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| Mental Health Services
“Services were offered in a very warm and inviting environment.” “I hope others in turmoil get to work things out with someone of my therapist’s ability.
Mental health services are provided on a sliding scale basis. Insurance may be accepted. Counseling may be free of charge to individuals living with HIV or experiencing relationship violence. Counseling We are expert mental health professionals, offering affirming services in a safe and supportive environment. We work with individuals, couples and families and are particularly sensitive to the important issues facing today’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community members and caring others. If you are interested in our counseling services, please contact the Client Services Coordinator at (773) 472-6469, ext. 158 for an assessment (Spanish speaking providers available.) Groups The Center on Halsted provides a variety of services, including support, therapy and educational groups. These services are meant to connect and unite LGBT men, women, families and allies who share similar issues and struggles. Participation is fee based and space in each group is limited. If you are interested in participating in group services, please contact the Client Services Coordinator at (773) 472-6469, ext. 158 for more information and to schedule an assessment (Spanish speaking providers available.) Volunteer Opportunities The Center on Halsted Mental Health Department utilizes the services of seasoned mental health professionals serving on our team of volunteer therapists. Therapists who volunteer with the Center on Halsted enjoy a number of benefits such as:
Sexual Orientation and Gender Institute The mission of the Sexual Orientation and Gender Institute (SOGI) is to expand national access to high-quality culturally competent mental health care for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) individuals and their families across the lifespan. Using live and Web-based formats, the Institute offers outstanding graduate training and provides high-quality professional development programming. The Institute also works to advance clinical practice through the promotion of research on LGBT behavioral health issues. A National Advisory Council, comprised of notable academics and clinicians with expertise in LGBT mental health, provides input on the Institute’s curriculum and consultation to its staff. These professionals from the fields of anthropology, psychology and social work are key contributors to the theory and practice of LGBT care. Graduate Student Training Our clinical training year begins in mid-July. Psychotherapy students are asked to commit a minimum of 15 hours a week to the site. With the Center’s expansive hours of operation there is a great deal of flexibility in scheduling. Given the demand for services, trainees are asked to include hours for evening and/or Saturday appointments. All students must be on-site Wednesdays from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm for a staff meetings and training seminars. Applicants should submit the following materials: - Cover letter (specifically addressing your interest in work at COH) Materials should be mailed to: Dr. Braden Berkey Completed applications will be reviewed by our training committee and offers for interviews are extended in March. Please contact the Director of SOGI at (773) 472-6469 or write SOGI@centeronhalsted.org for additional information. Professional Seminar Series Center on Halsted offers continuing education workshops for graduate students and practicing professionals who want to enhance their clinical work with LGBT individuals, couples and their families. These trainings are conducted by SOGI faculty who are seasoned clinicians and teachers specializing in the issues faced by our community. A sampling of training titles we recently offered includes: The Center is licensed by the State of Illinois to provide continuing education credits for social workers and professional counselors completing SOGI trainings. Workshops are scheduled on Friday mornings. Please check our monthly event calendar for current offerings. Healthcare Forums Throughout the year SOGI conducts public forums that bridge the gap between cutting edge research and clinical practice. These presentations provide a unique opportunity for investigators, practitioners and consumers to share their perspectives. Annual LGBT Mental Health Symposium At a regional level, mental health providers, service program administrators, health department representatives and consumers representing diverse economic, ethnic and racial backgrounds conferred to provide a comprehensive review of existing mental health services across the lifespan available in the Chicago metropolitan area. These subject matter experts formulated a critique of current policies and practices, providing a roadmap for the development of age-appropriate and culturally competent services for the next three years. During the summit SOGI’s National Advisory Council assembled for the first time, convening notable academics and clinicians with expertise in LGBT mental health from across the country. These professionals, representing the fields of anthropology, psychology and social work, are key contributors to the existing body of knowledge on LGBT care. Through a facilitated process they examined aging in the LGBT population; shared and integrated their perspectives on behavioral health issues, defined current best practices, identified optimal interventions, and predicted trends over the next three years. Evening programming included a keynote address by Wayne Besen, author, lecturer and activist, on combating the “ex-gay” myth and the use of reparative therapy. (see www.truthwinsout.com) This was followed by an award ceremony honoring volunteer clinicians in the Center’s Mental Health Services Department. The summit concluded with the first annual SOGI Award for the Advancement of LGBTQ Mental Health, which was presented to Gilbert Herdt, Ph.D. the Director of the National Sexuality Resource Center and Human Sexuality Studies at San Francisco State University. (see nsrc.sfsu.edu) Sponsors include:
Advancing Research The Institute works to advance clinical practice through the promotion of research on LGBT behavioral health issues. This is accomplished through investigations conducted at the Center, partnering on research with other organizations and by linking members of the community to studies they may participate in.
Seeking Subjects! The studies below are not affiliated with SOGI, and their inclusion here is not an endorsement of them by the Center. If you are interested in having a research study listed here write SOGI@centeronhalsted.org. INSTITUTION: POSTED: 04/15/08 According to the 2007 U.S. Census, more than 500,000 LGBT couples have children. Yet, little is known about the development of children in LGBT homes even though such information will be of great use to policy makers. WHAT'S INVOLVED At the end of the survey participants have the option to enter a drawing for a $50 gift card. Knowledge that is gained from this study will be used to increase the understanding regarding the child development in the context of LGBT homes. It will help with further research studies into this area as a way to promote more awareness in the psychological community. TOPIC: The experience of the sero-negative partner in a serodiscordant relationship: A hypotheses generating study. INSTITUTION: POSTED: 02/12/09 Study examines the experience of the HIV negative gay men who are in relationships with a HIV positive partners.
PARTICIPANTS HIV negative gay men who are currently in a relationship with another gay man that is HIV+ (a serodiscordant relationship). Participants should be between the ages of 20 to 35.
WHAT'S INVOLVED Participation consists of consenting to an audio recorded interview that lasting approximately 1 to 1 ½ hours. BENEFITS/RISKS Upon completion of the interview, you will be entered into a drawing for a $100 gift card to Best Buy. Knowledge that is gained from this study will be used to increase the understanding regarding the HIV negative partners’ experience of their relationship, satisfaction, and communication. It will help with further research studies into this area as a way to promote more awareness in the psychological community. To participate in the study, or to get more information about it, email brad.bailey@yahoo.com with a subject lines that reads “Participant Request.” The study's supervisor, Dr. Marge Witty, can be reached at mwitty@argosy.edu or 312.777.7702. This study was approved by the TOPIC: The Effects of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction on the Immune Systems of Men Living With HIV This study assesses the effects of following a mindfulness-based stress reduction program on the immune system and quality of life for individuals living with HIV. PARTICIPANTS WHAT'S INVOLVED BENEFITS/RISKS To participate in the study, or to learn more about it, contact Rachel Frailich at r.frailich@gmail.com. The study supervisor is Gregory Sarlo, Psy.D. (gsarlo@aol.com). INSTITUTION: Institute for Clinical Social Work,
This study seeks to explore the impact of having a later resolution of sexual orientation on lesbians’ work and career experiences. Does not being able to accept or resolve one’s lesbian sexual identity until the latter part of one’s twenties or later affect work and professional development? If so, in what ways? The study seeks to examine sexual identity and work identity in tandem in order to learn more about the possible connections between the two. PARTICIPANTS Women who identify as lesbian and are between the ages of 30-69, are in the paid work force, and did not resolve or accept their lesbian sexual orientation until their late twenties or later. WHAT’S INVOLVED Participation in the study involves two 60 -90 minute interviews held at a time and place agreed upon by the researcher and participant. Participation is confidential; no identifying information will be used in the dissertation. BENEFITS/RISKS There are no external benefits to participating in this study. Intangible benefits include increasing and diversifying the knowledge-base about lesbians’ lived experience and personal exploration and increased psychological insight about two significant aspects of the self. To participate in this study, or to learn more about it, e-mail jnewberger@icsw.edu, call 312-988-9150 or write: Jill Newberger, MSW, LCSW at 211 E. Ontario Suite 1195 Chicago, IL 60611. This study’s supervisor, Dr. R. Dennis Shelby, can be reached at 312-726-8480.
This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of the Institute for Clinical Social Work, TOPIC: Well-being in Gay and Lesbian Headed Families This study looks at outcomes for lesbian and gay headed families. We are primarily interested in strengths, attributes, and happiness and how to best promote such outcomes in the context of the family. WHAT'S INVOLVED To participate in the study click the following link or paste it into your browser: http://lessons.ummu.umich.edu/2k/marriage_study/survey TOPIC: Women who’ve experienced the death of a Same-Sex Partner This study is investigating how lesbian, bisexual, queer, two-spirit, and gay women cope with stress related to the death of a same-sex life partner. WHAT'S INVOLVED PARTICIPANTS BENEFITS/RISKS To participate in the study, or to get more information about it, click on this link (https://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=FUuMaa7wFkCVGOWRFY47fA_3d_3d) or copy and paste it into your web browser. To have a paper version mailed to you, please contact Michael Steger, Ph.D., at mfsteg01@louisville.edu or 502-852-0632 or Deb Broderick, Psy.D. at djbroderick@stthomas.edu or 651-962-6780 or Erica Adams, M.S. at 502-852-3118 or Erica.adams@louisville.edu. For email inquiries please type “grief study” in the subject line. For additional information about the study: Email or call Michael Steger, Ph.D., at mfsteg01@louisville.edu or 502-852-0632 or Deb Broderick, Psy.D. at djbroderick@stthomas.edu or 651-962-6780 or Erica Adams, M.S. at 502-852-3118 or Erica.adams@louisville.edu. For email inquiries please type “grief study” in the subject line. Or write to Michael Steger, Ph.D., University of Louisville, Educational and Counseling Psychology, Room 308, College of Education and Human Development, Belnap Campus, Louisville, KY 40292 or Debra Broderick, Psy.D., University of St. Thomas, Personal Counseling and Testing, #4040, 2115 Summit Ave., St. Paul, MN 55105. This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of the University of Louisville on June 22, 2007 and the Institutional Review Board of the University of St. Thomas on February 10, 2006. TOPIC: African American Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Persons Attitudes and Experiences Survey POSTED: 09/19/07 This study is examining attitudes, feelings, and experiences associated with being an African American who experiences attraction to members of the same-sex. Historically, researchers have neglected the lives of African American gay, lesbian, and bisexual persons, and very little research has looked specifically at attitudes, feelings, and experiences that sexual minority persons have based on their race and sexual orientation. Participants must be at least 18 year old, identify as African American, have experienced same-sex attraction, and currently reside in the WHAT’S INVOLVED Participation consists of completing an anonymous web-based survey that will take about 20 minutes of your time. As an incentive to participate, all participants will be given the chance to enter a participant raffle awarding $100 to one randomly selected participant. BENEFITS/RISKS There is no more than minimal risk or discomfort expected from participating in this study. Knowledge that is gained from this study will be used to increase understanding about attitudes and experiences that African American gay, lesbian, and bisexual persons’ may have had based on their race and sexual orientation and how this may be related to psychosocial well-being. To participate in the study, or to get more information about it, please click on the following link or copy and paste it to your web browser: http://d991.psysurvey.com For additional information about the study: email dszymans@utk.edu or write to Dr. Dawn M. Szymanski, Department of Psychology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996-0900. This study was approved by the University of
TOPIC: Gay Identity Development Across Cultural Groups in the U.S. POSTED: 09/07/07 WHAT'S INVOLVED
PARTICIPANTS
WHAT'S INVOLVED TOPIC: Impact of Male Perpetrated Rape on Lesbian Identity Development INSTITUTION: Illinois School of Professional Psychology – Argosy University Chicago This study attempts to gain an understanding of how each female participant feels being a rape survivor has impacted her life. Information will also be gathered regarding each woman’s sexual orientation and her feelings regarding how her sexual orientation has been impacted by her rape experience. Participants must be at least 18 years old. The study is seeking women who currently identify as lesbians who have been raped since age 18. WHAT’S INVOLVED BENEFITS The interview focuses on questions regarding the individual’s memory of the rape, coping and social supports, as well as how the individual feels being raped may have effected her sexual orientation. All information will be collected in a gentle manner and kept confidential. The researcher understands the sensitivity of the information. To learn more about the study, or to participate, contact Sheena Hoffmann at Shcrp@hotmail.com or call 773.504.4375 This research study was and approved by the Institutional Review Board, Illinois School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University Chicago on June 29, 2007. TOPIC: Psychological Implications of Cultural, Religious and Sexual Identity in Gay Latino Men This study attempts to gain an understanding of how each participant has experienced his family’s as well as his own cultural and religious affiliation. Information will also be gathered regarding each participant’s sexual orientation and how one’s feelings regarding their sexual orientation has been impacted by other group memberships and affiliations. PARTICIPANTS - Men who are English-speaking and identify as Gay and Latino - Participants must be at least 18 years old. WHAT’S INVOLVED BENEFITS To learn more about the study, or to participate, contact Michelle Krucek at mkrucek@aol.com or call 773.419.8697 This research study was and approved by the Institutional Review Board, Illinois School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University Chicago on June 29, 2007.
TOPIC: Understanding Longevity of Committed Gay relationships and the Gay Man. INSTITUTION: Institute for Clinical Social Work, POSTED: 07/17/07 This study seeks insight into the dynamics of long term gay coupling and distinguishes itself from other studies by seeking the thoughts of not only men in ongoing relationships, but also men who have been in relationships that have ended. PARTICIPANTS - Gay men aged 40 or older who do not have children - Couples who have been together for ten years or more and who are currently living together OR - Ex-couples who ended a committed relationship that lasted one year or longer. Ex-couples need not have lived together. - Individuals living anywhere in the WHAT’S INVOLVED Participation involves each individual participant’s completion of a 10 minute inventory (in person or by telephone); a 40 minute online questionnaire; and, for some participants, a 20-30 minute focused interview. Each part (inventory, questionnaire, and interview) will be done separately. The online questionnaire allows a participant to exit and return at a later time, picking up at the point where he left off. BENEFITS Each individual participant will receive a $20.00 Borders gift certificate upon completion of the online questionnaire. Participants in this study will receive the following intangible benefits: insight regarding their own histories; an opportunity to examine their thoughts and feelings about the way they see themselves in relationships; and, possibly, ideas about how to improve their relationships. Participation in this study will benefit the larger gay community, providing greater knowledge about gay men and relationships. To learn about the study go to to www.gaycouplestudy.com. For additional information contact Boris Thomas, JD, MSW at 312-279-7575 or email This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of the Institute for Clinical Social Work on February 14, 2007 with minor modifications on May 9, 2007. TOPIC: Sexual Wellbeing in Sexual Minority Women with Breast Cancer We are looking for volunteers to complete a one-time mail survey for a study on sexual functioning with breast cancer. PARTICIPANTS WHAT’S INVOLVED BENEFITS/RISKS To participate in the study, or to get more information about it, please call 877-414-1399 or email women@bu.edu. For additional information about the study contact the research team at 877-414-1399, email women@bu.edu or visit www.bumc.bu.edu/womenswellbeing This study was approved by The Boston University Institutional Review Board in February 2007. TOPIC: Lesbians, Bisexual Women and Their Heterosexual Sisters We hear a lot about the role that "communities" play in health and well-being, but in fact little is known about social networks and needs of adults. This study will interview about 45 women (15 lesbians, 15 bisexual women, and 15 of their heterosexual sisters) about the role of community in their lives. It will focus on women in specific age groups (20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, and over 50), in rural and urban settings, and from diverse ethnic and racial groups. The goal of this project is to understand what lesbians, bisexual and heterosexual women mean by "community," their satisfaction with their communities, and implications for stress and mental health. Subjects do not need to have a sister to participate in this project. However, if they do have a heterosexual sister who would like to be interviewed as well, it is important that they are out to that sister. Participants chosen will be paid for a telephone interview that is estimated to last about 2 hours. They will be paid $25 if the interview lasts under one hour and $50 it the interview lasts 1-2 hours. For additional information email: erothblu@mail.sdsu.edu or write: Esther D. Rothblum, Ph.D. Professor of Women's Studies, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive, Mail Code 6030, San Diego, CA 92182. This study was approved by the San Diego State University Institutional Review Board. TOPIC: Religion and sexual orientation The purpose of this research is to further the counseling field¹s understanding of religion and spirituality as they relate to sexual orientation in men and women. Many people have struggled with how to integrate their identity as a religious person with their identity as someone who is attracted to people who are the same sex. There are many challenges faced by individuals who have been raised in a faith that is not supportive of same-sex attraction. We are interested in discovering how people have managed to belong to their traditional faith while also experiencing same-sex attraction. Participants must be: 1) at least 18 years old and 2) have experienced same-sex attraction. The survey is anonymous, and takes about 20-30 minutes to complete. As an incentive to participate, all participants will be given the chance to enter a raffle drawing of $100 dollars awarded to one person. For those interested in participating in this study, click on the following hypertext link: http://www.umsl.edu/~kashubeckwests/index.htm. This will take you to our website and the consent form and questionnaire. This research has been approved by the Institutional Review Board for protection of human subjects at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. TOPIC: Lesbians, Bisexual Women and Their Heterosexual Sisters We hear a lot about the role that "communities" play in health and well-being, but in fact little is known about social networks and needs of adults. This study will interview about 45 women (15 lesbians, 15 bisexual women, and 15 of their heterosexual sisters) about the role of community in their lives. It will focus on women in specific age groups (20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, and over 50), in rural and urban settings, and from diverse ethnic and racial groups. The goal of this project is to understand what lesbians, bisexual and heterosexual women mean by "community," their satisfaction with their communities, and implications for stress and mental health. Subjects do not need to have a sister to participate in this project. However, if they do have a heterosexual sister who would like to be interviewed as well, it is important that they are out to that sister. Participants chosen will be paid for a telephone interview that is estimated to last about 2 hours. They will be paid $25 if the interview lasts under one hour and $50 it the interview lasts 1-2 hours. For additional information email: erothblu@mail.sdsu.edu or write: Esther D. Rothblum, Ph.D. Professor of Women's Studies, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive, Mail Code 6030, San Diego, CA 92182. This study was approved by the San Diego State University Institutional Review Board. TOPIC: Religion and sexual orientation The purpose of this research is to further the counseling field¹s understanding of religion and spirituality as they relate to sexual orientation in men and women. Many people have struggled with how to integrate their identity as a religious person with their identity as someone who is attracted to people who are the same sex. There are many challenges faced by individuals who have been raised in a faith that is not supportive of same-sex attraction. We are interested in discovering how people have managed to belong to their traditional faith while also experiencing same-sex attraction. Participants must be: 1) at least 18 years old and 2) have experienced same-sex attraction. The survey is anonymous, and takes about 20-30 minutes to complete. As an incentive to participate, all participants will be given the chance to enter a raffle drawing of $100 dollars awarded to one person. For those interested in participating in this study, click on the following hypertext link: http://www.umsl.edu/~kashubeckwests/index.htm. This will take you to our website and the consent form and questionnaire. This research has been approved by the Institutional Review Board for protection of human subjects at the University of Missouri-St. Louis.
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“My therapist was wonderful! He is a great listener. Thank you for a very helpful experience.” 
Students pursuing advanced degrees in counseling, social work and psychology will find fulfilling opportunities at Center on Halsted for gaining clinical experience working with Chicago’s LGBT community. In addition, administrative placements are available. Center on Halsted offers comprehensive practicum and internships in outpatient psychotherapy. This training includes weekly individual and group supervision, didactic seminars, and clinical work with individuals, couples, and group therapies. External rotations may be available through the LGBTQ Behavioral Health Training Consortium, which the Center has formed with other community partners.
The Sexual Orientation and Gender Institute at Center on Halsted held its first annual LGBT Mental Health Summit in June 2007. The conference focused on lifespan development, with a particular emphasis on behavioral health issues in the older lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) population. 
