The Affirm Program was created in response to the demonstrated need for greater collaborative and equitable support of trans/nonbinary communities across Oregon. The Affirm Program provides innovative wrap-around care to transform how trans/nonbinary individuals are welcomed into and supported by their communities. The Affirm Program is dedicated to supporting trans/nonbinary clinicians and individuals seeking patient care. As such, the Affirm Program believes in fostering inclusive and affirming spaces for trans/nonbinary mental health professionals, staff, and patients alike. Additionally, the Affirm Program seeks to bring trans/nonbinary-affirming providers across disciplines out of their silos and create interdisciplinary partnerships that concretely demonstrate our collective commitment to trans/nonbinary communities.
Affirm Program Mission
The Affirm Program is committed to fostering a mental health landscape that celebrates, validates, and prioritizes the well-being of trans/nonbinary communities. Rooted in inclusivity, cultural humility, and social justice, the Affirm Program is dedicated to offering tailored resources, training, and community support for trans/nonbinary clinicians across all career stages, from student interns to licensed clinical supervisors. Trans/nonbinary patients seeking mental health services through the Affirm Program can trust that their clinician is not only knowledgeable and informed about trans/nonbinary identities and needs but also personally invested in providing trauma-informed care to trans/nonbinary communities. Guided by and in alignment with Portland Mental Health & Wellness’ Organizational Cultural Principles (OCPs), the Affirm Program strives to create an environment that is equitable, intersectional, collaborative, and empowering.
Affirm Program Current Offerings
Professional Development:
Tailored training and resources designed to enhance the clinical skills and cultural competency of trans/nonbinary clinicians, including individual supervision, monthly didactics, and weekly consult groups for trans/nonbinary student interns and pre-licensed associates by trans/nonbinary licensed clinical supervisors.
Community Building & Resource Development:
The Affirm Program is committed to building and strengthening community. To achieve this, Affirm Program clinicians will create a monthly digital newsletter highlighting trans/nonbinary news, events, organizations, and resources, and collaborate with other PMHW training programs and/or community partners on a quarterly outreach project.
Patient Support:
For trans/nonbinary individuals seeking mental health services, the Affirm Program offers access to trans/nonbinary clinicians who are dedicated to providing trans/nonbinary-inclusive and affirming care. Services will include both individual and group therapy options.
Future Offering:
Any future offerings will be added on when it is able to be both fiscally responsible and sustainably offered.
Join The Affirm Program
Whether you are a trans/nonbinary student looking for a master’s student internship placement, you’ve recently graduated and are looking for a program to support you during your pre-licensed associate journey, or are a licensed clinician who is passionate about and eligible to supervise student and associate clinicians, you are invited to apply to become a part of the Affirm Program. Together we can create a future where mental healthcare is truly inclusive and affirming of trans/nonbinary communities.
Currently Open Positions:
- Affirm 2STNB Pre-Licensed Associate Therapist (2 openings specific to those pursuing LPC or LMFT licensure only)
NOTE: Open positions will always be listed in our monthly newsletter. You can sign up below.
The Affirm Program is designed to provide care for Trans & Nonbinary individuals by Trans & Nonbinary therapy practitioners.
Contact Information
Del Knight, PsyD, LPC, LMHC, NCC, CCTP-II, ACS, CGP
Program Manager
del.knight@portlandmh.com
(503) 482-8223
