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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
Annabel 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.
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.
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.
Planned Parenthood West Sound
Kitsap & National
National resource that provides health and sexual wellness services to millions, as well as advocacy and education.
Susan Sweetwater
Kitsap
Susan provides single and group sessions utilizing PsycoTherapy, Mindfulness Instruction, Art Therapy, and Creativity Coaching. Phone, video and socially distant sessions available.
Organizations
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 Health- Jefferson County
Jefferson & National
Mental Health Resources in Jefferson County.
National Queer & Trans Therapists of Color Network
National
NQTTCN is a healing justice organization that actively works to transform mental health for QTPOC
PFLAG Bremerton/Kitsap County
Kitsap & National
PFLAG is the first and largest organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) people, their parents and families, and allies.
Q Youth Resources
Kitsap
Q Youth Resources is an all-volunteer nonprofit that provides a safe space for gender and sexual minority (GSM) youth. They support youth development through skill building activties and resources that build confidence and empower GSM youth.
Transfriending
Kitsap
TRANSFRIENDING is a Support Group for Parents of Trans—No Matter the Age of the Child. This is a safe, supportive, and understanding group of parents who share both the joys and the challenges of their lives with their Trans children. They are very aware that Transition includes the whole of the family, and they are happy to share their experiences. They would be happy if there were a network of Parent Groups across the West Sound, and look for chances to help make this happen. They meet either on Bainbridge or on Zoom.
Latinx Therapy
National
Latinx Therapy's mission is to destigmatize mental health in the latinx community, they strive to provide culturally-grounded workshops and services to our community. Latinx Therapy has a bilingual podcast and national directory.
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.
Open Path Collective
National
Open Path Psychotherapy Collective is a non-profit nationwide network of mental health professionals dedicated to providing in-office and online mental health care—at a steeply reduced rate—to individuals, couples, children, and families in need.
Planned Parenthood West Sound
Kitsap & National
National resource that provides health and sexual wellness services to millions, as well as advocacy and education.
Trans Needle Exchange
National
Non-profit supporting safe hormone replacement therapy and education, harm-reduction supplies shipped to trans folks in need