Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
LGBTQ+ Mental Health & HIV/AIDS Support Services
Founded in 1972, Persad Center stands as the nation's second oldest licensed counseling center dedicated to serving LGBTQ+ and HIV/AIDS communities. Our organization was established during a time when mental health professionals often sought to change LGBTQ+ identities, and we pioneered an affirming approach that prioritizes dignity and professional care without prejudice. Over decades, we've expanded our mission to address the unique challenges faced by these communities, including mental health counseling, substance abuse treatment, transgender services, and HIV/AIDS support. Our team of specialized professionals delivers culturally competent care informed by extensive experience, with services tailored to meet individuals at every life stage.We maintain rigorous professional standards through ongoing training and adherence to WPATH Standards of Care for transgender services. Our commitment to affordability ensures accessibility through insurance acceptance and medical assistance programs. With physical locations in Pittsburgh and Washington, PA, we serve western Pennsylvania through in-person and virtual platforms, fostering community connections through outreach initiatives and educational programs that have impacted thousands annually.
Services
Counseling Services
Substance Abuse Treatment
Transgender Support
HIV/AIDS Services
Senior Programs
Battering Intervention
Mental Health Evaluations
Community Outreach
Professional Training
Food Pantry
Details
- Year established: 1972
Highlights and features
- We offer 50+ years of specialized LGBTQ+ mental health expertise since 1972
- Our WPATH Standards-compliant transgender services include medical evaluations
- We provide comprehensive care from counseling to name change assistance
- Our team includes specialized therapists trained in LGBTQ+/HIV+ cultural competency
- We maintain sliding scale fees and insurance acceptance for accessibility
Services
Counseling Services
Persad Center provides professional, culturally-affirming counseling for LGBTQ+ and HIV/AIDS-affected individuals. Our services include individual, couples, and family therapy addressing gender dysphoria, coming out challenges, and coping strategies. Therapists maintain specialized training in LGBTQ+ cultural competency to ensure safe, non-judgmental environments. We accept most major insurance plans and offer medical assistance applications for uninsured clients.
Transgender Support
Our comprehensive transgender services include individual counseling, support groups, and pre-surgical mental health evaluations following WPATH Standards. We assist with name and gender marker changes, offer Phoenix Fitness access, and provide family counseling for transition support. Services are available for all gender identities through specialized therapists trained in gender-affirming care.
Substance Abuse Treatment
Persad's outpatient drug and alcohol treatment addresses addiction within LGBTQ+ communities, recognizing unique recovery challenges. Our program combines individual counseling, group therapy, and psychiatric support while prioritizing high-risk populations. Therapists specialize in addressing substance abuse patterns while maintaining cultural competency in LGBTQ+ identities and experiences.
Battering Intervention
This program addresses domestic violence in LGBTQ+ relationships through behavioral intervention and safety planning. Participants learn to recognize abuse patterns, manage triggers, and develop non-violent communication. The court-compliant program serves both perpetrators and victims, offering specialized support that acknowledges the unique dynamics of same-sex relationship violence.
Senior Programs
Persad OWLS provides social and support services for LGBTQ+ seniors aged 50+. Weekly coffee meetups, educational presentations, and field trips foster community connections. The program addresses isolation through hybrid in-person/virtual options, maintaining cultural competency in aging LGBTQ+ populations while providing access to essential community resources.
People
Martin J. Healey
Chief Executive Officer
Martin J. Healey leads Persad Center with decades of executive experience in nonprofit management and LGBTQ+ advocacy. He oversees strategic operations while maintaining community engagement through outreach initiatives and partnership development.
Christine Bryan
Director of Development
Christine Bryan manages fundraising and donor relations, leveraging her expertise in nonprofit finance to sustain Persad's community impact. She ensures financial stability through grant acquisition and donor stewardship programs.
Kim Henry
Clinical Director
Kim Henry supervises clinical operations with specialized expertise in LGBTQ+ mental health. She leads therapy services and training programs while maintaining direct client care for complex cases requiring gender-affirming interventions.
Ted Hoover
Trainer
Ted Hoover delivers organizational training programs on LGBTQ+ competency. He educates corporations, schools, and healthcare providers on creating inclusive environments through evidence-based practices developed from decades of field experience.
Amy Kreger
Phoenix Fitness Program Coordinator
Amy Kreger manages Persad's fitness partnership for transgender and gender non-conforming individuals. She coordinates access to Phoenix Fitness while ensuring program alignment with Persad's mission of holistic wellness for gender-diverse communities.
Questions
What mental health services does Persad Center offer?
Persad provides individual, couples, and family counseling; group therapy; psychiatric services; and specialized transgender mental health evaluations for LGBTQ+ communities.
Do you accept insurance for counseling services?
We accept most major insurance plans including Medicaid, Medicare, and private providers. Contact our intake department to verify coverage with your specific therapist.
What transgender support services are available?
We offer name/gender marker change assistance, pre-surgical evaluations, support groups, and family counseling while maintaining WPATH Standards compliance.
Are there emergency mental health resources?
Call our 24/7 helpline at 412-441-9786 for immediate support. For crisis situations, contact Center for Victims at 1-866-644-2882 for emergency assistance.
What community programs exist for seniors?
Persad OWLS offers weekly coffee meetups, educational events, and social outings for LGBTQ+ seniors aged 50+ with hybrid in-person/virtual participation options.
How does Persad support substance abuse recovery?
Our outpatient program combines individual counseling, group therapy, and psychiatric support specifically tailored for LGBTQ+ individuals facing addiction challenges.
