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Wellness
LGBTQ+ people--especially those in intersectional communities--face unique challenges related to physical and mental healthcare.
For example, more than half of LGBTQ+ individuals report having experienced some form of healthcare discrimination. BIPOC in the LGBTQ+ community are more than twice as likely as their white counterparts to avoid or delay healthcare. Transgender people often experience disparities in healthcare related to a lack of knowledgable providers, discrimination issues aside. Add to all this, LGBTQ+ people are more likely to experience mental health issues, including those related to PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
The goal of the RCNW Wellness Guide is to make it easier for members of the LGBTQ+ community to get the help they need, when they need it by identifying affirming, caring, and expert providers. In addition, we offer articles and advice on how to be your own best advocate.
We want to empower you to take care of yourself. Your health is important and you have a right to it!
Related Articles
Providers
AB McSpadden
Jefferson
It is an honor to serve Washington's queer and trans community. As a queer, nonbinary therapist, I am committed to creating equitable therapeutic relationships. Whether you are beginning to investigate pain you have been carrying, seeking an additional source of support, or deepening your practice of self-exploration, I am here as your advocate and co-conspirator.
Bainbridge Psychotherapy Guild
Kitsap
A non-profit association of psychotherapists practicing on Bainbridge Island. Their mission is to promote dialogue among psychotherapists working on Bainbridge and to serve as liaison between the community of psychotherapists with the local community. Includes a search engine and a dedicated Gay & Lesbian page.
Nani Baran
Kitsap
Nani Baran is a Washington State Licensed therapist, Located in Poulsbo. She specializes in a range of life events including grief counseling, anxiety, trauma and depression. Nani strives to help people feel safe enough to open up to look at and feel what wants to be healed. She is fluent in ASL, and accepts Kaiser Permenente insurance.
Outlier Wellness
Kitsap
Virginia Sun Moore (they/them) serves LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC individuals (13+), couples, and families. They specialize in gender-affirming care and letter writing; identity development; trauma recovery; and intergenerational growth. Virginia Sun is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor-Associate (LMHC-A), a Child Mental Health Specialist (CMHS); a Mental Health Professional (MHP), and a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC).
Aubrey Lough - Creating Growth Counseling
Kitsap
I am a mental health and substance use disorder professional providing individual, couple, and family therapy to clients throughout Washington State via telehealth. I am a strong advocate and ally for the LGBTQIA2S+ and poly/kink communities. I specialize in supporting clients struggling with their own or a loved one’s self-harm, suicidal ideation, and/or substance use, as well as helping couples and families to interrupt and transform ineffective communication patterns. I focus on removing shame and finding empowerment through strengths-based communication and developing effective coping skills.
Flourish Psychotherapy
Kitsap
Therapy can offer the space you need to grow, unfurl, and become who you want to be. Growth and liberation don’t happen overnight— they are made possible through relationships that offer dignity, safety, and belonging. Therapy provides a relationship where we work to cultivate the capacity for self-compassion, relationship, and possibility for you to flourish.
Kim Burke
Kitsap
Kim is a Washington State Licensed Therapist, who believes you can find the calm, healing, clarity, and joy you seek. She works predominately with clients who experience anxiety and adjustment disorders, ADHD, trauma and PTSD, depression, self-harm, and gender dysphoria. Accepts Aetna, Primera, Regence or Private Pay.
Northwest Washington Family Medicine Residency
Kitsap
Family medicine residency clinic with physicians that are LGBTQ+ friendly and wanting to create an open and welcoming environment. Offering resources including introductory gender-affirming care and referrals for more in-depth treatment options, Prep administration, and HIV clinic. LGBTQ+ & Allied Physicians: Mylan Panteah MD, Heather Morgan MD, Jasmyn Taylor MD, Cole Macke DO, Alisa Seng DO, Brian Bachmann DO, Conner Smith DO, Bryson Bellefueille DO, Juliet Bliss DO, Michael Watson MD
Organizations
Fishline Food Bank and Comprehensive Services
Kitsap
Fishline has a 55-year history of assisting households and individuals who have slipped through the holes of the community’s safety net. Our services include: food, showers, free clothing, toiletries, mental health counseling, case management, and financial assistance. Our partner agencies, located at our site, offer food stamps, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), caregiver support, employment assistance, veterans’ needs, dental care, peer-to-peer counseling, substance abuse support, and mediation. Fishline’s case managers routinely assist survivors of domestic abuse, unhoused individuals, low-income families, and those afflicted with mental and physical health disorders.
Jefferson County Transgender Support
Jefferson
JCTS exists to prevent isolation and provide peer understanding for trans and gender-nonconforming individuals. We strive to empower each other, share with one another, and provide a space for us to be open and communicate on an issue that affects all members. We are a safe space for people to talk about personal issues, experiences, struggles, and thoughts.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)- Kitsap County
Kitsap & National
The mission of NAMI Kitsap County is to improve the quality of life for individuals with severe mental illnesses and their families. We are dedicated to providing education, support and advocacy for persons with mental illnesses, their families and the wider community.
