PsyCare Spotlight: Kaitlyn Humphrey, MS. Ed., LPCC-S

PsyCare Spotlight: Kaitlyn Humphrey, MS. Ed., LPCC-S

Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor – Supervisor

Clinic Director – Austintown Clinic

Austintown PsyCare

Are you accepting new clients?

Yes, between the ages of 10 and 50.

 

Tell us about your PsyCare journey.

I started my career at PsyCare as a case manager after completing my undergraduate degree in psychology. I then began the Clinical Mental Health Counseling graduate program at Youngstown State University. PsyCare offered me the opportunity to complete my practicum and internship through the Struthers clinic. After obtaining my Master’s degree, I have worked in three of PsyCare’s offices including Austintown, East Liverpool, and Struthers. However, for the past two weeks, I have worked solely in Austintown building a steady practice and gaining recognition in the community for my work with the transgender population. In January 2022, I accepted a Clinic Director position at the Austintown clinic.

 

Which populations do you serve?

I work largely with the LGBTQ+ community, with an emphasis on the transgender population. I assist transgender adolescents and adults overcome the anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, suicidal ideations, and insecurity that often times accompany gender dysphoria. This assistance frequently involves providing clients with hormone replacement therapy letters that allow them to receiving hormone therapies and/or gender affirming surgeries.

 

What are you passionate about as a counselor?

When I started working in community mental health, I quickly realized how underserved the LGBTQ+ community was in our area, and I decided I wanted to be one of the people to help bridge that gap between services. Over the years, the Youngstown-Warren area has expanded some services, but there continues to be a deficit. The number of LGBTQ+ individuals seeking mental health services has increased throughout the years, especially as more and more individuals are exploring their sexual orientation and/or gender identity. Therefore, I strongly encourage those entering the mental health field to gain as much knowledge about these individuals and their needs as they can so we can better serve our community. Attend continuing education courses, participate in a LGBTQ+ event, or research your local services; the more awareness you have, the better you can serve.

 

Do you have a message for those who may be hesitant to seek counseling or other mental health treatments?

For those hesitant to seek mental health services, I recommend you talk with trusted love ones, research your local mental agencies and providers, and start services when you feel ready. If you begin therapy and are not connecting with your therapist, I recommend asking for a transfer; it is all about finding someone who makes you feel comfortable and matches your personality. Everyone could benefit from speaking to a therapist at some point in their lives, including therapists themselves. There is not a single one of us that does not struggle at some point or does not have trauma. You are not alone.

 

Click here to learn more about Kaitlyn, and here for more information on how to contact the Austintown PsyCare clinic for mental health services.

Thank you Kaitlyn for your hard work and dedication to your clients, underserved populations and PsyCare. We appreciate you!