LGBTQ+ Center
BPS is proud to support marginalized and/or vulnerable communities through our LGBTQ+ Center. Here, we offer evidence-based gender-affirming care, as well as treatment for issues relating to sexual orientation and community support. We offer individual therapy as well as group therapy.
Our LGBTQ+ Center specializes in:
- Gender Affirming Care
- Improving sexual self-efficacy
- Identify affirmation and combating internalized homophobia and transphobia with cognitive behavioral interventions
- Addressing issues around intersectionality and minority stress through evidence-based interventions
Please contact us if you are interested in learning more about these services.
LGBTQ+ Center Staff
Ryan Herman, LMHC-LP, is a transgender and nonbinary staff clinician at BPS. They received their Ed.M. in Psychological Counseling and an Advanced Certificate in Gender and Sexuality Studies from Teachers College, Columbia University. Ryan is passionate about promoting the well-being of LGBTQ+ populations. Ryan offers sexuality and gender-affirming counseling to clients of all identities, specializing in topics such as body-image concerns, disordered eating, trauma, and life transitions.
Dr. Lauren Bochicchio, PhD, LCSW is a clinician scientist specializing in LGBTQIA+ affirmative care. Her clinical practice incorporates strategies to reduce internalized homophobia/transphobia in addition to helping clients build community connection and pride. Her research centers on reducing health disparities through identifying risk and protective factors for mental health and substance use problems. Her prior research has been published in Journal of LGBT Youth, Journal of Homosexuality, LGBT Health, Psychology of Sexual Orientation Gender Diversity, and Journal of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology.
Kristin Ortiz, LMSW., is a staff therapist at BPS. Kristin participated in the Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Intensive Training Program, organized by Drs. Marsha Linehan and André Ivanoff and completed her DBT Intensive Training through Behavioral Tech, LLC. In addition, she has completed trainings in Motivational Interviewing and Imminent Suicide Risk Assessment and Intervention. Kristin leads our AFFIRM group for both adults and adolescents and is passionate about providing evidence-based behavioral interventions through a queer-affirming lens. She has clinical experience with a range of problem areas including depression, anxiety, specific phobias, trauma/PTSD, personality disorders, suicidality, self-harm, and substance use. Kristin strives to approach each individual with acceptance and compassion while simultaneously spurring change and growth in order to achieve self-empowerment and autonomy.
