ISH provides informed, culturally sensitive, and specialized clinical services for the spectrum of diverse sexuality and gender concerns and promotes education, clinical training and workshops that are designed to expand knowledge and understanding about human sexuality in a contemporary context. The program has three tracks: Gay and Lesbian Program, Transgender Health and Diverse Sexuality and Gender Populations.
Gay and Lesbian Program
We offer highly specialized programs designed to address the sexual, relationship, identity and mental health needs of gay men, lesbians, bisexual, and questioning individuals. Our programs are relevant to the LGBTQ experience and include individual psychotherapy, couples therapy, group support and workshops. ISH utilizes a sexual health model that addresses psycho-therapeutic concerns such as:
• Internalized Homophobia
• Coming Out
• Healthy Identity Development
• Intensity vs. Intimacy-based Sexuality
• Impact of Stigma and Oppression
• Impact of Peer Persecution and Bullying
• Gay Teens
• Fear and Anxiety about HIV
• Compulsive Sexual Behavior and Internet Concerns
• Couples Therapy
• Religion and Sexuality
Our Institute does not endorse “reparative therapy” and other psychological interventions aimed at “changing sexual orientation”. We adhere to the standards of care set forth by the American Psychological Association and provide professional, affirmative, sensitive, and informed services.
Transgender Health Program
ISH recognizes the spectrum of gender identities and the complexities of the transgender experience. This includes individuals who identify as transgender, transsexual, inter-sex, gender-bender, bi-gender, gender fluid, drag queen, drag king, or cross-dresser.
We provide gender-specific assessment and evaluation, individual and group therapy services, and education and consultation related to transgender health. Our services focus on psycho-education, healthy identity development and adjustment, stigma, shame, healthy sexuality, intimacy and societal integration. We provide psychotherapeutic support and indicated recommendations for hormone-replacement therapy and sex re-assignment surgery. We also offer support and services for the partners and family members of those with gender identity or gender-related concerns. Our program adheres to the standards of care as set forth by the World Professional Association for Transgender Health’s Standards of Care.
Diverse Sexuality and Gender Populations
Our Diverse Sexuality and Populations Program is focused on the sexual and identity health needs relevant to marginalized sexual and gender-variant communities. We provide assessment, individual psychotherapy, workshops, and provide lectures and education related to diverse sexuality concerns and populations. Our staff is sensitive to the specialized concerns of erotic minorities, sexual or gender subcultures, BDSM and leather, sex workers, and other queer and kink populations.
At The Institute for Sexual Health, we utilize a sexual health model that recognizes how shame, stigma, marginalization, oppression and persecution can impact the process and development of an integrated sexual identity. We recognize the importance of safety, self-determination and self-esteem in fostering healthy identity development.
ISH supports the parameters as set forth by the World Association of Sexology on Sexual Health as well as the ethical and guiding principles of the American Psychological Association.
For more information on our services and various programs or more information, consultation and to schedule a gender specific assessment please call (310) 286-1300.
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