Persad Center is an ally and caring provider for individuals who do not fit into society’s expectations of gender presentation or identity. We recognize the struggle to live fully while under pressure to conform in a world of binary sex/gender. We offer information and affirming counseling to individuals who are seeking to transform their lives to their authentic gender presentation or identity. Recognizing that transgender is an umbrella term that includes many different forms of self-expression and identities, our specialized counseling services can be tailored for the individual, for couples, and for family members. 

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INDIVIDUAL COUNSELING 

Persad Center recognizes that a number of needs may arise for clients as they move through the transition process. Persad Center is dedicated to providing clients with high-quality services aimed at addressing and/or resolving client concerns. Individual therapy can assist clients in addressing a number of topics, including but not limited to: gender dysphoria, social and/or medical transition options, coming out to family, coming out at work, and enhancing client’s coping abilities so that they can live their life authentically.

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GROUP THERAPY

Persad Center recognizes the importance of providing a safe space for client’s to learn and grow from one another. Group therapy services can help reduce social isolation and increase social interaction. Groups are run periodically throughout the year. Topics generally include: coping and managing dysphoria, coming out, self-esteem, dating and relating, and medical options for transition.

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FAMILY COUNSELING

Persad Center recognizes the importance of family support and acceptance. Persad Center is dedicated to providing a safe space for families to work through transition together. Topics in family therapy can include: educate family members on gender and gender variance, assist family members in changing use of name/pronoun, helping families navigate the coming out process, and providing information regarding medical transition options.

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NAME CHANGE ASSISTANCE

The Name Change Project is an initiative organized by the New York City-based Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund (TLDEF) that pairs local, trained pro bono attorneys with transgender persons who live in Allegheny County who wish to legally change their names to match their identities. For more information about the Name Change Project, please click here. 

 

Through a generous grant from FedEx, Persad is able to assist individuals with court fees related to the process of legally changing their name.  To receive support from Persad, please contact Christine Bryan at cbryan@persadcenter.org.

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GENDER MARKER CHANGE ASSISTANCE 

Persad Center recognizes the importance of having your correct gender marker on your identification. Persad Center can assist clients in this process. In the state of PA, individuals seeking a gender marker change can do so on their own. Click here to download the form.

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PRE-SURGICAL MENTAL HEALTH EVALUATIONS

Persad Center recognizes the important of having access to and undergoing medical procedures related to transition. Persad Center follows the WPATH Standards of Care as outlined in the 7th version. For many individuals on-going therapy is not always needed or required. Therefore, Persad is able to conduct pre-surgery mental health evaluations for the purpose of obtaining a surgery letter. This includes a 1-2 hour evaluation of the individual. The purpose of this evaluation is to assess an individual’s readiness for surgery. In some cases additional sessions maybe recommended before the letter will be written.

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For more information about our transgender services or to request an appointment for counseling or a mental health evaluation, please call our Intake Department .