experiences); sees himself as a "facilitator of process."
Sexuality Experience Kink+, poly+. Comfortable discussing both self-scarring and suicidality.
Youth Experience Very comfortable working with youth; no age limits. Refuses to "fix" gender-variant youth but may ask their parents/guardians to come in. Will not report underage clients to their parents/guardians, but may encourage communication.
Other
BACK TO TOP
Kathleen Walsh
(503) 233-0331
SE 26th & Clinton
Areas of Focus
Accessibility
Cost/Insurance
Gender Experience
Sexuality Experience
Youth Experience
Other
BACK TO TOP
Jonathan K. Weedman, MA
Private practice
3033 SW First Avenue
Portland, OR 97201
(503) 913-8603
jonathan_weedman@yahoo.com
Areas of Focus Will see anybody: adults, youth, couples, families.
Accessibility Two flights of stairs leading up to house front. Speaks English and French; has access to interpreters and will make arrangements.
Unlabeled bathroom at private practice. Intake forms have only a blank for gender. No receptionist.
Cost/Insurance $50-75/hr (sliding scale), no insurance.
Gender Experience Writes letters. Disapproves of HBSOC gate-keeping; screens for mental illness and works on that so client can proceed more effectively however they wish. Very genderqueer-friendly. Cool with people wanting or not wanting to take hormones and/or have surgery. Helps educate families.
Sexuality Experience Largely queer client base, but he stresses that he's open to straight folks too. Building shared with "cool queer folks."
Youth Experience If under 13, legally (technically) required to consult parents and get signed consent.
Other
BACK TO TOP
Jonathan @ SMYRC
2100 SE Belmont St
Portland, OR 97214
(503) 872-9664 x35 (office)
(503) 301-4286 (pager)
jonathan@cascadiabhc.org
http://www.smyrc.org
Areas of Focus Free counseling, therapy, case management ("community mental health") for queer youth 23 and under.Individual, family, group.
Accessibility Office is in back of building. Accessible. Enormous single-"stall" bathroom, "de-gendered for your convenience." Intake forms give options ("male, female, trans, other, ______"). No receptionist.
English and Spanish available; has access to interpreters and will make arrangements.
Cost/Insurance FREE for under 23
Gender Experience Four years experience with trans folks at SMYRC.
Sexuality Experience Experince with queer youth. Asks about scars; develops crisis plan to reduce harm and, if possible, self-scarring behavior.
Youth Experience Extensive experince with queer youth.
Other
BACK TO TOP
(503) 709-6999
drwolmark@aol.com
Areas of Focus Individual, couple or multiple partners therapy for adults and adolescents.
Accessibility
Cost/Insurance
Sliding-scale fee, really flexible.
Gender Experience Sensitive to issues involved providing for a small community like the Portland queer and trans communities.
Sexuality Experience
Queer and Kink positive (organizer of the Blue Dove program).
Youth ExperienceExtensive experience counseling youth.
Other Experienced and knowledgeable in working with HIV (+) clients.
BACK TO TOP
Barbara Young, LPC, MCC
3101 SW 1st, Suite 103
Portland, OR 97201
(503) 242-0230
(216) 971-3650
Areas of Focus Gender and sexuality issues. Also, chronic illness and disabilities, divorce/separation, anxiety/depression, working with survivors and perpetrators of sexual abuse and assault.
Accessibility
Cost/Insurance Sliding scale. Accepts some insurance.
Gender Experience
Sexuality Experience
Youth Experience
Other
BACK TO TOP
YWCA Counseling [DMV]
1111 SW 10th Ave and 333 NE Russell
Portland, OR
(503) 294-7440
http://www.ywca-pdx.org/counseling.htm
Supervised by Adrienne Wolmark
Ph.D.
Areas of Focus Counseling with interns and master’s level volunteers.
Accessibility Wheelchair and language accessible.
Cost/Insurance Sliding scale
$13-45, based on income and family size.
Gender Experience Some have experience with trans issues. Everyone is exposed to trainings and discussion about serving trans clients.
Sexuality Experience Very queer and kink friendly (ask about Blue Dove program).
Youth Experience SMYRC youth get free treatment; Bridge 13 provides training once a year.
Other
