LGBTQ2SIA Mental Health Resources
June 12, 2019
Here at The Northwest Catholic Counseling Center (NCC), we recognize that people in the LGBTQ2SIA community face discrimination, prejudice, denial of civil and human rights, harassment, and family rejection. Not everyone shares the same experiences, but these experiences can be quite common if you identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer/questioning, 2-Spirit, intersex, and/or asexual/aromantic.
If you live with a mental health condition and identify as LGBTQ2SIA, it is important for you to prioritize and take care of your mental health. We at NCC are committed to supporting our LGBTQ2SIA community members. If you are seeking compassionate counseling in a safe space, call our intake line at 503-253-0964.
We recognize that we do not have all of the answers, so below we’ve provided some of our favorite LGBTQ2SIA organizations in Portland. For more comprehensive lists, NAMI National has more resources.
Cascade AIDS Project – 503-223-5907
CAP is the oldest and largest community-based provider of HIV services, housing, education and advocacy in Oregon and SW Washington. CAP provides services around health, prevention, testing, housing, and employment for individuals affected by HIV.
Q Center – 503-234-7837
A LGBTQ2SIA+ community center in Portland with a variety of support and affinity groups: children and families, seniors, veterans, addiction and mental health support, gender identity programs, and sexual orientation programs.
Sexual & Gender Minority Youth Resource Center – 503-872-9664
SMYRC is a drop-in center for LGBTQ youth (ages 13-23) in both downtown Portland (1220 SW Columbia Ave) and SE Portland (16570 SE Oak St., Room 107). Programs include support groups, social activities, case management, counseling, education, and more.
Portland Two Spirit Society – [email protected]
Portland Two Spirit Society is a social group for LGBTQI Indigenous and Native American/Alaska Natives and their families and allies to come together and share, connect, reclaim and restore culture, community and the traditional roles of Two Spirit people.
Sankofa Collective
Formerly PFLAG Portland Black Chapter, the Sankofa Collective Northwest is a home for Portland’s Black LGBTQ community. Programs include support groups, community social events, trainings, employment services, faith outreach, advocacy, and youth outreach.
There are many acronyms used to describe this community. NCC is choosing to use LGBTQ2SIA in our content because of its inclusivity and intersectionality. It stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, 2-Spirit, Intersex, Asexual/Aromantic.
Terminology is important to create safe spaces. Read this article with a partial list of some basic, but often confusing terms you may encounter.
Article updated June 3, 2024
