The Affirm 2STNB Program was created in response to the demonstrated need for greater collaborative and equitable support of Two Spirit, transgender, and nonbinary (2STNB) communities across Oregon. The Affirm 2STNB Program will provide innovative wrap-around care to transform how 2STNB individuals are welcomed into and supported by their communities. The Affirming 2STNB Program is dedicated to supporting 2STNB individuals both in clinical practice and patient care. As such, the Affirm 2STNB Program believes in fostering inclusive and affirming spaces for 2STNB mental health professionals, staff, and patients alike. Additionally, the Affirm 2STNB Program seeks to bring 2STNB-affirming providers across disciplines out of their silos and create interdisciplinary partnerships that concretely demonstrate our collective commitment to 2STNB communities.
Affirm 2STNB Mission
The Affirm 2STNB Program is committed to fostering a mental health landscape that celebrates, validates, and prioritizes the well-being of 2STNB communities. Rooted in inclusivity, cultural humility, and social justice, the Affirm 2STNB program is dedicated to offering tailored resources, training, and community support for 2STNB clinicians across all career stages, from student interns to licensed clinical supervisors. 2STNB patients seeking mental health services through the Affirm 2STNB Program can trust that their clinician is not only knowledgeable and informed about 2STNB identities and needs but also personally invested in providing trauma-informed care to 2STNB communities. Guided by and in alignment with Portland Mental Health & Wellness’ Organizational Cultural Principles (OCPs), the Affirm 2STNB Program strives to create an environment that is equitable, intersectional, collaborative, and empowering.
Affirm 2STNB Initial Offerings
Professional Development:
Tailored training and resources designed to enhance the clinical skills and cultural competency of 2STNB clinicians. Individual and group supervision for 2STNB student interns and pre-licensed associates will be provided by 2STNB licensed clinical supervisors. Didactics, trainings, and consult groups will include both general developmental foci, as well as, 2STNB-specific content.
Community Building & Resource Development:
The Affirm 2STNB Program believes in the power of community resource development. To that end, one of the first tasks of the program is to develop a robust and sustainable database of 2STNB resources (Ex. medical, legal, housing, social, etc.) while also building relationships with those on the resource database. Affirm 2STNB Program clinicians will also develop a monthly digital newsletter about what is going on in and around 2STNB communities, as well as, local 2STNB and 2STNB-affirming events, organizations, and resources.
Patient Support:
For 2STNB individuals seeking mental health services, the Affirm 2STNB Program offers access to clinicians who are dedicated to providing 2STNB-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 2STNB Program
Whether you are a 2STNB student looking for an 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 2STNB Program. Together we can create a future where mental healthcare is truly inclusive and affirming of 2STNB communities.
Contact Information
Del Knight, PsyD, LPC, LMHC, NCC, CCTP, ACS
Program Manager
del.knight@portlandmh.com
(503) 482-8223
